A crowd of Auburndale residents gathered at a parklet in Auburndale Square to remember the late Polly Bryson, former Ward 4 Alderman who served for 18 years. Former Parks and Recreation Market Manager and Auburndale resident, Judy Dore and Joan McGrath, wife of the late former Ward 4 Alderman-at-Large, Richard McGrath, led a group of volunteers to dedicate a table and sitting area in the square to honor her memory.
Jude Dore spoke of Polly’s love of community and creating a sitting area in the square where friends, families, and neighbors could gather. Judy also referred to Polly’s passion for the color purple and noted that a purple tile was designed for the table that sits in the square. Judy and the other volunteers thanked and acknowledged the Auburndale Neighborhood Association for fully funding the purchase of the table and thanked the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission, particularly Greg Mellett, for the design and placement in the square.
Ward 4 Councilor, Chris Markiewicz read this resolution from the City Council acknowledging Polly’s commitment to the City of Newton and noted he was truly honored to have her support for his candidacy.
Mayor Fuller shared her admiration and respect for Polly Bryson and her commitment to serving the community. She noted that the Clerk’s Office, in preparing the Friday Packet that is delivered to each Alderman, had a special purple folder for Polly’s copy.
State Representatives Ruth Balser and Kay Khan shared memories of working with Polly over the years. State Rep. Balser served with Polly on the Board of Aldermen and recalled Polly Bryson’s staunch advocacy for Auburndale and Lower Falls.
Polly Bryson was proud of the work she did for Auburndale, Lower Falls, and West Newton residents. When developers proposed projects, she fought hard to ensure that abutters’ issues were addressed and respected. She was particularly proud of her role in working with the Auburndale Community Association, always making sure that they were informed and provided any City assistance they needed. During the several battles over Riverside development — both at the station and at the redevelopment of the old Jordan Marsh site — she was able to get a substantial landscaped berm in place along Grove Street and substantial traffic mitigation for both the Auburndale and Lower Falls communities. She fought hard, along with her beloved friend and colleague, Dick McGrath, to ensure protection for Nightcap Corner residents, who had long endured several city dumps and the incinerator. She loved community gathering spaces like the old Hamilton School and the Auburndale branch library, and she always sought ways to beautify the community. She worked with community members to get a fountain installed across from the Auburndale branch library and benches and trees planted to honor our veterans along Commonwealth Avenue.
Not everyone saw eye to eye with Polly on all issues, but there should never be any doubt that Polly loved the City of Newton and her friends and neighbors in Ward 4.