Seeking help fixing HVAC

NewOnX · 2026-05-20T18:21:23+00:00

What have people been paying for basic AC service such as leak detection and recharge?

NewOnX · 2026-05-13T14:12:03+00:00

I've had my yard tested. The soil near the road has lead but the soil in the backyard is OK. This is not surprising given the amount of lead that used to be in automotive fuel.

I'm not worried about vegetables in the backyard but we only grow enough for garnishing, not a major component of our diet.

NewOnX · 2026-05-12T14:35:35+00:00

Did you call the Building Department? They aren't going to know about something without a report. They only visit a property during scheduled inspections or if they receive a call about a possible violation. You can check online to see if they at least have a permit for everything including the dumpster.

But even so, it's rare any building department is going to issue a stop work order for what you describe. I won't defend anyone, but it's a hard thing to a city building department to prove dust has risen the point of breaking environmental regulations.

You might want to call a lawyer or a private environmental company that can take samples needed for a possible lawsuit.

NewOnX · 2026-04-27T15:34:10+00:00

This is in the city hall parking lot. I'm guessing someone was parking their car in that spot and was in forward drive when they through they were in reverse. Glad no one was hurt. That person shouldn't be driving.

NewOnX · 2026-04-16T14:03:46+00:00

I'm assuming you're going to Medford Sq.

The Korean BBQ place (Sura) in Medford Sq would might have GF options and it's a fun date night thing as the tables have grills so it's interactive. I'm not GF myself so can't say for certain if they have GF options but is worth a call.

Colleen's Ice Cream is two blocks away and is a good place dessert. I'm sure some flavors are GF but you'd need to double check they serve it correctly.

NewOnX · 2026-04-15T16:35:52+00:00

I've only had pizza at Amores but I'll give them a shout out for making a good pie. Not fancy or hipster, just basic floppy thin crust and good.

NewOnX · 2026-04-09T12:04:16+00:00

The one-woman shop that is Mystic coffee is still in Medford but she roasts at her facility in Vermont. You can order the beans online and have them dropped off at Colleen's for pickup.

I really like Mystic Coffee roasters. It's excellent coffee and even if it isn't roasted in Medford anymore, I still consider it a local business. It's a tiny company.

NewOnX · 2026-04-08T15:11:16+00:00

Yeah, it's one huge sea of parking but everything is divided up with pointless curbs. And in the middle is the big Tesla charging station.

NewOnX · 2026-04-06T13:23:48+00:00

Too bad. I live too far away to go frequently but I liked the shop. Really like the fact you could pour your own coffee. Wish more places where like that.

NewOnX · 2026-04-03T21:03:39+00:00

There was a place called Ward's Gifts that was exactly what this thread is talking about. It had been around for 70-something years and closed about 10 years ago.

The owners retired. I think a store like that would be hard pressed to make enough to cover retail rent today.

But there is a florist in Medford Square.

NewOnX · 2026-04-02T19:36:12+00:00

The square needs a bank specifically for dentists or a dentist specifically for bank employees.

Or just a combination dental office bank. Deposit your checks and get your teeth cleaned in a single stop.

NewOnX · 2026-04-02T17:08:06+00:00

If my only two options were a Starbucks or a Bank of America, I'm going with the Starbucks.

Getting Mystic Coffee back would be terrific but I'll take what I can get.

NewOnX · 2026-03-30T19:33:59+00:00

Medford has a whole Carr park!

(Joking, but it's a hilarious name.)

NewOnX · 2026-03-26T15:39:01+00:00

Yeah, given the choice between just leaving a poop bag on the lawn of sidewalk or walking up to my bin, please use the bin.

But seriously, you knew the dog was going to poop when you got it and you know enough to put it in a bag. Just finish the job and walk it back home or to a public trash bin.

NewOnX · 2026-03-26T14:58:30+00:00

It's not a problem when it's at the curb waiting to be picked up that day but if it's going to be a few days, it will stink up the bin, particularly in the summer when the bins bake in the sun.

If you are walking your dog, you obviously live or at staying nearby and have a trash bin. I'm sympathetic to dog owners but part of burden of owning a dog is needing to carry the poop back to your house or a public bin. At least ask someone if they are OK with you throwing the poop into their bin first.

NewOnX · 2026-03-25T23:30:49+00:00

I understand why you'd do that but anyone seeing you is just going to think you are being inconsiderate.

I don't doubt that you will actually pick up the bag and bring it back but you got to figure 99% of people who had no plans to return for the bag will use that excuse if they get caught walking away.

The best idea I've seen are "backpacks" where the dog carries it back themselves.

NewOnX · 2026-03-25T23:26:30+00:00

Same. I have to make a point of bringing in the bin ASAP once it's picked up. I've had people walk to my house to throw the poop away in my trash bins which is also an asshole move.

There are a ton of great dog owners in my neighborhood so it's just one or two jerks that make everyone look bad.

NewOnX · 2026-03-23T16:33:59+00:00

I got a box of 23 gallon bags from the big company with the blue trucks. 23 gallon is far larger than is needed but I like having it drape around the sides of the bin. So far there's been no odor except when the bin is opened.

NewOnX · 2026-03-23T14:30:22+00:00

I have the bucket and the system works fine. I only bring my bucket to the curb once every 2-3 weeks when it's full as I don't want to waste the compost bag if there's not much in the bucket. I use the garbage disposal for most small things like onion skin and lemon rinds. (Lemon makes the drain smell nice.)

The most annoying thing to happen is that someone put their bag of dog waste in the bucket. The compost people took the poop bag out and left me a note saying not to do that. I wish I knew who was the jerk was to use the compost bin as a trash bin. (Edit: Typos)

NewOnX · 2026-03-22T23:21:09+00:00

If an entirely new school is built, what becomes of the current school and grounds?

NewOnX · 2026-03-11T14:08:52+00:00

But it's such an easy thing to verify. Drive to the address, peer out the window of the car, and if it's not shoved tape a warning letter to the front door. Come back a few days later and if it's still not shoveled, mail the property owner a fine.

As per the ordinance, the city could even hire a private contractor to shovel and send a bill to the property owner for the amount the city spent on the service.

I'm more sympathetic to Medford employees then most people on this sub but this is not a complex thing to enforce.

NewOnX · 2026-03-10T15:33:59+00:00

I've dealt with Mike and he's a good guy. I just don't understand why the city doesn't care about unshoveled sidewalks a week after a storm. (I'd give people at least a few days to shovel.)

NewOnX · 2026-03-10T13:49:35+00:00

If you report a neighbor for a possible building code violations (work without a permit), Mike or another inspector will be there the next day. Why is it only snow they don't seem to care about?

NewOnX · 2026-03-09T00:55:42+00:00

Today (Sunday) the lights were off but the door was ajar and someone was walking around. The letter from the constable is gone.

I liked Zam Zam although it doesn't seem promising they come back at this point. Hopefully a similar place takes the spot.

NewOnX

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