SBOL_05_30_2024

THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

BPDA’s Community Benefits Program

by Rick Winterson

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he Boston Planning & Development Agency (abbreviated “BPDA” from here on) has initiated what they call the BPDA Community Benefits Program. More formally, the BPDA documentation refers to this effort as the “Article 80 Project Community Benefits Fund”. As a brief description, this BPDA program receives voluntary funding from developers and builders in Boston’s various neighborhoods, which the BPDA then distributes, after a careful assessment, to deserving non-profit community agencies and activities in each Boston neighborhood.

Last Friday, the BPDA held a meeting at Julie’s Family Learning Program. It was the first meeting to report on the use of the BPDA Benefits Program funds specifically here in South Boston. And it was certainly

an important update: it described the distribution of funds totaling $390,000.

The meeting was organized and emceed by Mark McGonagle. He is a Deputy Director of Community Engagement for the BPDA and also manages the community engagement function here in South Boston. Among the attendees were District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn and State Rep. David Biele. The funds soon to be distributed were contributed by five development projects under construction in South Boston – the Summer Street Hotel, Parcel K, 20 West Fifth Street, 200204 Old Colony Avenue, and 765 Third Street. All contributions made by the listed developments were voluntary and were in addition to any fees and taxes they’ve already paid.

Some 26 South Boston organizations applied for funding Continued on Page 2

Thanks for the Memories

By Judith Silva Nee

W

e teachers are an odd breed, especially early childhood teachers like myself.

We often drive to work in a costume. If we’re on the phone at all, it’s emergency related and over a loud classroom din (‘Hello Dr. Welby...PUT THAT BLOCK DOWN!). We form friendships with other adults

through snippets of conversations or a knowing nod between bells.

Our lunchtime options are limited. I happily eat mine in the car, rain or shine. It’s quiet there.

Our work conditions often resemble the great outdoors.

It can get so hot that I once got asked at dismissal if I’d gone swimming; my clothes clung to my body from sweat. I sometimes walk directly from Continued on Page 3

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Continued from Page 1

BPDA Benefit Program from the BPDA Community Benefits Program. Twenty-one (21) applications were approved, and the amounts conferred on them amounted to the $390,000 figure mentioned above. Each recipient will get thousands of dollars of additional support from the BPDA Program.

The meeting primarily involved spoken reports about BPDA Community Program funding from members of many non-profit agencies located right here in South Boston or who conduct programs here.

Mark McGonagle is also a Director of SPOKE Gallery on L Street. He mentioned SPOKE’s children’s

The BPDA’s First Community Benefits Meeting programs and No Man’s Land Park that SPOKE created. Mary Fiske from the Neighborhood House talked about more supplies being funded – school supplies and their “Diaper Depot”

at the Ollie on Preble Circle. Ginger DeShaney from the Neighborhood Development Corporation spoke about ongoing upkeep costs in their assisted living units. Robert

McFletcher-Jones updated the group about a free Boston Children’s Chorus Concert on March 29. Maureen Murphy informed the meeting that increasing numbers (400 or so) are using Laboure’s elderly services. CYO teams at Gate of Heaven, South Boston Little League, and the Babe Ruth League received Community Benefit funds for their 2024 seasons.

Rev. Bruns Stanfield told how the Fourth Presbyterian Youth Theater Group will be supported by the BPDA’s Community Benefits Program. A grant has even been approved to help fund South Boston’s Annual March 17 Parade in 2025.

Thanks are due to South Boston ongoing developments.

Julie’s Family Learning Program on Dorchester Street.

A path in SPOKE Gallery’s No Man’s Land Park.

South Boston’s Gate of Heaven Church

The Neighborhood House’s “Diaper Depot” at the Ollie.

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Continued from Page 1

Thanks for the Memories the schoolyard to the beach for a quick plunge. When it’s freezing, we temporarily raid the donation box for layers of extra clothing.

One particularly humid day, the walls and f loors were slick with moisture. I recall more than one set of crutches were needed that week. A global pandemic finally provided the reason to fix the temperature setting of the building. I can’t say I miss wiping steam from my glasses.

Yet we endure. We’ll even whisper, ‘I get paid for this?! after enjoying some moment that’s unlikely to occur elsewhere - like when a child watches you apply lipstick at the end of the day and gleefully exclaims, ‘Mrs. Nee! Sometimes you look pretty! And sometimes you don’t!’ Or when a five year old sneaks a wilted plant off the shelf and proudly presents it to you as a special gift. Or when you lecture the class following a difficult morning only to have a student raise her hand to say, ‘The asteroids killed the dinosaurs millions of years ago.’ Yes Emily, they did. Indeed they did.

That is the secret sauce of our profession - entrance back into the world of childhood. Who wouldn’t want to be five, eight, or eleven again? We spend our days outnumbered at least 22 to 1 by little humans decades younger than us. It’s either sink or swim.

And so, like swimming, we find the mind/body synchronicity that allows us to get the job done.

But, oh boy, once we realize that our strokes and kicks are keeping us af loat, what joy!!

I’ve run through the schoolyard with my pack in the sun and rain, looking for the rainbow. Pizzas were delivered to the fallen Tree of G, a victim of lightning, as we sat among its branches to say goodbye. We ate birthday cake at the beach on a warm January day. This would be her only ever outdoor birthday party. Our battalion marched with small flags to the vandalized veterans memorial and saluted the heroes named there, certain they were once students at our school.

As scribes, we cheered passersby with messages on the windows like ‘6 more weeks of winter!’ ‘In like a lion, out like a lamb’ ‘ High five a dad!’ When the

Celtics lost we wrote ‘congrats to LA.’ When a local pol passed away, we wrote ‘Rest in Peace Jimmy.’

On opening day, we exit the school singing ‘Take Me out to the Ballgame.’ On April’s Fools,, we trick our families with fake mustaches. As owners and operators of the K1 store, we learned about numbers by buying tie clips and souvenir plates for our families. I took the maiden ride down the slide of the new playground and when we weren’t climbing on that, we played classic yard games like Giant Step, Red Light, and London Bridge. We love to make ice cream from snow and snowmen after storms.

We learned there’s a solution to every problem, even if it means accepting that some problems can’t be solved right away. As Bostonians, we use the words ‘tonic,’‘parlor,’ and ‘frappe.’ I made up long, winding stories

based on three random words pulled from a pack of cards. And if you can’t read a word by saying the sounds, try singing them..

We’re the boss of our thoughts, feelings, and bodies. And most importantly, our homework before going to bed is to think of something nice or good that happened during the day. There is ALWAYS something nice or good that happens, even if it’s just seeing a pretty flower or birds fly.

“How do you do it?’I get asked all the time. We transform ourselves. It takes energy and can be exhausting. We often have nothing left at the end of the day for our own families. Thankfully, they seem to understand. We give and we receive; it feels nice and good. I think of that before I go to sleep - and how grateful I am to have been the K1 teacher at the Perry School for all these years. I will miss it dearly.

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THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024

THANK YOU

Flynn Submits Amendments to Increase Funding Councilor Flynn Submits FY25 Budget Amendments to increase Boston Police Crime Lab and Pest Control Funding

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Families, Thank you for letting me share that sweet spot in your child’s life where the magic still exists yet they’re learning that they are the magicians.

Students, Thank you for bringing so much joy and love into my life. If I could bottle it, it would be enough to share with a thousand others. You are each a gift to the world and I shall never forget you.

‘You got a friend in me.’ -Buzz and Woody

And me too.

Love, Mrs. Nee K1 Teacher, Perry School / 2004-2024

oston City Councilor Ed Flynn submitted his F Y25 budget amendment recommendations to Councilor Brian Worrell, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. As part of the amendment recommendations, Councilor Flynn asked for a $1 million increase in funding for the Boston Police Crime Lab, and a $200,000 increase in funding for the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for pest control inspections on the weekends. The combined $1.2 million increase will come from a decrease in the budget for Office of Participatory Budgeting, specifically from their Special Appropriation line item.

Currently, the Boston Police Crime Lab is understaffed. At a recent hearing that Councilor Flynn held, it was confirmed that the Boston Police Crime Lab is not meeting its state required deadline of testing sexual assault kits within 30 days due to staffing shortages. This amendment would give the Crime Lab additional funding to hire more staff, and conduct relevant administrative and lab work, in an effort to meet the state mandated deadline of testing sexual assault kits within 30 days.

In addition, the Boston Police Crime Lab is not using the most advanced technology in the testing of sexual assault kits, which is called Y-Screening.

This amendment would provide more resources to the Crime Lab to update their equipment, so that they can perform their work more efficiently and effectively, a nd st ay i n c ompl ia nc e with state law on testing.

Separately, on the issue of pest control, there are currently

14 ISD inspectors for pest control, and they do not work on Saturdays and Sundays.

Councilor Flynn would like to see an increase in ISD funding to allow for inspections on weekends, when parties and events a re more frequent in the Cit y and violations are more likely to occur.

As of now, there is $1.4 million recommended for the Office of Participatory Budgeting as Special Appropriation for FY25. Last year, $1.75 million was appropriated in this line item and nothing has been spent yet.

“In this time of great fiscal uncertainty for our City, we need to ensure the departments that have the most urgent needs get funded. The Boston Police Crime Lab is understaffed and lagging behind in the latest equipment and technology on the testing of sexual assault kits. It is critical that they are provided the resources they need,” said Councilor Flynn. “Boston is also one of the highest rated cities in the country in terms of pest control issues, unfortunately.

We also need to have an all hands on deck approach on the weekends too, so that we can monitor and issue f ines to restaurants and households in violation of City code.”

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

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THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024

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NDC Receives EOHLC Funding for McDevitt Senior Homes Project

5 TIPS FOR DRONE SAFETY THIS SUMMER STAY CLEAR OF CONTROLLED AIRSPACES AND KNOW THE RULES:

1 Register your drone

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ieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) Secretary Ed Augustus announced recently in Gloucester that seven supportive housing projects ​ i n Massachusetts will receive $7.4 million in low-income housing tax credits and $38.5 million in subsidy funds for a total commitment of $46 million. The seven projects​, which include South Boston NDC’s McDevitt Senior Homes​, will produce or preserve 280 units of supportive housing

for families, seniors, chronically homeless individuals, and other vulnerable residents. McDevitt Senior Homes, an adaptive re-use/ new construction project, will feature 36 affordable one-bedroom units, with supportive services, for seniors. “We are expanding housing opportunities so more people can be housed, and get the services they need to stay housed,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to creating housing opportunities for people at all income levels.”

2 Never fly near any aircraft, airports or other controlled airspace

3 Keep your drone in sight at all times

4 Always fly below 400 feet

5 Learn the rules for Remote ID and flying over crowds

SCAN FOR MORE INFO ON DRONE SAFETY

Register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration at faadronezone.faa.gov

102161 MAS_FY24_326109_Drone Summer_Print_H_SouthBosOnline_5x13.indd 1

5/17/24 10:43 AM

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South Boston Graduate 2024: Caleigh Houlihan

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

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any high school seniors are understa ndably unsure about their future goals, but eighteen-year-old Caleigh Houlihan isn’t one of them. If ever there was a born teacher in the making it is this South Boston native and 2024 Boston Latin Academy graduate.

Soon to attend Bridgewater State University as an Elementary Education/Specia l Education major, Caleigh hasn’t missed an opportunit y to prepare.

Perhaps it began at home with two younger sisters, or through the years at Miss Linda’s Dance Program, and/or in tutoring and babysitting, and surely because of teachers she has had.

“I have been think ing about being a teacher and ta lk ing about it forever,” she said. “A nd Bridgewater was my choice since I had a great student teacher, Kaiylin Corrado, at the Perry School.

She went there and loved it.”

“I love thinking about how people learn differently, and that is what interests me. As a teacher I will be able to help the next generation and be part of their support system. My family said I am a born teacher and I actually think that is right!”

Caleigh has had years of observing how people learn, including her own experience with “zoom school” during COV I D, a nd t h rou g hout an exam high s c ho ol .

Caleigh Houlihan “I realized that looking at a computer screen all day wasn’t the way I learned. I’m a hands-on person, and people grew apart and were just in their houses. It impacted a lot of us mentally at that time,” she said. “I did learn much more about technology though and in fact just took a placement test at home online, which was very comfortable.”

Caleigh observes teachers and administrator differently than many students. She looks at effectiveness, fairness and is already starting to form her own ideas about leadership and policy.

“I liked Boston L atin Academy for the most part. Since it was advanced, I could work at my own pace. I like to work fast and move on, and I could do that. I also definitely made friends from all over Boston.”

Caleigh Houlihan is of South Boston. Her closest group of friends are in the community, and she has worked at Deja Brew for three years, in addition to her community child-based involvement and dance since age 2. Her mother, Bonnie, works at the Perry School and her father,

Pat, is an electrician and she has an extended family in the area.

“I can walk down the block and know someone on every street,” she said. “I want to live here when I grow up, but it’s time now to be an hour away. I have to test myself and want to learn how to be independent. I think it is going to be hard, and my parents said that commuting to a college from home is an option, but this is right. Plus, one of my best friends from Southie will be my roommate!”

In a blink of an eye, it is easy to imagine that Caleigh Houlihan will be that student teacher, teacher, and perhaps educational leader, who will inspire a new generation to learn and contribute. She will be bringing a passion for kids and teaching, a math mind and a family and community ready to support her success.

Congratulations, Caleigh!

(Please contact carolhardt@ comcast.net If you are , or know of a graduate we can salute)

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024

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Seaport Celebrates the 400 Summer Street Ribbon Cutting

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arking a significant milestone in the development of Boston Seaport, WS Development celebrated the opening of 400 Summer Street yesterday. The LEED Platinum certif ied building is the new headquarters of Foundation Medicine, the largest life sciences organization to move to Boston since 2011, and Boston’s first highway air rights project completed since 1983.

“We are ver y proud to introduce this beautiful building at the gateway to Seaport, a global epicenter for innovation and technology. As we welcome Fou nd a t ion Me d ic i ne to the Seaport, this model of susta inable de velopment stands as a testament to this neighborhood’s transformation.

It is a major achievement that f u r t her solid if ie s Seapor t’s position at the forefront of scientific innovation globally,” said Jeremy Sclar, Chairman & CEO of WS Development.

“Boston thrives on bridging communities, neighborhoods, and residents as we build a vibrant innovation economy,” sa id Mayor Michel le Wu. “C on g r a t u l a t ion s to WS Development on the completion of this transformational project, to help bring our communities closer together and keeps our economy growing to support a ll of our cit y’s residents.”

“Massachusetts has always e xc e l le d at publ ic-pr iv ate collaboration to advance our economic development and job creation goals,” said Lieutenant Governor K im Dricol l in a statement. “400 Summer Street is a prime example of what we can achieve when industry and government work together with a shared sense of purpose and a common goal.”

B o s t o n ’s Seaport neighborhood has transformed i nto a bu st l i ng hub for technolog y, life sciences, and

L-R: Yanni Tsipis (SVP of Development, WS Development), Amy Prange (VP of Development, Seaport), Leslie Doyle (VP of Construction, Seaport), Kim Driscoll (Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts), Jocelyn Goglia (Senior Director of Commercial Interiors, Seaport), Stephen Chan (Senior Advisor for Partnerships, Office of Mayor Michelle Wu), Ali Ribeiro (Senior Director of Development, Seaport), Liz Powers (CEO & Co-Founder of ArtLifting) retail, and the completion of 400 Summer Street represents a pivota l moment for t he neighborhood ’s progress. 400 Summer Street is a 16-stor y laborator y building designed by the renowned practice of Morris Adjmi Architects of New York City in collaboration with the Boston off ice of Stantec, LeMessurier Consultants, Buro Happold, Ha ley & A ldrich, and Nitsch Engineering. The building totals 630,000 square feet a nd includes 60 0,0 0 0 squ a re feet of laborator y and off ice space. It will also host 30,000 square feet of neighborhood retail uses along Congress and Summer Streets.

The building was constructed

by Su f fol k C on s t r uc t ion.

WS D e v e l o p m e nt ’s commitment to susta inable design and construction has ea rned the building LEED Platinu m cer tif ic ation, t he highest possible level of LEED recognition, from the United States Green Building Council ( U S G B C ).

400 Summer Street is t he t hird LEED Platinum certified building in WS’ Boston Seaport project.

The 400 Summer Street

Projec t a lso included t he construction of the Summer Street Steps adjacent to the building, which provide a g e ne r ou s a nd w e lc om i n g pedestrian a nd bic ycle connection from Summer Street to Congress Street, leading to Harbor Way at the heart of the Seaport neighborhood and Boston Harbor beyond. It is a critical step in connecting the

South Boston neighborhood and the South Station transportation hub to the Seaport, bridging a divide dating back to 1889 when the original Summer Street Bridge was constructed. It is also a key access point to the Seaport neighborhood for guests of The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, and a public gathering place for community programming and activations.

400 Summer Street Credit: Boston Seaport by WS, Photographer Eric Levin

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“The Castle Island Association (CIA) opened Fort Independence for public tours last weekend. From 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, you can begin tours by ascending the Walk of Flags and ending them on the grassy parade ground, after enjoying horse chestnut blooms in two flavors - vanilla and strawberry.

Broadway Lock Co. Selected as Legacy Business Award Winner in South Boston Awarded businesses are longstanding, independent enterprises that make a strong contribution to the residents, communities, and neighborhoods of Boston.

This is the second year of the Legacy Business Program.

“Our legacy businesses are anchors in our communities.

They connect residents with resources, and expand access to opportunity for families across Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thrilled to announce the awardees who uplift communities across our city.

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THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024

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Celtics Dominate Pacers in Four Straight; Clinch NBA Championship Playoff Berth

by Rick Winterson

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ou don’t have to be told that the Celts are now the NBA’s 2024 Eastern Conference Champions.

It’s headline news! And the seven-game NBA Championship playoff begins next week.

Mond ay e vening , t he (supposed) seven-game series between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers came to an abrupt end, when the Celts took the fourth (and final) game in a row from the Pacers. In this game, the Celts came from slightly behind in the fourth quarter to win by only three points, 105 to 102.

Winning so quickly means the Celts have ten (10) days before the first game on June 6 with the Dallas Mavericks, who are likely to be the Western Conference Champions. That’s an important number of days. Injured starting center Kristaps Porzingis might be able to play by June 6. Coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff will have plenty of time to design a combination of “three-pointers” and “points-in-the-paint” to defeat the terminally feisty Mavericks, who are led by Luka Doncic and that ex-Boston “favorite”, Kyrie Irving. A special mention goes to Al Horford. He filled in heroically for Porzingis at center against the Pacers, and he turns 38 next Monday, June 3. Happy Birthday, Al. You’ve truly earned it.

There were some puzzling scoring numbers in three out of four games between the Celts and the Pacers. Game One went into overtime, after Jaylen Brown sank a three-pointer to tie it up in the last few seconds. The Celts eventually won, 133 to 128. In both Game Three (114111) and Game Four (105-102), the Celts were behind for most of the fourth quarter. Effective defensive moves kept them close

in the final minutes of these games, which were low-scoring contests overall.

The Celts’ offensive numbers were weak.

It was only in Game Two (126 -110) that the Celtics showed their regular season skills on both defense and offense.

This brings up a few thoughts about the NBA regular season.

The Boston Celtics were far and away the dominant NBA team in 2023-2024. They won 64 games (out of 82 played) for a winning percentage of .780. No other Eastern team had a winning percentage of .700 or more. The closest were the New York Knicks in second place, who won just 50 games for a .610 percentage.

In the Western Conference, no team won as many as 60 games in the regular season, either.

However, five teams won at least 50 – Oklahoma City and Denver (both at 57), Minnesota (56), Los Angeles (51), and finally, Dallas (50). Despite their fifth-place rank, Dallas caught fire in the playoffs. Last week, they won three straight games from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves now have to win the last four games from the 4th to the 7th. This has never happened in the NBA – not even once! So although the Timberwolves won Game 4 from the Mavericks on Tuesday evening, the lowly Mavericks will almost certainly face the Boston Celtics in the upcoming NBA Championship series. Go figure. We’ll soon see how much the regular season’s numbers really mean.

And Kyrie Irving in Boston is certainly something to look forward to. This writer can’t wait!

One final note: Even though it has nothing to do with numbers, the loss of Bill Walton is saddening – really saddening. He possessed huge athletic skills and a likeable humanity that made us hope he would be around forever. It was

somehow fitting that he died on Memorial Day, because we certainly won’t ever forget him. His playing defined the modern-day position of basketball center. Did you know that in team practices as the Celts “sixth man” in 1986,

Bill led the so-called “Green Team” from the Celtics bench – against the starting team of Bird, McHale, Parish, Johnson, and Ainge? Wow! He also suffered frequently from painful foot problems, but he played on anyhow. R.I.P., Bill.

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Biele Helps Pass Landmark Legislation for Veterans Legislation Increases Benefits, Tax Credits, and Modernizes Services for Veterans

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tate Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation to support veterans across Ma ssachusetts.

The bill, entitled An Act honoring, empowering, and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans (HERO Act), will impact hundreds of thousands of veterans living in Massachusetts by broadening the definition of a veteran, increasing tax credits and state benef its that they are eligible for, and modernizing services for veterans.

“We must continue to do everything we can to support those who have served and risked their lives for our freedom,” said Rep. Biele. “This bill increases benefits for our veterans and honors our Gold Star families.”

The bill broadens the definition of “veteran” to expand veteran benefits eligibility. This new definition includes any person that served on active duty for at least 90 days, and whose last discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable; any person that served on active duty, in the National Guard or as a reservist, including solely for training purposes and was awarded a service-connected disability, or died in such service; and any person determined to be a veteran according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans who are current Ma ssachu set t s re sident s will be eligible for benefits, regardless of how long they have resided in the state.

The HERO Act includes the following changes to veteran benefits: • Medical assistance, dental and vision benefits: requires the Secretary of the Executive Office

of Veterans Services (EOVS) to provide a medical assistance benefit, behavioral health assistance benefit, and dental benefit beyond other benefits available to veterans, including medical and dental visits, behavioral health assessments, procedures, prescriptions, and costs.

• Benefits for dependents of veterans: updates the definition of “dependent” to include children over the age of 18 that meet the criteria for emancipation. It also expands the pool of coverage by extending benefits to dependents who are mentally or physically unable to support themselves after reaching the age of 23. This section aligns the residential eligibility requirements of the dependent of a veteran with residential eligibility requirements of the veteran, granting benefits to the dependent of a veteran that has resided in Massachusetts for one day prior to applying for benefits.

• Veteran benefits income eligibility: clarif ies that an increase to an otherwise eligible veteran’s income due to a cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA) made to social security, supplemental securit y income, or socia l security disability insurance would not render the recipient ineligible for benefits in the year the adjustment was issued.

• A nnuit y for blind, paraplegic or veterans with disabilities: starting July 1, 2024, increases from $2,000 to $2,250 the annuity for blind, paraplegic, or veterans with disabilities.

Starting July 1, 2025, increases from $2,250 to $2,500 the annuity for blind, paraplegic, or veterans with disabilities.

• Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: codifies the authority of the recently created EOVS to operate, maintain and expand the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon, and to add new locations, subject to the availability

of funds, to meet the needs of veterans and their dependents.

• Workplace benefits and services poster: the bill requires the Secretary of EOVS, with the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, to create and distribute a notice including information regarding the services and resources available to veterans to be posted in the workplace and provided on the employees first day by employers in Massachusetts with more than 50 full-time employees.

The HERO Act includes the following tax initiatives: • Veterans’ property tax abatement and exemptions: creates two local options, a) municipalities may annually increase local property ta x abatements for veterans in an amount equal to the increase in cost of living determined by the Consumer Price Index for the year and b) municipalities may offer an additional exemption to veterans that qualify for local property tax exemptions up to 100 percent of the amount of the exemption for which veteran qualifies.

• Employer tax credit for hiring veterans: increases from $2,000 to $2,500 the amount of a tax credit for each qualified veteran hired by an employer and for subsequent years of continued employment of each veteran. This applies for taxable year 2024.

• Motor Vehicle Sa les Tax exemption: adds veterans with disabilities with a Purple Heart recipient plate to those allowed a sales tax exemption for the purchase of a motor vehicle for persona l use.

The HERO Act also includes the following reforms: • Recognition day for sacrifice of Gold Star families: annually requires the Governor

to issue a proclamation on Memorial Day in recognition of the sacrifices of Gold Star families, and requires certain landmarks and bridges be illuminated in gold on Memorial Day including the Fore River Bridge, Zakim Bridge, and Longfellow Bridge.

• Flag requirements: requires flags to be flown at half-staff at public buildings and military installations when a military member is killed in active duty, or when the remains of a prisoner of war or a military member that went missing in action return home to Massachusetts, and annually on national POW/MIA day.

• Veterans’ license plates: maintains authorization for the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to furnish veterans, including prisoners of war and recipients of certain medals, with distinctive license plates and emblems indicating the branch of service, award received, or disability status. The distinctive plates and emblems must be issued without a fee other than the established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles.

• EMT training waiver for veterans: authorizes the Department of Public Health (DPH) to issue a waiver for veterans applying for an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification in Massachusetts if it is determined

by DPH that the education and training requirements for veterans and military medics of the US Armed Forces are sufficiently comparable to the requirements for EMTs in Massachusetts.

• Slot machines: t he bill allows certain veteran’s organizations to be approved by the Gaming Commission and their local licensing authority for up to five slot machines on their premises.

Having passed the House of Representatives 156 - 0, the bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

BPD Community Alert:

The Boston Police Department Warns Against Spiked Drinks And Urges Victims To Report The Incidents BPD Community Alert: The Boston Police Department would like to remind the public of the dangerousness of scentless, colorless, and tasteless drugs such as Rohypnol, also known as roofie, being placed in the drinks of unsuspecting victims. Other drugs commonly used in a similar fashion are GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) or Ketamine.

These drugs and substances can cause disorientation, confusion, temporary paralysis, or unconsciousness, along with a host of other symptoms, leaving the potential victim vulnerable to the intentions of the suspect.

While the BPD encourages everyone to look out for each other when gathered in social settings by creating a ‘buddy system’ to prevent getting separated, there are steps you can take on your own to help ensure your personal safety: -Be sure that your drink is being served directly by the bartender or your server. Don’t allow people you don’t know or trust to order drinks and deliver them to you.

-Watch your drink at all times. Never leave your drink unattended.

Take your drink with you to the restroom if need be.

Keep your hand covered over your drink when you’re not looking at it.

Many creative inventions exist that can help you cover your drink.

-est your drink with test strips or nail polish that light up a certain color if they detect drugs.

Get help immediately if you begin to feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, or strange in any way.

Please be aware of any uncharacteristic behavior from your acquaintances and be wary of strangers attempting to lure individuals away from their friends.

Also, should you observe any individual who appears to be in distress, wandering alone late at night, or dressed unsuitably for the weather, be sure to contact the police immediately.

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Boston Parks and Recreation Summer Program Guide Looking for outdoor fun this summer? Check out the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Guide, a complete schedule of free events and activities for all ages.

Visit boston.gov/parks to view the Summer Guide in a PDF version or visit our offices at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd floor, to pick up your copy. Summer Guides are also available at Boston City Hall and select BCYF center locations.

The guide features free activities throughout Boston’s parks including concerts, movies, fitness classes, sports centers, watercolor painting workshops, and fun children’s activities.

Highlights include: Summer Fitness Series Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool opens June 25 Arts & Craft Workshops for children ages 3 to 10 Watercolor Workshops in June Movie Nights in parks citywide ParkARTS Neighborhood Concerts Intimate concerts on our golf clubhouse patios Leagues and tournaments for basketball, pickleball, baseball, softball, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, and street hockey And much more!

To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks, call (617) 635-4505, visit Boston.gov/ Parks, join our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

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THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Great Job at the Spring Concerts

T

he students in the Early Childhood Center, in grades K0 and K1, and on May 16 the students at South Boston Catholic Academy in grades K2 to 6th all did a fantastic job singing at their Spring Concerts. Teacher’s were asked to select a favorite song of theirs for their class to sing. The students sang the songs from “The Teachers’ Playlist.” Some of the songs the Early Childhood students sang included... “You are

My Sunshine”, “This Little Light of Mine’’, and they ended the show with “Sweet Caroline”. The older students sang songs which included...”Man in the Mirror’’, “Walking on Sunshine’’, “Fight Song” and “Don’t Stop Believing”.

Our Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian and our Early Childhood Director, Mrs. Kara Murphy, Thanked our talented students for the fantastic job singing and our talented Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi, for teaching these songs to

the students and for putting these two great concerts together and for wonderfully singing a solo rendition of “One Pair of Hands.” Dr. Civian also Thanked our talented Art Teacher, Ms. Valerie Szmurlo, and our awesome 6th graders for making the colorful banners that decorated the front of the stage and they Thanked all our dedicated teachers and staff and wonderful families. Thank you to everyone who made these SBCA Spring Concerts possible and so enjoyable.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024

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Spring Concert Cont.

Gate of Heaven Parish News

All are welcome to come to the monthly Coffee and Conversation Hour on Sunday, June 2 after the 9:00AM Mass In the Downstairs Hall at Gate of Heaven Church

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THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024

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

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

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.

Master Plan for Planned Development Area No. 69, The 100

Said Development Plan consists of the construction of three (3)

Acres, South Boston. Said Development Plan consists of the

new, mixed-use commercial office, research and development, and

redevelopment of the site, currently a surface parking lot and

lab buildings, with ground floor retail at 505 Dorchester Avenue,

related improvements, to include one new building comprising

65 Ellery Street, and 75 Ellery Street. Below grade parking serving

approximately 324,315 square feet of gross floor area (“GFA”)

all of the buildings will be located at 65 Ellery Street and 75 Ellery

containing research laboratory and office space, ground floor space

Street. 505 Dorchester Avenue will be a new 12 story mixed-use

with intended retail, restaurant, civic, and/or cultural uses, and

commercial office, research and development, and lab building

below-grade parking for up to 125 vehicles. The Proposed Project

with ground floor retail and bicycle parking; 65 Ellery Street will

will contribute approximately 1.5 acres of publicly accessible

be a new 13 story commercial office, research and development,

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

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.

comments or questions to zoningcommission@boston.gov.

Interpreting services are available to communicate information at

Interpreting services are available to communicate information at

this hearing. If you require interpreting services, please contact the

this hearing. If you require interpreting services, please contact the

following: zoningcommission@boston.gov or 617-918-4308. The

following: zoningcommission@boston.gov or 617-918-4308. The

meeting is scheduled for June 12, 2024. Please request interpreting

meeting is scheduled for June 12, 2024. Please request interpreting

services no later than June 7, 2024.

services no later than June 7, 2024.

For the Commission Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

For the Commission Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MAY 30, 2024

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