The Voice of the South End

By Kate Klinck
Her high heels clicked as she walked into city hall’s deli. She looked down at her hands that were holding a notebook and pen; Tabitha Bennett’s blue eyes opened a little wider and the smile returned to her face as she began to speak about her community.

“It’s diverse,” Bennett said. “It’s very much a cultural and artistic center, and the people in the South End, whether they’ve lived there three or fifteen years, they’re very passionate. That’s what makes it thrive.”

During her sophomore year at Northeastern University, she interned at Mission Hill-- where she met Nikko Mendoza, the associate director of neighborhood services, who recommended her to be neighborhood coordinator.

Mendoza said she saw Bennett’s diligence and professional attitude, even at such a young age, and knew she could handle the job as neighborhood coordinator.

Bennett has been working as neighborhood coordinator since July, 2008. Mendoza said she has a great ability to relate to her constituents.

“She’s grace under fire, Mendoza said. “At heated community meetings, she always maintains her poise.”

As neighborhood coordinator, Bennett calls herself the “eyes and ears for the mayor.”

Bennett attends community meetings events and listens to what community groups and residents have to say. If a person or group has an issue concerning the neighborhood or services the neighborhood provides, Bennett resolves the issue herself, or relays the call to one of her contacts in the neighborhood who can handle the problem. She then tells the mayor the issues facing the community.

Since starting, she has “done a good job gaining contacts,” said Marco Torres, Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s Latino liaison. “To be able to come in and dive right into it is a testament to her character,” Torres said.

Bennett also attends regular staff meetings at work, and answers phone calls from individuals or organizations that need her help with neighborhood issues.

“She’s very easy to work with,” said Linsey Onishuk, the administrative assistant for the Office of Neighborhood Services. “As soon as she came in she fit right in with all of us.”

Bennett said an example of a typical phone call would be a resident calling to say he/she was upset because a specific city tree was cut down. Bennett would contact the Parks Department, find out why the tree was cut down, and then explain the reason to the caller.

“She just started with us and she’s been going strong,” said Tanya Robinson, the office manager for the Office of Neighborhood Services.

“She works very closely with her constituents.”

Another issue Bennett deals with is land development. Right now, builders are studying Harrison Avenue. Bennett attends planning meetings that are open to residents of the community, and listens to reactions and concerns about the construction. Then she relays that information to the mayor.

“The community has a voice, and I’m part of that process,” Bennett said.

Bennett tries to hold regular office hours, 9-to-5, but since community events happen on weekends and after hours, she is always on call.

Bennett makes time for ultimate Frisbee after work and on weekends. The season starts in the summer, and lasts until the end of fall. The club team she joined this year is based in Boston, but they recently traveled to California, where they qualified to be in the regional tournament. Last year, the team placed third at the national tournament in Florida.

If ultimate Frisbee takes her out of the city for nationals, her co-workers will cover for her.

Tabitha said her job as neighborhood coordinator and ultimate Frisbee are all she has time for right now, but in the future she hopes to attend law school.