Posted on 01/01/2005 5:25:15 AM PST by beyond the sea
If Sen. John F. Kerry [related, bio] had his way, he'd be lobbying foreign leaders, leaning on Congress and mapping a new Supreme Court from the White House wings.
Instead, his government interaction last week was limited mostly to the arcane world of City Hall and the Beacon Hill Architectural Commission.
Kerry and his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, won initial approval Dec. 16 - only after a lengthy debate and contingent on a rash of future paperwork - to build twin railings on the front steps of their Louisburg Square mansion. To bolster their case, the Kerrys laid out everything from the type of metal used for the railing, its color, where exactly it'll be attached and just how many screws will be used.
City Hall was abuzz with the Kerrys' somewhat stealth application for the complicated home fix-it, particularly given the senator's past run-ins with the board and city over his home. Colleen Meagher, a city preservation planner who works for the commission, said the commission reviews ``any exterior architectural alteration that is visible from a public way.''
The Kerrys, who came under fire for having a fire hydrant removed after they moved to Beacon Hill, have won past approvals for a new decorative iron balcony, a new front porch light and hidden door phone and a stoop replacement, records show. Among the board's denials are a 1995 bid by the Kerrys to extend a balcony across the house. In 1997, they were cited for a ``visible'' satellite dish on the roof, records show.
The Kerrys applied for the new railings after their housekeeper sprained her ankle, sources said.
A Kerry spokeswoman said of the flap:``Winter's here and this was a common-sense precaution for the icy months. The requisite steps were taken to ensure the handrail meets the city's guidelines.''
LOL! And these folks and their ilk don't appreciate windmills off the Cape.
LOL. Be ibteresting to see what percentage of votes and committee meetings Jean makes it to after Congress is back in session.
This ranks up there with Howard Dean's bike path.
Nothing like the sight of liberals having to put in voluminous government paperwork to get permission to improve their home. I used to think one's home was one's property. Then I learn who really owns it. I'm glad I'm not living in Massachusetts.
They've got invisible sat dishes now??
and ppl thought that john F'n couldnt get things done
The housekeeper should have hired Edwards to sue!!
...to build twin railings on the front steps of their Louisburg Square mansion.
The Kerry's housekeeper is allowed to use the front door? Holey Moley...who woulda' thunk?
Hilarious to see big government proponents grovelling before other big government minions. The entire article is dripping with irony.
A completely strange state populated by totally weird people.
"Well, Mr. Homeowner, exactly how many screws do you plan on inserting in that rail? You realize, of course, that there may only be 8 threads per inch in those screws and each screw must be free from burrs. Present them for inspection, sir."
"I see I have erred, Mr. Councilman. These are phillips screws and I see the rules call for slotted screws. I shall stop at the hardware store during my next power walk and exchange them posthaste. Thank you for your vigilance."
I am assuming it is Beacon Hill and that they have establish rigid criteria to try to maintain it historicity. You couldn't pay me enough to live like that.
It should be its.
"Mr. Councilman" should read "Comrade Councilman" ;-0
Ex presidential candidate, looking for part time employment to supplement part time income. Has experience moving city fire hydrants. Please contact J.F.Kerry
LOL! I hear you. But I think this is one of those "historic areas" where you have to ask the government to change your locks or your door-knocker.
Absurdity.
LOL! But they really meant that the dish was an "eye-sore" in that wonderful neighborhood.
;-)
LOL. I think Edwards is off to the Pacific/Indian Ocean area to make some bucks.
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