The year 2014 came and went with plenty of ups and downs for Bostonians: We ushered in a new mayoral administration for the first time in 20 years; we witnessed history by tapping into a time capsule more than a century old; and we broke ground on new public transportation projects. But we also lost a beloved civic leader and courageous firefighters. Looking back on the year, suffice to say, 2014 was bittersweet.
To start off 2015 on a high note, we compiled the top city news posts from the last 365 days. Sure, some might be painful to recall, but they help put our own lives in perspective by showing us how to prioritize what’s important. They’re mixed, however, with some that are comical and intriguing, sure to add a bright spot to your day.
Without further ado, here are the best City of Boston stories from 2014:
Boston’s 113-Year Old Time Capsule Will Finally be Opened Today
Renovations to Boston’s Old State house brought down the roof-mounted Lion and Unicorn Statue. It was discovered that inside the head of the lion was a time capsule from 1901. The capsule was opened, but because it was jammed so tightly with items, those items wouldn’t be removed for another few weeks. But they eventually were, and inside were old letters, photos, receipts, political buttons, bits and pieces of the Old State House itself and one cheeky envelope addressed to posterity.
Pax Updates: Snow to Start Early Tomorrow, Change to Rain
Remember when it actually snowed in the winter? After already enduring several snowfalls by February of 2014, we were faced with the peculiarly-named Winter Storm Pax. Comparatively, it was a bit of a dud, dropping about three inches in and around Boston. Several places in Western Massachusetts, though, received well over a foot.
How Much do Boston UberX Drivers Make in a Night?
From taxi strikes to alleged cases of rape and kidnap, Uber has proven to be one of the most contentious companies out there. So when people were given the chance to find out just how much money these drivers make a night, they jumped at the chance. There’s no right or wrong answer here, of course, but we found that UberX drivers can pull down anywhere between $150 and $240 a night.
Yes, Tropical Storm Arthur Will Impact Boston’s Fourth of July Fireworks
Few cities do July 4th the way Boston does. But sometimes, summer weather can get in the way. Tropical Storm Arthur was a thorn in every patriots’ side when it forced some fireworks shows to be rescheduled. The Category 1 hurricane recorded wind speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.
Two Firefighters Killed in 9-Alarm Back Bay Blaze, Flames Erupt Anew
UPDATE: RT @MaryWCVB: Fire Fighters have just lowered the flag to half staff at Engine 33 in the Back Bay. #wcvb pic.twitter.com/ryogVi0GS5
— BostInno (@BostInno) March 26, 2014
A 9-alarm fire that tore through a Back Bay brownstone claimed the lives of two of Boston’s finest, Lieutenant Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy. The fire blazed for hours and was fueled by gusting winds. A park was dedicated in honor of the two firefighters in July.
What You Need to Know About the Government Center Closing
Government Center station closed down in March for two years, barring any setbacks, due to extensive renovations. A new headhouse is already being erected and those who take the Green Line from Haymarket to Park Street will catch a glimpse of some of the construction below ground. Also on tap are new elevators, LED signage and interior aesthetic improvements.
MassDOT Plans to Turn an Infamous Boston Underpass into a ’24/7′ Public Space Never Before Seen
One of the Department of Transportation’s most ambitious plans is to transform the rocky area beneath I-93 into a $6 million space featuring parking, innovative light fixtures, public art installations and a venue for live performances. Construction is expected to commence on the second phase of the project in the spring, with completion as early as 120 days later.
Vans Drops $1.5M to Fund Skate Park Under Boston’s Zakim Bridge
Bostonians loved the idea of a new skate park underneath the Zakim Bridge. Sneaker company Vans pitched in $1.5 million to make it happen and ground broke back in October to bring the 40,000-square-foot East Cambridge skate park into fruition. The Charles River Conservancy had been raising money for years and also pitched in on the $3 million project.
A Woman Was Hit & Killed by a Red Line Train at Downtown Crossing Thursday Night
This headline is as sad as it sounds. A woman was struck by a Red Line train at Downtown Crossing Station at around 10 p.m. on November 6 and died. At the time, people weren’t sure if the woman fell on the track or committed suicide. It later came to light that the woman was, in fact, trespassing on the tracks when she was killed.
A Door Fell Off My Green Line Trolley This Morning
.@BostInno I was next to the conductor and it was a crazy ride – here is a photo of what was left of the door. pic.twitter.com/zDGpB05bqU — Brittany Bang (@BrittanyLBang) December 9, 2014
You read that correctly: An MBTA Green Line door feel off the train one morning while a BostInno reporter was unsuspectingly commuting to work. We all know the MBTA has problems — some financial and some with punctuality — but faulty doors? Woof. It was later confirmed that the problem came from an MBTA staffer improperly securing the door before sending the trolley on its way.
