SBOL_04_25_2024

SBTAP, Street Usage Update

by Rick Winterson

Two weeks ago, we covered a meeting that was organized by District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn at the Condon Community Center. The meeting took place, in-person originally scheduled by the City of Boston BPDA/BTD that had suddenly been cancelled. Flynn used his impromptu meeting to gather South Boston’s reactions to SBTAP (the “South Boston Transportation Action Plan”), which was being developed for South Boston by the BPDA/ BTD. The comments from those who attended Flynn’s meeting were almost uniformly negative.

Since then, South Boston Online has met with Councilor Flynn and his Chief of Staff Charlie Levin to further clarify the situation with SBTAP.

In this meeting, Councilor

Flynn once again stated his firm opposition to SBATP as proposed, which agrees with the opinions plainly expressed by residents of South Boston at Flynn’s previous in-person meeting. He enlarged upon one of his basic objections to SBTAP: Assigning lanes as recommended by BPDA/BTD would hinder emergency vehicles (fire engines, police cars, ambulances) in transit. He pointed out that East and West Broadway are already crowded at times, due to MBTA buses, trucks loading/ unloading, and ordinary shopping and commuting traffic. SBTAP could make this much worse in an emergency. It’s true that speeding occurs along Broadway and L Street/ Summer Street. Pedestrians are often endangered. Councilor Flynn recognizes this and he has advocated for lower speed

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A Run for the Tierney Center

One day after thousands of runners trekked 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to the Back Bay finish line, The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony hosted a shorter fun run involving runners who work for Beacon Communities, team members from the Tierney Learning Center (TLC), and kids from the community center

to show support for the Run for Tierney Boston Marathon team. The marathon team, consisting of Beacon team members, TLC staff, and TLC partners, will donate 100% of the money they raise to programs and services at the TLC that promote education, empowerment and self-sufficiency for families living at Old Colony.

“The inspiration for this fun run stems from a team of dedicated runners participating in the Boston Marathon on behalf of the Tierney Learning Center. We wanted the children to get a glimpse into the marathon atmosphere and foster enthusiasm as they observe the community’s support for the Tierney Learning Center,” said Jenn Boylan, Community Engagement Director of Program Implementation at Beacon Communities.

The Anne M. Lynch Homes

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limits, raised crosswalks, speed bumps, curb changes, and carefully placed crossing islands on what Councilor Flynn refers to as “high-traffic corridors”.

As significant as anything else regarding South Boston’s streets is their usage by our many small businesses along most of Broadway as well as on Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester Street, L Street, in our major squares, and (increasingly) on Old Colony. We have taken a look at Tremont Street in the South End, where significant lane assignments and parking restrictions have been put in place. This has severely damaged

several small businesses in that neighborhood. There are even small, red warning signs posted, which say, “For dropoff and pick-up only.” Could this become a future feature along South Boston’s streets?

Councilor Flynn questioned the lack of time taken by BPDA/ BTD to evaluate SBTAP’s effect on South Boston’s main concourses.

Much more input, studies, and community participation are needed before any changes to our major roadways are undertaken. South Boston is growing – many more people will soon be living here. The six-month pilot program on lane assignments along Summer Street won’t be finished until June 1, and then it will require

additional time to accurately evaluate. A realistic assessment of bikes and bike lanes in South Boston is also essential. Bikes have become quite popular except in bad weather and during cold spells. Even so, they still account for only a very small percentage of total travel in South Boston – less than 5%. How practical is it to set aside bike lanes on any of our existing streets?

We also need more time (and perhaps more funding) to properly enforce efficient use of our streets. Actual street hockey and curbside basketball goals might be past history, but marathons, such as the recent “26.TRUE”, need to be run more safely. We’ll close by repeating that a great deal more study and

Updates South Boston Online

analysis are needed before any street lanes in South Boston can be marked off for specific usages.

City Councilor Ed Flynn

Disibility Community Forum on May 1, 2024

Forum will serve as an opportunity for Boston residents with disabilities to connect with City services and departments and provide feedback on issues across Boston neighborhoods

Mayor Michelle Wu, the Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities and the Disability Advisory Board today announced that the City’s annual Disability Community Forum will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. The event is hybrid and will be held at Suffolk University Law School located at 120 Tremont St. Boston MA. The event is open to the public, with hybrid attendance options allowing participation both in person and on Zoom. Please visit boston.gov/disabilityforum if interested in attending.

“Boston’s Disability Community Forum is an important and critical opportunity for Boston residents with disabilities to build community, connect with city services and provide invaluable feedback on issues across the city’s neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we continue to build Boston into a city for everyone, I encourage everyone to attend this forum and help move us forward in our work to make our city more inclusive and accessible for all.”

“Boston’s Disability Community Forum is an incredible opportunity for city officials to listen to people with disabilities, and hear the priorities and ideas they have to make Boston more accessible and inclusive,” said the City of Boston Commissioner on Person with Disabilities and ADA Title II Coordinator, Kristen McCosh.

The hour and a half long event will open with a brief presentation from Commissioner McCosh of the Commission and Board’s Annual Report. The event will then open for public

comment and a Q&A session. The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for Boston residents with disabilities to share their feedback on and ask questions about City services. It is also a chance for City of Boston officials to learn from the disability community’s unique perspective. This event will be recorded

by the City of Boston’s Cable TV channel, and following the end of the event a video recording will be available to stream on the City’s YouTube channel, Xfinity channel 24, RCN channel 13, and Fios channel 962.

The Disability Community Forum is a once a year event, but the City of Boston Disabilities Commission office is open

Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and staff are available every day to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

To learn more about the Disability Community Forum, visit boston.gov, email disability@boston. gov or call the Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities at 617-635-3682.

After a strong urging of friends, supporters, and colleagues across Suffolk County, I am enthusiastically running for the Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court. I believe that, at this perilous moment for our democracy, the people of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop deserve an elected representative who will uphold the integrity and efficiency of the judicial process I will take an unwavering approach to ensuring that the court system's caseload is managed responsibly, that we uphold matters relating to Bar Admission and the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts effectively, and that the court handle interactions with state boards and agencies in a manner that effectuates the competent, productive operation of the people's government

As someone who grew up in Dorchester, raised her family here as a single mother, taught in the Boston Public Schools for more than two decades, and now serves all of the residents across the City of Boston as an At-Large City Councilor, I am prepared to take on this vital role. The residents of Suffolk County deserve someone in this office who is committed first to serving them and advocating for their rights before the law. I will bring to the clerkship the same work ethic that has marked my time on the Council. I have worked hard to represent residents in all corners of the city and will bring that same level of commitment and advocacy to all corners of Suffolk County.

Please Vote for me on September 3, 2024 To learn more please visit ErinforBoston com

Thank you, Erin!

By Carol Masshardt

It’s a new name and a new, but familiar owner, Jenna Spaudling, 33, in a reconfigured, but the same space as the popular Broadway Dog Spa. It is a time to congratulate former owner, Michelle McDonnell, who opened on December 16, 2005, and retired at the end of March, and to welcome into her new role, trusted groomer, Jenna.

Michelle set a standard for a work ethic and searched for talent over her years. “I can be a micromanager, I know that, but didn’t have to be with Jenna. She’s ready to take over.”

And Jenna has been preparing for this step over most of her life.

“I started volunteering at Alliance for Animals when I was six years old,” she said “and worked there and haven’t stopped being with animals ever since. I worked with Michelle at Broadway Dog Spa for four years and had time to get ready for this. It was a small

Boston’s Groomer Set to Open

space that requires teamwork, and we did well together. My goal is always to honor dogs, take care of them and prevent any stress.”

Similarly, Michelle McDonnell’s love of dogs began naturally and early. I have loved

dogs since I was a child, even dogs that people hated, or dogs that hated people. I worked at what is now Dewberry from age 19 and started Broadway Dog Spa after years of experience. It was good to be an owner. There is responsibility but it was freeing, “she said. “Now, it is just time, it is very physical work, and I can feel it in my hands.”

Jenna has a vision, and it includes hiring a few people, groomers, and a bather, and eventually offering some retail products such as leashes, collars, toys, and treats. Right now, she has the excitement and task of getting ready to welcome back all the dogs she is groomed, plus many of Michelle’s and to be open to new customers.

“I’m confident,” she said, in a typically even-tempered manner. “I have the support of family and friends and customers in the community, and also learned a strong work ethic long ago from my mother so this is the right step.”

“My biggest concern is to be able to meet the demand, but only to it with consideration of the dogs. Once I hire staff it should be easier to take new dogs,” she said.

We know South Boston is home to many dogs, and many need grooming. Michelle McDonnell knows first-hand how

people take joy in getting a dog, and then can be surprised with what it takes to take care of them.

“There are so many doodles, and they do mat, so regular grooming is more important than people may think. Everyone likes fluffy, but that’s only part of it,’ she said based on years of experience, including the COVID period and surge in dogs.

“I think people in South Boston we are willing to invest in their dogs,” said Jenna.” “I’m competitively priced and fair so I want people to be able to keep up with the grooming,” she said.

Two strong women, one a business owner before many others, and another taking the helm and making it her own is part of the fabric of South Boston.

In May, Boston’s Groomer plans to open, and Seamus, Chase, Gracie, Wilson, Cooper, Maya, Jurgi, Cordory, Lilly, Rosie, and Sissy and all their dog “cousins” may not recognize the new design, but they will know the loving, calm and expert care.

Thank you, Michelle McDonnell and congratulations, Jenna Spaulding!

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

Left, Jenna Spaulding and Michelle McDonnell

Shop, Sip, & Save at the South Boston Spring Stroll May 9

Join the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston NDC in celebrating the arrival of spring at the eagerly anticipated annual Spring Stroll on Thursday, May 9.

Kicking off at 4 p.m., take a leisurely evening walk along Broadway and its surrounding areas to indulge in a delightful array of discounts, refreshments, and special promotions offered by our local small businesses and restaurants. This is the perfect opportunity to do your Mother’s Day shopping!

The Late Risers will provide musical entertainment along East and West Broadway from 5-7 p.m., adding an extra layer of charm to the event.

As a special treat, complimentary Pedicabs will be available from 6-8 p.m., ready to whisk you to and from your preferred destinations along Broadway and beyond.

For more details and updates, please visit southbostonchamber.org/spring-stroll.

Participating businesses - more to come

Bohdii, 398 W. Broadway

Bringing Up Baby, 663 E. Broadway

The Broadway, 726 E. Broadway

Cafe Porto Bello, 672 E. Broadway

Capo, 443 W. Broadway

Eastern Bank, 470 W. Broadway

Habit, 703 E. Broadway

Hunter’s Kitchen, 110 Dorchester St.

Inner Harbor Jewelers, 705 E. Broadway

Layla’s America Tavern, 332 W. Broadway

Councilor Flynn and Councilor Murphy were proud to join South Boston neighbors over the weekend to recognize Charlie Trapano for over 60 years of service and dedication to the community at Broadway Haircutters. We extend our best wishes on his well-deserved retirement.

Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant, 425 W. Broadway

Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, 412 W. Broadway

Luxe home interiors, 66A L St.

Micro Plant Studio, 365 W. Broadway

The Playwright, 658 E. Broadway

The Point Clothing Lounge, 135 Emerson St. Publico, 11 Dorchester St.

Roza Lyons, 709 E. Broadway

Shy Bird, 12 Old Colony Ave.

Stapleton Floral, 635 E. Broadway

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Run for Tierney

at Old Colony was originally built in the 1940s as one of the nation’s first federal public housing communities. Beacon is currently working on the final phase of a decade-long transformation, reimagining the historic community into a sustainable, modern, quality space that residents are proud to call home. Beyond the physical improvements of the new buildings and open space, residents can access health and educational opportunities at the Tierney Learning Center and through the on-site community engagement team. In addition, they can take advantage of targeted social services and partnerships with providers such as the Boston YMCA and Head Start.

“Running the marathon

isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about crossing boundaries to support our community.” said Beacon’s Toya Irish, Senior Vice President, Community Relations. “With each mile, I’m raising awareness and funds for the TLC, empowering

individuals of all ages to thrive.”

Since 2012, the Tierney Learning Center has offered programming with educational interventions and supportive services at no cost for households living at Old Colony, targeting early childhood, school-aged youth, teens, and adults. Tierney

partners with mission-aligned organizations, including but not limited to ABCD Head Start, The Boston YMCA, Doc Wayne, Foodlinks – MA, and Boston After School and Beyond, all of whom are dedicated to providing educational, economic, and social support for families in need.

Catholic Charities and the Notre Dame Education Center in South Boston Join Together to Preserve Programs and Expand Services

In an effort to preserve the programs provided by the Notre Dame Education Center in South Boston, Catholic Charities Boston (CCAB) has announced it will absorb its portfolio and continue to operate for staff and students.

The Notre Dame Education Center, founded in 1992 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, requested that Catholic Charities take over its programs and has transferred its property at 202 Old Colony Avenue to CCAB. Notre Dame Education Center (NDEC) staff members will now be employed by CCAB.

Catholic Charities plans to seamlessly continue the programming and rely on community input to determine potential future offerings that could be provided to meet the needs in South Boston. The nearby Labouré Center offers

childcare, adult education classes, counseling, as well as refugee and immigrant services.

“Catholic Charities is proud of our work and long history in the South Boston community. We are glad to be able to help preserve the programming at the Notre Dame Education Center,” said Larry Mayes, Senior Vice President for Government and Community Relations at Catholic Charities Boston. “We will continue to work with our South Boston neighbors to make sure the most-needed services and programs exist into the future.”

‘“As chair of Notre Dame Education Center for the past 25 years, I and the Board of Directors would like to thank the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the staff and faculty and our developers who helped us secure such a beautiful facility at Old Colony Avenue,” said Charlie Shediac,

Chair of the Board at NDEC. “We appreciate the commitment of Catholic Charities, and the Board feels comfortable that CCAB will continue our mission in its absorption of our property, students, grants, and staff. We also want to thank the community and donors for their support over the years for our mission.”

The Notre Dame Education Center currently provides alternative education programs for youth, including the (HiSET) program, which allows students who left high school prior to graduation to receive the recognized credentials necessary for college entrance, trade school enrollment, military enlistment, or employment.

“I am happy to see the preservation of this education program stay within the South Boston community and for it

to be continued with a great organization,” said Senator Nick Collins. “We are thankful to the Labouré Center and Catholic Charities Boston for taking on the portfolio of this program, in addition to all the work they already do.”

Currently, CCAB operates an array of adult education and workforce development programs, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), IT training, high school equivalency programs, and nursing assistant and home health aide training, in Jamaica Plain, South Boston, Brockton, Lynn, and Dorchester.

“I’m grateful for the work of Catholic Charities to preserve adult education programming in our community and I look forward to continuing conversations on how to increase services for our neighbors,” said Representative David Biele.

Photos by Beacon Communities

Hearing on Boston Police Crime Lab

On Friday, Councilor Flynn will hold a hearing to discuss resources for the Boston Police Crime Laboratory on April 26 at 10am at the Iannella Chamber in Boston City Hall. Residents may watch the hearing live at boston.gov/city-council-tv. To submit written testimony or request to testify at the hearing, neighbors can contact ron.cobb@boston.gov.

An annual report by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) has found that the Boston Police Crime Laboratory has been lagging behind in its handling of sexual assault kits testing for three years in a row.

The Boston Police Crime Lab is a critical arm of the Boston Police Department that focuses on processing, examining, and analyzing evidence - such as sexual assault kits - that are indispensable to investigating and solving crimes. In 2018, the State Legislature has mandated that sexual assault kits be tested within 30 days in order to

swiftly process any evidence that will bring justice to sexual assault survivors.

However, the EOPSS has found that the testing of these kits has lagged behind at the Boston Police Crime Lab each year since 2021 due to staffing shortages, with the time lag in 2023 being the most concerning - half of the kits (93 out of 186 sexual assault kits) did not manage to get tested within 30 days. In comparison to the State Police Crime Lab, which tested 96% of the 714 tests it received in 2023, these statistics require immediate attention.

“It is critical that sexual assault kits and evidence are processed in a timely manner. We need to examine and address the underlying causes of staffing shortages at the Boston Police that have resulted in delays,” said Councilor Flynn. “We have to look into what the current barriers are to filling these positions, and the resources we will need to help the crime lab staff to perform their work more easily and efficiently.”

BPL by Bike

Be on the lookout for a BOOK BIKE in a neighborhood near you this summer! BPL by Bike is Boston Public Library’s bike-powered outreach service, using bikes and a book trailer to set up mobile libraries throughout the city. We visit parks, community festivals, block parties, public concerts, and anywhere you would like to host us.

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 May 8, 2024, at 9:15 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of the Development Plan for Phase 1B, 65 Ellery Street, 75 Ellery Street, and 505 Dorchester Avenue, within Planned Development Area No. 144, On The Dot, South Boston, filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

Said Development Plan consists of the construction of three (3) new, mixed-use commercial office, research and development, and lab buildings, with ground floor retail at 505 Dorchester Avenue, 65 Ellery Street, and 75 Ellery Street. Below grade parking serving all of the buildings will be located at 65 Ellery Street and 75 Ellery Street. 505 Dorchester Avenue will be a new 12 story mixed-use commercial office, research and development, and lab building with ground floor retail and bicycle parking; 65 Ellery Street will be a new 13 story commercial office, research and development, and lab building with ground floor retail, bicycle parking, and underground parking; and 75 Ellery Street will be a new 13 story commercial office, research and development, and lab building with ground floor retail, bicycle parking and underground parking.

This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bit.ly/BZC_ May82024. Copies of the petition, the Development 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 May 8, 2024. Please request interpreting services no later than May 3, 2024.

For the Commission

Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

by Rick Winterson

The Celtics are certainly drawing a lot of attention

these days. And well they should. At 64 wins and 18 losses their regular season numbers for 20232024 didn’t set any records. However, their #1 position in the entire NBA was clinched early this month, and it was notable that their last two regular season games were played (and won!) entirely by the Celts bench squad.

Their 64 wins number is the fourth best ever in the Celtics’ history, which includes 14 other season records of 60 wins or more. The Celtics’ highest number of regular season wins was 68 in 1972-1973. This year, the Celtics clinched their first place slot in the NBA’s Eastern Conference by 14 games early in April, which hasn’t happened to the Celts in almost 50 years. During the 2023-

Sports by the Numbers

2024 regular season, they also rung up winning streaks that once went as high as nine in a row. Yes, the old-time, worldbeating Celtics might be back.

Defensively, the Celtics were almost as strong as they were on offense. If you watched many Celtics games this year, you would have seen them consistently hold their opponents to 110 points per game on average, and often well below 100. If their defense is matched with their offense, the Celtics averaged 11 points more per game over 82 regular season games, a decisive edge in basketball. Their first playoff game last Sunday against the Miami Heat was an excellent example of this. After jumping out to a 15-point lead, the Celts answered many comeback attempts by the Heat with point runs, one of which amounted to 20 points. They controlled the rim, shot 22 three-

pointers from way outside the circle, and held the Heat to only 94 points with their defense. The Celts’ starting team was unbeatable. Jason Tatum scored a “triple double” – 23 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists.

Last night the Celtics were defeated 111 to 101.

The Bruins’ numbers, while not quite league-leading at the end of the NHL regular season, have certainly been respectable. At 109 season points, they were in the 100+ point NHL Eastern Conference ranks along with four other teams - Maple Leafs, Panthers, Hurricanes, and Rangers. The NHL Western Conference also sported five teams above 100 points – Oilers, Avalanche, Canucks, Jets, and Stars.

Oddly enough, speaking about numbers, the Bruins are the only 100+ point NHL team with OTLs in double figures at 15. We aren’t sure what that means (if anything), but we like Sunday’s first playoff game numbers much better: Just one goal for the Leafs and 35 saves by the Bruins. That’s good “D” for you, especially by massive 6’ 5” Brandon Carlo,

who also added a goal to the three scored by Jack DeBrusk.

Currently, the series is 2-1 Bruins

Right now, Boston baseball deserves a quick look by the numbers. As of last weekend, the Red Sox had a .565 percentage, 13W and 10L. But remember, early on the Sox were in last place in their division because every team in the East (including the Sox) were playing .500 or better. Right now, with a .565 percentage, they rank fifth in the entire 15-team American League – between Kansas City at .591, and Toronto/Detroit, both at .545. For sure, the Red Sox are still rebuilding and will be next year as well. Even so, expect to see some well-played baseball in Boston this season.

Was there anything to the footnote that quoted Tom Brady saying “I wouldn’t be opposed” to playing once again? Hmph! That’d make 24 total seasons for him! And 24 is how many player numbers the Boston Celtics have retired since 1950. You’d be in good company, Tom.

Enjoy spring sports in Boston. There’s something there for everybody.

Mayor Wu’s proposed budget for FY25

Some highlights:

This is a $4.6 billion FY25 operating budget and $4.7 billion FY25-FY29 capital plan which aims to build on our steady progress to make Boston a home for everyone—where our communities’ needs are met and dreams can grow.

New investments made in this proposed budget have been based on informed analysis in support of long-term goals, a process of regularly reviewing operations, and ensuring the continued delivery of core City services by our workforce.

Increasing Affordability - This proposed budget builds on $40 million in existing annual operating dollars dedicated to various housing programs such as affordable housing vouchers, rental assistance, and homeownership mortgage support, and homelessness prevention programming. Additionally, the budget adds $2 million to seed a new Housing Acquisition Opportunity Fund and provides an additional $1 million in funding for rental assistance and decarbonization efforts.

Public Health and Safety

This budget adds $1 million to support the City’s approach to managing substance use and homelessness through low-threshold housing.

After celebrating the graduation of the first EMS cadet class in two decades last month, this budget adds $1.3 million in funding to support 12 new Emergency Medical Technicians, increasing the number of EMTs to over 400 strong to improve call response times for medical emergencies across the City. And to improve safety on our streets, the budget includes over $155 million in funding for roadway resurfacing and sidewalk reconstruction to promote mobility and safety.

Youth and Families

This budget includes an additional $20 million to support high quality teaching and learning through school-based investments in inclusive education, including additional support for students with special needs and English learners, and $1.3 billion from our Capital Budget for world-class Boston Public School facilities. To ensure facilities across all our neighborhoods are the state of the art centers our residents deserve, we are proposing $54.5 million in pool repairs and renovations at BCYF and BPS facilities. We are also moving forward with new constructions of the $31 million Fields Corner Library and $65 million Grove Hall Community Center, the first of its kind facility for this area of Dorchester. To ensure City investments are supporting multiple generations of Boston’s families, we are adding $500,000 in funding for community connection services for our older adults.

Climate and Green Space

This proposed budget invests in preparing our coastline for the impacts of climate change by adding $200,000 to support emergency preparedness for climate resilience and to update the climate action plan, while also allocating $75 million in capital funding to leverage state and federal resources in planning and construction of a resilient coastline

Investing $735,000 in additional staff and equipment to manage and maintain Franklin Park, including a new park administrator that will oversee park operations and help restore Franklin Park to its place as a crown jewel within our parks system

We are also continuing to enhance parks citywide, including investing $14 million in the Capital Plan into the renovation and reconstruction of Clifford Playground. To increase the livability of our neighborhoods, we are investing in cooling our streets, reducing stormwater flooding, and supporting the final implementation of Boston’s wetlands ordinance. We are doing this by adding $200,000 for tree pruning to the $3.1 million Urban Forestry budget to care for over 35,000 street trees. To complement this work, we are also incorporating green infrastructure features into our street construction projects to improve stormwater management and heat island impacts with $1.6 million allocated for retrofits.

Delivering Exceptional City Services

A $3 million investment will help streamline City approvals and improve the licensing and permitting process by recruiting and hiring more workers and adding lab inspection and permit technicians for buildings. We are also modernizing traditional City services by funding a trash containerization pilot plan to promote cleanliness in Boston neighborhoods. Last year, we filled more than 7,000 potholes, repainted 100,000 feet of crosswalks, and extended hours at 21 libraries. An $850,000 investment will continue to improve basic City services, including roadway pavement markings, traffic and parking signage, graffiti removal, and self service equipment at branch libraries.

Promoting equity and economic opportunity

investing $6.8 million into the Office of Workforce Development to fund a variety of programs such as Boston Saves, the Center for Working Families, Youth Options, and PowerCorps Boston. We are also increasing the Equity & Inclusion Cabinet budget by $1 million—building on our administration’s commitment to transform city policies and programs

South Boston Catholic Academy News

The third graders in Mrs. Defelice and Ms. Sammarco’s class at South Boston Catholic Academy had a successful Wax Museum! They each chose a person and read a biography about their person. Then they presented it to their class and teachers. Finally, it was the day of the big Wax Museum. The students came dressed as their characters with the

amazing props and posters they worked hard on! Their parents, other faculty and other students came and learned many facts at the museum! It was a huge success! Outstanding work on your class project Grade 3A & 3B! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@ sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

Tech Tuesdays at the South Boston Boys and Girls Club

Boys and Girls Club members had a fun time visiting one of our community partner group, KPMG, who runs the 8-weeks long Tech Tuesdays club with our preteens and teens. Tech Tuesdays is a program that builds a curriculum based around learning Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other practical applications like budgeting, resume building, interviewing skills and public speaking. ❤

Random Acts of Kindness

One Boston Day epitomizes the resilience, strength, and compassion of the City of Boston following the events of the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013. On this day, individuals are encouraged to demonstrate the spirit of community through random acts of kindness. Suffolk Construction employees brought breakfast and coffee to several local firehouses and police stations, including Engine 39 at 272 D Street in South Boston.

The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting to discuss the recently filed Reserved Channel Development project in South Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the proposed Open Space Design and Built Form. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the Public. This meeting is the Third in a series of meetings to review the entirety of the proposed project.

Interpretation services in Spanish are being offered at this meeting in. To request interpretation, please contact Nick Carter at nick. carter@boston.gov no later than 48 hours ahead of the meeting.