SBOL_05_23_2024

City Plan for a Safe Summer and Decrease in Violence

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the City of Boston’s comprehensive plan for a safe, healthy, and active summer in all Boston neighborhoods. This year’s summer safety plan will serve as the foundation for the City’s ongoing, year-round efforts to address the root causes of violence through a public health lens, and create the conditions for community healing. Mayor Wu also announced the City’s first Plan to End Violence, a long-term, sustainable, data-driven, and visionary approach aimed at ending violence holistically and year-round through revamped commitment to community engagement and centering lived experiences of residents most impacted by violence.

In an effort to ensure the City’s summer safety efforts across departments

best reflect the needs of Boston residents, the Mayor’s Community Safety Team prioritized community engagement by hosting three rounds of engagement sessions to design, refine, and preview this year’s summer safety plan in partnership with neighborhoods. From February through May, the team hosted 27 meetings in BCYF community centers across nine neighborhoods, resulting in the most extensive community engagement strategy in the City’s history that informed the creation of the summer safety plan.

This summer, the City is focused on scaling up programming in key areas, ensuring neighborhoods are supported, strengthening violence intervention and prevention efforts, and reinvesting into communities across Boston that are most impacted by violence. Additionally, City departments are working closely with the Boston Police Department

Continued on Page 2

Sister Maryadele Robinson Is Honored

by Rick Winterson

Last week, South Boston’s Sister Maryadele Robinson was honored. Her more than 30-year career and immense accomplishments at Catholic Charities’ Laboure Center on the corner of D Street and Broadway

were recognized. It is impossible in a brief article to list all of the successful programs Sr. Maryadele has managed and the countless good works to her credit in the past, nowadays, and in the future. The word “immense” is accurate; her worthy efforts continue. Sr. Maryadele’s friends, non-profit

Continued on Page 3

(BPD) to identify and focus violence reduction efforts in “opportunity zones,” areas that have historically experienced a higher rate of violence. BPD will provide a positive police presence in locations where violence is concentrated and supplement the City’s ongoing efforts to engage individuals at the highest risk for violence. To improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods, BPD will also coordinate closely with various agencies to address largescale congregating and disturbances with a safe, preventative approach.

Continued from Page 1 Summer Safety in some cases lead to violence. We are focused on creating additional proactive, positive engagement opportunities for our officers in the Community. This includes working with our partners like the Mayor’s Violence Reduction Team, as well as YouthConnect and our BEST clinicians, to address the needs of individuals who may be vulnerable in our communities. BPD also continues to focus considerable attention on addressing what we call revelers. Those on off-road vehicles and ‘speaker cars’ that create unsafe situations and seriously impact the lives of our residents. We are also actively engaged in a working group focused on moped activity across our City. We thank the public and the business community for their partnership and support of our efforts to address these issues.”

“Building Trust is the single most important piece of our overall strategy for public safety in Boston yearround. It’s what Community Policing is based on and it is what addressing and solving criminal activity is built on. We are a data-driven Department, but we know that partnerships are crucial to reducing crime and bettering our ability to address crimes that occur,” said Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Department. “During the summer months there are more daylight hours, kids are out of school and there are more opportunities for encounters that

Youth and Summer Job Programs

In addition to scaling up programs to address root causes of violence, Mayor Wu remains committed to expanding career pathways and connecting young people across neighborhoods to opportunity. This commitment

MEMORIAL MEMORIAL DAY

DAY

THANK YOU TO THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR FREEDOM

FROM SENATOR COLLINS & FAMILY

is highlighted by the Mayor’s Youth Job Guarantee, a commitment by the City that every BPS student has access to a paid summer job.

The City is now accepting applications for futureBOS, the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program, including all Successlink job opportunities for Boston youth and young adults ages 14-24. Young people that are interested can now find summer job opportunities through futureBOS, the newly redesigned webpage hub for all youth employment opportunities throughout the City. There is a step-bystep guide available online to help youth navigate the application process and job applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Youth can also visit the office in person, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1483 Tremont Street in Roxbury, or call 617-635-4202 for additional assistance. For more information, visit boston.gov/futureBOS.

Boston Public Schools is also committed to ensuring that students have access to necessary resources throughout the summer, and provides a number of programs for BPS students and families across the city. For a full range of existing programs, visit www. bostonpublicschools.org/summer.

First is a Boston After Dark Friday evening series held in collaboration with partner organizations, with events on Friday nights, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., from June 21 through August 30. Secondly, Human Services will add programming and activities for teens in the weeks between school and summer jobs, at the beginning and end of summer break. Finally, new this summer, BCYF is partnering with the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) to bring Franciscan Children’s counselors into a select number of BCYF community centers over the summer to provide behavioral health therapy groups for youth starting in July. In addition, OYEA will be relaunching the YouthLine, a comprehensive set of resources for youth.

This additional programming builds on BCYF’s existing summer programming, OYEA’s summer events, and BCYF’s teen engagement. More information can be found at www.boston.gov/youth.

BPHC also offers a variety of violence intervention and prevention initiatives aimed at supporting residents

impacted by violence and fostering community healing, including the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI). SSYI works with teens and young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 who are most at risk from community gun violence to connect them with mental health services, educational opportunities, and workforce programs. By providing more intensive support and services to those individuals more regularly impacted by or engaged in violence, this is a program designed to address entrenched issues at the root of violence.

Block Party Grants

Earlier this month, Mayor Wu announced applications are now open for the second year of block party grants. New this year, the City of Boston has streamlined the summer block party permit application process to improve constituents’ experience and speed up approvals. This funding effort is to encourage residents to connect with their neighbors and experience the joy of building a stronger community. Residents and community groups who apply for the mini-grants can receive up to $750 to purchase food, party supplies, lawn games, and other items for summer block parties to make it easier and more affordable for neighborhoods to hold community gatherings.

Summer Activation Grants

Building on the City’s commitment to expand resident opportunities to connect and build community, Mayor Wu also today announced the second iteration of the City’s Summer Activation Mini-Grants. These mini-grants, administered by the Mayor’s Community Safety team, represent a $100,000 investment focused on empowering organizations’ efforts to activate social spaces and build community with residents throughout the summer months. The City will be awarding grants to various neighborhood associations, tenant task force organizations, and grassroot community-based organizations across Boston in the near future. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to build strong, healthy communities where every resident feels safe and is connected to opportunity and city services.

Continued from Page 1

Sr. Maryadele Honored

colleagues, and various local officials gathered at the community facility on First Street, which was generously provided by CRISPR along with a tasty breakfast buffet. Her event began at 9:30 a.m. The entire occasion was thoroughly enjoyable, not least because

Sr. Maryadele intends to continue living in South Boston while pursuing her good works at the Laboure Center. These involve professional assistance to children in families troubled by addiction and alcohol problems. In an informal ceremony, Sr.

Maryadele received four citations from Rep. David Biele (Mass. House of Representatives), Haley Walsh (State Sen. Nick Collins office), Kevin O’Sullivan (the City Council offices of Erin Murphy and Ed Flynn), and Lydia Polaski (Mayor Michelle Wu’s South Boston Liaison). She also received a congratulatory message from Kay Walsh, which was delivered by Peggy Woods.

Many who attended Sr. Maryadele’s tribute in person spoke, too. Kathy Lafferty, Donna Brown,

Mark McGonagle, Maureen Murphy, and Bob Monahan offered their heartfelt praise to her. Sr. Monica read a poignant printed statement about Sr. Maryadele’s years of contributing to our community. The presentations and accompanying remarks were commendably brief – the tribute to her concluded just after 10:30. And it’s definitely worth repeating that Sr. Maryadele Robinson intends to stay here in South Boston and continue her good works.

“On this solemn Memorial Day, we honor those who have made the Supreme Sacrifice for our nation to preserve freedom and democracy throughout the world.”

Photos by Ginger DeShaney

South Boston Graduate, 2024: Thomas Flaherty

By Carol Masshardt

(The series will feature 2024 high school graduates from South Boston)

Thomas, “Tommy” Flaherty, 18, will soon be graduating from Archbishop Williams High School. He has lived in South Boston all of his life, and it seems he knows every street and blade of grass in the community he loves. In the fall, he plans to follow in the footsteps of his older sister, Casey, and join the Coast Guard. “I knew I wanted to do something

different and didn’t want to go to college. My sister really liked the Coast Guard and is an Aviation Electronics Technician (helicopter mechanic) and that’s exactly what I think I want to do. I made the decision last summer, and have support to go this route,” he said. “I hope someday to be in the Boston Fire Department. That’s my long-term goal.”

The son of Tom and Annmarie Flaherty, he has played sports in South Boston throughout, and has worked at Regan Motivated Fitness for years and was also involved with the South Boston Yacht Club and sailing program. All of this has allowed him a bird’s eye view of trends.

“I love playing sports here but what concerns me is that there are fewer kids in the neighborhood. I wonder who in ten or twelve years will still be saying they grew up here. I do like new people and the people who have been here. They are all nice. It isn’t that. It’s just that I hope people who have kids stay. And the parks aren’t in great condition. We take care

Memorial Day Remember and Honor

of them to be able to play, and I wonder why the city can’t do more,” he said.

Not one to complain without contributing, Tom and a friend, Stephen Flynn, had a fundraiser for the Senior Babe Ruth Team that helped fund baseball equipment and uniforms. “It went better than we expected,” he said.

Tommy Flaherty could stay put and keep working in familiar territory of South Boston, but he knows there is more.

“I really haven’t been out of the area much. I love meeting new people, though, and I think I will get new ideas and meet people from all over. I want to see how I can handle things by myself. I’m excited but a bit nervous, and one goes with the other with something so new,” he wisely said.

“I guess what I’m most proud of is that I stayed true to myself and didn’t just follow others. I wish I had taken more opportunities to have good friends outside of Southie, but there is more to come.”

Tommy Flaherty, from a many generations South Boston family, has every intention to return, but he is as ready as he can be to step beyond.

“I will be near water, some kind of water, in the Coast Guard and that, naturally appeals to me. And I might

Thomas Flaherty

have some cool helicopter stories,” he said. It is likely that Tommy will bring the same respect and determination to new experiences that he has to date. Plus, he will undoubtedly be back with stories of new seascapes, people, and helicopters.

Congratulations, Thomas Flaherty!

(If you are, or know of another graduate who is willing to share their experience, please contact carolhardt@comcast.net)

Old Harbor Is Blooming

It goes without saying that Spring is the season for blossoms of all kinds, from the ground up to the treetops. Check the blooming scenery out at the walkways in Old Harbor Homes – otherwise known as the Mary Ellen McCormack Development. The flowering trees around and inside the ornate gateway to the Development’s Sterling Square are beckoning. Don’t miss them!

David Biele State Representative

Councilor Flynn Files Hearing to Remove Half Mile Buffer Zone between Cannabis Establishments

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has filed a hearing order to discuss a proposed zoning amendment to remove the half mile buffer zone between cannabis establishments. The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) recently held a public meeting on a proposed zoning amendment on Cannabis Establishments, in which a part of the amendment calls for the removal of the half-mile buffer requirement between cannabis establishments in the City.

Since the legalization of cannabis in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2016, 30 active dispensaries have opened in various neighborhoods in the City of Boston. Currently, the Boston Zoning Code requires a buffer zone between schools and dispensaries, as well as a half mile buffer zone between cannabis establishments,

Mwhich was a measure passed in the City Council in 2016.

The buffer is intended to prevent cannabis establishments from opening in clusters so that no particular neighborhood would become the center for cannabis shops, and to ensure that dispensaries are spread out in the city. Allowing the half-mile buffer to lapse could create a similar dynamic to existing package and liquor stores in the City. This change could potentially saturate the market, harm existing operators, and cause both existing and new operators to either walk away from current community agreements with relevant civic organizations - or refuse to engage with neighbors entirely due to competition.

“For several years, I have consistently heard from constituents who have voiced their support for the half-mile buffer zone. They view this

restriction as both a safeguard for the community voice and against the potential negative impacts on quality of life issues,” said Councilor Flynn. “Many communities have existing dispensaries, along with nearby daycares, student population, and nonprofits that also service vulnerable neighbors in close proximity. Removing the half-

mile buffer zone can exacerbate existing public safety challenges and quality of life issues.We need to engage our citywide constituents in a public hearing and listen to the residents of Boston on this issue.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

Statement on Closure of Marian Manor

arian Manor, a non-profit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility sponsored by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, proudly began serving South Boston and the surrounding communities in 1954. For seven decades, we have faithfully served countless residents and we have invested significantly into the facility’s infrastructure.

Over the last few decades, there has been a concerted effort to work with both public and private partners – including the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Boston, and private developers – to identify a longterm solution to ensure the best future for Marian Manor. This process has included the assessment and exploration of both relocation and redevelopment opportunities. Despite our best efforts to find a partner to redevelop the

current location, we have been unable to create a plan that is financially viable given the challenges that all healthcare institutions currently face, including nursing shortages, skyrocketing real estate costs, inflation, and the growing demands for facility maintenance. In addition, there is not sufficient public funding or grants available at this time that would allow us to move forward with any of the redevelopment proposals considered for the current location.

Having exhausted every practical option, we have made the difficult decision to close Marian Manor as the aging building has come to the end of its useful life. On May 14, 2024, we notified the Massachusetts Department of Public Health of our intention to close the current location of Marian Manor. We expect this process will take 120 days.

We are committed to our residents, their families, and our staff. Prior to the closure of the facility, we will ensure that

all our current residents are relocated to another location of their choosing –including a nearby facility sponsored by the Carmelite Sisters, or another nursing and long-term care facility. We will also offer opportunities to the staff of Marian Manor to transfer to other facilities sponsored by the Carmelite Sisters.

by Rick Winterson

SSpring Begins with McCormack Gardens

pring is definitely here. Whether you keep track of so-called Calendar Spring (March 1 to May 31) or Astronomical Spring (March 19 to June 20 in this year of 2024), it’s usually the weather that determines the Spring season for all of us – warm, sunny weather like what we’ve enjoyed for most of the past couple of week. And among the landmarks of Spring in South Boston are the two vegetable gardens planted in the Old Harbor/Mary Ellen McCormack Homes along Old Colony Boulevard. These are accompanied by a third garden plot in Moakley Park, near Saunders Stadium on the grassy slope up to the casting of James Brendan Connolly. All three are tended and harvested by a McCormack non-profit named Round Table, Inc.

Each of these gardens is the result of hard work by George Benner, the Founder of the Round Table, Inc. across from Sterling Square in McCormack, and its many volunteers. Two of George’s volunteers – Juan Concepcion and Brian Baez – are shown with him above. You should know that George has lived in McCormack for his whole life and is devoted to its improvement.

The Round Table began doing its voluntary work at McCormack back in 2008 – 16 years ago. Over the years, after first noticing hunger problems at St. Monica Church, the Round Table evolved from various structured activities into three very large vegetable gardens. In total, over 15,000 square feet are being cultivated right now.

If you’d like to actually see the vegetable gardens, be sure to drop into the McCormack development this coming Saturday, May 25, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Take a walk to the garden at one side of Sterling Square, then go to 21 O’Callaghan, and cross Old Colony to 450 Moakley Park. Note that fifty (50) new wooden enclosures are being assembled for spring planting at the O’Callaghan location. Some of these

new garden areas will be assigned to individual households for cultivation and harvesting. You can even attend a training session on planting and transplanting, if you’d like to. And this summer, there will also be a farm stand for you to purchase fresh-picked vegetables each Thursday from May until October.

All kinds of vegetables will be grown in the McCormack gardens this summer. Every green veggie in the books, including many for Chinese cuisine, have already been planted. Beets, onions, carrots and other root vegetables are beginning to sprout. During the interview with George Benner, this writer spent time on the phone talking with Marc Groleau in Rhode Island. Marc will soon be sending numbers of sprouted tomato plants to George

for replanting and harvesting in McCormack during July and August.

George’s Round Table vegetable gardens are partly supported by the Mayor’s office – Boston Grows and Boston Food Justice – and the Mass. Department of Agricultural Researchers. HIP (Healthy Initiative Programs) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs) are also involved. But George and his Round Table volunteers do all of the work.

Once again, a final repeat reminder: Make it a point to visit the gardens in McCormack on Saturday afternoon, May 25, from 1:30 until 3. Learn what they are all about, or simply enjoy a walk around some very successful South Boston vegetable gardens. You’ll have an enjoyable visit.

One-Stop Resource for All Things Moakley Park

Anew website helps residents to take advantage of all that Moakley Park has to offer, including providing a one-stop resource to view and request permits for Moakley’s 30 reservable facilities, such as picnic and community gathering areas, multiuse fields, and basketball courts.

MoakleyPark.org, developed by Boston Harbor Now in collaboration with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, is a single online home for resources related to the park, including upcoming events and community programming, as well as detailed information on how to get to the park by bike and transit.

Boston Harbor Now serves as the City’s non-profit partner for the park, which is Boston’s largest waterfront open space, located adjacent to Carson Beach on the South Boston waterfront. Designed in 1916 as part of a vision set forth by Frederick Law Olmsted, the park is a hub of recreation and community for residents of South Boston, Dorchester, and other neighborhoods around the city.

“We hope this website, more than a year in the making, offers something for everyone who is interested in using Moakley Park and becoming part of the park’s community,” said Kathy Abbott, president and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. “People benefit by playing at Moakley Park whether on one of the many athletic fields, courts, or playgrounds and help ensure we have a broad range of individuals invested in the park’s future in an era of climate change.”

Importantly, the website provides critical information on future planning for the park and ways residents can contribute their ideas. Moakley is in the midst of a design process that seeks to better serve contemporary needs of the

community while protecting surrounding neighborhoods from the anticipated impacts of climate change.

“Whether you’re looking to book one of our facilities, stay updated on upcoming events, or engage in shaping the park’s future, this website is your comprehensive resource,” said Boston Parks and Recreation

Commissioner Ryan Woods.

“We’re grateful to our partners at Boston Harbor Now for creating this digital home that will foster connectivity, recreation, and stewardship of Moakley Park.”

The website includes:

One-stop permit requests for all relevant Moakley facilities

A calendar of upcoming events and park planning meetings

Opportunities for both individuals and groups to volunteer at the park

An email list where visitors can sign up to receive park updates in their inbox

“As a nature-loving sportsactive child, Moakley Park was essential to my growth and development, and it very much is to this day for me, my children, and my community,” said Mercy Robinson, Executive Director of South Boston en Accion. “Moakley is brought to life by communities near and far, and I am super excited about this website. It will allow everyone to stay informed, give feedback, advocate, and sign up for events and programming at Moakley Park.”

In addition to developing the website, Boston Harbor Now engages residents with Moakley in multiple ways, including providing vibrant and

welcoming year-round free public programming, leading monthly clean-ups, bulb plantings, and other stewardship activities, and conducting community engagement to help shape the vision for the park’s future design. Boston Harbor Now also works with adjacent public and private property owners to ensure that the flood protection

and public space design of the surrounding area will integrate with the future park.

The website launch corresponds with a summer series of community programming being coordinated by Boston Harbor Now in the park, beginning with a set of volunteer clean-up events on May 18, June 15, and July 20, and August 18.

Memorial Day

“Beyond Labels: A tapestry of inclusion”

by Rick Winterson

An important work of performing art has debuted in South Boston. It was created by Mary Driscoll, a veteran theater personage and a resident of Fort Point. She is the founder of OWLL, Inc. (On with Living and Learning, Inc. –“Voices from Our Neighborhoods”). Mary entitled this work, “Beyond Labels: A tapestry of inclusion”. Opening night was Friday evening, the 10th, in The Assemblage – an

integral part of the Envoy Hotel at the foot of Seaport Boulevard. This writer found “Beyond Labels” to be absolutely unique in all his experience. Its subject matter is people who are disabled. The script and its performance deal with actual stories about growing up disabled, or later becoming disabled by diseases or serious accidents. Mary’s direction of “Beyond Labels” and the effects by her stage crew were perfection. “Beyond Labels: A tapestry of inclusion” was truly

a unique experience – very (!) well performed by all five cast members – Maureen Finnerty, Michael Ricca, Tyler Terrasi, Jen Mecca, and Jim Wice. Violinist Hexing Ouyang, a Boston University Doctor of Musical Arts, skillfully highlighted the performance of “Beyond Labels” with his playing.

Most important, what makes “Beyond Labels: A tapestry of inclusion” unique is that it’s performed by real people with actual disabilities

- blind, crippled, mentally challenged, and so on. Despite this, “Beyond Labels” has many upbeat, humorous moments. Its basic philosophy is positive. And above all, the actors are clearly optimistic human beings as well. The performance concluded with a standing ovation. The audience was then asked to take part in trying to think of what words to use when speaking about those who are disabled. What can take the place of the word “disabled”? What does that word really mean?

Rebuilding Dorchester Avenue Bridge

Over the last two weekends, the construction of a new Dorchester Avenue bridge over the Expressway went into high gear. A week ago Saturday, several massive I-beams were parked on Dot Ave., on the South Boston side of bridge. A crane that towered well over ten stories tall began to install them. The installation of such major support beams requires 24-hour, round-theclock efforts by the Ironworkers and other skilled crafts. This continued through all of the prior weekend and was completed this last weekend. You may recall that the Dorchester Avenue Bridge was found to be badly corroded and worn last year. After a close inspection, it was discovered that repairing it was simply not practical, so a project to replace it is now well underway. The aim is to complete the new bridge by sometime this fall

Mary Driscoll introduces her play, “Beyond Labels”.

Cast and violinist (l.) - performers in “Beyond Labels”.

Sr. Babe Ruth Tryouts

South Boston Sr Babe Ruth Baseball tryouts will be held on Wednesday May 29th at 6pm at King Field in Moakley Park. The team plays a 12 game regular season schedule in the South Shore Sr Babe Ruth League and some non league games throughout June and July with playoffs that follow.

Players 16-18 years old as well as those that have turned 19 on or after January 1 of 2024 are eligible to play. There are several openings on the roster this year.

Any player who is interested in trying out and would like to preregister for the team can send an email to wconnor16@gmail.com

By Carol Masshardt

FMom’s Club at Twenty Years Family Fun Day at Farragut Park on June 1

our hundred and fifty members strong, the South Boston Mom’s Club has remained true to the mission of providing support and connection. As some challenges change with time, the “Mom’s Club” functions with a 2024 perspective.

“The organization has a place for everyone. It may have been for stay-athome Mom’s in past years, but there are now those working full-time, and single mother’s and from all backgrounds, and even some dad’s,” said Jamie Moss, the president of the group since 2022.

“Some have been in South Boston

“I am originally from California and there are others who came from all around the country, but many are Boston raised and it is a way for all of us to share what we have in common. I have two young school-age children and work in finance. My parents are in MA now, but many came here for school or work and don’t have any family nearby. This group can help with isolation regardless of circumstance.”

“Parents are under so much pressure now to do “everything right” when there just isn’t such a thing. The group offers the connection to parents with the same age children so they can support each other, find resources, and share questions. At every age, there are decisions and

The fee to join is $30 and there are ways to ease the burden if that is unaffordable. Central to the club is the notion of outreach to all families. “Seventy percent of the membership fees go back to families in need, and we work with Julie’s Family Learning and the South Boston Neighborhood House to make sure those needing supplies know that the community cares, “said Moss.

The Mom’s Club is preparing for their June 1st Family Fun Day at Farragut Park and will be enjoying the partnerships with many generous community businesses to provide food, activities, and a vibrant day of fun.

The Mom’s Club organizes playgroups, walks, and coffee times, and ways to be involved for more or less time. They also offer groups at the Boys and Girls Club in addition to the more informally planned. It is a

network that in the past may have been readily provided in extended family, and now can be more difficult to establish.

Moms in all family types are welcomed and the group’s goal is to have members that represent the community at large.

Parenting has always been deeply rewarding and challenging and it continues to be. The Mom’s Club may offer lifelong friends, or the opportunity to share a concern, or work with another non-profit around unmet needs.

Reach out through the website (southbostonmomsclub.org), or better still meet Jamie Moss and other families with some early summer fun at Farragut Park from 10-4 on June 1!

(Carol Masshardt can be contacted at carolhardt@

New EMS Station in Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park

The BPDA Board of Directors authorized a lease agreement between the BPDA and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) for the construction of a new Emergency Medical Services ambulance station on Parcel Z in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP) to serve the South Boston Waterfront. Currently, the EMS station on West Broadway in South Boston serves both that neighborhood, and the South Boston Waterfront. However, the number of people living in the South Boston Waterfront has grown by 200 percent over the last ten years, increasing demand for emergency services. According

to Boston EMS, call volume has doubled due to this increase, and also due in part to the increase in visitors to the area taking advantage of its many cultural attractions. With the area expected to continue adding residents, as well as new development, an added EMS station will help meet the increase in demand. This new location in the RLFMP has direct access to Drydock Avenue to help expedite ambulance response times. The new station will be vital for serving one of the fastest growing sections of the city and supporting the South Boston Waterfront’s emergency medical service needs well into the future. Construction is slated to begin this fall.

Celebrating the Feast Day of the Ascension of Jesus

Mass was also dedicated to Mr. Peter Lynch

The second graders at South Boston Catholic Academy wonderfully led the school in celebrating the Feast Day of the Ascension of Jesus Christ. The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ commemorates the Christian belief of the Ascension of Jesus’ body and soul into Heaven. It is one of the ecumenical feasts of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion and Pentecost. Father Peter was the celebrant at this Mass. In his homely he stressed how it was better for us that Jesus went back to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to be with us forever. Jesus said...”I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever. The Helper is the Spirit of truth.

The people of the world cannot accept him, because they don’t see him or know him. But you know him. He lives with you, and he will be in you.” “I will not leave you all alone like orphans. I will come back to you”...John 14. Jesus said “Behold I am with you always, even until the end of age” - Matthew 28 . Thank you to the second grade Teachers, Ms. Caitlyn Jackson and Ms. Megan Leslie for helping to prepare their students

for this Mass. Thank you also to our talented SBCA Children’s Choir and to Mr.Carlo Bunyi and Ms. Kathy Clancy for the beautiful music at this Mass and to our dedicated Altar Servers. This Mass was also dedicated to Mr. Peter Lynch. He is the President of the The Lynch Foundation which supports the religious and educational efforts of the Roman Catholic Church, with a desire to

inspire faith and hope in people’s lives. Quoting from part of the welcoming speach read by one of the second graders at this Mass...”The Lynch Foundation continues to be a generous benefactor to South Boston Catholic Academy. We are eternally grateful for Mr. Peter Lynch, and The Lynch Foundation, in their support of our Early Childhood Program. God Bless you and Thank you, Mr. Lynch

Celebrating the Feast Day of the Ascension of Jesus (Cont.)

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 June 12, 2024, at 9:00 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_ June122024. 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 June 12, 2024. Please request interpreting services no later than June 7, 2024.

For the Commission

Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

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 June 12, 2024, at 9:45 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of the 7th Amendment to the Master Plan for Planned Development Area No. 69, The 100 Acres, South Boston and the Development Plan for 232 A Street within Planned Development Area No. 69, The 100 Acres, South Boston, filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

Said 7th amendment would update the existing exhibits of the Master Plan for Planned Development Area No. 69, The 100 Acres, South Boston. Said Development Plan consists of the redevelopment of the site, currently a surface parking lot and related improvements, to include one new building comprising approximately 324,315 square feet of gross floor area (“GFA”) containing research laboratory and office space, ground floor space with intended retail, restaurant, civic, and/or cultural uses, and below-grade parking for up to 125 vehicles. The Proposed Project will contribute approximately 1.5 acres of publicly accessible open space and public realm areas along the Fort Point Channel waterfront and will include site improvements including new public sidewalks and bike lanes, improvements to the Harborwalk and South Bay Harbor Trail, and a site-wide grading plan for improved resiliency.

This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bit.ly/BZC_ June122024. 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 June 12, 2024. Please request interpreting services no later than June 7, 2024.

For the Commission

Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary