THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
S
Men of “Leisure”
Control Your Dog
outh Boston Online has received many complaints regarding dog owners not following the rules in South Boston. The reopening of so many places to dine and drink outdoors is certainly good news, especially when outdoor (“al fresco”) dining is one of the attractions. But, some patrons are bringing their dogs into the outside eating areas that have opened up March 22. That is simply against the law, and the owners of these eating areas are legally obliged to ask you to leave. Even if the restaurants call their outdoor areas “patios”, bringing dogs into any eating area is forbidden (except for service dogs). Furthermore, many patrons are now bringing dogs into indoor take-out and pick-up locations. Sorry, but that’s also illegal, even if the dogs are leashed. The excuses that the dog is well-trained or a “cute little puppy I have to carry” simply won’t work. Tie up your
REAL SAVINGS!
dog outside, or, leave it at home. There also seems to be an increasing tendency by dog owners to unleash their dogs outdoors, and then let them roam around Boston’s public parks and playgrounds. The ordinance about this is very clear – if you take your dog off your own property and onto the City of Boston’s public parks, streets, sidewalks, or playgrounds for any reason, the dog must be leashed at all times. There are dog parks at the west end of Thomas Butler Park on First Street, and also on Columbia Road next to the pumping station. The Dorchester Heights Monument isn’t on City of Boston property. But everywhere else, dog leashes are required. No exceptions! Especially on playgrounds where children play. Please be a good neighbor – always keep your dog on a leash when you take it out, and don’t bring it into places where dogs are forbidden to go.
Chris Yang and Christine Crevier
By Ginger DeShaney
Men of Southie, get ready to shop!
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ower couple Christine Crevier and Chris Yang, managing partners and co-founders of Luxe Leisure, knew there was a real need for a men’s clothing shop in the neighborhood. In chatting with customers and neighbors, it was apparent something was missing.
So they opened a men’s boutique connected to their women’s shop at 553 E. Broadway. “A lot of men didn’t have the option to shop [in Southie],” said Chris. “There were no local boutiques. People are super excited to see we are offering a more rounded assortment for families.” “Women are super excited, too,” Christine added. “We are filling a void.” The men’s shop had a soft opening on Saturday, April 3, with the grand opening slated for Saturday, Continued on Page 6
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THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
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ou are aware that vaccines seem to be working very well, as the pace of administering them here in the U.S. rises into millions of doses per day. Even though most vaccines require two shots to get to their full strength, that is still very encouraging news. But we are just now turning a corner. More time and just as many precautions have to be taken for a while longer – and we aren’t even sure just how long that might be. Furthermore, there have been small but significant increases in COVID19 case numbers in many states across our nation, including here in Massachusetts. We must be very careful over the next few months. And unemployment figures,
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Food Is Still Needed although they are dropping, are still hovering around an uncomfortably high 6% or more. Many of our neighbors are out of work. Some of our fellow citizens, and their children as well, are going hungry. So we encourage you to support our local food drives and food banks. Select a food bank yourself. As far as South Boston Online is concerned, they are all doing good work. If you want to keep it local to South Boston, many of our churches and many of our non-profit agencies are operating local food banks. They’re doing an excellent job at a very low cost per meal provided, because they are all run as volunteer efforts. There really is no excuse for us to let people, especially children, go
hungry. Even with the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, we are still the richest, most welloff nation the world has ever seen. A few extra dollars from you will provide enough nourishing food for several meals to someone who has nowhere else to turn. The weather is getting mild
again, the economy is recovering, and the vaccines seem to be working (very well!), so take a deep breath and go for a walk outdoors. Then decide how much you can do to make sure that your fellow human beings have enough nourishing food. Thanks in advance.
Councilors Flynn, Bok, and Edwards Call for Hearing on the Status and Enforcement of Short Term Rental Regulations
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oston City Councilors Ed Flynn, Kenzie Bok, and Lydia Edwards are calling for a hearing this week regarding the status and the enforcement of the Short Term Rental Ordinance passed in 2018. The hearing order follows a decision at the Zoning Board of Appeal last week, opposed by both Councilors Flynn and Bok, in which relief was granted for Sonder to convert 26 units to Executive Suites on Batterymarch St. This decision runs contrary to the spirit of the 2018 ordinance, which sought to remove non-owner occupied properties, Investor Units and large corporate operators from participating in short term rental activity due to their impact on Boston’s housing stock, rental market, and quality of life issues they presented in our neighborhoods. In 2019, a hearing from Councilors Flynn and Edwards on the implementation of the ordinance specifically raised these concerns, of both the Councilors and civic organizations across the city, that large corporations could potentially continue operating
short term rentals in the same manner under the guise of Executive Suites. The Councilors seek to discuss this critical issue and other concerns that exist regarding enforcement of the ordinance, the eligibility criteria and screening process, and the removal of Investor Units. Passed in June of 2018, the ordinance regulates short term rentals on platforms, such as Airbnb. Only units that are owner-occupied are eligible for short term rentals. The ordinance would also require short term rentals operators to register their units, apply for a license yearly, and notify the abutters. Currently, Executive Suites are exempt from the ordinance a nd re sident s , a dvo c ate s and civic organizations have expressed concerns that large corporations will continue to operate their units by pursuing these conversions. Last week ’s decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals included a large, corporate operator who had similar proposa ls elsewhere Downtown and in the South
End. This decision has raised concerns from civic organizations and housing advocates that commercial operators will now seek to exploit Executive Suite conversions to once again run unregulated, de facto hotels, a nd ta k ing much needed units from our housing stock. “In t he midst of a n affordable housing crisis, and as we recover from both a pandemic and economic crisis, I find it wholly unconscionable and disappointing that the Zoning Board approved last week ’s proposal from a large, multinational corporation to convert 26 units to Executive Suites. It’s time for us to stand up for our values as a city. I voted to ban these large companies from operating these unregulated hotels because they take away precious housing stock, drive up the market, and present serious quality of life issues in every neighborhood,” said Councilor Flynn. “We must not let these large, corporate operators exploit any potentia l loopholes or circumvent regulations to take
away valuable housing stock. I look forward to having this discussion to ensure that our regulations are enforced and our neighborhoods are protected.” “As we have seen in the past few years in the downtown neighborhoods, if we don’t continue to take action against short-term renta ls, housing stock will be converted and residents will not actually live in our neighborhoods anymore,” added Councilor Bok. “We can’t allow an executive suite loophole to frustrate our efforts to pre s er ve muc h-ne e de d housing in our community.” “Both the current and previous ad ministrations supported the ordinance,” said Councilor E dwa rds. “W hy a re t hey now suppor ting workarounds and loopholes? It doesn’t benefit Boston and goes against the spirit and intent of t he ordina nce.” For more infor mation , pl ea se cont a ct C ou nc il or Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203, or at Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
More Life Sciences Coming to South Boston by Rick Winterson
F
or many years, Au Bon Pain, the well-known fast-casual dining and bakery chain, was headquartered here in South Boston, at 1 Au Bon Pain Way on the corner it forms with Fid Kennedy Avenue. However, the Au Bon Pain building has been closed for a while. Its location in South Boston’s Seaport District within the Flynn Marine Park is very desirable for a number of industries, so real estate developer Marcus Partners acquired the property. Marcus Partners intend to construct an eight-story building, mostly devoted to sophisticated laboratory space that will support Boston’s rapidly expanding life sciences resea rch a nd development efforts. The existing Au Bon Pain building will be demolished. Increasingly, South Boston
has become a favored location for the life sciences, from basic research and lab testing, to scale-up and manufacturing, to market development of hightech biological and medicinal products. Right now, DOT Labs is building a “tech + science campus” on Dorchester Avenue – “On the DOT!”. A number of technology firms have relocated into our Seaport District in recent years, VERTEX among them. Marcus Partners plans to begin approximately two years of construction early in 2022. They have assured the authorities that their new building will fit in with, and not interfere with, the basic Flynn Marine Park mission of marine-related industries. More to follow on this project, but it could become the source of very attractive local employment opportunities as technicians a nd laborator y a ssista nt s.
Increasingly, the life sciences are coming to South Boston, including a “campus” named DOT Labs on Dorchester Avenue. “On the Dot!”
The now-empty building (1 Au Bon Pain Way at Fid Kennedy Avenue) that once housed Au Bon Pain may be demolished and a life sciences R&D lab complex built in its place.
THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
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SEN. COLLINS, REP. BIELE CHAMPION ECONOMIC RECOVERY Legislature Passes $7 Billion Worker & Employer Benefit Package State Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele joined colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature in passing an important Unemployment Insurance bill, which will provide assistance to Commonwealth employers and employees. The bill authorizes $7 billion to stabilize the unemployment insurance system, establishes a paid sick leave program for COVID-19 emergencies, and reduces the size of premium increases employers contribute to fund the jobless benefits system. The bill also exempts PPP loans from state income taxes and creates tax credits for low-income families. “This important legislation will greatly benefit small businesses and their employees in the First Suffolk District and across the City and State,” said State Senator Nick Collins “As we prepare for an equitable economic recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is critical that we continue to support employees, small businesses, and residents.” “This bill will provide crucial relief and support to small businesses and workers negatively impacted by the economic effects of COVID-19,” said Rep. Biele. “I’m thankful to my colleagues in the Legislature for this important step and look forward to the work ahead to support our economy, our businesses and our workforce.” Senator Collins and Rep. Biele are also pushing for another piece of legislation that aims to provide essential workers with crucial protections and benefits. SD.1686 / HD.1794, An Act Relative to providing a COVID-19 retirement credit to essential public workers would provide public essential workers who were required to work in-person during the COVID-19 pandemics with a 3-year retirement credit. “Essential workers have put their lives and bodies on the line to guide the Commonwealth through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said Senator Nick Collins “This retirement credit would offer a meaningful compensation for the service of these courageous women and men.” “Across the Commonwealth, essential workers reported to work every day during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting their health and lives at risk to support our state and our communities,” said Rep. Biele. “This proposal recognizes their outstanding efforts in providing front-line and emergency support service during these unprecedented times.”
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THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Next Stop: Dartmouth Southie Sports Paved the Way for Adam Alto
By Ginger DeShaney
T
he wisdom Adam Alto gained from growing up in Southie will serve him well as he heads to the Ivy League’s Dartmouth College this fall. “I’ll definitely continue the work ethic that I’ve learned from Southie,” said Adam, who is a senior at Belmont Hill School. “There’s a lot of lessons that I’ve learned here -- not just through school but through sports, through being with my friends -- that I’ll bring there.” The son of Carrie and Peter Alto plans to make some close friends at Dartmouth. “It really helped me in Southie,” Adam said. “I’ve known the kids I play hockey with and the kids I’m really close friends with since before I can remember. That’s really helped me along the way. They’ve always been there, they’ve always had my back and I’ve always had their back, and I’m going to try to do that at Dartmouth, too.” Adam’s athletic career started in Southie way back when he was 5 years
old. He’s played hockey, baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. He played four years of football at Belmont Hill and still plays South Boston Youth Hockey. “No kids that I am friends with in Southie went to my high school,” Adam said. “The only real connection I had was through sports. So, I think that’s really allowed me to strengthen my connection with the town.” There are similarities between working hard in sports and working hard in school, said Adam, who has been involved in several projects over the years that have given back to the community -- including Boston to Belfast with his Southie hockey teammates that was part community service, part playing hockey. “Sports in Southie have definitely paved the road for me,” he said. Adam has learned a lot from Southie legends of earlier generations, such as Bobby McGarrell, who has been Adam’s South Boston Youth Hockey coach from Mites all the way through Midgets -- from age 8 to 18. Bobby has been in Adam’s corner from the beginning. One day Adam hopes to give back to the Southie community as much as Bobby has given back. Adam applied early decision to Dartmouth. After graduating from Belmont Hill School -- he currently has a 4.1 grade-point average -- Adam plans to study science, with a focus on research, or environmental studies at Dartmouth. His favorite classes in high school are science- and math-based. A biology class two years ago was his favorite all-time class. “It really put me on the track for scientific research.” Adam is one of only six students at his school in the Advanced Science Research (ASR) program, in which each student picks a lab and does research. Adam worked at MGH’s Department of Neurosurgery in Dr. Bob Carter’s lab. Even though Adam wasn’t able to go in person this year because of COVID-19, he worked virtually researching dysregulation of m6A methylation regulators in human cancers. Adam submitted his research to the Regeneron National Science Talent Search in which he looked at gene patterns in the brain as they
relate to certain kinds of cancers. “The stuff I did do was really rewarding; that’s why I want to do it in college,” he said. At Dartmouth, Adam will have lots of opportunities to continue with research, starting as a sophomore. “I’m definitely going to try to form some relationships with people who work in labs, like professors,” he said. Regarding environmental studies, Adam said, “I feel like I’ve always been pretty connected to nature.” Adam leads his school’s new Climate Change Club (another reason for his interest in environmental studies). Over this past year, he’s arranged for speakers to talk about global warming and climate change. “I’m also trying to make sustainability at my school better,” he said, noting the club has been focusing on school lunches. Because of COVID, the school has gone to box lunches, which produce a lot of waste, Adam said. The club has been working to reduce the box lunch waste. “We just removed plastic water bottles from the lunches and that’s really helped,” he said. “There used to be 500 water bottles every day. We fixed that and made a couple other changes surrounding lunches.” Adam is involved with student government. He’s been a senator for his grade throughout high school. “I’m kind of a representative for the people,” he said. Adam works during the summer at Pleasant Bay Community Boating on the Cape. He learned to sail at Harry McDonough Sailing Center at Castle
Adam Alto Island, starting at 8 years old. “I did that for a few years and I really started to like it,” he said. “I took that knowledge out to the Cape and I got a job there.” Adam is also into music, playing guitar and piano. He’s in the Rock Band at school (but he doesn’t sing). He may want to pursue music further in college. Why Dartmouth? “They have a reputation for really good academics,” he said, noting the rural location (Hanover, N.H.) was a big consideration, too. “I visited there a bunch and it has a really tight-knit community that I could clearly see when I went, more so than any other college. That was one of the biggest draws for me. I wanted to join that.” Adam plans to participate in intramural sports as well as the Dartmouth Outing Club, the biggest club on campus that organizes hiking in the mountains, river trips, and more. It’s going to be tough leaving home, he said. “I’ve got a lot of friends that I’m leaving behind … my family, obviously, the dogs.” But he’s very excited to graduate from high school. “I can’t wait to get the new chapter of my life started.”
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THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
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Boston’s Urban Forest Plan by Rick Winterson
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n important City of Boston program is due to begin soon. It is called “Boston’s Urban Forest Plan”, and it was approved by then Mayor Walsh, before it became certain that he would assume the position of Secretary of Labor in President Biden’s Cabinet. Consultants have already been selected to develop this Plan. Stoss Landscape Urbanism is a local landscape architecture firm; Urban Canopy Works is a forestry consultant who will co-lead the effort to develop Boston’s first Urban Forestry Plan. You may recall that Stoss oversaw the Moakley Park project survey two years ago. In addition to these two professional resources, Boston’s Urban Forest Plan will also be staffed by a community advisory group, a resident outreach committee, and an interdepartmental City group. Our voices will be heard and acted upon. They’ll be joined by experts from
other Boston firms and universities. Many neighborhoods in Boston have been impacted by environmental concerns, including South Boston, which has experienced air pollution and increased ocean flooding. The proper use of trees in urban neighborhoods like ours groups these trees into what are called “tree canopies”. Tree canopies have been proven to solve many urban problems by reducing air pollutants and improving drainage with their root structures. In addition, they are attractive scenic elements that may add to property values simply because they look good and provide shade in the summer. If you need another reason for an Urban Forest project, just remember last year during the COVID-19 resurgence. All of us were encouraged to step outside and go for healthy walks. All of our walking areas, including local green spaces, beach fronts, and tree-lined sidewalks, suddenly saw their use dramatically increased. Obviously, trees grow slowly, so any plan of this kind will be lengthy.
Locusts are budding on the Heights It’ll take about a year to develop the initial urban forest plan, which will then extend over 20 years. This plan will be tied in with the City of Boston’s 400th Anniversary in 2030 and the Climate Ready Boston strategic vision. The initial Plan is budgeted at $500,000; it will mean hiring a City Arborist. A thousand (1,000) more new trees will be added to the 1,000 plantings already budgeted, which will be focused on neighborhoods that now lack trees. But please be patient. Much of Boston’s tree canopy loss was caused by tree removal on private, residential, and institutional properties, not by cutting
them down in parks or public areas. We still have numerous locust trees along our streets and sidewalks in South Boston, with leaves that turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. There are many basswood trees in our green areas. Basswoods (known as lime trees in Europe) are also called American lindens - we have a Linden Street in South Boston named for them. The Urban Forest Plan and the tree canopies that will come from the Plan will be a very important part of the Climate Ready Boston vision. These canopies will contribute significantly to Boston’s and South Boston’s environmental “resilience” in the future.
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THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
Continued from Page 1
Men of “Leisure”
April 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. To decide on the fashions to offer men, Chris, family, and friends looked in their own closets for inspiration. “We got feedback on what they wanted to see,” Chris said. “There’s nothing worse than getting a brand that’s poor quality.” “We love to get feedback on what people like,” Christine said. “We want to make sure we provide what the customer wants.” Some of the men’s brands Luxe Leisure carries include Cuts, Rhone, Feat Collection, and Marine Layer. “These are brands people are excited about,” Chris said. As its name implies, the shop carries items ranging from athleisure to going out to casual loungewear. “You can take it from day to night,” Christine said. “It represents the vision we had for the company.” To that end, the men’s fashion offerings include T-shirts, shorts, hoodies, joggers, dress pants, and more. Lu xe L eisure will continuously rotate new brands to keep things fresh and exciting. While Luxe Leisure started as a women’s shop, Christine and Chris always had the dream to add men’s items. “We’ve wanted to do that for a while,” Christine said. So when the space right next to their shop became available, Chistine thought, “It would be amazing if we could take over that space and expand. It was time to take the next step.” The previous tenant had moved out right before COVID-19 hit and the space had been vacant for several months. So Christine and Chris talked
to the landlord, John Tunney, and got the space in February. The couple renovated the space to make it look more retail, hiring professionals when necessary. There are big windows letting in light. They installed track lighting, wallpaper, and wall racks. There’s a dressing room and a couch. The space is stylish and inviting, just like the women’s side. In addition to opening the men’s shop, Christine and Chris are expanding their women’s offerings to include footwear, accessories, sunglasses, and swimwear. Christine and Chris first launched Luxe Leisure in 2017 as an e-commerce shop, which is still active. They opened their brick and mortar shop on East Broadway in March 2018 after doing pop-ups around Boston to get a feel for the neighborhoods. “We lived in South Boston and had a special connection to Southie,” said Christine. Chris and Christine both hold full-time jobs outside of Luxe Leisure. Christine works in marketing for a company in the Seaport and Chris works in business development for the cannabis industry. How did they get into the fashion business? “Both of us have worked in retail and the fashion industry,” Christine said. “It’s long been a passion of ours. “We work 9-5, come home, eat dinner, then work on Luxe Leisure at night,” added Christine, who is the night owl of the couple, while Chris is the early riser. At first, Luxe Leisure was only open on weekends and by appointment. Once Christine and Chris brought on team members, they were able to be open full time. COVID, however, was a struggle, said Chris, noting they had to shut their doors for three months. “But we were blessed to have the support of the community.” “We’re in a great neighborhood that supports us,” Christine said. “We like this space. We like the relationships we’ve been able to build,” she said. “We talk to people and get to know them.” Follow Luxe Leisure Website: https://luxe-leisure. com/ Instagram: @luxe_leisure Email: Info@luxe-leisure.com
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THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
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2021 Easter Celebrated
The Stations of the Cross conclude at the Monument on the Heights
by Rick Winterson
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aster observances last for an entire three-day, 72-hour weekend, – from the Last Supper on Thursday evening when Jesus washed the feet of His Apostles, through His Crucifixion and death on Good Friday and the vigils on Holy Saturday, to Christ’s climactic Resurrection early Easter Sunday morning and His appearance to two of His Disciples in Emmaus late that afternoon. Here in South Boston, the COVID-19 pandemic still limited the in-person observances we could take part in this year, most notably the St. Brigid/Gate of Heaven Parish’s Sunrise Mass. That had to be deferred for the second year in a row, because the usual crowd of as many as a thousand worshippers was too likely to cause a contagion “hot spot”. Other
Fr. Peter Defazio and Rev. Burns Stanfield narrate the Fourth Station.
observances drew reduced crowds, or were necessarily done virtually. Even so, despite the subdued nature of these observances, they caught the essential Spirit of the 2021 Easter weekend. Although it was cool, the weather smiled a dry, sunny smile. The various religious services were quietly contemplative, partly due to the pandemic’s effect. But “Happy Easter” greetings cascaded all around South Boston’s churches and from their altars. And there was gratitude as well, as vaccinations continued to progress and were clearly effective. The Stations of the Cross were re-enacted at mid-day on Good Friday. Led by the Rev. Burns Stanfield of the Fourth Presbyterian Church and Fr. Peter DeFazio, the Pastor of the South Boston-Seaport Collaborative, about 30 gathered at St. Monica Church and proceeded on “The Way of the Cross”. The symbolic Cross was carried by various members of the procession. At stops on the way, the stories about all 14 Stations of the Cross were narrated – both in English and Spanish. The procession stopped at the Fourth Church, wound up Dorchester Street and through Old Colony, stopped again at Marian Manor, and ended up on Dorchester Heights. It was a centuries-old Medieval custom of duplicating, as closely as possible, the key events in the New Testament. In a way, our current custom of displaying the Holy Family in a stable at Christmas is very much the same thing. Easter Sunday morning saw a full complement of Easter Masses being said in St. Brigid and Gate of Heaven Churches, now parts of the unified St. Brigid of Kildare/Gate of Heaven Parishes. The altar in the Gate of Heaven Church, which is perhaps the single most beautiful building in all of South Boston, was strikingly decorated. Memorial Easter flower donations were centered around sky-blue and rose colored hydrangeas, along with masses of white Easter trumpet lilies. The Gate of Heaven’s ornate altar, nestled under the sunlit, multi-story, stained glass windows, was truly a glorious sight. The Readings were from the Acts, where Peter explained the Resurrection in his own words, “This
Fr. Boyle’s reading of the Gospel of St. John tells of Magdalene’s Easter morning visit to Christ’s grave, “He is gone!” Man God raised on the third day …”, and Paul’s Epistle telling of Christ’s appearances. Fr. Christopher Boyle delivered St. John’s Gospel story of Mary Magdalene visiting Jesus’s grave early Easter morning, only to find the stone rolled back, and Jesus gone. “He Is Risen.” A victory over death. The Mass continued with the Easter Credo, renouncing Satan and confirming beliefs contained in the Nicene Creed, followed by sprinkling holy water over the congregation. South Boston’s Easter observances were just one of many
millions taking place worldwide. Pope Francis prayed for an end to conflicts, calling them “scandalous”, and asked that vaccine supplies be shared worldwide. In the Archdiocese of Boston, priests compared vaccines to the virtue of hope. At a spaced, outdoor local Easter service, hatred and racism were referred to as “pandemics of their own”. In Monday’s Globe, Cardinal O’Malley was quoted as saying to his gathered congregation at Easter Mass, “It’s such a joy to see all of you here”, after last year’s lockdown.
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THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Catholic Academy News Grade 4A News
From Ms. Gibbs, the Grade 4A Teacher… Just like the students in grade 4B did with their Build a Wigwam Challenge, the students in 4A at South Boston Catholic Academy have been learning about the people and land of the Northeast region of the United States during our social studies time. To make the experience more interactive, students worked in small groups to create models of wigwams, the homes that the Narragansett group of Native Americans lived in. Students were provided pipe cleaners, twine, tape, playdough, and Popsicle sticks to work with and then were sent to work. The students were not given any instructions on how they should build the wigwams to add an extra challenge and creative element. The projects turned out great, and this was a fun way to combine social studies and science in our classroom! Fantastic job building your Wigwams Grade 4A.
Sprucing up Broadway!
D
onna Brown and Noah W h it e don ne d their gloves, grabbed their brooms and trash bags, loaded up the wagon, and hit West Broadway last Friday afternoon. Donna, the executive director of the South Boston Neighborhood
Development Corporation, and Noa h, an intern there, were doing their part to help Southie shine by participating in the South Boston Spring Spruce-Up. A s Donna wrote in her SBNDC invitation to loc a l bu si ne s s e s , nonprof it s , a nd residents, “It’s been a long winter, and South Boston’s sidewa lk s could use a little TLC, especially along Broadway! If we all spend just 15-30 minutes picking up litter and giving the sidewalks a sweep, we’ll head into [spring] look ing a nd feeling fresher.” Donna said her organization tries to do something before Love Your Block (formerly Boston Shines), the city’s cleanup effort. This year’s Love Your Block events will take place April 30, May 1, and May 15. Donna said the SBNDC may hold a few more Spring SpruceUps to get people to come out. “It’s a chance to do a little cleaning and get out of the office,” she said.
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City Golf Courses Open for 2021 Season
THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
Compass on the Bay Celebrates Italy with Food and Fun
Mayor Kim Janey has announced that the City of Boston’s two municipal golf courses are open for the 2021 season. The City owns and operates the William J. Devine Golf Course in Dorchester and the George Wright Golf Course in Hyde Park designed by Donald Ross. Both have received national accolades as must-play courses when golfing in the Boston area. Golfers can go to cityofbostongolf.com for tee times and rates. For updates, the City’s golf courses can be followed on Twitter @
FranklinParkGC and @GeorgeWrightGC Founded in 1938, the 18-hole par 70 Donald Ross-designed George Wright Golf Course is a hidden gem in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston open seven days a week through November. Contact PGA Professional Scott Allen at 617-364-2300 for more information. The second-oldest public golf course in America and part of the historic Emerald Necklace, the William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park in Dorchester offers a pleasant golf experience only minutes from downtown Boston and is open year-round, weather permitting. The outdoor patio features chairs, tables, and umbrellas with seating for up to 100 people. Contact PGA Professional Kevin Frawley at 617-265-4084 for more information. Under current public health guidelines the pro shop, restaurant, and bathrooms are all open, tee times are required in advance, masks are required unless you are seated at a table eating, all guests must observe distancing guidelines of six feet, and sanitation stations are provided throughout the clubhouse building.
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C
ompass on the Bay residents had a first class ticket for a trip to Italy as they explored the nation’s food and culture
from the comfort of home. The European getaway was part of the community’s Grab Your Passport program, which is an immersive program that allows residents to spend one or more days each month virtually traveling to another country to explore the history, art, music, sightseeing venues, and cuisine of that destination. For Italy, residents enjoyed making (and eating!) cannolis with an assortment of toppings including chocolate sprinkles, coconut flakes, and raspberry.
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THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Virtual Public Meeting
Jan Karski Way Extension Project Tuesday, April 27 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Massport is currently accepting applications for the following Scholarships:
Zoom Link: bit.ly/JKWPublicMeeting2 Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 652 9528
Project Proponent: Bass Realty LLC Project Description: The Proposed Project as described in the Supplemental Filing that the Proponent submitted to the BPDA on March 26, 2021, consists of the demolition of the existing structures which occupy an approximately 3.88-acre site fronting Boston Street and Enterprise Street in Dorchester and the construction of a mixed-use development that includes 403 residential units,14,665 square feet of retail space, on and off-street vehicle parking, new public open space, and public realm improvements. The development team is also seeking approval of a Development Plan for a Planned Development Area (PDA) in connection with the Proposed Project. mail to: Raul Duverge Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4492 email: raul.duverge@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period: 5/7/2021
BostonPlans.org
• Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship Awarded to a high school senior who resides and is involved in community service in South Boston, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. • Deborah Hadden Gray Memorial Scholarship Awarded to a high school senior who resides and is involved in community service or employment in the city of Boston, Chelsea, Revere or Winthrop, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. • Lowell L. Richards III Memorial Scholarship Awarded to a high school senior who resides and is involved in community service in the city of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, or Winthrop, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. • Diversity STEM Scholarship Awarded to high school seniors of color who reside or attend school in the city of Boston, Chelsea, Winthrop, Revere, Worcester, Bedford, Concord, Lexington, or Lincoln, and are involved in community service with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarship applications must be received by Massport no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021. For more information on these scholarships, including application checklist and criteria please visit www.massport.com
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
The Law Office of
Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law
Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
Virtual Public Meeting
Parcels O & P Wednesday, April 28 7:00 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/3uuOcZr Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 296 3999
Project Description: Virtual Public Meeting in connection with the Proposed Project on Parcels O & P in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park of the South Boston Waterfront, for which a Project Notification Form (“PNF”) was received by the BPDA on Friday, April 2nd. Please register in advance for this meeting using the meeting registration link provided below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
mail to: Aisling Kerr Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4212 email: aisling.kerr@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period: 5/3/2021
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
11
Mayor Janey Announces Applications for Youth Jobs
M
ayor Kim Janey today announced the opening of SuccessLink Summer Youth Job applications. SuccessLink is the City of Boston’s online tool that enables Boston youth to register for summer jobs. Applications are open on the City’s website now through May 9 for Boston teens aged 15 to 18. With the support of the Mayor’s Health Human Service (HHS) cabinet, the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment’s (DYEE) commitment to youth jobs remains steadfast in spite of the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will aim to provide 5,000 jobs to youth and young adults this summer across more than 170 nonprof it, communit y-based organizations and city agencies. “The SuccessLink Youth Summer Jobs program provides Boston’s youth with valuable skills and opportunities that will empower them and lead them to future success in the workforce,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “I encourage all Boston teens to apply for the program, as it will inspire personal growth and allow for a head start for future opportunities in t he work ing world.” In FY22 Mayor Janey will invest an additional $4.7 million in youth jobs, increasing the total budget to $12.5 million that translates to enriching youth jobs in organizations located in neighborhoods across the city to give youth early exposure to various career paths. In the summer of 2020, there was significant interest in the Learn and Earn Postsecondary Program. This engaged young people in college courses at partner institutions, such as Benjamin Franklin Institute, Bunker Hill Community College, Roxbury Community College, and Urban College of Boston, and provided career coaching to allow teens to earn their summer paycheck s. A considerable number of youth engaged in
virtual and hybrid projectbased learning in partnership with Northeastern University/ Practera and SuccessLink ’s peer-to-peer partnerships. The most involved investments and commitments came from local partner organizations. Nonprofits, community-based organizations, and city agencies designed creative approaches to host young people in internships and summer jobs. Like last s u m m e r, SuccessLink will continue to offer a combination of hybrid, virtual and in-person work experiences in a range of fields, including the arts, government and advocacy, STEM, sports and recreation, childcare, education, and more. In partnership with DYEE, the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development will continue the Learn and Earn Postsecondary program. Virtual experiential learning through project-based activities will also be offered, focusing efforts on providing jobs to vulnerable youth populations through the Massachusetts Commonwealth C o r p o r a t i o n YouthWorks partnership. This partnership ensures disadvantaged, vulnerable and youth with identified risk barriers have access to employment opportunities. As an additional youth leadership de velopment initiative, DYEE is collaborating with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement to further a Dreamers Fellowship i n it i a t i v e designed to enga ge immigra nt yout h. To further strengthen the Boston summer jobs program, DYEE has introduced a grant funding component for partner organizations as part of the SuccessLink Youth Employment Program. This new approach will provide selected grantees with an allocated number of youth positions, where the wages for the youth employees will be funded through a grant. The partner
organization will be responsible for managing the recruitment, hiring, and payroll process for youth participants. The goal of this revised service delivery model is to increase job placements and improve quality experiences for youth and non-profits who partner with the City of Boston to hire and create workforce development opportunities for young people. With the introduction of grant partnerships, there are two ways for youth to get connected to a SuccessLink job:SuccessLink Direct Jobs: Youth will be hired by the City of Boston through the traditional SuccessLink portal to work across various organizations SuccessLink Grant Jobs: Youth will be hired directly through the grant partners’ online application process. Because of this change, the DYEE youth jobs webpage has been redesigned to help young people navigate the application, onboarding, and hiring processes. This ensures that youth and families have access to the resources they need to effectively navigate the employment process. The SuccessLink Youth Employment Program is largely funded by the City of Boston and is designed not only to recruit and hire youth, but also to ensure that their employment experience
is engaging, meaningful, and serves as a building block for their professional development and personal success. DYEE also partners with a host of nonprofit organizations, city and quasicity agencies, as well as other key youth employment providers across the city, supported with outside additional resources, including Action for Boston Community Development, the Boston Private Industry Council, John Hancock’s MLK Scholars, Youth Options Unlimited, and the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, to provide meaningful employment opportunities to a collective 8,000 youth between the ages of 14-21. Youth interested in applying to DYEE’s SuccessLink Summer Job Program must meet the following requirements: Must be a full-time resident of the City of Boston Must turn 15 years old on or before September 1, 2021 Cannot turn 19 years old on or before September 1, 2021 Must be legally permitted to work in the United States For more information on DYEE’s summer employment program and additional youth resources, visit youth.boston.gov.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2021
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