SBOL_07_18_2024

THURSDAY JULY 18, 2024

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Emergency Town Hall Tonight on Safety Concerns with Motorcycles and Mopeds Boston At-Large City Councilor Julia Mejia and District Councilors Flynn and Pepén to Host Emergency Town Hall Regarding Quality of Life and Safety Concerns Related to Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Unlicensed Vehicles

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oston City Councilor Julia Mejia is hosting a virtual emergency town hall on Thursday July 18th, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. alongside her colleagues Councilors Ed Flynn and Enrique Pepén to address the escalating quality of life and safety concerns that motorcycles, mopeds, and unlicensed vehicles pose to our communities. Recent incidents and concerns demand a comprehensive community response to ensure the

safety and well-being of all residents.

Recent incidents, such as a pack of more than 100 bicyclists and motor scooter riders taking to Interstate 93, concerns regarding the road safety that offroad vehicles are engaging in, and most tragically, a recent fatality involving a suspect on a scooter, have heightened communit y a w a r e ne s s a nd c onc e r n .

“In light of the most recent incident impacting the Báez family, our office is responding by not only providing the Báez family with the support services they need, but we are also seizing this moment to convene all stakeholders and to bring people together so that we can work collaboratively to address the social, emotional, mental, and Continued on Page 2

95 Years Young

South Boston legend Dan McCole, Southie’s oldest teenager, turned 95 on July 16th, and the neighborhood turned out to celebrate him! Hogan’s Goat provided the music as guests ate, drank, and caught a moment with the guest of honor. Happy birthday, Dan!!

Photos on Page 8

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Continued from Page 1

Safety Concerns

physical impact that unlicensed and uninsured mopeds, scooters, and other vehicles are having on our community. As previous attempts have demonstrated, for example in 2020, our office held a virtual town hall where over 350 people participated, and as a result of that, a task force was created to address the fireworks issue. We believe that by convening people on an issue that impacts everyone, we will identify the tools and the resources needed,” said Councilor Mejia.

“My c ondolenc e s a re with the family of Mr. Báez, whose untimely departure has deeply saddened us all. Sunday night’s tragedy prompts us to confront difficult reality and to ask ourselves what immediate actions city officials need to take to improve our community’s safety and well-being. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident in my district. Just this past

Februar y, we mourned the loss of another resident in a similar tragic accident at the intersection of Washington St and Bexley Rd in Roslindale,” said Councilor Pepén. “In response to these tragedies, I am pleased to co-host a town hall meeting, in collaboration with Councilor Mejia and Councilor Flynn. This meeting provides a platform for residents and city leaders to engage in a vital discourse. Together, we will explore meaningful solutions to address these critical issues and ensure the safety of all members of our community.”

“In a he a r i ng order f rom Febr u a r y re g a rd i n g transportation planning, I called on the city to focus on regulating the increased public safet y challenges with the usage of mopeds, scooters up to 25 mph, and other devices from thirdparty delivery drivers. Residents across Boston have witnessed speeding along our streets and sidewalks, often running stop

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signs and red lights, going the wrong way on one-way streets, and navigating between vehicles either in traffic or at traffic lights,” said Councilor Flynn.

“Everyone using city roads needs to abide by the rules of the road.

If you’re able to go 25mph like a car- you should be licensed, registered, and carry liability insurance in the event of an accident and injury. I continue to advocate for strict enforcement from Boston Police and arrests for reckless driving, if warranted.

It can no longer be the Wild West on the streets of Boston.”

The emergency town hall will feature Dr. Gayl CrumpSwaby, communit y advocate Elizabeth Amador, a BPD officer, and those impacted by this issue.

This community discussion invites community members, local businesses, law enforcement agencies, and all stakeholders to come together in a dialogue about effective strategies to combat these issues. By working together, we can create a safer and more livable city for all.

To join the conversation, go to www.facebook. com/JuliaforBoston.

Boston Rodent Action Plan Falls Short

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ith the release of the city’s Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP), Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn believes that although there are positive steps outlined on ways to address our pest control crisis and better coordination among our dedicated city departments, the plan falls short of the recommendation of both Councilor Flynn and the study’s author, renowned rodent urbanologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan, that the city revisit the idea of formally creating a “rat czar” like New York City has implemented.

Moreover, after talking with residents and businesses across the city for years, Councilor Flynn takes issue with the analysis of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) that our current pest control crisis does not pose a high public health threat to the residents of Boston and their families.

Councilor Flynn has long advocated for the city to focus on

the growing problem of pest control and rodent mitigation issues, which were exacerbated during the pandemic when restaurants closed and rats began showing up in more residential areas searching for another food source. Flynn has called for hearings every year on pest control going back to the start of the pandemic in 2020. Last year, he met with New York City’s Director of Rodent Mitigation, or “Rat Czar”, Kathleen Corradi, to discuss both the logistics of working with a number of different city departments to tackle this quality of life issue, as well as specific strategies to deal with the growing rodent population in municipalities across the country.

In fact, after calling for a hearing on the creation of an Office of Pest Control in January of 2023, Councilor Flynn introduced an ordinance at the

Boston City Council in January of this year and held a hearing to formally establish one in the City of Boston. He also met earlier this year with relevant city departments and Dr. Corrigan to discuss their work in formulating this report and offered recommendations.

“I’d like to thank Dr. Corrigan and our dedicated city departments for focusing on working together to address some of the recommendations we discussed related to overall trash containerization and mitigating the opportunity for rodents to thrive, community walkthroughs, targeting commercial areas and sewers, among others.

However, although Dr. Corrigan recommended that we revisit the idea, the Boston Rodent Action Plan does not formally create a ‘rat czar’ to be the dedicated point person solely focused on

coordinating all city departments to address our pest control crisis,” said Councilor Flynn. “Moreover, although the Boston Public Health Commission indicated that rats do not currently pose a high public health threat to the residents of Boston - I adamantly disagree.

When I hear about a rat in a child’s crib, it is clear to me that this is a public health emergency. We should not be downplaying the impacts that this significant quality of life issue is having on neighbors across the City of Boston. Public education campaigns and language access in every neighborhood of Boston is also critical to ensure all of our residents are invested in working together to make sure their trash is disposed of properly.”

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

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THURSDAY JULY 18, 2024

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Kathy Davis Selected as BCYF Condon Community Center Director

Kathy Davis

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oston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), the City’s largest youth and human service agency, announced Kathy Davis as the new BCYF Condon Community Center Director in South Boston “Leadership at BCYF plays a crucial role in nurturing our city’s kids, and creating fun safe spaces for families and older adults,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Kathy brings a love for the South Boston

community and years of valuable experience in cit y ser vice.

“Kathy brings a wealth of experiences and skills to her site,” said Marta E. R ivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. “She has demonstrated a commitment to the neighborhoods a nd families she ser ve and will undoubtedly continue to be an asset in her new roles at BCYF.” Center Directors supervise employee s a nd volu nteers, and develop, implement and monitor programs, operational p ol ic ie s a nd pr o c e du r e s within the community center.

She also oversees building ma na gement a nd secu rit y, prepare and administer budgets and handle other administrative functions. A key part of the job for Center Directors is working closely with the volunteer councils that support each of our centers with fundraising and program implementation.

Kathy Davis has been with

Summertime Fun at Moakley Park Wednesday, August 7 Boston Lyric Opera Street Stage Wednesday, August 14 Ashton Lites of Stiggity Stackz Wednesday, August 21 The Timba Messengers This is a great space for youth and families!

There will be dinner, yard games, music, and art activities.

Please register as a group or individual to save space and ensure we have dinner for everyone!

BCYF for nearly 41 years. The past 34 years, she has been the Program Supervisor at the BCYF Tynan Community Center in South Boston. In that time, she’s implemented numerous recreational and educational programs for children, youth and adults. Kathy has coached, mentored and guided hundreds of youth who have gone on to have families of their own and lead successful lives. Throughout the years, she has formed lifelong relationships with the youth of South Boston and their families. Kathy is excited to be able to take her many years of experience and begin a new position as Community Center Director, with the support of

the dedicated Condon staff.

“After 41 years at BCYF Ty n a n, 34 as Prog r a m Supervisor, I am excited to take my many years of experience and transition to the BCY F Condon as Center Director,” said Kathy Davis, Center Director at BCYF Condon Community Center. “I am looking forward to being part of, and supporting, a dedicated staff who serve so many youth and families.”

Kathy has officially started in her role at BCYF Condon but will be located out of the Gavin School for the summer while Boston Public Schools completes infrastructure work to the building which houses the community center.

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THURSDAY JULY 18, 2024

Rep. Biele Helps Pass Opioid Bill Recently, State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing a wide-ranging opioid bill which covers the licensure of recovery coaches, makes opioid overdose reversal drugs more accessible, and protects harm reduction providers.

“As we deal with the impacts from addiction and substance use, this bill will expand recovery options and remove barriers to treatment,” said Rep. Biele. “By increasing supportive services and continuing to reduce the stigma for those battling substance use, we can save lives and help individuals and families on their path to recovery.”

In 2023, there were 2,125 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths, according to the latest data published by the Department of Public Health (DPH). In 2023, there were 232 fewer confirmed and estimated deaths than 2022.

Recovery Coaches

Recovery coaches help people with substance use needs become and stay engaged in their recovery process. The bill passed by the House establishes recovery coach licensing and oversight within DPH, and mandates that all health plans cover recovery coach services without cost-sharing or prior authorization. The bill also directs the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) to study and report on barriers to certification, credentialing, and other employment and practice requirements for recovery coaches, and requires them to create a peer support program for recovery coaches consisting of mentorship, technical assistance on billing and employment practices, and resources.

Opioid overdose reversal drugs

The bill passed by the House mandates that all health plans cover opioid overdose reversal drugs, such as naloxone, without cost-sharing or prior authorization. The bill also requires substance use disorder treatment facilities to educate on and dispense at least two doses of opioid overdose reversal drugs to an individual upon discharge, as well as requiring hospitals to educate on and prescribe or dispense at least two doses of opioid overdose reversal drugs to an individual with a history of opioid use or opioid use disorder upon discharge.

It also requires pharmacies in areas with high incidence of overdose to maintain a continuous supply of opioid overdose reversal drugs and to report to DPH if they are unable to maintain compliance with this provision due to insufficient stock or supply.

Patient education

In an effort to prevent opioid misuse, the bill requires prescribers to be educated on pain treatment, including appropriate non-opioid alternatives to pain treatment. It also requires pharmacists to provide printed educational materials issued by DPH on non-opioid alternatives for the treatment of pain to patients prior to dispensing an opioid.

Having passed the House of Representatives 153-0, the bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

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Father Casey and Monsignor Liam Met with Pope Francis in Rome On a recent trip to Italy this summer, Father Robert Casey, our Pastor, and Monsignor Liam Bergin, Priest Assistant in Residence, met Pope Francis at his weekly audience.

Msgr. Liam is in Rome teaching a summer course to Boston College students. Fr. Casey was able to celebrate his 37th Anniversary

to Priesthood on June 20th at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome - at the Clementine Chapel, the Chapel of St. Peter, in the Vatican grottoes (built in 1600 and commissioned

by Pope Clement VIII). At that Mass, Fr. Casey and Msgr. Liam remembered all our Parishioners, Family and Friends back in Boston.

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South Boston Waterfront Opens Summer Fish Pier Massport and Mass Farmers Markets team up to introduce the Fish & Farm Market, a new source of fresh, local seafood and produce

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he Fish & Farm Market will begin its f irst season at the Boston Fish Pier in the South Boston Waterfront. This exciting venture is a collaboration between Massport, which owns and operates the historic Fish Pier where it supports a mix of seafood business tenants, and Mass Farmers Markets, a nonprofit organization that manages successful markets in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville.

The Fish & Farm Market will operate every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October

26 in the parking lot at the front of the pier at 212 Northern Avenue.

The Fish & Farm Market will build upon a pilot market concept Massport and its tenants tested last summer at the Boxes at the Boston Fish Pier pop-up venue. The central location in the South Boston Waterfront was popular, and regular customers asked for more offerings.

This year, the goal is to expand the number and type of local food purveyors and continue to promote and support the longstanding seafood industry cluster in the area.

“Massport is excited to partner with Mass Farmers Markets this summer to open the weekly ‘Fish & Farm Market’ at the Boston Fish Pier.” said Massport Chief Development Officer Andrew Hargens. “Aligned with our

maritime mission, a key goal of the market is to support and promote Boston’s seafood industry, while also offering a diverse mix of vendors and local food sources to residents, workers and visitors in the area.”

Market vendors will feature some of Boston’s best seafood companies, including those based at the Boston Fish Pier, alongside a complementary mix of vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, specialty products, and more.

“This market builds on the 2011 effort initiated by the Mayor’s Office, which reintroduced the sale of fresh day boat fish at local markets in Boston for the first time in decades,” noted Edith Murnane, Executive Director of Mass Farmers Markets. She added,

“Positioned right where seafood is landed and processed at the Fish Pier, the Fish & Farm Market takes that initiative to the next level, providing unparalleled access to the freshest local seafood and bringing fresh produce and local products to the South Boston Waterfront.”

Fish & Farm Market The Boston Fish Pier – East Parking Lot 212 Northern Avenue Every Saturday through October 26, 11 am to 3 pm For more information, please visit www.massfarmersmarkets. org/fishandfarmmarket or follow us on social media at @ fishandfarmmarket.

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Councilor Flynn Encourages Neighbors to Apply to Community Preservation Act Funding by August 30th (CPA) on Wednesday, July 17th, 6pm via Zoom. This meeting aimed to provide information and resources for residents, civic groups and organizations in District 2 who may want to apply for funding from the CPA. Topics included the funding application process, the timeline, eligible projects, and other related information.

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ity Councilor Ed Flynn partnered with the Office of Community Preservation to host an information session for District 2 residents on the Community Preservation Act

The CPA provides funding for initiatives related to affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and outdoor recreation facilities. For the 2023 CPA funding round, District 2 received a total of $8.5 million for projects including affordable housing for

Free Healthy Meals to Youth

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ayor Michelle Wu announced that over 30 Boston Summer Eats meal sites are open and will run until the end of August. Boston Summer Eats is an effort to close the summer food gap by making available freshly prepared meals at locations such as community centers and schools.

Meals are available to all youth 18 and under. The program launched in 2017 with the goal of expanding access to free and healthy meals for youth and teens in Boston. The Boston Summer Eats program is a partnership of the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice (OFJ), Boston Public Schools, the YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston Centers for Youth & Families and Project Bread, which supports the statewide program in partnership with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and hundreds of meal providers, in Massachusetts.

“In the summer, it’s essential that every child in Boston has continued access to nutritious meals. The Boston Eats program plays a critical role in ensuring our young people are well-fed and healthy, outside of the school year, regardless of their circumstances,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am proud of the strong partnerships we have built

with organizations like the YMCA of Greater Boston and Project Bread, which, along with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, help make this program possible. We are also excited that the citywide farmer’s market coupon program will be continuing this summer, ensuring that all residents can access fresh, healthy food.”

Residents who wish to access free meals for youth aged 18 and under can find meal sites at boston. gov/summer-eats or find additional locations across Massachusetts by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. Hours of operation at summer meal sites vary depending on the site, and most meal sites will offer breakfast and lunch, while some also provide snacks.

No registration or identification is required. Due to federal regulations, this year, there will be no “grab and go” options available at sites.

Youth will be required to eat on site.

“At the Y of Greater Boston, summer is prime time for learning, discovery, friendship, mentoring, and joy. None of this is possible without meeting the food and nutrition needs of our young people, especially at a time when school meals are not available,” said David Shapiro, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston.

seniors at the McDevitt Hall on E Street, South Boston, affordable homeownership in Chinatown, and various historic restoration projects in Fort Point, Chinatown, and Downtown.If you are interested in submitting a project proposal for CPA funds, you must submit your CPA Eligibility Form

by Friday, August 30th at 5pm.

Recognizing the opportunities that CPA presents for residents and organizations who want to preserve and improve our neighborhoods, Councilor Flynn hosted this meeting to allow residents and organizations to learn more about

how they can utilize CPA funding to enhance our community.

“With the new round of application for CPA funding available now, we want to make sure that our neighbors have the information and resources to take full advantage of this opportunity to fund relevant projects,” said Councilor Flynn. “I’m delighted to partner with the city to host this meeting so that residents can learn more about what CPA can do for our community.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and ed.f lynn@boston.gov.

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The Summer Street Pilot Program In-Person Meeting

by Rick Winterson

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ver the past twelve months, the Summer Street Pilot Program has progressed from a concept to the actual six-month execution of the Pilot Program between early December in 2023 until early June this year. Last month, we reported upon this Program, after an update meeting and Open House in the CRISPR meeting room on A Street.

The Boston Traffic Department (the BTD) presented its early conclusions, led by Matt Moran, the Director of the BTD’s Transit Team – the group who actually designed and managed the entire Pilot Program from start to finish.

The Transit Team’s second in-person update/Open House took place yesterday evening at the Tynan School. The Open House generated signif icant interest and many comments from the attendees; it ran over its 5 to 8 p.m. slot by half an hour. That interest, followed by the comments, echoed the Open House statement of purpose – “to provide community members with information on the Summer Street Pilot and collect feedback”.

A f ter beginning his presentation with history of South Boston’s segment of Summer Street, Transit Team Director Moran listed some current problems – the Route 7 bus is often overcrowded and runs into signif icant delays.

Summer Street experiences the worst delays of any road in South Boston and is one of the worst in all of Boston. The Pilot Program goals included “better mobility” especially for buses and bikes, a focus on safety for both bikes and pedestrians, and improved access to terminals (i.e., easier and safer access for trucks and people who work there).

Brief ly summarized, the Pilot Program involved assigning painted lanes for particular vehicles. The Program’s findings were “Mixed ”.

Bike usage increased by a notable 71% but were still very few. Bus times kept steady during the Pilot Program but were still quite long at times, even though they could use the assigned lanes.

However, bus transport turns out to be the only possible way to improve Summer Street travel.

During the Pilot Program, auto speeds were lower. Only 7% of autos were detected going more than 40 mph – a significant reduction.

Both automotive transit times and truck travel t ime s increa sed some what during the Pilot Program, but not by very much. The Pilot Programs also led to specific problems, such as long waits to make left turns and increased hazards because of vehicles approaching from the right in the assigned lanes. In addition, beginning in May added police enforcement became necessary

Transit Team Director Matt Moran presents findings. to keep the assigned lanes open.

Ma ny of t he negative comments at yesterday’s Pilot Program Open House involved bikes and assigning lanes to them. The key problem is that bicycling is a low-frequency mode of travel. It ranges from perhaps 5% of travel (one out of every 20 trips) to as low as 2% (one out of every 50 trips).

And these appear to be the case with nationwide measurements and findings. Buses are also low-frequenc y travel modes but unlike bikes, they can

carry a number of passengers, especially during rush hours.

The review of f indings resulting from the Summer Street Pilot Program indicated that much more remains to be done before the Program wraps up. Including yesterday’s meeting at the Tynan, there have been three community meetings so far. The first two were the in-person gathering at CRISPR on June 11 and a virtual meeting in mid-June. Email comments from South Boston residents are urgently solicited at Transit@Boston.gov. They’ll be followed up by coordination with partner agencies, such as the BPDA (Boston Planning & Development Agency) and “stakeholders”. “Stakeholders” are any who use, travel, or work along or near the Summer Street segment in South Boston, which is the mile-and-a-half between Fort Point Channel and First Street, where Summer Street turns into L Street.

Please get in touch about any opinions you might have.

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Celebrating Dan McCole 95 Years Young

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City of Boston Launches Emergency Rodent Action Plan An extensive report by renowned urban rodentologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan lays out the foundation for City to build upon to greatly improve the delivery of basic city services, better target rat mitigation efforts, and increase coordination across city departments

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ayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP), a new coordinated, multiagency initiative to mitigate the rodent population in Boston and maintain an excellent quality of life established for Boston residents, families, and visitors. The City of Boston also released the BR AP report, commissioned by the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) and authored by Dr. Bobby Corrigan, a leading Urban Rodentologist renowned across the country. The report details the factors contributing to the urgent rodent population in the city. It will serve as a foundation for the BRAP’s aim to improve ongoing City efforts to address this critical quality of life issue better impacting residents and neighborhoods across Boston.

“Boston takes pride in distinguishing our city through delivering exceptional basic city services for safe and clean streets, beautiful public spaces, and responsive and accessible city government,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re working to make Boston a home for everyone. Except for rats. Our rodent action plan, which is informed by this data-driven report, will guide our approach across our neighborhoods.”

In an effort to better address areas of concern and coordinate actions taken by city departments, the City also has established a Boston Rodent Action Plan working group to target better prevention and intervention measures to address Boston’s rat mitigation efforts. This group comprises relevant Cit y departments including the Operations Cabinet,

Inspectional Services Department, Public Works Department, Boston Public Health Commission, Parks and Recreation, Community Engagement Cabinet, Boston 311, Boston Housing Authority, Department of Innovation and Technology and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. The working group will ensure that we are using our City resources to address the root causes of rodent populations and drive engagement with residents and property owners to help keep neighborhoods and public spaces safe and clean.

“Boston doesn’t like rats, and rat mitigation is one of the priority quality of life issues for this administration,” said Chief of Operations Dion Irish. “We are excited and optimistic about the enhanced collaboration amongst city agencies whose work impacts rodent mitigation. Dr. Corrigan’s report will be a valuable resource that will aid us in building on the great work already being done towards developing and implementing an action plan that prioritizes addressing root causes, utilizes data & technology, and reduces environmental hazards.”

The report highlights various causes and effects of rodent infestation, including poor trash mitigation, storage, and removal. Given its position as one of the oldest cities in the Northeast, it also outlines Boston’s infrastructure as an inherent factor that significantly influences the rodent population. This, coupled with densely populated neighborhoods, intert wining alleyways, old sewer systems, and century-old cobble or brick streets and sidewalks, provide an environment for rodents to thrive.

“We strive to make our parks and green spaces feel like home to Boston residents, and addressing the rodent issue is a crucial part of that mission,” said Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods. “By integrating our efforts with the cross-departmental Boston Rodent Action Plan, we can ensure our parks and public spaces

remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone in our community.”

“Every Boston resident deserves a home that is rodent free,” said Boston Housing Authority Administrator Kenzie Bok. “At BHA, we know that it takes coordination between all city agencies and departments to effectively combat rats in a neighborhood. I applaud Mayor Wu for leading on this issue and I’m confident that this initiative will make a significant difference for the quality of life for our BHA residents and for families across Boston.”

Broadly, the report outlines that the City take the following actions: • Build on the City’s ongoing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Integrated pest management stresses addressing the environmental root causes first and from there utilizing various extermination approaches • Ensure the goal of rat management program, whenever possible is preventative instead of re a c t ion a r y • Utilize data related to complaints, physical inspections, geo-mapping, population cluster models, and additional emerging technology to target efforts • Establish a Priorit y Action Neighborhood (PAN) plan for the top 3-5 most afflicted neighborhoods to reduce currently established rodent hot spots • Incorporate specialized infrastructure-specific rat control for Parks, Sewers and Alleys, and major construction zones • Move towards alternative baits and other effective tools for controlling rats that do not present environmental threats to wildlife Dr. Corrigan’s report emphasizes how human behavior

significantly contributes to the rodent population which he calls ‘a modern-day city conundrum.’

Storing trash in unprotected plastic bags is a norm in some areas of the city, which is a key factor in the rodent population. Dr. Corrigan also establishes that the No. 1 driver of rat populations in all cities, including Boston, is the food refuse dynamic, often disposed of in plastic bags. The report outlines that the City in partnership with residents, business owners and property owners changing this behavior will be critical in ultimately reducing the rodent population, and it needs to be done consistently throughout the city for a sustained period of time.

As Boston continues to grow as a city, tackling the rodent control challenge will require investment in data and technology aimed at mitigation. Dr. Corrigan, in the report, also suggests incorporating technology such as rodent sensors, remote rat monitor technology above ground, and shared routine camera scoping below ground/ sewers to trace infestations and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the report highlights the need to manage trash in large housing complexes, parks, green spaces, sewers, and utility systems.

Additionally, BPHC has determined that the current rodent population at this time does not pose a high public health threat to Bostonians.

The formation of this report and changes to the City’s approach were informed by an extensive community engagement process during the annual Spring Pest Management Campaign led

by ISD that runs from March through July. City workers conducted various neighborhood walkthroughs and administered rodent control treatment services to impacted areas, which also greatly informed residents, business owners, and elected officials of the challenges posed by Boston’s rodent population. For more information regarding the Boston Rodent Action and an update on City efforts, please visit boston.gov/rats.

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Countryfest at the LOT!

The LOT On the Dot hosted its first-ever Countryfest on Sunday. (The event was moved from Saturday because of rain.)

There were awesome tunes from Vincent King Live, line dancing, pony rides, airbrush tattoos, balloon making, bull rides, and more. Mom On The Go offered grilled cheeses and Northeast of the Border had tacos and burritos. Everyone had a great time!

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CITATION ON PETITION FOR ORDER OF COMPLETE SETTLEMENT

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FPAC Exhibit Opens Three artists are now exhibiting in the FPAC (Fort Point Arts Community) Assembly Space at the South Boston Seaport’s Envoy Hotel, – Mirian Bucheli (Mireli), C. W. Lee Graves, and the MASARY Studio Collective. Their joint exhibit is called “SEEING”. This eye-catching exhibit’s artistic variety alone makes it worth seeing; the write-ups that are posted about each artist are highly informative. The FPAC Assembly Space’s entrance is at the rear of the Envoy, across from the Barking Crab. Assembly Space hours extend from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday (11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays). And admission to “SEEING” is blessedly free.

The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation

82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com

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SUMMER STREET PILOT PROGRAM The City of Boston has concluded open house forums for the Summer Street Pilot Program. Please feel free to continue to engage with the City and share your feedback via email at transit@boston.gov. Visit boston. gov/summerstreetpilot to stay up to date.

SOUTH BOSTON TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN South Boston Transportation Action Plan (SBTAP) Draft Recommendations Report The draft recommendations include proven strategies and people-first improvements to eliminate severe and fatal traffic crashes and create a safer and more efficient network for all modes of transportation—walking, biking, transit, and vehicles.

The SBTAP project team invites public comments and questions regarding the Draft Recommendations Report. Please feel free to email comments to SouthBostonTAP@Boston.gov.

ABUTTER’S MEETINGS Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.

309 Old Colony Ave Proposal: Virtual Food Court / new food establishment with take out Time: Jul 17, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82720422061 Meeting ID: 827 2042 2061 One tap mobile +16469313860,,82720422061# US +13017158592,,82720422061# US (Washington DC)

79 W Broadway / Southie Gas Proposal: Beer and wine license Time: Jul 24, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87006568772 Meeting ID: 870 0656 8772 One tap mobile +16465588656,,87006568772# US (New York) +16469313860,,87006568772# US

ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL HEARINGS 767 E Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1599266 Hearing Date 7/25/2024 Project Description: Seeking relief 2 proposed shed dormers removal flat roof to be replaced gable in rear section structure that alter existing roofline Add fire rated windows on facade west side dormer

194 K ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning

THURSDAY JULY 18, 2024

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BOA App# BOA1593008 Hearing Date 7/30/2024 Project Description:Construct roof deck Unit 3 exclusive use Access to is via proposed headhouse replace existing bulkhead hatch No change building footprint Building will remain three family

332 W Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1599860 Hearing Date 7/30/2024 Project Description: Add live entertainment DJ amp Acoustic music ASSIGNED TO FD 2 15 24 proposed total interior occupant load TBD lt 240 persons Subject to community ZBA potential approval ADDITIONAL STREET SEATING requested 62 patrons table chair dining is be respectfully further applied reviewed approved all other AHJ s i e ABC ONS BPDA DPW PIC PWD BPD HEALTH DEPT BFD Note ADA 521 CMR AAB access ramp street seating areas permitting responsibility OWNER Agent

813 E Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1548122 Hearing Date 7/30/2024 Project Description:Rear addition to an existing 2 family Four story with elevator

164 Old Colony Ave. South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1576978 Hearing Date 8/13/2024 Project Description: ERECT NEW 4 STORY UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WITH BALCONIES ELEVATOR INCLUDED DEMOLISH EXISTING STRUCTURE ON SEPARATE PERMIT ePlan 5 w GARAGE PARKING SPACES

175 F ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1596915 Hearing Date 8/13/2024 Project Description: Erect new 3 1 2 story 9 unit residential building with garaged parking 6 vehicles on newly created 750sqft lot Building features private roof decks basement amenity space balconies Demolish existing structure under separate permit See also combination permits ALT1571658 ALT1571663 ePlan 4 Stories per code

22 Mitchell ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1595669 Hearing Date 8/13/2024 Project Description Change occupancy from Single family to 2 Family Add garden level unit per plans new MEP lower rear deck stairs Applying zoning denial Eplans filed

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