Tensions have risen in Newton's Nonantum neighborhood after decades-long Italian heritage symbols were painted over on Adams Street, mere weeks before the annual St. Mary of Carmen Festival. According to CBS Boston, the traditional red, white, and green lines that have been a part of the community's fabric for 90 years were replaced with a yellow center line without prior warning to the residents, who are now expressing their dismay and outrage.
Local business owner Jim Donovan said, "Everybody is pissed off, it's terrible," noting an apparent increase in vocal discontent on the streets. The surprise was echoed by resident Paul Lupo, and another neighbor, Margie Magraw, who recognized the deep-seated significance of Italian pride in the community, as reported by CBS Boston. The St. Mary of Carmen Society, which oversees the festival, was also caught off guard, with chairman Chuck Proia stating he was on duty as a firefighter the night of the change and was not informed.
However, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller has cited safety reasons for the painting over of the Italian tribute. According to Mayor Fuller, state and federal law require the presence of a yellow center line on Adams Street due to its width and traffic volume. Nonetheless, the promise that the Italian flag colors would be added alongside the yellow line has done little to alleviate the community's sense of loss, as indicated in WCVB's coverage of the incident.
The festivity’s proximity and its traditional march down the colorfully painted street only heightens the community's emotions. Although Mayor Fuller suggests that tradition can be maintained with the addition of the Italian colors next to the yellow lines, volunteers, such as the festival’s chairman were not aware of this compromise, "I hope she's going to do it for us then if that's the case, have her come down, take these yellow lines out and put the red, white and green back," Proia told CBS Boston in a statement that encapsulates the sentiments amongst locals. As it stands, the division between preserving tradition and adhering to safety regulations continues to be a point of contention in Nonantum.
