5 Things You Need to Know Today, Jan. 25

Today is Tuesday, Jan. 25. Here are five things you need to know today.

1. On the one hand, it seems silly that we’re all making such a fuss about the cold. It’s January. It’s Boston. But on the other, this weather can be deadly serious for people already living in the margins of our community. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance — maybe the heat in your rental unit is not something you can control; maybe there is no heat; maybe you can’t afford to pay the bill this winter — help is available. The city is extending call-center hours for “no heat” complaints and staff are on deck to help residents cover the cost of fuel. The mayor’s hotline takes calls around the clock at (617) 635-4500. The Inspectional Services Department will investigate situations and work with landlords to fix any problems. And Action for Boston Community Development can be reached at (617) 357-6012 for heat assistance.

2. Over the weekend there was — a reunion, technically, for everyone who has participated in swimming, past and present. The event was also a fundraiser for members of the current swim team, who have qualified to compete in the Nationals. Marci Ferry, one of the coaches, sent this message over to Patch – it’s for you, the neighborhood. “The Charlestown Boys and Girls Club Swim Team would like to thank everyone who came out to support the team's Nationals fund, last weekend. We had an amazing turn out and it is great to know, that we have such an involved community, who really step up when they are needed.”

3. The Boston Redevelopment Authority to bring 60 new affordable units (and new construction) to the corner of Rutherford Avenue and A Street. People who make up to 60 percent of the city’s median income will be eligible to rent there. Our story generated some interesting comments — not all positive about the prospect about bringing more affordable units to the neighborhood. The story of housing and housing costs is, in many ways, the story of Charlestown for the last 30 years. I won’t presume to know how Rob McArthur feels about the project, but he left an interesting response to the story. It’s worth sharing with you here:

There are more subsidized housing units per capita in Charlestown than any city or town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this small town, there is the BHA Housing Developments at Bunker Hill, Main Street and Union Street, NewTowne Development and Mishauwam. You have more elderly housing units than any community. Therefore, we are fortunate as a community to have an ample supply of units to accommodate residents who are in need of some type subsidy to live in the neighborhood they were raised.

4. Speaking of housing, and the history of Charlestown. Monday’s column took a look at the Bunker Hill Housing Project — the largest public housing project that is managed by the city. It has an interesting past and an important present in the community. Take a minute and read the story.

5. I wish I could say it’s not going to snow tomorrow. But I can’t. Actually, I’m kind of confused by the forecast. Snow showers, mostly before 2 p.m. tomorrow. That makes sense. Then for tomorrow evening, “snow likely before 7 p.m.” Also, a slight chance after 4 a.m. Good news, though: No more than an inch accumulation.

For more information on what's happening around the neighborhood, check out our events calendar.