Twenty five to thirty South Enders, including local business and neighborhood association representatives gathered at Jaho Coffee and Tea at 1651 Washington Street on Wednesday morning, August 13 to speak informally and candidly with members of the Boston Police Department (BPD) about their hopes and concerns over coffee and pastries. South End liaison from the Office of Neighborhood Services Amy Mahler also mingled with the crowd, fielding observations and suggestions. Jaho's Michael Weiss was on hand to welcome everyone as well.

The BPD contingent comprised D-4's Capt. Paul Ivens, Sgt. Lucas Taxter and Ofcr. Richie Litto as well as Ofcr. Tamara Espinola and community engagement and collaboration director Kerry Ryan. George Stergios of the Worcester Square Area Neighborhood Association came by to discuss his own views and issues raised by WSANA, while Jim DiBenedetto, a Peabody businessman who recently opened a local branch of BioOne, a nationwide biohazard decontamination company, came to mingle with the police and neighbors.

BioOne often works with police in cleaning up trauma, hoarding and crime scenes. Alkia Powell of U.Mass. Boston's community services office also attended to make contact with police and neighbors. "I do a lot of partnering with the Boston Police community services unit and a lot of advocating for children and families," Powell explained.

In a follow-up conversation, Sgt. Taxter talked about the issues that he and the other officers heard about from neighbors. "We were hearing complaints about homeless and drug addicts spending time in Blackstone and Franklin Squares and in Chester Square. One gentleman saw someone unconscious in Chester Square and called 911. We also had complaints coming in for the same people walking through alleys, using drugs and leaving paraphernalia. In response to these kinds of complaints, I tell people to call 911 especially if they see someone in distress. I advise calling 311 if it's not an emergency and for needle pick up."

From the BPD perspective he said, "The officers enjoyed that event. Personally, I think it's a good away to make connections with people. I like how it's casual in nature as opposed to a community meeting where everyone takes turns speaking and addressing the crowd. I think this brings people to the table who may not attend community meetings for various reasons." Taxter said that the BPD holds a Coffee with a Cop meeting about once a month in each of its 11 districts, so the South End won't have another until next year.

Weiss had exciting news of his own, sharing with this reporter that Jaho is opening Jaho Coffee Roasters and Wine Bar at the Kensington apartments, 665 Washington Street near Downtown Crossing. The new location will expand upon the South End shop's offerings, serving house-roasted coffee, pastries, sandwiches and other light fare during the day, with British-inspired coffee and spirits pairings, charcuterie and cheese boards and more of a bistro menu in the evening.