Boston Convention & Exhibition Center to be Renamed the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) is pleased to announce that the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) will be renamed as the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in honor of Thomas Menino, who
served as Mayor of Boston from 1993 to 2014, and was the city’s longest serving mayor. An event to officially mark the name change will be held on Saturday, July 12.
“Mayor Menino loved Boston deeply, and he made our city into the global hub for business, commerce and tourism that we know it to be today,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I was honored to sign this law renaming the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center after Mayor Menino because it is a wonderful way to pay tribute to his amazing legacy and send a strong message that Boston is a place to be for people and businesses from around the world.”
“Mayor Menino’s love for Boston, care for every resident and every neighborhood, and
belief in our City’s future forever changed Boston,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “He guided our City through
some of the hardest times in our history, and led the way for a future generation of leaders.
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Rhythm at the Plate
South Boston Senior Babe Ruth faced off against Dorchester on Wednesday night at Moakley Park. Southie couldn’t find their rhythm at the plate. Dorchester capitalized on key opportunities and steadily pulled away, handing South Boston an 11-2 loss. The team looks to regroup and bounce back in their next matchup.
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Continued from Page 1 BCEC Renamed His legacy will now live on in another new way, representing a convention center that welcomes people and collaborations from around the world.”
In the fall of 2024, the Massachusetts Legislature passed H.5100, An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership, which included language to rename the BCEC in honor of Mayor Menino in recognition of his leadership in advocating for the development
of the convention center.
“While there are many places and ways we can honor Tom Menino’s legacy of leadership and love for the City of Boston, I can think of none better than to lend his name to the Convention and Exhibition Center,” said State Representative Aaron Michlewitz. “A true expression of his vision to always drive Boston to be a more vibrant, healthy and welcoming city.”
“The Waterfront would not be what it is today without the late Mayor Tom Menino,” said State Senator Nick Collins.
“Mayor Menino partnered with legislative leaders like Congressman Stephen F. Lynch and former state Senator Jack
Hart, bringing together city and state government with industry and the community to create a lasting impact on our local and state economy. It is an appropriate tribute to the role he played in the BCEC’s creation. That’s why so many of our colleagues in the Legislature joined in supporting the renaming with a near unanimous vote on the economic development bill last session.”
“Our entire family is grateful for this incredible honor,” said Angela Menino, wife of the late and former Mayor Thomas Menino. “Tommy believed in the potential of every neighborhood in our city, and in the power of development to improve people’s lives. We thank our legislative leadership for acknowledging his legacy and his vision for how this convention center would lead to the transformation of Boston’s Seaport.”
“Last year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of the BCEC which would not have been possible without the leadership of Mayor Menino,” said Marcel Vernon, Sr., Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. “It is a fitting tribute that the convention and exhibition center he championed will now carry his name and we look forward to hosting the commemoration event in July.”
In 2024, the BCEC hosted 136 events, welcoming over 500,000 attendees to Boston.
Massport Awards Annual Butler Memorial Scholarship
South Boston graduate receives award for college
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced the recipient of the annual scholarship honoring the memory of Tommy Butler, the long-time Massport Director of External Affairs and lifelong South Boston resident. The 2025 Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship was awarded to South Boston resident Erin Flaherty.
“Erin has made a tremendous impact on her community through her service,” said Massport CEO Rich Davey. “She has excelled academically and in her extracurricular activities and embodies the true spirit of Tommy Butler’s legacy.”
The Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who resides in South Boston, is graduating
from high school and has been accepted to an accredited college or university. Butler was the former mayor of the South Boston Boys Club, Youth Counselor and then Director of Little City Hall in Charlestown, former president of the South Boston Citizens Association and member of the South Boston Irish American Society. When he arrived at Massport in 1987 as a manager of intergovernmental relations, he was a licensed social worker who had worked in the Boston Juvenile Court, and for the City of Boston.
Flaherty is a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School and will soon attend Plymouth State University. She has volunteered her time at the Blue Hills Collaborative Center and has worked at the South Boston Catholic Academy after school program.
To be considered for the Thomas J. Butler Scholarship, students are required to have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and submit an essay of 1,000 words describing their career interests or how their community service has affected their outlook on life.
In her essay, Erin wrote, “My community service experience helped me realize how important it is to give back. It also
reminded me that healthcare isn’t just about treating illnessit’s about understanding people and being there for them in real, human ways.” Applications are judged by a committee made up of Massport employees and a representative of the Butler family. Students interested in applying for the 2026 scholarship should visit www.massport.com for eligibility requirements.
Mayor’s Garden Contest Submission Deadline is July 10
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced the launch of the 29th annual Mayor’s Garden Contest, celebrating the creativity and dedication of Boston’s urban gardeners. The contest recognizes residents who help beautify neighborhoods through their flowers, trees, shrubs, and landscaping efforts, making Boston a more vibrant, green, and welcoming city.
Gardeners have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 to submit their entries. This year’s contest introduces a new category for Pollinator Gardens, highlighting gardens that support biodiversity by incorporating native species and creating habitats for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.
Gardeners, or those nominating their favorite local gardeners, may submit photos through the online application
boston.gov/garden-contest (preferred method). To request a paper application, participants may email their name and mailing address to gardencontest@boston. gov. Paper applications are available in English and ten additional languages can also be found at boston.gov/garden-contest.
Finalists will receive a visit from contest judges during the week of July 28. Once the votes are tallied, first-place winners in each category will be honored by Mayor Wu with the coveted “Golden Trowel” award, while second and third-place winners will receive official certificates.
Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last ten years will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. While Hall-of-Famers are no longer eligible to compete, they are invited to return as contest judges.
First-place winners are eligible for a drawing for a JetBlue Grand Prize consisting of two (2) roundtrip travel certificates for travel
to/from JetBlue cities (excluding transatlantic). Travel certificates cover the base fare of the flight; government taxes and fees are the responsibility of the winner. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply. Mahoney’s Garden Centers donates gift certificates to the top three winners in each category, as well as gift certificates
for the 2025 Hall of Fame winners. To stay up to date with the Mayor’s Garden Contest as well as news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/ parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
By Carol Masshardt
Popular Excel High
senior, nineteen-year-old Justin Pina, can almost make it look easy. Graduating with a 3.7 grade point average, the oldest of four boys, he is headed to Bridgewater State University in the fall, one school among many where he was accepted.
“I went to the Condon, 1-8, and then Excel, 9-12, so have only been in South Boston. It is home, and I wanted to always come back to the schools. But now, Excel will be closing as it is now and there will be something different. That is sad to me. I liked it there and made a good connection with the
2025 Graduate: Meet Justin Pina
teachers. There was a lot of respect, especially Mr. Laporte and Ms. Hwang. They were both a big help and encouraged me,” he said. “I liked Psychology, especially, and Math until AP Statistics.”
“For my next step I wanted to be close, but not too close to home,” he said. ‘I think the first year I’m undeclared, but then probably something in health sciences. I will be living in the dorm so it’s new experience away from home, and I’ll go from there.”
Justin Pina has worked at the Condon Community Schools program, the Boys and Girl’s Club and is a regular employee at the Stop and Shop in South Boston. He also did an internship at Mass. General/Brigham Hospital.
“I have changed in the past four years,” he said. “I’m not a little kid anymore. I can count to ten and breath and
just be more mature in the way I handle things. My goal is to get ready for a good, steady job that pays well enough and maybe live, eventually, in a place with more open space,” he said.
“My concern is about figuring out all the things of life, such as taxes, driving. There is a lot that I have to figure out about how things work and fit together and the purpose,” he said.
Justin Pina doesn’t complain and instead explains. “I don’t have a car in my family, so I go to the auto school, but I need practice,” he said. “A lot of these things, my mom can’t help with, but she would if she could. We struggled a lot, but I learned that I don’t have to fail because of that. I learned not to give up.”
Fracturing his ankle, Justin gave up football, and focused on work, school, and friends. He is honest and without arrogance as he reflects on his graduation in a few weeks.
“I am confused about life’s purpose, but I am figuring it out slowly. It is scary sometimes, but I know I can push myself,” he said.
The Condon School and the “D” St neighborhood are places he calls “home.” “I think about
people I started with, and some have died or are incarcerated or dropped out, but I’m glad I made it through and know all the people I do,” he said. Through it all, Justin remains attentive to possibility.
“I know a few others who went on to different high schools, but are going to Bridgewater, too. I think it might be a good place for me. I’m approaching my life with an open mind,” he said.
Justin Pina may not yet have a clear plan for his future, or how to approach the many confusing facets of life, but he knows about connection, community, hard work, and a sense of home. Surely these qualities will hold him in good stead as he becomes a college student, far but not too far from home.
Congratulations on your success and graduation, Justin!
(To comment or to suggest a graduate to be highlighted contact Carol Masshardt at carolhardt@comcast.net)
(Carol Masshardt can be reached at carolhardt@comcast. net for comments or suggestions of new high school graduates who maybe included in this series.)
Councilor Flynn Passes Resolution to Establish a Commission on Downtown Office Vacancies
This week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn passed a resolution again calling for the establishment of a Blue Ribbon Commissionmade up of business leaders, city and state officials, neighborhood advocates, and other relevant experts - to study and make recommendations regarding the issue of Downton office vacancies. This follows a similar resolution from Councilor Flynn passed by the Boston City Council last year. Similarly, Councilor Flynn held a hearing in 2023 on bringing back all City of Boston Board meetings and related business in-person, with a hybrid option for the public, in an effort to both bring muchneeded foot traffic and economic activity downtown, along with improving community engagement.
Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many
of Boston’s neighborhoods, especially Downtown Boston and the Financial District, have been negatively impacted by office vacancies and decreasing building values due to remote work and a lack of foot traffic. According to a report by the real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, the office vacancy rate in Boston is at 17%, up from 15.1% last year. The latest research from Boston Policy Institute and Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis also finds that due to the decreasing value of office spaces, there is now a potential shortfall of $1.7 billion to $2.1 billion in city revenue over the next 5 years. The Report also found that office values are likely to fall 35-45% from 2024 levels, which is far higher than the 20-30% decline anticipated from last year’s findings, and an increase from the last projection of $1.2 billion - $1.5 billion.Vacancy rates
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impact the value of real estate, which in turn impacts the amount of tax revenue that they generate. Over the last year, a number of highprofile buildings in Downtown have sold for large discounts, including 101 Arch Street - sold for $78 million compared to what it was bought for at $121.7 million in 2005. One Lincoln Street, formerly known as the State Street Building and now HarborVest, was sold for $400 million at a foreclosure auction in March this year and less than half of its value just a few years ago. 99 High St, sold for $227 million in late April, was previously bought for $273 million in 2005, and $100 million below its assessed value of $373.7 million.
“In the final analysis, with falling commercial property values, over 70% dependence on property taxes, and more than 50% of city land absorbed by our large nonprofit
partners - we have long-term fiscal issues to address in the City of Boston. It is simply unsustainable for all sectors of our economy to continue to work remotely from home and contribute to declining revenue,” said Councilor Flynn. “It may not be popular, but the truth is that there is no such thing as a free lunch. For the good of the City of Boston- the public sector, business leaders, and nonprofit partners need to prioritize in-person work. With global economic issues, high interest rates, and a slowdown in development in the city - now is not the time for significant tax increases on residents or businesses. We need to exercise fiscal responsibility and discipline. Boston works best when we work together.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
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Celebrating 30 Years of Boston Youth Council
Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Office of Youth Engagement (OYEA) celebrated the 30-year anniversary of the Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC). Since the first Council year commenced in 1995, the MYC has empowered nearly 1,000 Boston high school students to grow in their capacity as civic leaders, represent their peers in City government, and collaborate with City officials. The anniversary event held last Wednesday at MassArt brought together notable program alumni, current Youth Councilors, and family and friends.
“For the past 30 years, the City of Boston has been able to directly collaborate with our young community leaders through the Mayor’s Youth Council, giving members a platform to create the change they want to see,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am proud to celebrate this anniversary and support all generations of changemakers of our City.”
One of the four focus areas of the Mayor’s Youth Council this year involved planning and hosting the 30-year anniversary celebration, which also served as the current cohort’s endof-year celebration. Current Councilors received awards for their accomplishments this year from MYC staff.
“I loved the planning process for the MYC 30th,” said Youth Councilor Miracle Ebbi. “It was fun to find the right venue. I was excited to meet a lot of MYC alumni at the 30th event and to join the
Over the last three decades, Mayor’s Youth Councilors have organized youth town halls and events, engaged in service projects, and created awareness campaigns to help address challenges facing Boston’s youth. Youth Councilors have developed their leadership skills, commitment to public service, and understanding of local government.
alumni community myself.”
“On the planning committee, we spent a lot of time finding alumni and building our network,” said Youth Councilor Jolie Nguyen. “It was so interesting to learn about the history of MYC in the last 30 years.”
“As a former member of the Mayor’s Youth Council, it is an honor to be a part of its 30th anniversary. The Council played a critical role in helping me discover my interest in working with the City of Boston,” said City Councilor John FitzGerald. “During my time on the Mayor’s Youth Council, I met other members from all across the city that have become future colleagues and friends. The Mayor’s Youth Council is a great opportunity for youth to get exposed to public service and it was an incredible honor then and now.”
“The Mayor’s Youth Council has been a launchpad for so many of Boston’s brightest
young minds, including my own sister, whose experience on the Council was nothing short of transformative. I have no doubt that MYC will continue to empower young people, not only to find their voices, but to use them to shape the future of our city.” said Council President Ruthzee Louijeune.
Other initiatives of the 202425 Council included planning and executing a series of peer-led focus groups at youth-serving community organizations around Boston to enhance the findings of OYEA’s “Youth Speaks Boston” needs assessment. In addition, Mayor’s Youth Councilors worked alongside community partners to identify impactful locations around the city for publiclyaccessible vertical gardens that will grow fresh produce. The MYC “Safe Steps Committee” collaborated with the City of Boston Streets Cabinet to advocate for the creation of new crosswalks and educate
Boston Common Frog Pond Spray Pool Opens June 24
Mayor Michelle Wu, Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett, and The Skating Club of Boston are pleased to welcome children and their caregivers to kick off the 2025 summer wading season as the Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool reopens on Tuesday, June 24.
The wading pool opening is made possible by title sponsor Bank of America and presenting sponsors H.P. Hood LLC and the New England Dairy Council. The event will include an exciting celebration at 11 a.m. followed by the opening of the spray pool.
In addition to activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents can enjoy tasty treats and a visit from official mascot Frog Pond Freddie. Enjoy sparkling water from Polar Beverages, frozen treats from H.P. Hood LLC, as well as
dairy product sampling from the New England Dairy Council’s educational Mobile Dairy Experience. Residents can also try our instrument ‘petting zoo’ courtesy of the Boston Music Project and visit the teams from Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience at Boston Children’s Hospital, Made 2 Clean MA, the University of Massachusetts Early Minds Lab, AT&T, as well as IMPACT Melanoma for summer sun safety tips.
Also offering giveaways and activities will be the Boston Public Library, the Boston Public Health Commission, Science for Scientists, Friends of the Public Garden, Boston Fire Department, and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission’s popular water truck.
A year-round recreational facility, the Frog Pond offers ice skating in the winter, a spray pool and supervised wading for youth in the summer, and the Carousel from spring through fall. Information on additional activities
offered at the Frog Pond can be found by visiting www.bostonfrogpond.com.
The Frog Pond spray pool is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Labor Day. The facility is managed by The Skating Club of Boston and staffed by youth workers from the Boston Youth Fund. For further information, please call the Frog Pond at (617) 635-2120.
For more information visit www.boston.gov/frogpond.To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
South Boston Senior Babe Ruth
Family Fun Day
For the 12th Saturday in a row, the rain came down, but that didn’t stop anyone from having a blast at the MOMS Club of South Boston’s Family Fun Day at Marine Park. Families enjoyed dance performances, music, arts & crafts, yummy food, touring emergency vehicles, games, massive bubbles, and more! Despite the weather, this free event was the perfect way to kick off summer in Southie — full of smiles, community spirit, and plenty of fun (umbrellas included).
ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS
To participate in ZBA hearings, below are instructions on joining a public meeting. Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.
11 Dorchester St. South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 6/12/2025
Project Description: Change occupancy to add Live Entertainment to existing restaurant operating after 10:30 pm
190 L ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 6/24/2025
Project Description: Change occupancy from 3 family dwelling to 4 way legalizing existing basement into unit as per plans
346 D ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 7/8/2025
Project Description: Change existing occupancy from Office warehouse use to fleet motorpool Garage with Dispatch office include accessory storage materials truck amp servicing employee parking lot. Phase 1 shell core renovations per plans provided consist new building infrastructure work electrical service electric vehicle charging installation an 8 security fence be installed around property Demolition any existing structures consolidation 5 lots final tenant fitout shall performed on separately filed issued SF demo alteration premises permits Demolition buildings site renovation remaining 2 story structure future fit out Includes New 12 9 24 removal Existing s is subject application issuance demolition permit
Project Description: Change occupancy from store restaurant amp 5 apartments to 6 Install new bath kitchen interior frame 2 bedrooms
62 L ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 8/12/2025
Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events. To request a copy of plans or ISD letter for the proposals below, please email +Sigurgeir Jonson
256 W Fifth St / Jim’s Variety
Proposal: Add beer and wine to store
Time: Jun 16, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87041722039
Meeting ID: 870 4172 2039
1690 Columbia Rd
Proposal: Change of occupancy from 2-family to 5-family building via renovation and rear addition w/off-street parking
Time: Jun 23, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Proposal: Demolish existing 1-family detached home and construct a new 1-family detached home with a semi-finished basement, 2-car garage, and family room at street level. Upper floors will include an open living area and bedrooms. A roof deck with roof hatch and NFPA 13R sprinkler system are proposed.
Time: Jun 24, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Proposal: Change existing 8 bedroom single family to two bilevel units, lower unit containing 3 beds off kitchen living rm upper 5. Create new second floor egress grade, confirm occupancy as single family, change to 2 dwelling
Time: Jun 26, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89238344589 Meeting ID: 892 3834 4589
120
Emerson St
Proposal: Adding Gong Cha (Bubble Tea) to an existing empty commercial space. Use is conditional, ZBA is required. Opening Hours will be 10AM-11PM. Takeout will be available. Items being sold are Bubble Tea, Waffles and Ice Cream.
Time: Jun 26, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
A section of Carson Beach is roped off to protect the threatened Piping Plovers. Please help keep Curlycue and Carly — the plover pair calling this beach home — safe by respecting the fencing and keeping people and pets out. This is their home. Let’s give them the space they need to thrive!
DESCRIPTION: The proposed project consists of a new six-story mixeduse building at 19-21 West Third Street in the Broadway Station area of South Boston. The new building will contain thirty-five residential condominium units for sale, including 17% income-restricted affordable units pursuant to Article 79’s Inclusionary Zoning requirements. One ground-floor commercial unit of approximately 821 square feet will be provided along with garage parking for ten motor vehicles, as well as secure storage for thirty-five bicycles.
Zoe
Congratulations to SBCA’s 6Th Grade Graduation Class of 2025
First Graders celebrate the End of the Year School Mass
South Boston Catholic Academy Faith, Family, Academic Excellence... Congratulations to all our 26 wonderful 6th Grade students at South Boston Catholic Academy. Their hard work and perseverance have paid off! The prestigious High Schools that the 6th Grade students have been invited to attend for the 2025-2026 School Year include: Archbishop Williams High School, Boston College High School, Boston Latin School & Boston Latin Academy, Cathedral High School, Catholic Memorial, Dexter
Southfield School, Fontbonne Academy, Notre Dame Academy, St. Agatha School, St. Mary’s School, Ursuline Academy, and Xaverian Brothers High School.
God’s Blessings and Best Wishes from all of us at South Boston Catholic Academy to all our wonderful 6th Graders and their families as they start a new chapter in their lives! A BIG THANK YOU to their teacher, Mrs. Faith Smith, for all her work, help, guidance and support with this year’s 6th Graders and to all our students, families, teachers, aides, support staff and friends for making it another amazing year here at SBCA!
On Thursday, June 5, we celebrated the End of the Year School Mass followed
by the 6th Grade Graduation Ceremony. The First Graders did an outstanding job leading us at this Mass as Greeters, with the Scripture Readings and Bringing up the Gifts to the Altar. Thank you to all our 1st Grade Teachers, Ms. Emma Jacobson, Ms. Peggy Byrne, Mrs. Caroline Cole, and Ms. Kayla Keough for helping them prepare for this Mass and another wonderful year in 1st Grade! Thank you to our amazing SBCA Children’s Choir directed by the Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi, and the Parish Music Director/Organist Mr. Ryan Lynch, for the beautiful music. Our Pastor, Father Robert Casey, was the celebrant at this Mass and our Parochial Vicar, Father Peter Schirripa, was the concelebrant at this Mass. “The future belongs to those
who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney. A Prayer as we end the school year... Dear God, we thank you for all the gifts you have given us throughout this school year, we are grateful for the good things you have done in us, and we praise you for all who have shared in the work at SBCA. We ask that you bless us all in your love as we begin summer vacation. Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead. Guide each day as you have this past year. Help us return to school in September, rested and ready, with a new spirit and a new energy. Amen.
On behalf of our Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian, “We wish everyone a Happy and Safe Summer!”
