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SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Unsung Heroes

2025 Shamrock Award Recipients

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he South Boston Citizens’ Association (SBCA), led by President Tom McGrat h a nd t he Executive Board, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 James M. “Jimmy” K e l l y/ M a r g a r e t “Pe g g y ” Flaherty Shamrock Award for Communit y Ser vice.

T h i s pre st ig iou s awa rd will be presented to Brian Yanovitch and Kelly Coyne Conroy in recognition of their unwavering dedication to serving others and their tireless contributions to various causes in South Boston and beyond.

T he 2025 Sha mrock Awa rd will be forma lly presented at the 145th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet,

held on March 14, 2025, at the South Boston Convention Center. The event ser ves as an opportunity to honor individuals who have made sig n i f ic a nt c ont r ibut ion s to t he communit y a nd supported local initiatives.

“Brian Yanovitch and Kelly Coyne Conroy are exemplary figures in South Boston, embody i ng t he strength and care that make our neighborhood so special,” said Tom McGrath, President of the South Boston Citizens’ Association. “Their dedication to local causes and their self less efforts have had a profound impact, inspiring others to get involved as well. We’re honored to present them with the 2025 Continued on Page 5

2025 Unsung Heroes: Dave Pogorelc, Jimmy Allen, Marie Blasi, Kyle Holmes.

by Rick Winterson

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he South Boston Citizens’ Association (the SBCA), led by its President Tom McGrath, held the SBCA’s annual Henry Knox Breakfast at Seapoint. As always, the Breakfast’s key activity was four Henry Knox Unsung Heroes

Awards to a quartet of truly worthy, hardworking individuals – individuals who have benefited South Boston in countless ways, without giving any thought to being recognized for their contributions to “The Ol’ Hometown”.

The four recipients of the SBCA’s 2025 Unsung Hero Awards Continued on Page 2

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Councilor Flynn Calls for City and Boston Police Oversight for TNCs (Uber/Lyft)

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t this week’s Boston City Council meeting, Councilor Ed Flynn filed an order for a hearing to discuss the regulation on Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) by the City of Boston and the Boston Police Department (BPD), following an alleged sexual assault on a young woman in a rideshare last week in South Boston.

Although TNCs are currently regulated at the state level under the MA Department of Public Utilities, Councilor Flynn called

for the City of Boston and Boston Police Department to provide oversight at the municipal level, including a personal registration and fee to operate, fingerprinting, and an extensive background check.

Discussions on prohibiting outof-state operators is warranted, as well as TNCs being placed under the purview of Boston Police similar to taxis with the Boston Police Hackney Carriage Unit.

Moreover, Councilor Flynn also filed a records request (17F) for the City Council meeting to seek data from the city on TNC drivers arrested by Boston Police since 2014, drivers re-arrested since 2014, the number of outof-state operators, and how many were arrested by other police jurisdictions. In addition, Councilor Flynn wrote to Mayor Wu and Commissioner

Cox requesting this increased ove r s i g ht on r id e s h a r e s .

Councilor Flynn previously called for and held a hearing on TNCs like Uber and Lyft in 2019 due to concerns on public and pedestrian safety, as well as the impact on congestion w it h B os ton c on si s tent ly rated among the worst cities for traff ic in the countr y.

C u r r e n t l y, while Massachusetts requires a twostep background check for those who want to drive for a rideshare company, there is no requirement for rideshare drivers to undergo fingerprinting or to register with the City of Boston.

In New York City, rideshare drivers are required by the City and the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to submit their fingerprints in addition to background checks. The Boston Police Department includes the Hackney Carriage Unit, which oversees taxi cabs in the city, and provides a precedent for BPD to play a larger role in regulating public safet y issues regarding rideshares.

According to data from Ma ss.gov, in 2019, T NCs provided 91.1 million rides in Massachusetts, of which 45.3 million rides originated in Boston (124,110 per day). While the industry was negatively impacted during the pandemic, rideshares are back on the rise. In 2021, 18.3 million rides originated from Boston (50,137 per day), with 13 million rides being local trips.

On traffic congestion, a 2018 report from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council estimated that 59% of all ridesharing trips are adding additiona l vehicles on our region’s streets.

It is worthwhile to discuss prohibiting out-of-state operators from ridesharing in the City of Boston due to their negative impact on our existing traffic

crisis, consistently rated among the worst in the country, and posing additional pedestrian safety challenges. The lack of designated TNC pick up and drop off areas, or adherence to them, often results in vehicles pulling over in the middle of the street, heightening the safety risks for all on our roads due to blocked travel lanes. TNC drivers are often unfamiliar with the neighborhoods of Boston, and residents often report speeding on our streets.

“Given the serious and continued public safety incidents over the years involving TNCs, as well as the sheer volume that operate in Boston, there needs to be City of Boston and Boston Police oversight for rideshares - with a personal registration, fingerprinting, and background check. Taxis have been under the purview of Boston Police for decades. Rideshares should be no different,” said Councilor F l y n n .“A l l e g e d incident s of sexua l assault involving rideshares are deeply unsettling for residents across Boston. In addition, it is worthwhile to discuss prohibiting out-of-state operators, as well as the impact that unlimited TNCs have on traffic and our roads with tens of thousands of trips per day.”

For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @ B o s t o n . g o v.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM Continued from Page 1

Unsung Heroes are Dave Pogorelc, Jimmy Allen, Maria Giazi Blasi, and Kyle Holmes.

Dave is the Founder and CEO of CORE Investments. CORE’s major project is the massive development along the west side of Dorchester Avenue. Dave is also a partner in the Washington Village development on Old Colony Avenue. He supports the archives of our local Historical Society, contributes to countless local non-profit organizations, and established Cannonball Café, a popular stop on Dot Ave. that’s named for Henry Knox’s mission in America’s Revolutionary War.

Jimmy owns South Boston Sign and he’s a 40-year member of the Pipefitters Local 537. He is a dedicated family man, who has managed his sign business for 30 years. He donates signage, labor, and materials to numerous nonprofits, such as the McDonough Sailing Program, South Boston Pop Warner, Youth Hockey, and many charitable golf tournaments. Look for Jimmy’s bucket truck hanging informative signage everywhere.

Maria is a first-generation American citizen who had Greek and Albanian parents. She and her husband Kenny raised four children, all of whom attended St. Peter Academy where Maria served

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as a Teacher’s Aide. Since 2010, she has assumed key roles in the school’s student tours and development.

After her husband Kenny died, she became the sole owner of Blasi’s Kitchen & Bar in Dorchester and she is still committed to many significant community causes.

Kyle, who has lived in Southie all his life, is a Boston Police Officer.

He and his wife Brenda have three children and are expecting another very soon. Kyle spends a lot of his spare time coaching the CYO at Gate of Heaven, Youth Hockey, and Kicks for Kids, which is flag football that’s a great favorite with South Boston athletic young people.

He also supports South Boston

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Special Kids, especially at their yearly Variety Show. And Kyle is certainly a dedicated Police Officer.

We should also be grateful to Tom Connolly, who donated his Seaport facility last Saturday morning. Marissa Walsh of Deja Brew on East Broadway created the buffet breakfast. Curragh’s Fancy performed international music – Irish, Scottish, and even West Virginian. Event sponsors included Liberty Credit Union, ComCast NBC Universa l, and Mass Bay Credit Union.

And last Saturday, March 1, 2025, Tommy McGrath, four Unsung Heroes, and the SBCA did it again!

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It's t at time o Pease ozn The South Boston Citizens' Association ''The Nations Oldest Neighborhood Civic Organization''

Thomas E. McGrath, President

Tommy_ and Eddie Butler Senior Salute Where: Curley Community Center 1663 Columbia Rd., South Boston, MA02127

When: Saturday, March 9th, 2024, 11AM Over All pick-ups 10:30 AM Contact Tyissha Jones-Horner -617-635-4366 Music by Mike Reynolds

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249th Annual Evacuation Day Events Tom & Eddie Butler St. Patrick’s Senior Salute Saturday, March 8th Curley Community Center 11 am to 1pm 21+ Pop Lynch-Bowl-A-Rama Sunday, March 9th South Boston Bowl 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND

May_or Michelle Wu and SBCA

The Swimming Competition Tuesday, March 11th Boys and Girls Club Pool Registration 6:00 PM, Meet 6:30 PM

Mayor Michelle Wu, Michael Flaherty, The Butler Family, Joyce Biele, Mary Collins and Kathy Flynn

Ice-O-Rama Wednesday, March 12th Murphy Rink, Day Boulevard - 6:00 PM

So.onsored by_

Kick-Ball Competition Condon School Gym Thursday, March 13th 4 PM-6 PM Boxing Tournament Saturday, March 8th &15th Sanctioned by USA Boxing Sponsored by Peter Welch’s Gym Noon - Doors open at 11:30 am St. Patrick’s Day Road Race Sunday, March 16th Proceeds Benefit South Boston Boys & Girls Club PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED 617-516-5441 Race begins at 9:30 AM at the Club Evacuation Day Memorial Mass Monday, March 17th 9:00 AM Memorial/Historical Exercises Monday, March 17th Boys and Girls Club Auditorium - 10:15 AM Essay & Poster Competition Winners

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM Continued from Page 1

Shamrock Awards Shamrock Award to recognize t hei r on g oi n g p o sit ive inf luence in our community.”

Brian Ya n o v i t c h, a lifelong South Boston resident, has devoted his life to community service. Married to Diane Benoit Yanovitch for 35 years, they have two sons, Brian Jr. and Joseph, as well as two grandchildren.

Brian’s involvement in the community spans decades; he coached South Boston Little League for 15 years and South Boston Youth Hockey for 10 years. He also played in the Yawkey League for 10 years and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.

As a member of the Laborers Union for 28 years, Brian has contributed to numerous local causes, including Might y Quinn, South Boston Special K ids and Young Adults, and L Street Brownies. His leadership in the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade and participation in fundraising events at Cape Cod Irish Village further highlight his dedication to the community.

Kelly Coyne Conroy, also a South Boston native, will be honored for her remarkable contributions to the community. A graduate of Cardinal Cushing High School, Kelly and her husband John Conroy have three children: Jack, a West Point

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graduate; Caroline, a senior at Curry College; and Nolan, a sophomore at Virginia Tech. Kelly and her family founded Adopt a Platoon – Southie Style after being inspired by Jack’s passion for the military. What began as a small initiative to support one platoon has grown into a communit y-wide effort, sending over 800 care packages to military personnel in more than 10 countries since 2021.

Through community events, raff les, and partnerships with local schools, Kelly’s work has fostered a sense of patriotism a nd generosit y, a nd her ongoing support of military personnel ref lects the core values of the Shamrock Award.

The James M. “Jimmy”

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K e l l y/ M a r g a r e t “Pe g g y ” Flaherty Shamrock Award is given annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others through volunteerism and community service. This year’s recipients, Brian Yanovitch and Kelly C oy ne C onroy, embody the spirit of generosit y, self lessness, and community that the award represents.

South Boston Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Route Sunday, March 16th, Starting at Broadway Station at 11:30

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Councilor Flynn to hold a Hearing on a New South Boston Library

n Monday, March 24, City Councilor Ed Flynn will hold a hearing before the Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology to discuss the status of the South Boston Branch Library Study, which was the first formal step toward redevelopment of the library. The South Boston Branch Library Study has been marked as “to be scheduled” since first appearing in the FY 2022 Capital Plan as a New Project. Including this upcoming fiscal year, the project will have been on the City’s Capital Plan Budget for four years.

Since 2022, the City of Boston has allocated $250,000 in the Capital Plan for a South Boston Branch Library Study to conduct a facility assessment and develop a building program

that ref lects the BPL’s Compass Principles and supports the needs of the neighborhood. This Study would then contribute towards the design and construction of a new branch library in South Boston to meet the growing needs of t he communit y.

It has long been a goal of Councilor Flynn to have updated and state of the art basic

city services and public safety facilities throughout South Boston. A new and updated South Boston Branch Library would follow other significant investments in recent years including the Boston Centers for Youth and Families Curley Community Center (nearly $31 million), along with Capital Budget funding in place for a

new EMS Station ($13 million) and Boston Fire Department ($4 million) so far - both to be located in the South Boston Waterfront.

“The South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library provides a space for learning, access to critical sources of information, and educational resources for residents in the South Boston neighborhood,” said Councilor Flynn. “South Boston residents deserve a new South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library. It is appropriate for the community to receive an update on the status and timelines associated with this important project.”

For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @ B o s t o n . g o v.

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MBTA Gears Up for South Boston’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Celebration with Increased Service, Staff, and Safety Measures Alcohol consumption and/or unruly behavior will not be tolerated on the MBTA

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he MBTA is preparing for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities in South Boston on Sunday, March 16, 2025. With nearly a million people expected to attend the parade, the MBTA is implementing several measures to accommodate the increased ridership and to remind the riding public what everyone can do to help maintain a safe and familyfriendly environment. Riders are encouraged to check out the MBTA’s St. Patrick’s Day Guide for information on taking the T to the parade, how to pay fares, and more at mbta.com/StPatricksDay. “The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday responsibly and remain vigilant—if you see something, say something. We want everyone to enjoy the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities while being mindful of fellow travelers and lending a helping hand to those needing d irec t ions or a ssist a nc e.”

“The MBTA takes great pride as we continue to improve daily service and increase service options every year so everyone can enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and all the festivities,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Public transit services are essential, allowing everyone alternative ways to safely travel and celebrate. I thank our dedicated employees who ensure that our riders get to their destinations every day. Leave the driving to us and use caution when traversing the system as we all celebrate St. Patrick ’s Day together.”

Additional Service and Bus Route Detours To manage anticipated

peak ridership and minimize platform congestion, the MBTA w il l strategic a l ly position additional personnel throughout the system to manage crowding, assist with passenger f low, and ensure a safe environment. The MBTA encourages all riders to be mindful while using escalators and navigating stairs during periods of heavy foot traffic.

Service information is available at mbta.com /StPatrick sDay.

Shuttle Bus: The MBTA will provide free shuttle bus service from South Station to South Boston between 9:30 AM and 5 PM on the day of the parade.

Red Line: The Red Line will operate rush hour service from 10 AM to 6 PM. Trains may bypass Broadway during certain times due to heavy crowds.

Bus Detours: Routes 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 47 will be detoured around the parade area. Buses will not stop at Broadway beginning at 9:45 AM or Andrew beginning at 10:15 AM.

Commuter Rail: Commuter Rail trains will run with additional cars to accommodate parade attendees. Additional customer service and management staff will be available at South Station to answer any questions and assist customers. More information about Commuter Rail service on the day of the parade will be available soon on mbta.com/StPatricksDay. $10 Weekend Passes are valid for unlimited travel on all Commuter Rail lines in all zones on Saturday and Sunday. Riders are encouraged to buy them in advance with the mTicket app.

“Our MBTA has seen so many improvements over the past year.

Let’s all enjoy the service, and the City, by celebrating responsibly and discouraging behavior that could damage our property or

disrupt the transit system,” said Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan. “By working together and respecting our shared public spaces, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”

“For the St. Patrick’s Day parade, our top priority at Keolis is to get passengers to and from the festivities safely and reliably,” said Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis Commuter Services. “We expect high ridership and encourage our riders to plan ahead and expect longer boarding lines, especially at South Station.

I’d like to thank our crews for their hard work and dedication to delivering for our passengers on March 16 and every day.”

Enhanced Security Measures & Safety Tips for Riders The MBTA Transit Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Kenneth Green, will significantly increase uniformed officer presence throughout the system to deter crime and to respond swiftly to any incidents.

“We will be working closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure a secure environment for everyone who uses our public transit system,” said Chief Green. “We want everyone to remember, St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, and it’s essential to prioritize safety and responsible behavior.”

The MBTA urges riders to celebrate responsibly, leave their vehicles at home, take public

transportation to festivities, and follow these safety tips: A lcohol consumption and/or unruly behavior will not be tolerated on the MBTA. Secure personal belongings, especially in crowded areas. If wearing a backpack, remove it and hold it at your side or set it between your feet. Leave large items like coolers at home.

L et riders of f t he trains before you board.

Travel on the T without bikes.

Bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on the MBTA at any time the day of the parade.

Report any suspicious activity or individuals in distress to the nearest police officer, call the Transit Police at 617-222-1212, or dial 911.

Download the MBTA See Say App to quickly and discreetly report suspicious activity to Transit Police.

Using this app, riders can send Transit Police pictures, text messages, and locations of suspicious activity.

Follow the instructions of MBTA Transit Police officers and staff who are there to ensure everyone’s safety.

Take care of yourself and others. Seek medical attention when necessar y.

The MBTA is stressing the importance of celebrating responsibly on public transit.

Vandalism and disorderly conduct can create safety hazards, delays, and additional cleaning costs, which can divert valuable resources away from essential maintenance services and improvements that benefit all riders.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Senator Nick Collins Re-Appointed Chairman of State Administration & Regulatory Oversight

Will serve as Vice Chair of Post Audit & Economic Development Committees

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enator Nick Collins has been appointed by the Senate President to a series of inf luential leadership

roles for the 194th Legislative Session, notably as Chairman of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (SARO). The SARO Committee is ta sked with overseeing critic a l mat ters such as competitive bidding on public contracts, public construction, open meeting laws, state regulations, state agencies, lobbyists’ reporting laws, public records and other related issues.

This appointment aligns with Senator Collins’ commitment to ensu ring t ra nspa renc y, efficiency, and accountability in state government operations.

In addition, Senator Collins will serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight, where he will help oversee the development and implementation of legislative

Virtual Public Meeting MAR

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auditing programs, with a focus on performance auditing. He will also serve as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Te c h nolo g i e s , p o s it i on i n g him to help drive innovation and economic growth policy across the Commonwea lth.

Collins will also sit on the Joint Committees on Ways a nd Mea ns, Vetera ns a nd Federal Affairs, Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Recovery, and Community Development and Small Businesses, broadening his impact on key issues affecting Ma ssachu set t s re sident s.

Additiona lly, he ser ves on the Senate Committees on Bills in the Third Reading as well as Ways and Means.

“Senator Collins’ passion and insightful think ing is

invaluable in the Senate, and I am proud to again appoint him to Chair the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulator y Oversight,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka.

“I am thankful to him for his service, and I look forward to him continuing the important work of the committee at a moment when building trust in government has never been more important.”

“I’m honored to serve again as Chair for this ever-important C om m it tee,” sa id Senator Collins. “This role is about ensuring our state government works eff iciently and fairly for everyone. I am also eager to get to work contributing to economic de velopment, oversight, the well-being of our citizens, especially our veterans and the sma ll businesses.”

Dr. Joo Speaks at South Boston Branch Library

460 WEST BROADWAY Register: bosplans.org/460WB-0311 Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 418 0694

PROJECT PROPONENT: The Cedarwood Group DESCRIPTION: The City Planning Department is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss the recently filed Small Project Review Application for 460 West Broadway in South Boston. The proposed Project includes the adaptive re-use of vacant former bank building, with a commercial and residential addition, up to six stories; new occupancy to include courtroom and offices/support space for use by the Trial Court of Commonwealth, and twenty-six dwelling units; with 20 garage parking spaces for court and residential use. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the proposed project.

The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the Task Force and the public.

Mail to: Nick Carter Planning Department One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 Phone: 617.935. 5303 Email: nick.carter@boston.gov BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Website: bosplans.org/460-west-broadway Close of Public Comment Period: 3/17/2025 Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Dr. Jin Hui Joo practices Geriatric Psychiatry at Mass. General.

With her assistant Kristina Brackpool, she delivered a talk called “Maintain and Sustain: Brain Health and Independence” at South Boston’s Branch Library last Thursday, February 27.

Her talk was a guided discussion on memory, independence, and health as we age. She gave out information contact sheets about volunteering for age-related research studies on memory, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive impairment. These studies include PeersCOG at (617)724-8343, and MADRC at (617)278-0600 or www.MADRC.org.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

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“Our Town” Debuts at Fourth

by Rick Winterson

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t was played last weekend at South Boston’s Fourth Presbyterian Church. So we checked. We could find no prior record of it ever being performed in South Boston. Ever! So we’ll call last weekend’s live performances

of “Our Town”, Thornton Wilder’s classic play, a debut, a really original, local debut. Directed by the Fourth’s Lauren Basler, performed by 27 Fourth Church actors and actresses, and staged by backstage people in the Fourth Church’s sanctuary, the congregation presented what is perhaps the best of Wilder’s

works. The best he ever created!

“Our Town” is the quintessential 20th Century play.

The play’s fictional locale is a small town named Grover’s Corners, which Wilder modeled upon the real town of Peterborough, New Hampshire. “Our Town” seems to be heading into tragedy but

climaxes with redemption. And above all, it climaxes quietly and movingly. From the opening scene, to the “ladder scene”, through the marriage, to the final gathering at the Grover’s Corners cemetery, “Our Town” carries the audience along and lifelong. It’s divinely earthbound and forever eternal.

Free Throw Contest

Mayor Ray Flynn and Councilor Ed Flynn were at the Tynan School this week for the St Patrick’s Day Basketball Free Throw Contest. They shared the importance of having young girls participate in youth sports and working together as a team.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Thank you Firefighters Martin and Matthew Mullen

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outh Boston Catholic Academy welcomed some very special visitors, Firefighters Martin and Matthew Mullen. They brought along some of their dear friends, who are also Firefighters to talk with, to answer questions and to give some words of encouragement to the students at SBCA. Their message included, to always stay focused, to do your best and to follow your dreams.

Father Casey, our Pastor, began the visit with a special prayer followed by the SBCA Children’s Choir wonderfully singing “The Irish Blessing”.

The students were so very happy to see them and had many great questions for them about what it is like to be a

firefighter. We thanked them for their service and bravery along with all the other Firefighters and First Responders in LA! South Boston and SBCA is proud of you!

Martin and Matthew growup in South Boston and were baptized at Gate of Heaven Church. Father Casey, even presented them with a copy of their Baptismal Certificates.

They attended St. Augustine’s Elementary School. As children they dreamed of being a firefighter and as you can see their dream came true! They currently are with the Los Angeles Fire Department. They thanked the students and everyone at South Boston Catholic Academy for the check that they received. The students had a Tag Day, organized

by our Student Council, and were able to raise $5,000 for the families affected by the recent LA fires. Martin and Matthew thanked Father Casey, Dr. Civian, our Principal, and all

the students, families, faculty and staff at SBCA for their kindness and generosity. It was indeed a special and great event for all! God Bless ALL Firefighters and ALL First Responders!

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Rep. Biele Appointed Vice Chair Of Financial Services Also assigned to key legislative committees on Ways and Means, Aging and Independence, and Emergency Preparedness

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tate Representative David Biele (D-Boston) was appointed to four key legislative committees in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the current two-year session of the Ma ssachu set t s L egislat u re, the 194th General Court.

Rep. Biele, currently in his fourth term, was named Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Financial Services which considers all matters concerning banks, banking institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, insurance, including motor vehicle insurance, small loans, and such other matters as may be referred.

Additionally, Rep. Biele was appointed as a member to three key legislative committees: Joint Committee on Ways and Means, which examines matters relating to the finances of the Commonwealth and such other matters as may be referred thereto. Each year, the Committee on Ways and Means helps craft and develop the state budget; Joint Committee on Aging and Independence (Elder Affairs), which examines all matters concerning the elderly, nursing facilities, prescription drugs, reverse mortgages, senior pharmacy and such other matters as may be referred; and House Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management, an oversight and advisory committee, which monitors and investigates issues related emergency response and recovery. The committee may report, from time to time, with recommendations for legislative action,

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strategies, and innovations, based on the review of information or on the findings of investigations, to address emergency response needs and the safe recovery for all residents of the Commonwealth.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of Financial Services and grateful for the opportunity to service on the Committees on Ways and Means, Elder Affairs, and Emergency Preparedness.

I look forward to the working at the committee level on issues impacting our community and our Commonwealth while make a positive impact for our residents. I am grateful to Speaker Ronald Mariano for selecting me to serve on these committees and for the support of my colleagues in confirming these assignments,” said Rep. Biele. “I want to especially thank the residents of the 4th Suffolk District for placing your trust and confidence in me and for the honor and privilege of representing our neighborhoods in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.”

In addition to committee assignments, Rep. Biele serves as Chair

of the Boston Delegation at the State House, after being elected by the State Representatives and State Senators representing the City of Boston.

Rep. Biele also serves as a Commissioner on the Metropolitan Beaches Commission, charged with reviewing the state of public beaches, including beaches in South Boston, and developing recommendations to protect those beaches while increasing public access and enjoyment. He is also a member of the Coastal Caucus and the Polish Caucus.

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ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL LICENSING HEARINGS Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.

368 W Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 3/20/2025 Project Description: Change Occupancy to include Community Center

457 to 469A W Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 4/8/2025 Project Description: Full Interior Fit out 457 469A West Broadway to build Anna’s Taqueria Restaurant With Takeout Space is currently vacant Use conditional so ZBA required Operating Hours 10AM 10PM 7 days No Alcohol

5 Lark ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 4/8/2025 Project Description: Demolish an existing house construct new four story building with three dwelling units as shown on drawings off street parking spaces zero setback roof deck removed from project

36 to 42 W Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 4/8/2025 Project Description: Confirm occupancy light manufacture on second floor 36 West Broadway 3rd current use Yoga Studio proposed professional Office

674 to 676 E Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1658178 Hearing Date 4/8/2025 Project Description: Change occupancy from restaurant one residential units to three

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68 F ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 4/17/2025 Project Description: Change occupancy from one to two family dwelling. No changes to exterior building

401 W Fourth ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 4/17/2025 Project Description: Renovation addition to 3 story single family dwelling

ABUTTER’S MEETINGS Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.

51 Sleeper St Proposal: “Little Wolf Coffee” seeking new common victuallers license Time: Mar 20, 2025 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84201918779 Meeting ID: 842 0191 8779

469 W Third St (NEW) Proposal: Erect new single family building with 2 off street garage parking spots Time: Mar 26, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86384601733 Meeting ID: 863 8460 1733

562 E Fifth St (NEW) Proposal: Change of occupancy to 6 unit dwelling. Renovating and adding to an existing single family to become a multi-family building. Scope includes demolition of rear portion of building to provide a new 4-story addition. Upgrades to life safety, fully sprinklered & alarmed, without an elevator.

Time: Mar 26, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81062360713 Meeting ID: 810 6236 0713

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