State Sen. Liz Miranda has added to the new energy on Blue Hill Avenue by opening a district office in Grove Hall. The storefront at 350 Blue Hill Ave. is not a campaign headquarters; it is meant to serve Second Suffolk constituents when they have official business to conduct.
The office opened on July 1 and Miranda celebrated with an official launch last Thursday (July 24). The space, she said, will be open for business three days a week.
“We wanted to come back to Blue Hill Avenue because I believe this renaissance on Blue Hill Avenue could only be complete if we bring all sectors together – even political offices,” she said. “My staff really wanted to locate on Blue Hill Avenue, and I wanted that, too. Downtown can be too expensive, and the State House can be a threatening building for a lot of people, but I think we can make a big impact and help so many folks by coming back to Blue Hill Avenue.”
Stacy Borden, James Marshall, and staffer Rashelle Centeio at the office opening. Seth Daniel photo
As a state representative, Miranda maintained an office on Bowdoin Street and on Dudley Street in Uphams Corner at separate times. This is her first as a senator.
She scouted for spots in Mattapan but couldn’t make anything work, Miranda said. The Grove Hall space is in the middle of her Senate district – and has a lot of foot traffic, vehicle traffic, and a buzz of activity.
“We did decide to go in the middle, and what better place because there are tens of thousands of people that pass by here and it’s so easy to just stop and ask a question or seek out help,” she said.
On Thursday night, as a DJ played inviting music, scores of residents and other elected officials streamed into the office. Passersby noticed the crowd, and many of them stopped in to see what it was all about. It was the kind of vibe Miranda said she was hoping for.
“Most elected officials have an office if their district is far away, but this district office is my way of saying that if you need a problem solved, we’ll be here to handle state issues and connect you with our partners at the federal and city level,” she noted.
Since opening on July 1, the top questions coming into the office involve housing, including evictions, tenant issues and landlord issues, she said. Other questions have revolved around SNAP benefit cuts, sealing criminal records, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), and gun violence survivor issues.
“It is nice to have so many things on Blue Hill Avenue now, but you can’t erase 40 years of disinvestment in one evening or with one office,” she said. “It will take dozens of people coming back. I do know if you offer something they need, they will come.”
The office will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the staff expected to add Fridays for special issue-oriented briefings and Town Hall-type meetings.
Liz Miranda with Rev. Doc Conway, who stopped by to offer a blessing for the new office. Seth Daniel photo
Liz Miranda poses in front of artwork with friend and fellow Blue Hill Avenue business owner Dionne Richards, who operates Bondij clothing farther down the Avenue. Seth Daniel photo
