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Rats in South Boston

Boston should accept City Councilor Flynn’s advice about setting up a separate pest control office

by Rick Winterson

This article’s headline is very simple. It’s about a Boston problem that has simply become very, very serious. Increasingly so!

As you are aware, rats infest our beloved city. That appears to be true of every single neighborhood in Boston, including South Boston.

Ther are many reasons for the increase in Rat sightings including:

Trash: Improperly sealed or overflowing trash bins, especially those containing food waste.

Disposal of Food: Residents and businesses improperly disposing of food waste, often in plastic bags, contributes to the problem.

Restaurants: Restaurants and

food businesses in certain areas can create hotspots for rat activity.

Outdoor Feeding: Feeding of birds and other animals, as well as discarded food from human activities, provides a food source for rats in outdoor areas.

Another example of why this is occurring, think for a moment about the years when the folks in Mass/Cass lived in tents at the intersection of Southampton and Atkinson Streets. These unfortunate people discarded all kinds of trash – including food scraps that were a source of food for rats. Well, Mass/Cass has now been closed for a year and a half, but rats still infest that whole neighborhood. In addition, those Mass/Cass folks who are still homeless often hang out in South Boston. They regularly leave their food wastes all over nearby neighborhoods. Recently, we spotted a makeshift

Continued on Page 2

Vertex Interns Spark Curiosity and Confidence in Young Scientists

For the third summer in a row, Vertex Pharmaceuticals brought its commitment to community and STEM education to life through hands-on science experiments led by its high school interns for local youth at the Edgerley Family Boys & Girls Club.

The service event last week

offered children ages 6 to 10 the chance to dive into the world of science through the following engaging activities: strawberry DNA extraction, slime making, and circuit building. The idea behind the initiative is simple but powerful: give Vertex interns an opportunity

Continued on Page 4

Continued from Page 1 RATS

grille for cooking food scraps that homeless men set up in a local landscaped area.

“So supper is served, especially to rats.”

And make no mistake –large numbers of rats have appeared everywhere else in Boston, too. We have heard more than once from residents in both Back Bay and Beacon Hill that rats regularly come out after dark in the alleys and walkways connecting the main streets in those neighborhoods. All these complaints stated, “We’ve never seen the rats so bad – they’re out of control.”

South Boston Online conducted a phone interview with District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn earlier this week. Flynn has been active in assessing the depth of the rat problem, and he conducted an extensive “walk-about” in the Andrew Square neighborhood last Friday. He has even gone to the extent of warning

the public about rats in Boston being carriers of various diseases, such as leptospirosis, a bacterial disease from the tropics that can be deadly.

At this point, we believe Boston should accept City Councilor Flynn’s advice about setting up a separate pest control office and hiring a department head experienced in pest control. At least in part, eliminating persistent pests like the rats now plaguing us is a complex technical problem. Pest control experts from cities the same size as Boston would be able to determine what are the most effective first steps. Special traps, better trash control, or other effective solutions?

At the end of our interview, Councilor Flynn stated that professional control of rats and other pests are essential “to our safety, public health, and quality of life”. He’s right.

In the meantime, we should resolve to take great care in handling and disposing of our own trash –especially trash that contains edible waste, which could possibly feed rats.

Councilor Flynn’s Statement regarding Groundbreaking at 263 Summer Street & Housing in Boston

Over the course of the last year, I strongly supported the Office to Residential Conversion project at 263 Summer Street. The proposal aimed to convert an existing office building into a mixed-use building with residential, retail and commercial use. I worked closely with city officials, the Fort Point Neighborhood and the development team throughout the process and various levels of city approval.

The groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled to take place at the same time as a city council meeting on public education. Although I played a key role in making this project possible, it was more important for me to fulfill my responsibilities as a City Councilor by attending the public education meeting. Additionally, multiple press releases from the Mayor’s office did not publicly include me as the District Councilor; although other MA legislators were highlighted. It’s more important for me to continue to provide positive leadership and to do my job. Boston works best when we work together!

During this time of great economic uncertainty - a high interest rate environment for years to stem post-pandemic inflation, increased construction costs, and now tariffswe must use all tools available to build housing in Boston. With recent reports continuing to show that production has dropped significantly - from 9,800 in 2020, to 2,389 in 2024, and just 852 in the first half of 2025 - all options should now be on the table to increase supply and meet demand. Recent reports show Boston lagged 16 peer cities in production in 2024.

Civic Groups Meet Concerning P&G/Gillette Relocation

by Rick Winterson

Approximately a year ago, Procter & Gamble (P&G)/ Gillette announced a partial relocation of its facility along A Street in South Boston. While the plans for the project are still flexible, basically this partial relocation will involve moving the blade manufacturing facility and its supporting structures and personnel to P&G’s complex in Andover, Mass. Head offices, sales-marketing departments, and research labs will remain here.

This project will free up 31 acres of space along the Fort Point Channel that P&G/Gillette would then market for development as a “Vibrant, mixed-use community” space. At their first community workshop last September, P&G/Gillette’s relocation team presented initial plans for the relocation, followed by a walking tour of the A Street site. These plans will allow for 15 of the 31 acres to be converted into community uses, including a six-acre park at the end of the Fort Point Channel. A second in-person workshop took place this year on May 14, which was another well-attended meeting at the P&G/Gillette headquarters. While it was generally positive, many of the participants asked that the proposed parkland follow the contour alongside the Fort Point Channel. And many of the comments during the question-and-answer period at the end of Workshop #2 asked for interior public spaces to be developed, such as a library, an art museum, or a community entertainment center.

Three South Boston civic groups bordering on the P&G/ Gillette property sponsored their own public meeting about the proposed relocation project. Held at the CRISPR building on West First Street, the meeting included the Fort Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA), the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA), and the St. Vincent/Lower End Association (St.Vin). The meeting

was led a by a panel: Tom Ready, Sara McCammond (from the FPNA); Dave Garten, Simon Pongratz (WBNA); Ellie Kasper, Tom Jurus (St.Vin). Tom Ready chaired the meeting. It was a notably lively event that started promptly at 6 p.m. and was adjourned at 8. An overflow SRO crowd of more than 200 residents and association members attended, along with several local elected officials.

The meeting addressed neighborhood problems that would be caused by the relocation, as foreseen by the FPNA, WBNA, and St. Vin memberships. The first slide shown by the panel described the meeting as “What It Is. What It Isn’t.” – it was to be a “Community Conversation”. Neither P&G/ Gillette nor Boston’s Planning Department had been invited to participate. The slide also stated, “What we have heard is that the engagement to date by the City and P&G/Gillette isn’t enough” … “We need you to personally stay engaged in the future of our neighborhood.”

Comments on the second slide, entitled “What We Heard”, stated that the 31-acre project space might hold 20 buildings that could be up to 320 feet tall. Twothirds of the building uses would be “commercial”, 30 % “residential’, and the remaining few spaces “retail”. One of the posted photos that were part of the meeting’s presentation showed the “dense crowding”, if the entire project were built to its maximum allowable dimensions.

More than once, the panel emphasized that the entire relocation/

rebuilding project would be carried out by the independent developer who purchases the 31 empty acres (not by P&G/Gillette itself).

When the panel concluded, the floor was opened for comments from the 200 or so who attended. In general, there numerous comments that, in essence, stated “This project simply does not fit our neighborhood”. Everyone there recognized that P&G/ Gillette has the legal right to relocate a facility and is still the owner of the property that remains. However, references were made to their being a good neighbor for 120 years so far, and that it should continue to be this way. The maximum allowable heights bothered a lot of those responding. Many comments that followed also recommended that the commercial aspects of the project should be reduced and that more residences be built instead.

A related issue regarding new construction that came up more than once was “transport” (read “traffic”) – especially more automobiles on existing roadways, and even more

especially, during rush hours. Many factors have created added traffic problems in South Boston, including the entire Seaport development itself. And these will continue to crop up. For example, an office building at 283 Summer Street at Melcher will soon be converted from offices into residences. We should mention that a number of our elected officials attended the FPNA/WBNA/ St.Vin meeting at CRISPR. They said that we must come together as a community to maintain the best interests of its residents. So we’ll close by mentioning a comment that was made late in the meeting: The P&G/Gillette partial relocation and subsequent development design must (!) preserve the “history” of Fort Point, along with its “personality” as a neighborhood to live in, to create in, and to simply find well-being in. At this time, there’s no plan that will succeed in attaining all of those endpoints. And it is essential that this must be put in place before P&G/Gillete’s sale of its 31 acres is completed.

South Boston civic groups open last week’s meeting.

Continued from Page 1 Vertex

to give back while sharing their passion for STEM with young students. It’s a day of service, but it’s also a day of mentorship, said Brandon Hagen of Vertex. Interns get to guide the kids through experiments, working together in small groups based on age.

Interns spent time prepping in advance — packing supplies, reviewing experiment protocols, and learning how to lead each session with energy and enthusiasm. “The kids dive right in,” said Megan Driscoll, Vertex’s Community Affairs Manager. “The interns just love it, because so many of them have received mentorship.”

The excitement is mutual. “Some of their faces are lighting up more than the actual lights,” joked Julio Perez, a Vertex intern who helped lead the circuit breaker activity.

the youth are for this event.

Josh Davis, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club, is grateful for the partnership and noted how excited

Vertex, a global biotech company focused on treating serious diseases like cystic fibrosis, sees this summer program as an extension of its mission. “To be

able to give back to the community is so important,” said Driscoll.

The result? A summer day where both mentors and mentees walk away a little more curious, confident, and connected.

Senator Collins Prioritizes Public Safety

As the FY26 State Budget debate moves to its next phase, State Senator Nick Collins announced several major wins for public safety in the First Suffolk District, just as warmer weather draws larger crowds to trains, parks, and beaches across Boston. With a focus on keeping residents and visitors safe in transit hubs and public spaces, the senator pushed for targeted investments that meet the needs of communities on the ground.

“We have to get resources directly to the people who keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Senator Collins. “From train stations to public parks to the beaches along our waterfront, these are real investments that will be felt throughout the district this summer and beyond.”

As part of the Senate budget, the senator secured $100,000 to increase transit safety along the Orange Line, Red Line,

and commuter rail stations located within the First Suffolk District. If passed, funding for these units would increase dedicated coverage seasonally and respond to the increased volume of patrons and visitors.

“We’d like to thank Senator Collins for his longtime support and advocacy for the critical duties we perform,” said Bob Marino, President of the MBTA Police Patrolman’s Association. “This funding will go to increase reliability and safety for the ridership of the MBTA and the public in general. We applaud Senator Collins for being a champion of public safety and law enforcement alike.”

In addition, Senator Collins championed $1.8 million in funding for diversion programs administered by the Department of Mental Health. This investment supports local police departments through crisis intervention training, education on recognizing

and safely de-escalating mental health incidents, and co-response strategies that pair officers with clinicians during emergency calls. These initiatives have been shown to reduce arrests, relieve pressure on emergency departments, and connect individuals with appropriate care. With demand for these grants previously outpacing availability, this new funding will give more departments, including the Massachusetts State Police and Boston Police, the opportunity to implement or expand these programs.

“There is no such thing as too much training when it comes to assisting the dedicated men and women of the BPPA in better understanding, addressing and helping those struggling with mental illness,” said Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association President Larry Calderone. “We sincerely appreciate Senator Collins support in the effort.”

An additional $400,000 was included to enhance safety in major recreational areas, including the Old Harbor Reservation areas that serve South Boston and Dorchester as well as Southwest Corridor Park in the Back Bay. These funds will support seasonal patrols that help ensure families and individuals can enjoy these green spaces with peace of mind.

“With more people enjoying our parks and public spaces in the summer, having resources for dedicated patrols makes a real

difference,” said Brian Williams, President of the State Police Association of Massachusetts. “It means we can be present, proactive, and ready to keep these areas safe for everyone.”

To further safety support, the budget also includes $100,000 for the Boston Fire Department’s Delta Units. This funding will allow for dedicated emergency services on the waterfront, with each of the department’s three Delta vehicles assigned to Castle Island, Pleasure Bay, and Carson Beach respectively. These units will operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day to respond to emergencies and keep beachgoers safe.

“Senator Collins has always stood with our firefighters, and this funding for the Delta Units is another example,” said Sam Dillon, President of Boston Firefighters Local 718. “With more people heading to the water in the summer months, these resources are critical to keeping families safe at our beaches.”

Senator Collins expressed optimism that these investments will lead to a safer, more welcoming summer for everyone across the district. “This is what the budget process should be about, working hard, listening to our communities, and making sure state dollars are put to work in ways that protect and serve our neighborhoods.”

After receiving unanimous approval in the Senate and passing the House, the funding package has been signed into law by the governor.

A Message

Boston’s Broken Sidewalks Are Failing Our Residents

from City

Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy

Boston’s sidewalks tell a story. Some are smooth and newly paved. Others are cracked by tree roots, littered with debris, or missing curb ramps. For many, it’s a minor inconvenience. But for thousands of neighbors — seniors, people with disabilities, and families with strollers — broken sidewalks are a daily barrier to safety and independence. This issue is personal. My 92-year-old stepfather still walks into Adams Village every day. A few months ago, he tripped

on a sidewalk crack and fell hard. He didn’t break a bone, but he was badly hurt. That fall shook him. It shook me, too.

In April, Councilor Flynn and I filed an order for a hearing to assess and improve sidewalk safety and accessibility. Since then, we’ve heard from residents all over Boston who are frustrated and looking for answers.

Councilor Pepen, Chair of the City Services Committee and an original co-sponsor, is working with us to schedule this hearing. We all agree it’s time to act.

The Boston Globe recently confirmed what so many of us already knew: Boston is falling

behind on sidewalk accessibility. Under a 2021 consent decree, the city committed to upgrading 1,630 curb ramps per year. We’re falling short. In 2024, more than 5,700 sidewalk complaints were submitted through 311 — and most remain unresolved.

Each of those complaints represents someone trying to get to school, work, or the store safely.

This is not just about infrastructure. It’s about equity. Sidewalks are public spaces, and when we neglect them, we send a message about who matters. That’s why our hearing order calls for real community

input and accountability from the departments doing the work. We need answers. Why are repairs so uneven across neighborhoods? How is the city prioritizing the people who need access most?

And what’s the plan to close the $800 million repair backlog?

Councilors Flynn, Pepen, and I are committed to working together on this hearing, and to pushing for real results. Our residents deserve a city that meets them at the curb, not one that turns its back. We can do better, Boston. And with urgency, transparency, and teamwork, we will.

Vote by Mail Applications Available - Poll Workers Needed!

In order to increase access to and participation in local elections, the City of Boston’s Election Department is mailing vote-by-mail applications to Boston voters. Applications are being mailed to the address at which each voter is registered or has on file with the Election Department. These applications are non-forwardable, even if a voter has changed their address with the post office. Additionally, the Election Department is recruiting poll workers for the upcoming Preliminary Municipal Election on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

In order to vote-by-mail in the September 9 Preliminary Election, residents must (1) be registered to vote by Saturday, August 30th, and (2) the City of Boston must receive a vote-by-mail application by Tuesday September 2nd at 5pm. The following information

and forms may be found at www.VoteinMA.com. Residents can check their voter registration at www.VoteinMA.com and can update it if necessary in any of the following ways:

On the Secretary of State’s website at www.VoteinMA.com;

By printing a voter registration form and mailing it to the Boston Election Department located at City Hall, One City Hall Square, Room 241, Boston, MA 02201; or by dropping it in the City Hall Plaza drop box at City Hall - Main Entrance on 3rd Floor, 1 City Hall Sq, Boston, MA 02201; By coming in person to the Boston Election Department, located at City Hall.

In order to receive a voteby-mail ballot, a registered voter’s application must reach the Boston Election Department

Virtual Public Meeting

4 43 PREBLE STREET: PUBLIC MEETING

6:00 PM7:30 PM

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 992 5696

DESCRIPTION: The Boston Planning Department is hosting a Public Meeting for the 43 Preble Street project located in South Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the updated proposal. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public.

Stephen

Mail to: Phone: Email: Website: bosplans.org/43-preble-street

One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201

617.834.7964

stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov

by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2. Voters can do this in any of the following ways: By completing and returning a paper vote-bymail application, which is mailed to all registered voters, or which can be downloaded here. Applications can be returned via mail to the Boston Election Department, City Hall, One City Hall Square, Room 241, Boston, MA 02201, or in person either at the Boston Election Department or in the drop box located at the Main Entrance to Boston City Hall on the 3rd Floor;

By completing an online application on the Secretary of State’s website; By e-mailing a signed application or letter to the Election Department requesting a vote-by-mail ballot for any or all elections in 2025, including the Preliminary Municipal Election on September 9, 2025 and the General Municipal Election on November 4, 2025 to either election@boston.gov

or absenteevoter@boston.gov. If residents have questions or need further assistance updating their voter registration or requesting a vote-by-mail application, they are encouraged to contact the Election Department at 617-635-0905. Additionally, the Election Department is recruiting poll workers for the upcoming Preliminary Municipal Election on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Poll workers are paid a stipend ranging from $160200 in addition to payment for required training. Being a poll worker is a meaningful way to give back, participate in democracy, and help neighbors vote in free and fair elections. Residents can request to be assigned a location close to their home. Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged. Residents can apply online or get more info at boston.gov/ pollworkers or reach out to the Election Department by calling 617-635-0905 or emailing pollworkers@boston.gov.

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.

245 to 249 E ST South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 7/29/2025

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

Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck

202 W First ST South Boston 02210

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 8/12/2025

Project Description: Change of occupancy to brewery/distillery/winery, bar and restaurant with live entertainment and take-out, local retail, and outdoor patio. The proposed project entails a renovation of existing structures and the combination of buildings and lots.

6 Gifford PL South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 8/12/2025

Project Description: Combine lots located 6 Gifford Place 8, erect an addition, occupancy from 3 family to 5 residential units as per plans

598R E Seventh ST South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 8/12/2025

Project Description: Confirm occupancy as one family change to three dwelling erect an addition, install fire sprinkler system

275 Gold ST South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 8/26/2025

Project Description: Demolish existing 1 family detached home construct new with semi finished basement 2 car garage room street level, upper floors will include an open living area bedrooms roof deck

218 to 220 Old Colony AV South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 8/21/2025

Project Description: Proposed change use ground floor commercial unit to pilates studi

ABUTTER’S MEETINGS

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

709 E Broadway

Proposal: Roza Lyons seeking new all alcohol license to replace existing malt beverage license Time: Jul 23, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/82384493475 Meeting ID: 823 8449 3475

103 F St

Proposal: An existing attic will be converted to a full story with a master bedroom suite under a low sloped roof with two decks. An existing prior rear one story addition will be removed. The second floor will be enlarged as well as the first floor with a mudroom. A parking space will be added.

Time: Jul 24, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81142600429 Meeting ID: 811 4260 0429

917 E Broadway (NEW)

Proposal: Change occupancy from office to single family residential. Finish basement with living room, gym and bathroom. Addition on top of the garage and extending 2nd floor to connect with the addition Time: Aug 5, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82513901205 Meeting ID: 825 1390 1205

117 Seaport Blvd / Nowon (NEW)

Proposal: Change use and occupancy of the new restaurant (Nowon) and add Live entertainment (DJ) use to the existing use. No construction required. Time: Aug 7, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/89215049771 Meeting ID: 892 1504 9771

562 E Fifth St (NEW)

Proposal: Change of occupancy to 6 (reduced to 4 unit) dwelling. Renovating and adding to an existing single family to become a multifamily building. Scope includes demolition of rear portion of building to provide a new 4-story (reduced to a 3-story) addition. Upgrades to life safety, fully sprinklered & alarmed, without an elevator Time: Aug 7, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84986902285 Meeting ID: 849 8690 2285

SPEED BUMPS ON STREETS

Over the next three years, we will be working to design and build speed humps in many neighborhoods of Boston. It will take time to get this work done, and our program is being updated to better match the needs of the community. Reaching out to your neighborhood’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison is a great way to make your feedback heard as part of this process.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

CITATION ON PETITION FOR

Estate of: Jeffrey D Docking Also known as: Jeffrey Docking

Date of Death: 06/17/2025

To all interested persons:

Docket No.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court SU25P1636EA Probate and Family Court

Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617)788-8300

CITATION ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

Docket No.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court SU25P1196EA Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Marilyn F. McGrath

05/07/2024 Date of Death:

The Petitioner requests that:

A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Nancy Docking of Bangor PA David Docking of Bangor PA and requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. PA Bangor of Nancy Docking PA Bangor of David Docking and be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration

IMPORTANT NOTICE

You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 08/29/2025

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC)

A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Janine D Rivers, First Justice of this Court.

Date: Timothy F Robertson, Esq.

July 18, 2025

Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate

PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE

Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617)788-8300

A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Steven C. Fiske of Averill ParkNY

requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: To all interested persons:

NY Averill Park of Steven C. Fiske

be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration