SBOL_02_09_2023

It’s All About Community

By Carol Masshardt

Food insecurity will be forever eliminated If Nick Owen and Mercy Robinson have their dream come true.

South Boston is exciting and desirable in wellknown and new ways, and it is also a community with poverty, and this is where Nick and Mercy devote endless energy and heart. Nick, 23, is the Program Director for the Food Programs of Action for Boston Community Development, and his community partner, Mercy, 31, is the Executive Director of South Boston En Accion. Coming from different backgrounds, they share a mindset about the importance of sound nutrition for all people. Although fun and interesting to plan for food distribution at different sites, in their ideal world their food “pop-ups” in South

Boston would be unneeded rather than attracting old and young, and families of all compositions eager for food every time offered.

Nick, originally from Concord, Ma., son of a father in healthcare and attorney mother, decided on a “gap” year between high school and college and it is one that was driven by service. He arrived at ABCD during the pandemic in 2020, and that well-established and mission driven agency had the good judgement to get to know him and his work and before long offer a leadership role. His perspective is wise beyond age and provides the motivational spark to work as he does.

“I always had an interest in mitigating problems in the world,” he said. “I had enormous support for everything I wanted to do coming from where I did, and there is such inequity. I think about food in a basic way. We need it, we enjoy it, and it is central to health. Diabetes, hypertension, so many health issues are connected to food. This is where you see the inequities of the society.”

Celebrating Catholic School Week

South Boston Catholic Academy officially kicked off Catholic Schools Week on 1/29 through to 2/3/2023.This Annual Celebration of National Catholic Schools Week is a fun, exciting and meaningful week promoting the importance of having faith, being kind to one another, caring for one another all the while getting an excellent education. Teachers and students focused on this

year’s theme Faith. Excellence. Service. We celebrated our wonderful school and community in a number of ways including the following: School Spirit: Students decorated their classroom doors for a ‹Door Decorating› competition using CSW related theme or another of their choice. Judges will observe the doors and pick a First, Second and Third

Continued from Page 1

Community

In the ABCD model, Nick is partnered with someone with closer knowledge of the community, and Mercy, the perfect match in integrity, grew up in and lives in South Boston, where she is raising three children.

When she hears Nick Owen’s passion, she doesn’t miss a beat and adds her beautifully articulated experience.

“The skyrocketing expenses are leading to people running out of food. Imagine only getting through part of the month even when you are trying hard? Basic assistance or earnings just don’t stretch, and people need healthy food. That’s what’s different about the pop-ups. Nick supplied Bok Choy last week, and there were fresh vegetables and fruit, fish, chicken and things that make sense for the culture of families in Mary Ellen McCormack and Old Colony. It brings the food where the people are and that is part of why it works, too. You

can see how people respond,” she said.

Since graduating from the Boston Public School, Snowden International, and getting an associate degree at Quincy College, Mercy Robinson observes and engages with the community she knows best.

“I worry that we won’t have real stakeholders here,” she said. The proud daughter of a father, who drives Uber, and mother who works as a community teacher following an in- home daycare program, Mercy grew up in what she describes as “projects but now called developments.”

She also has an intrinsic sense of the connection of food, transportation, healthcare, education and opportunity.

“It becomes impossible for some people to stay here, and that leads to a less committed community,” she said. Her observations hold no venom for “new” people but concern about affordability and investment in all.

“I will say that my greatest satisfaction is seeing people have what

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 March 1, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of the First Amendment to Amended and Restated Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 53 (“PDA No. 53”), Channel Center Project (“First Amendment”), filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

Said First Amendment would amend the PDA No. 53 solely as to Project Component No. 8 to prohibit any laboratory classified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as Biosafety Level 3 (“BSL-3”), Biosafety Level 4 (“BSL4”), Animal Biosafety Level 3 (“ABSL-3”), or Animal Biosafety Level 4 (“ABSL-4”).

This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1. Copies of the petition, the First Amendment, and a map of the area involved 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 617-918-4308. The meeting is scheduled for March 1, 2023. Please request interpreting services no later than February 23, 2023.

For the Commission

Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

they need to meet their goals. What I do is listen and I hear, and I see what it takes for families to get on a better track. I see people wanting to help each other and at the “Pop-ups” people call their neighbors and its community, and they get connected in good ways,” she said. “it concerns me that there is a divide between the affluent and not, and it is just so hard for many people,” she said.

“In the short run, I want the program to work well, to get people what the need and can use, and to do it with respect. The popups are fun, but they shouldn’t be necessary. Success would be when these needs were well met for everyone without programs,” said Nick. He is now a student at Boston College Woods Program (“It gives me the flexibility to work in something that’s important”) as Mercy works purposefully while guiding her children toward the best possible options and thinks about her community and where she can have most impact.

“ I love my job, and non-profit

work, and it all started when I was in a teacher prep program right here at ABCD, and one thing led to the next,” Mercy said reflecting on her own journey.

Mercy Robinson and Nick Owen are intent on change with respect and looking at each family and the systemic issues that lead to the need for the food “pop-ups.” They could also use some volunteer help and anyone lucky enough to work alongside these two might start to learn about need and resilience of neighbors they didn’t know. They listen to each other, learn together and though the future for each is evolving, it may just be possible that they are already changing the world.

(To volunteer, contact nicholasowen@bostonabcd.org or mrobinson@sbeaccion.org and they will direct you.

(Carol Masshardt can be reached at carolhardt@comcast. net)

Mercy Robinson and Nick Owen

by Rick Winterson

We report occasionally on church activities in South Boston. This short article is about HUB Church.

The HUB Church, through the generosity of the South Boston Neighborhood House, has conducted its Sunday services for more than a year now at 136 H Street, the headquarters of the Neighborhood House (also affectionately called the “Ollie” after its founder, Olivia James). Look for the green HUB Church banners out front when you go there on a Sunday morning. Services at the HUB Church begin at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday; the Hub Church’s Pastor is the Rev. Charlie Dunn

South Boston Online thought you would like to read about an additional part of the HUB Church’s services that is becoming a tradition. As you know, South Boston is a devoted and dedicated Sunday brunch neighborhood. Well, the Hub Church now serves a delicious brunch in combination with their Sunday services. HUB Church has truly become South Boston’s “Brunch Church”.

And the brunch is indeed delicious. It is catered each Sunday by the Broadway, which is located at L and East Broadway and possesses a notable kitchen. South Boston Online took part in the HUB’s brunch last Sunday, featuring pancakes with syrup, an avocado-based submarine sandwich, and cheese pizza (Editor’s Note: The cheese on The Broadway’s pizza was outstanding!). And yes, there are brunch items for the young ones, like boxes of assorted breakfast cereals.

Charlie Dunn opened the HUB’s service with a Gospel quote from John and a song, “Here I Am to Worship” by Chris Tomlin. A responsorial prayer followed. It then closed with a moment of silence, and the HUB congregation

Brunch Services at HUB Church

sang an especially lovely work, “Lord, I Need You” by Matt Maher. A detailed discussion about the Gospel of John

8:12-30 (“I am the Light of the World”) was conducted, and after a short period of reflection, the HUB’s Brunch and

Church service closed. The brunch had definitely served as a way to connect – easily, informally, and effectively.

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Recent Activities: Peter Welch’s Gym (PWG)

Promoter, Tom Loeffler. Several friends and habitues of PWG showed up to greet each of them.

by Rick Winterson

Peter Welch gave us a call on Monday. He told us that Callum Walsh, a Junior Middleweight (147-154 pounds) who hails from Cork, Ireland, was going to visit his gym that afternoon. In the past, PWG has frequently served as a launching platform for pro boxers from overseas. In this case, Callum Walsh is going to fight in the Agannis Arena in March, and might well end up on the West Coast if his current trip is a success. Anyhow, we stopped in at PWG to say “hello”. Callum was accompanied by his Trainer, Freddy Roach, and his

South Boston Online recently published the news that the St. Patrick’s Day Boxing Show is back, now that the pandemic threat has diminished. Once again, the matches will be held at Peter Welch’s Gym (PWG), and it’s worth repeating the news here because up until 2020, it had always been one of our favorite Evacuation Day activities. This year, the Boxing Matches will take place on Saturday, March 18 – a weekend day that sits neatly between St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day on Friday, the 17th, and Parade Day on Sunday, the 19th. And not that it makes all that much difference, but the first day of spring follows on Monday, March 20. It will be a great weekend, so be sure to take part!

Tryouts for this Boxing Show are underway. They’re open to all young athletes between 8 and 15 years of age. Female boxers are welcome, too. Young athletes will be carefully selected and matched in these tryouts, which are being held every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. and every Saturday at 12:15 p.m. before the matches take place on Saturday, the 18th. Please bring your mouthpiece, sneakers, and boxing clothes with you to the tryouts.

And you will be trained in boxing free of charge, courtesy of PWG.

If you have questions, drop into PWG at 371 Dorchester Avenue, or phone the gym at 617-269-4641.

South Boston Online toured PWG while waiting for Callum Walsh to show up. It was refreshing to see number of men and women working out with boxing-related equipment and routines. The gym now has a “punching machine” that measures the force of a punch. Callum gave it a good right cross that registered 799

on the scoring readout. Not too shabby. There was definite buzz of humor, challenge, and enjoyment as everyone’s workout proceeded. It was a pleasure to see just how much PWG means to all its members. We’ll close with the quote prominently displayed on PWG’s east wall:

“We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much for so long with so little, we are qualified to do anything with nothing.” Do we add Amen?

Middleweight Callum Walsh with trainer Freddy Roach (r.) and promoter Tom Loeffler (l.).

The “gang” at Peter Welch’s Gym (PWG) waits for Callum Walsh.

Guess who’s the champ here.

Tom and Callum are welcomes guests in Peter Welch’s Gym.

SBCA Kickoff Breakfast Saturday

March 4 th

State Representative David Biele to Host

SBCA President Tom McGrath and Executive Board are pleased to announce that on Saturday, March, 4 th ,2023, at the Kick-off Breakfast, The Henry Knox Award Presentation will take place at the Seapoint Restaurant, 367 East 8 th Street, at 10AM.

Family, Friends and Neighbors are respectfully invited to attend this wonderful event. A 15.00 donation is requested at door to help off-set costs. This year’s event will once again feature great music of Bob Fowkes and Curragh’s Fancy.

The event Chairman, once again will be South Boston’s own State representative David Biele, who continues to lead the fight to preserve the historical importance of Evacuation Day while serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. “As president of the Association, it is an honor for me to work with Dave to kick-off the festivities. Dave’s commitment and involvement with the SBCA and our community has been a tremendous asset to me and the Executive Board.” Said McGrath.

This January, State Representative David Biele was sworn in for his third term serving the 4th Suffolk District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He is currently serving as Chair of the Boston Delegation and as a Commissioner on the Metropolitan Beaches Commission.  He has previously served as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety.  David has also served on the House Committee on Ways and Means, the House Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, and the House Committee on Export Development.

During his time in the

Legislature, David has helped deliver resources for the South Boston community to support public safety through police and fire services; public health through local community health centers, nursing, and rehabilitation programs; mental health and substance use treatment programs; and youth programs.  He has also advanced policies to foster economic development, filing legislation to authorize sports gaming in Massachusetts.

Understanding the importance of our local history and Evacuation Day, David filed and helped pass legislation to organize statewide commemorative celebrations focused on the contributions of Massachusetts in the founding and formation of the United States of America for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Boys and Girls Club, and has volunteered with South Boston Special Kids and Young Adults and the TEAM Mentoring Program at the Labouré Center.

David has also organized a toy drive in each of the last four years to support children and families across South Boston.

He is engaged to Rosemarie O’Connor and the couple is to be married later this spring.

The Association’s events begin with the Jimmy Flaherty Kick-Off Breakfast on Saturday March 4th, at the Sea-Point Restaurant 10:00A.M., where the Henry Knox Un-sung Hero Awards will be presented, followed by a host of educational and athletic events throughout the month of March. This year’s SBCA commemorative events will also include the Memorial Mass and Memorial Exercises at the Dorchester

A lifelong resident of South Boston, David grew up playing organized sports and attended St. Peter School and Boston Latin School.  He graduated from Boston College in three years, becoming the first person in his family to receive a college degree, and went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School.  While in school, David worked as a construction laborer to help cover the costs of books and tuition.

As a youth, David played South Boston Youth Hockey, South Boston Little League, South Boston Youth Soccer and South Boston Youth Lacrosse, and, as an adult, has been deeply engaged with local community-based programs and volunteer programs in South Boston.  He served as a past president of the Harry McDonough Sailing Program, an advisory board member to the Edgerley Family South Boston

Heights Monument on Friday, March 17th , with the 143 rd Annual Evacuation Day Banquet at the Boston Convention Center later that evening. The full schedule of events, as well as the identities of the 2023 Henry Knox Awards, John W. McCormack Public Service Award, The SBCA Presidents Award and James “Jim” Kelly/Margret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Community Service awards, will be announced in the coming weeks.

“I remind everyone that a limited number of tickets are available for our Banquet, which is the capstone event of the 2023 commemorative activities,” Stated McGrath. “Anyone who is interested in purchasing tickets to the banquet should email me as soon as possible at tmcgrath1963@gmail.com.”

Hearing Filed to Discuss Safety of Light Poles, Bridges, and Other Public Infrastructure in Boston

At the first Boston City Council Meeting this year, City Council President Ed Flynn and Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty refiled a hearing order to discuss the safety of light poles, bridges, and other public infrastructure in the City of Boston. This hearing was originally filed in September of last year, when a pedestrian crossing the Evelyn Moakley Bridge in the South Boston Waterfront was struck and injured by a falling light pole. At the time, the Public Works Department swiftly inspected all city bridges in the area and removed 23 of the light poles that were deemed not completely satisfactory, while two poles had been previously removed. However, it is critical that the city continues to ensure that our city’s

public infrastructure is safe and structurally sound, and that there are routine inspections and systems in place for maintenance and repair.

“Unfortunately, this incident shed light on our aging infrastructure, light poles, and bridges- especially against the harsh New England weather, sea air and salt water.” Council President Flynn said. “Councilor Flaherty and I are refiling this hearing to receive an update from the city and our state partners on the inspection and audit of all light poles, bridges, and public infrastructure, and any relevant plans to make all necessary repairs in a timely manner. While Public Works was quick to respond to the incident last year, we must work with our bridge engineers and design consultants to prevent an incident

like this from happening again.”

Councilor At-Large Flaherty said, “We, as a city, have a responsibility to make sure that we regularly inspect roads, bridges, light poles and street signs as a matter of public safety. We live in New England and our area is subject to harsh weather conditions that tend to deteriorate building materials and

fixtures quicker than other places.”

Council President Flynn and Councilor Flaherty will look to schedule a hearing in the coming weeks.

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

Sen. Collins Supports Pay Party For Correctional Officers Bill Would Modernize Pay Structures for County Officers Throughout the Commonwealth

Senator Collins announced today his co-sponsorship of An Act to Ensure Pay Parity for County Sheriffs’ Correction Officers and Jail Officers (SD.721), introduced by Senator Paul Feeney of the Bristol and Norfolk District. This act is additionally co-sponsored by Rep. Hannah Kane of the 11th Worcester District, with Rep. James Hawkins of the 2nd Bristol District filing the House version of the bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Donald Berthiaume of the 5th Worcester District.

This bill identifies discrepancies regarding the current pay structures for Corrections and Jail Officers working within the fourteen County Sheriff’s Offices throughout the Commonwealth. Seeking to standardize wages and guarantee pay equity for all officers tasked with ensuring safety in correctional facilities and their communities as a whole, the legislation would re-classify such officers in County Sheriff’s offices under the same titles and base pay as Officers working under the Massachusetts Department of Corrections.

“This bill coupled with appropriation will ensure those officers working for Suffolk County and all county correction officers get paid on par with their colleagues in the Commonwealth’s Department of Corrections,” said Senator Collins.

“I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to ensure that the men

and women who provide essential services at the county level across Massachusetts are treated fairly.”

“I am proud to partner with Senator Collins and to file legislation again this session to ensure pay parity for county corrections officers across the state.

Corrections officers are responsible for the care and custody of the Commonwealth’s most at-risk and vulnerable populations. Ensuring better pay for corrections officers that work in county jails will address the growing work-force shortage at Sheriffs’ Offices throughout the state. Additionally, by ensuring parity with their counterparts in the State system, this bill when passed, will help in recruiting and maintaining a skilled and professional workforce that is fairly compensated to reflect the mental and physical toll of the job. We must be cognizant of the ever-changing responsibilities and

safety concerns that are present in that job, and should act swiftly to bring these officers’ compensation in line with others who perform this work in the Commonwealth. The county justice system, incarcerated individuals, officers and the families, and our communities will all benefit from this measure of fairness.   I look forward to working with Senator Collins and our Senate colleagues to bring this much-needed bill to the floor for debate this session,” said State Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough).

“This is a bipartisan issue and I am proud to re-file this bill with Rep. Donnie Berthiaume.  As corrections officers face the daily risk of physical harm, it matters that we address any pay disparities that could lead to understaffing in any of our facilities,” said State Representative Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro)

Call For Artist to Redisign Boston’s Neighborhood Signs

Partnership with the Office of Arts & Culture, the Department of Property Management, and the Department of Innovation and Technology. Across Boston, neighborhood signs welcome residents and visitors to the diverse communities that make up the City. The City of Boston is seeking artists to redesign these signs. Artists are invited to submit up to three conceptual designs based upon a template provided by the City.

“Our neighborhood signs are often the first thing residents and visitors see when they cross into different areas throughout Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m excited for this program to empower our residents to create welcoming, creative signs to reflect the unique, vibrant neighborhoods and communities they live and work in.”

“This is an exciting, new opportunity to recognize that Boston’s arts community is embedded in every neighborhood of Boston,” said Kara ElliottOrtega, Chief of Arts and Culture. “Whether someone is a longtime resident of a neighborhood or a visitor seeing a neighborhood for the first time, they’ll be greeted by vibrant, inspiring artwork that reflects the talent and creativity of our city. We look forward to supporting local artists in this new initiative and creating new opportunities to celebrate their work!”

“Boston is home to many talented artists. This is such a great opportunity to continue to financially invest in artists’ practices while beautifying our neighborhoods,” said Brianna Millor, Chief of Community Engagement.

“Boston is a city of amazing neighborhoods rich

in culture, creativity, and filled with diversity. We are proud to take every opportunity to promote our artists, including engaging them in developing our neighborhood welcome signs. I’m very much looking forward to seeing their talents displayed across our city,” said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations. Artists must be at least 18 years old and must live or work in the City of Boston to participate. Preference will be given to artists who live or work in the neighborhood where each sign is located. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 stipend for their artwork. This program is funded in part by an investment from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to aid in Boston’s local recovery and will support local artists. Submitted artwork should align with the City of Boston’s Curatorial Vision. The Curatorial Vision for the City of Boston is to

foster the creation and collection of artworks that reflect the people, ideas, histories, and futures of Boston, the traditional homeland of the Massachusett people and the home of the neighboring Wampanoag and Nipmuc peoples. The City aims to commission and approve artworks that engage communities and directly respond to, enrich, and enliven the urban environment. The City seeks public art that is driven by an artistically strong vision, enhances the diversity and equity of the existing collection, and possesses durability appropriate to the lifespan of the work The deadline for artists to submit designs is March 3, 2023. The City will select artists by mid-March and will work collaboratively with them to refine final designs. Interested artists can apply and learn more at boston.gov/sign-redesign.

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Kickin’ It Indoors

South Boston Soccer League’s Futsal Program Offers Winter Fun

By Ginger DeShaney

Gabe Hinson rated the Winter Futsal League 100 out of 10.

“My favorite part is watching how we can use teamwork to win,” he said.

Khang Nguyen, who was playing goalie, said the league feels good. “It’s really fun.”

South Boston Soccer League’s futsal program takes place at the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club gym on Sundays through Feb. 13. There are 120 participants, ages 3-15, said Caitlyn Murphy, one of the founders of the upstart South Boston Soccer League.

“We are pleasantly surprised,” Caitlyn said about the futsal league sign-ups. “This league was almost too big … that would have been a happy problem.”

Caitlyn is thrilled with the interest in futsal, especially since something like this hasn’t really been offered before. Like the South Boston

Soccer League, the futsal program is low-cost, no-cost for participants.

“It’s nice for the little ones to get out and run around,” she said.

“If you’re an athlete and don’t play basketball, there’s not a ton to do.”

The older kids play early in the day so they have time to get to the CYO basketball league.

In 2022, Caitlyn, along with fellow former South Boston Youth Soccer players and coaches Samantha Mackie, Michaela Colvin, and Katelyn

Evans, revived the soccer league after learning that president Billy Baker was stepping down after the COVID19 hiatus. Baker gave his blessing to the league but didn’t feel comfortable transferring the name, so the women came up with the new moniker.

Last fall, 160 kids registered for the first official South Boston Soccer League season. Registration for the 2023 soccer season will start in March or April.

In the meantime, the league is

holding a St. Patrick’s Day Penalty Kick Tournament on March 9 at Saunders Stadium from 5-7 p.m. The league fundraiser is open to adults and kids.

Youths can register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/ d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4TTARTZR9 FFR_1Y43JKsZLhdbTM7h6S 08ioG3hoHhkPc8A/viewform

Adults can register here: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEFd9U-

An Andrew Square Update

The Andrew Square Civic Association (ASCA) recently copied South Boston Online with a welcome announcement. It’s about a planned project for the Square (which is actually an intersection of six separate and busy streets). Cedarwood Development, who is managing the Square’s newest building at 400 Dorchester Street, has been able rent the street floor of 400 to a restaurant tenant. Not only will a new restaurant be very much welcome in Andrew Square, but also the new tenant owns the “The Quiet Few”, already a well-known dining establishment in East Boston’s Jeffries Point. Whether the proposed restaurant here will have a different name is not yet known, but certainly it will bring a solid restaurant background to the Square. With permitting and the necessary construction, the new restaurant won’t start up until 2024. But it will be located in an attractive building – a Flatiron Building that beautifully fits the intersection of Dorchester and Preble Streets. Aren’t you tired of skyscrapers with towering glass facades (and not much else)?

The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC

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 March 1, 2023, at 9:45 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of the Development Plan for Phase 1 within Planned Development Area No. 128, L Street Station Redevelopment (“The Plan”), filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

The Plan will allow for The Proposed Project proposes the rehabilitation of the Edison Turbine Halls and the construction of two new buildings on Block D and Block F, each of which new buildings are expected to include office, research and development, and retail uses. The Edison Turbine Halls and the new buildings on Block D and Block F are collectively expected to include approximately 754,500 square feet of Gross Floor Area, including approximately 669,800 square feet of office, research, and development space and 84,700 square of retail, civic, cultural, and other such uses, all as more particularly set forth in the Phase 1 Development Plan. The Proposed Project will include up to 650 parking spaces and the delivery of significant public open space along the waterfront, improved pedestrian connectivity to and through the Phase 1 Project Site, and substantial landscape improvements around the Phase 1 Project Site, including the creation of the M Street Plaza.

This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1. Copies of the petition, the Plan, and a map of the area involved 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 617-918-4308. The meeting is scheduled for March 1, 2023. Please request interpreting services no later than February 23, 2023.

For the Commission

Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

Continued from Page 1 Catholic School Week

Place Winner. Students had a chance to write how they feel about being a student at SBCA and what they Love about SBCA… A student wrote, I am so lucky and blessed to go to SBCA because… “I have so many friends that go here. SBCA has the best teachers. I learn to read and do math so well. We get to have specials.” Another student wrote, What I Love about SBCA is…“My friends and my teachers.” Our Catholic School Week officially initiated the return to our ‘Mystery Guest Reader’. This activity provides parents with the opportunity to select a date/time to come into the classroom and read to their child and their classmates.

Monday 30 th was Parent Appreciation Day. The Students made cards/crafts/letters of thanks to parents/guardians for making the sacrifice to send their children to Catholic school, and especially SBCA. Tuesday 31st was Teacher

Appreciation; we had a much appreciated delicious Faculty Luncheon hosted by Home and School. Thank you to the wonderful and supportive members of our Home and School Committee. Father Casey, our Pastor, our SBCA Children’s Choir and our school community celebrated a Mass for the Feast Day of Saint Brigid of Kildare and everyone had a chance to view this Mass on

the Catholic TV station. Thursday February 2nd we welcomed new families to come for a visit to SBCA and tour the Open House from 9 –11AM at both SBCA and the Early Childhood Center. The Student Council and other ambassadors made everyone feel welcomed, and directed families through both school buildings. Thursday February 2nd was Student Appreciation Day. The

students, teachers and staff were treated to pizza for lunch provided by Mike and Tony from the East Broadway Market. Thank you both again for your kindness and generosity to SBCA. Friday 3rd was Crazy Hat, Hair or Sock Day! It was a Free Tag Day for all! What a fun way to end a very special week at SBCA. A Special Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year’s Catholic Schools Week extra special for all the students and families at SBCA!

New Firehouse Prioritizes Firefighter Workplace Safety; Design will Complement Neighborhood

Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Fire Commissioner

Public Facilities Department

Paul Burke,

officials, firefighters, and community members broke ground on the future East Street site of Engine 17 in Dorchester. The new Engine 17 firehouse, located on historic Meeting House Hill, will be more energy efficient and better protect firefighters from workplace health hazards. The existing Engine 17, located next to the new site, originally opened in 1928. The City has allocated about $30 million toward the design and construction of the new fire station and public art to be displayed in the new building.

“This groundbreaking reaffirms our commitment to investing in our City workers and residents by ensuring they have the infrastructure and tools to help their communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The current firehouse opened almost a century ago, and no longer fully serves the needs of firefighters. I look forward to seeing this project through as a safer place to work and a more energy efficient and welcoming space for the neighborhood.”

The future Engine 17 firehouse will be located at 37 East Street, which is currently a parking lot. The existing firehouse will remain in operation during the course of construction. The new firehouse is expected to open in spring of 2024.

“I would like to thank Mayor Wu not only for her support of our Fire Department, but also for projects like this,” said Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Burke. “I applaud the attention to constructing state of the art municipal facilities under her leadership and this firehouse will set a national standard for sustainable

government buildings. These green buildings will serve the neighborhoods of Boston for many years to come, protecting the health of firefighters as well as the environment. Thank you, Mayor Wu.”

The new firehouse’s design employs the Boston Fire Department’s nationally recognized health and safety standards, which create red, neutral, and green hazard zones to protect firefighters from health hazards.

The new building will run on energy efficient boilers, and features two apparatus bays facing Winter Street and one chief’s bay on Parish Street. Second floor spaces include an open concept kitchen and dayroom, fitness area, lockers, and sleeping and office spaces for the staff. Large windows will introduce daylight into program spaces and create a welcoming entrance to the building. The design uses brick and stone to complement the surrounding area.

“We are proud and excited to break ground on this new firehouse that is designed with the health and safety of our firefighters at the forefront, while also promoting public art and improving energy efficiency,” said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations.

The original Engine 17 / Ladder 7 firehouse was built on the site of two old firehouses that dated back to the annexation of the Town of Dorchester to the City of Boston. Engine 17 responds to incidents primarily in the Dorchester and Roxbury areas, and to parts of South Boston.

“I am so glad to be at this much anticipated groundbreaking,” said City Councilor Frank Baker. “Along with most other fire houses, the men and women who serve our city out of Meetinghouse Hill deserve clean and safe fire houses, as they take calls day and night in one of the busiest houses in our City. I look forward to the completion of this state of the art firehouse in the coming years.”

“First responders keep our communities safe and save lives each and every day. As a City, it is critical that we continue to invest in them — their training, their equipment, and our public safety infrastructure so they can continue this critical work,” said State Representative Chris Worrell. “I am so excited to have this fire station — one of the busiest in Boston — get the investment that matches the caliber of our brave men and women.”

To complement the construction of the new fire station, the City is commissioning an artist to create a long-term public artwork for the entrance tower of the building. The primary theme for this commission is fire fighting and the neighborhood’s relationship with the fire station. The project is currently in the artist selection phase, and it is expected to be installed next year. This announcement builds off of Mayor Wu’s commitment to invest in City workers and infrastructure to ensure all residents and City workers can take advantage of state of the art facilities. Last month, Mayor Wu opened the new District A-7 police station in East Boston, the first complete new district station in more than a decade. Mayor Wu recently announced $25 million for a new BCYF community center in the North End and announced the first standalone BCYF community center in Dorchester to be built in Grove Hall. Last year, Mayor Wu announced a Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools, a $2 billion plan to overhaul BPS facilities, including new construction and renovation projects, as well as district-wide upgrades.