The Week in Review: Talent Show, Sidewalk Controversy and Park Clean-Up

This week brought many controversial topics to the surface: sidewalk repair and a later closing time for Pops Restaurant were just two of our stories that sparked debate. We also brought you updated census information and news of the Ivory Bean building's demolition schedule. Those stories and more are below (just click the link to see the full story):

The theater at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts was packed Thursday afternoon as IBA-Cacique Youth Learning Center (YLC) held its first-ever talent show.

The city knows that sidewalks in the South End need to be repaired, but an ongoing conflict between historic preservation groups and those advocating for handicapped access has stalled planning efforts in the neighborhood, Department of Public Works officials said on Thursday.

Sunday was spring cleaning day at Titus Sparrow Park, and a group of dedicated volunteers spent the morning raking, sweeping and readying the park for the warmer months. The event was organized by the Friends of Titus Sparrow Park.

The South End population has grown steadily over the past decade, with nearly 3,000 residents moving into the neighborhood between 2000 and 2010, the city announced last week.

Doug Noble, owner of at 560 Tremont, didn’t fare well last night at the Eight Streets Neighborhood Association meeting. Noble was on hand to ask the group for support to extend the venue’s hours from  midnight to 1 a.m. Abutters expressed dismay that the restaurant would be asking for much of anything after what was characterized as an overall shoddy track record with community relations.

Demolition of the historic Ivory Bean building on Washington Street will begin on Thursday, Church of Scientology spokesman Kevin Hall announced. Crews began setting up equipment on Wednesday to prepare for demolition of the building, which was after a neighbor reported bricks falling from the façade.

Formerly vacant commercial space on Tremont Street is empty no longer. AVA Design, a modern furniture store, has recently moved into the large corner storefront, formerly home to La Unica Furniture.