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State Senate Passes Vote Making Housing More Affordable

Tax Relief Legislation Overwhelmingly Passes Senate 37–1 Vote to Approve Property Tax Relief for Homeowners, Seniors and Small Businesses

Massachusetts State Senate voted to make housing more affordable in Massachusetts, approving new tools that give cities and towns the ability to lower the cost of property taxes and put money directly back in residents’ pockets.

“Last week my colleagues and I passed the vast majority of what was included in the Mayor’s home rule petition, with the exception of the proposed tax increase on small businesses,” said Senator Nick Collins . “The Senate acted to advance meaningful tax relief for seniors, homeowners, and small businesses across Boston and the Commonwealth.”

If signed into law, the

measures together would prevent residents from being blindsided by sharp tax bill spikes, make it easier for seniors to access tax deferral programs, allow cities and towns to implement tax rebates, and create a new program for qualifying seniors to lower their tax bills.

S.2900 , An Act relative to municipal tax relief, would allow cities and towns to offer enhanced rebates to taxpayers who already receive a local residential tax exemption. If a city or town takes advantage of this tool, the local government would determine residents’ eligibility and set its own thresholds around assets, income, or other factors.

In addition, amendments adopted as part of the bill would strengthen existing senior property tax relief by allowing

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Rep. Biele Helping Fight Hunger

State Representative David Biele organized and coordinated a food drive across South Boston to help neighbors and families in need and facing hunger. Over the course of several weeks, Rep. Biele partnered with civic

organizations, local businesses, schools, youth organizations, and neighbors across South Boston to collect non-perishable food items to donate to local food banks and non-profit programs.

The food drive organized collection boxes across South Boston, with locations in and around Andrew Square, East

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Over $6,500 Donated to Local Food Pantries Across South Boston

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Tax Relief Legislation legislative effort, the Senate passed four other related measures to enhance municipal tax relief, expand senior exemptions, and protect homeowners and small businesses from rising costs. Collectively, these actions reinforce a statewide commitment to housing stability and affordability.

municipalities to further expand eligibility, increase the personal property tax exemption to provide relief for individuals and small businesses, and extend the filing deadline for property tax abatements by 45 days for properties that have been improperly assessed.

“I’m pleased to see that the State Senate passed an increased elderly exemption as an amendment that will allow seniors to see their exemption tripled and eligibility requirements loosened to 50% AMI and the asset level raised to $80k for singles and $110k for couples.” said City Councilor Brian Worrell. “This is much-needed relief for our seniors and will help more of those on a fixed-income stay in their community, which is why the City Council also passed it unanimously last year as a standalone measure and has included it in other legislation.”

As part of this broader

S.2899, An Act to prevent property tax bill shocks, gives cities and towns the ability to shield their most vulnerable taxpayers from the shock of an extraordinarily high tax bill in a year when the community’s residential property tax levy is rising by more than 10 per cent.

S.2901, An Act relative to senior property tax deferral, would expand eligibility for the Senior Tax Deferral program by lowering eligibility to seven years of state residency, instead of the current ten-year requirement, to keep more money in seniors’ pockets at a time when property values

and tax bills are steadily climbing.

“Seniors across the Commonwealth have called for relief from rising property taxes that threaten their economic security and ability to age in their homes and communities,” said Rosa Bentley, President, Massachusetts Senior Action. “S.2901 addresses critical issues in the property tax deferral process that have prevented many from using this option. These changes will reduce barriers to this valuable program and meet a critical need in relief efforts. We look forward to further action to expand relief for those burdened and to enable revenue streams that support that expansion.”

S.2902 , An Act authorizing the establishment of a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption, would make it easier for municipalities to offer local property tax exemptions to seniors. It builds on the success of the recently-increased Senior Circuit Breaker. The bill creates a statewide opt-in program that prioritizes longtime residents and gives controls to local authorities.

“We know that property taxes can be burdensome for many older homeowners,” said Jen Benson, Massachusetts State Director, AARP. “We appreciate the Massachusetts Senate taking action to help mitigate financial pressures so our older residents can stay in

their homes and communities and continue to age with dignity.”

S.1948 , An Act relative to veteran property tax work-off, bolsters the targeted tax relief offered to veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans. Eligible residents could receive up to $2,000 per year in property tax reductions for municipal volunteer service, up from $1,500, under an optional local program.

“These policies largely align with the Mayor’s own proposals for Boston and reflect priorities we share,” Senator Collins added. “We disagree over specific components, but the broader goal of providing relief to residents is something we definitely agree on. I hope the Mayor will consider putting her support behind these proposals so we can move forward quickly and deliver the relief that Boston residents need.”

Now that they have been passed by the Senate, all five bills head to the House for further consideration.

Councilor Flynn to Serve as Chair of the Committee on City Services

It is critical that members of the Boston City Council remain focused on delivering neighborhood and basic city services to improve the quality of life for the people of Boston. Regardless of our differences of opinion, Boston works best when we work together, when we listen to one another, learn from each other’s lived experiences, and treat everyone with respect and dignity. During these challenging economic times, we must demonstrate fiscal discipline, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability to our constituents.

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Helping Feed Neighbors Broadway, Fort Point, the South Boston Waterfront, and West Broadway. These locations were made possible in partnership with local businesses which also contributed to the food drive, including Roza Lyons, Olga’s Kafe, Cannonball Café, and Lilly.

In addition to drop-off locations, several local community and civic organizations, including the Andrew Square Neighborhood Association, the City Point Neighborhood Association, the Fort Point Neighborhood Association, the Friends of North of Broadway, the L Street Brownies, the Seaport Neighborhood Association, and the West Broadway Neighborhood Association, hosted localized collection efforts. Additionally, several schools and youth organizations supported the food drive with donations collected by St. Peter Academy, the Oliver Hazard Perry School, and Boston Youth Lacrosse.

Donations were sorted at the Thomas J. Fitzgerald Post VFW 561 and delivered with help from the Gavin Foundation.

Overall, the collective efforts supporting the food drive resulted in more than 10 carloads of donations delivered across food pantries and non-profit programs combatting poverty. Additionally,

the food drive raised over $6,500 in direct financial contributions to local food banks in South Boston.

“Our food banks support the most vulnerable residents and families in our community and have shared that they are facing increased demands and needs in our community,” said Rep. Biele. “I’m grateful to neighbors, organizations, and businesses from across South Boston who rallied together to ensure that shelves were stocked with food, providing relief to individuals and families in our community facing hunger.”

“We’re so grateful to Rep. Biele for spearheading this food drive and for shining a light on the very real issues of food insecurity in our neighborhood” said Susan LaPaglia, Chief of Staff and manager of

the South Boston Community Health Center Food Pantry. “The businesses and individuals who contributed should know that their compassion and support will make an immediate difference for the patients and families who rely on our food pantry and we are grateful for their commitment to health, dignity and care for our South Boston neighbors.”

“Residents needing food assistance can reach out to Rep. Biele’s office for assistance or use Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline. Anyone can call or text the Hotline at 800-645-8333 for immediate food assistance resources in their area. The Hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

South Boston Community Health Center Food Pantry

Monica’s Kitchen Food Pantry

St. Vincent dePaul Food Pantry at Gate of Heaven

4th Presbyterian Church

Julie’s Family Learning Program

Michael J. Perkins School

West Broadway Task Force

South Boston En Accion

by Rick Winterson

Naturally, the sports scene in Boston is currently dominated by the New England Patriots, They not only won their AFC Division with a top notch 14-3 winloss record, but also they attained a postseason wild card victory over the 11-6 Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday evening, January 11. The final score in that game was unusual – an uneven 16 to 3, with the Pats’ rookie Andy Borragales calmly kicking

Sports by the Numbers (JAN 2026)

three field goals and an extra point for his game leading score of 10 points (out of 16 total). The Pats’ offense did not score a touchdown until the fourth quarter. Obviously, the Pats’ stonewall defense against the Chargers team, which allowed only one threepoint field goal, was the biggest part of that storied, postseason win.

Last Sunday afternoon, January 18, the 14-3 Pats welcomed the 12-5 Texans to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. The event was the AFC Divisional contest, the winner of which would proceed to the postseason game

Education Music Games Room

Swim Lessons (Ages 6+)

Swim Team (Ages 8-18)

A B O U T U S :

Night Club Activities (Ages 8+)

Arts & Crafts

Computer Clubhouse Pre-Teen Center Full Time Summer Program

next Sunday, the 25th. This tilt will decide who are the American Football Conference Champions, and who will be the AFC challengers in the 2026 Super Bowl on February 8.

The Texans came to Gillette with the best defensive team rating in the entire 32-team NFL. You are aware that The Pats beat the Texans by 28-16, a respectable game-ending gap of 12 points that the Texans simply could not close as time ran out. Here again, the home team’s defense told the story, more than anything else. Sixteen (16) points allowed means it was a good defensive

effort – after all, two touchdowns and extra points, plus a field goal, adds up to 17 points. The Patriots’ defense held the Texans to just a touchdown and three field goals for 16, as well as forcing five (yes, 5) turnovers. Not too shabby, at all!

The Patriots QB Drake Maye had a hard afternoon – he fumbled four times; only two were recovered by his teammates. One of the four touchdowns made by the Pats was a pick-6 by Marcus Jones in the first half, after K’Lavon Chaisson broke through and caused Texans QB C.J. Stroud to throw a wobbler that Jones snatched. Even so, Maye played his part in three offensive TDs. At 21 points, this would still have been enough to win the game. In perhaps the game’s single best play, Maye threw a 30-yard pass in the fourth quarter to Kayshon Boutte, who managed to snag it onehanded and clutch it to his chest, all while he was still in the air. That score really clinched the 28-16 win.

School-Aged Child Care (SACC) is a year-round after-school program focused on homework completion and educational development.

Serves youth ages 6 to 12 with individualized support and full access to Club programming

Dedicated staff assess each child’s academic and emotional needs to tailor their experience

Licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care and accepts daycare vouchers

Eligibility: Children must be at least 6 years old, in first grade, and no older than 12

So what do you think will happen in Denver next Sunday? The Broncos have a 14-3 regular season record also – equal to the Patriots’ record, which was against a significantly weaker set of opponents. Out of 17 regular season games, the Pats faced only three (yes, only 3) teams that had winning records. Their entire 2025 regular season was much less challenging than the Broncos’ schedule. And for some odd reason, the Patriots incurred all three of their losses at home. On the road, they won every game. Go figure! Yet the spread favors the Patriots by five (yes, 5) points. Once again, go figure. Yes, a Patriots win next Sunday will have to go beyond just the numbers involved. With Mike Vrabel, we have perhaps the best coach in the NFL. Quarterback Drake Maye is still a viable MVP candidate, despite his four fumbles during the divisional match against the Texans. And the rest of the team, including kicker Andy Borregales, will all contribute. But lately, the Pats have fielded a bonecrushing defense this postseason. And they have yet to lose even a single road game so far this season! The American Conference Championship game in Denver next Sunday should be a pleasure to watch.

Councilor Flynn Supports Proposed State Legislation on Tax Relief

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn went on record in support of a state tax relief package sponsored by State Senator Nick Collins and other state senators that was subsequently passed by the Massachusetts State Senate on January 15th - legislation which aims to protect our seniors, veterans, small businesses, families and long-time residents during these challenging economic times. These bills must pass the Massachusetts House of Representatives and be signed by the Governor in order for the City of Boston to then opt-in to these local options.

S.2899, An Act to prevent

Sproperty tax bill shocks, gives cities and towns the ability to protect taxpayers from the shock of an extraordinarily high tax bill in a year when the community’s residential property tax levy is rising by more than 10%. If the City of Boston opts-in to the legislation, eligible residents could receive a tax credit to reduce the impact of higher third- and fourth-quarter tax bills. Eligible groups include homeowners age 65 and older, MassHealth enrollees, and households with children under 6, with an amendment allowing cities and towns to extend eligibility to families with children under 18.

Additionally, working families and taxpayers who already receive a local residential tax exemption could be able to receive additional relief through a rebate if cities and towns opt-in to the local option contained in S.2900, An Act relative to municipal tax relief, sponsored by Massachusetts State Senator Nick Collins. If adopted, the City of Boston would be able to set eligibility on assets, income, and other factors to provide

working families and households further tax relief, with the possible exemption being raised from $500 to $1,500.

S.2901, An Act relative to senior property tax deferral, expands eligibility for the Senior Property Tax Deferral by reducing the state residency requirement from 10 to 7 years and provides families more time to manage deferred taxes after a senior passes away. The bill, approved 37–0 in the Senate, also extends these protections to active-duty service members through an adopted amendment.

S.2902, An Act authorizing the establishment of a mean tested senior citizen property tax exemption, creates a statewide opt-in program that also provides local governments with the ability to provide property tax exemptions for seniors, and builds on the recently increased Senior Circuit Breaker.

Moreover, S.1948, An Act relative to veteran property tax work-off, strengthens targeted property tax relief for veterans and eligible spouses by allowing municipalities to offer up to

$2,000 per year in tax reductions in exchange for volunteer service, up from the current $1,500 cap. The Senate approved the bill unanimously, 38–0.

“This proposed state legislation is a common sense approach to providing working families and our most vulnerable residents, including our seniors and veterans, tax relief during these challenging economic times,” said Councilor Flynn. “If passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives and signed by the Governor, I strongly encourage the City of Boston to opt-in to these local options immediately. With the runaway cost of living today, every dollar of property tax increase is felt by our residents. It is critical that we do everything we can to lower the tax burden on our residents while ensuring the economic vitality of the City of Boston. Additionally, Boston must demonstrate fiscal discipline, fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

South Boston Murphy Memorial Rink to Host

BC High vs. Catholic Memorial

outh Boston Murphy Memorial Rink will host BC High‘s home game vs. Catholic Memorial. Most of the coaching staff on both teams

got their start as mighty mites in the little Rink! John Flaherty, head coach, Boston College High school; Larry Rooney, head coach, Catholic Memorial high school;

Brendan Flynn, assistant coach, Catholic Memorial, and Tim Murphy, assistant coach. It will be a great Division 1, High School hockey matchup. Puck drops at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday January 31st. Let’s show our support for the neighborhood kids who have gone through the program, while watching a competitiv game.

Schedule for South Boston Citizens’ Association’s Evacuation Day Sporting Events

South Boston Citizens’ Association, President Tom McGrath is pleased to announce through the generous sponsorships of Comcast, City of Boston, Mass Bay Credit Union, Liberty Bay Credit Union, BCYF Community Centers, Peter Welch’s Gym, John Tunney of South Boston Bowl and South Boston Youth Hockey, it will once again host the athletic events throughout the community

over the first 2 weeks of March.

On Monday Night March 2nd, the Basketball free throw competition will be held at the Tynan Community Center Gym. Hosted by John Lydon and the Tynan staff. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m. Boys and Girls ages 8-17 are encouraged to participate. Trophies will be given to winners.

The swimming event is scheduled for March 10th at the Boys and Girls Club.

Trophies for all winners.

The ever so famous ice-orama competition will be held on Wednesday, March 11th, at 6:00 p.m., at the Murphy Rink. Boys and girls will compete for the speed skating championship and puck shooting title. We also will have the costume contest for best, most original and funniest costumes.

Hint Maybe something for the 250th Anniversary

of Evacuation Day???

All boys and girls ages 5-14 are invited to participate.

And, finally who will be crowned Miss Ice-O-Rama?

Reminder ALL hockey events require a HOCKEY HELMET with CAGE and gloves.

On Thursday March 14th, 4:00 p.m., we head on down to the Condon Community Center, for the kick-ball competition event hosted by Kathy Davis and Barbara Caputo-Kelly and the Condon Community Center Staff.

The 21+ Bowlarama event will be held on Sunday March 8th, between 2:00-3:00 p.m., hosted by South Boston Bowl.

The ever so popular boxing competition will be held over 2 weekends. Saturday, March 7th and Saturday, March 14th and will be hosted by Peter Welch at his gym.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with first bout scheduled for noontime.

“It’s great to have these events returning annually. We are grateful to all the sponsors and volunteers who are working behind the scenes to organize these events for the community.” stated Tom McGrath, President of The South Boston Citizens’ Association.

Lastly, don’t forget to get those poster and essays submitted on time!

NOTE THE EARLY DEADLINE: February 13th

We ask you to take an active part in the 250th year of our nation, to be sure that you vote (even though 2026 is a so-called “off-year”), and in general, revive your spirit of patriotism. Also, did you know Boston is being named America’s best Sports City. The United States of America has become the oldest and most successful democracy the world has ever known. And it still is.

We’ll purposely keep this brief, because it’s still early in 2026. There are many issues that have already arisen; there’ll be many more that come up as the year progresses.

But what’s most important, we emphasize staying informed? That’s because all of us, as voters and citizens, are the ones who decide how to handle important issues. All South Boston Online can do is provide the information

Stay Informed in 2026

necessary to help you to make your choice. After that, you are the one who makes the decisions.

In and around Boston, key issues currently include drug abuse, school closures, and police department staffing. We have to know what will be the final cost of the proposed White Stadium project. Education is also an important issue, both here and statewide. Massachusetts is facing climate changes that menace our shores.

Anne Griffis Returns

In December, Anne Griffis performed “Breathe with Bach”, played on her finely toned viola at the Branch Library on East Broadway. As shown above, she returned to the Branch Library once again, on Saturday, January 10, to play even more Bach music for South Boston’s entranced Library patrons. Anne is a member of an organization entitled “Emmanuel Music”; Ryan Turner is its Artistic Director Music during the Friends of the Library’s Book Sales is sponsored by the Friends and is blessedly free to all who wish to attend. The Friends’ next Book Sale will take place on Saturday, February 21, from 9:30 to 3 p.m. The musical program that day will be presented from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. Don’t miss it. See you there!

Many of the Commonwealth’s roads and bridges still need repair.

And Massachusetts is certainly a

high cost-of-living state. What should be done about all of this in 2026? This year, there’ll be a (very) large number of ballot issues for you to vote on. On the national level right now, keeping up with the many, many ongoing issues is even more important – especially issues that might lead to another (!) federal government shutdown. And you can be sure that more important national issues are going to crop up as 2026 progresses. For sure!

It’s All Downhill From Here

Southie turned into a winter playground today! The 5 inches of fresh snow meant perfect sledding conditions at the hill by the skating rink. There were wide smiles, epic wipeouts, big air, and nonstop laughs all around. Families were having an absolute blast and making snowy memories together.

SBCA Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The students at South Boston Catholic Academy learned about and did special class projects honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King Jr. was a famous leader in the Civil Rights Movement who fought for equal rights for all people, especially Black Americans, using peaceful protests. In 1963, Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during a peaceful March on Washington, where he

spoke about his vision of a world where people would be judged by their character, not their skin color...”I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” This speech is one of the most famous in history. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote civil rights through nonviolent means.

The students in K0 and K1 in

our Early Childhood Program did a classroom project honoring Dr. King, Jr. The students in K2 read a poem about Dr. King...”Dr. King’s Dream...Treat people kindly; do what is fair. Work for all people; show that you care. These are the ways, if we work as a team, to remember the man who said, “I have a dream.” by an unknown author. First Graders read about him in an article in their Scholastic Newspaper. They focused on a

quote from his famous speech...”I Have a Dream and how we should always be kind to each other. The students in Grades 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 also did a classroom project in honor of Dr. King, Jr. They wrote about using his examples as how they/we all can make the world a more understanding, caring and peaceful place for all. “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION ZONING HEARING

The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a virtual public hearing will be held on February 11, 2026, at 9:00 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of the Third Amended and Restated Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 50, 371-401 D Street, South Boston (“Third Amendment”).

The Third Amendment proposes the construction of a new fifteen (15) story hotel structure with up to 438 rooms (keys) of approximately 160,000 gross square feet (the “Proposed Project”). The Proposed Project’s vehicular parking will be accommodated by the existing surface parking lot at the Site. The new hotel development will enhance and integrate with the existing hospitality uses at the Site, with improved pedestrian connectivity for its adjacency to the Element and the Aloft hotels. In addition, the Proponent seeks to modify the existing layout of the Element Hotel by increasing layout efficiency, resulting in up to an additional 20 keys within the existing volume and area of the Element Hotel’s existing structure. This modification will result in an amendment to the original PDA, increasing the maximum key count to up to 530 rooms within the Aloft and Element Hotels, up from the originally approved 510 rooms.

This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bosplans. org/BZC-Feb112026. A copy of the Third Amendment may be obtained from the Zoning Commission electronically, and you may also submit written comments or questions to zoningcommission@boston.gov.

Interpreting services are available to communicate information at this hearing. If you require interpreting services, please contact the following: zoningcommission@boston.gov or 617918-4308. The meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2026. Please request interpreting services no later than February 6, 2026.

For the Commission

Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

Estate of: Paul J. Sordillo

Date of Death: 10/10/2025

Docket No.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court SU26P0002EA Probate and Family Court

Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617)788-8300

A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Michael A. Sordillo of Winston SalemNC

requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: To all interested persons:

NC Winston Salem of Michael A. Sordillo be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration

NOTICE

You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 02/12/2026

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC)

A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Janine D Rivers, First Justice of this Court.

Date: January 05, 2026