08_07_2025 by South Boston Online

South Boston Community Health Center Breaks Ground on Major Expansion

In a milestone moment for local healthcare, the South Boston Community Health Center (SBCHC) celebrated the groundbreaking of its longawaited expansion at 409 West Broadway. The project, set to add 11,000 square feet and 11 exam rooms, will significantly increase the center’s capacity to provide primary, preventive, and behavioral health services to the South Boston community.

The event coincided with National Health Center Week, highlighting America’s 60-year legacy of community-based healthcare. SBCHC’s CEO, William J. Halpin, Jr., described the project as “a wonderful accomplishment” that will allow the health center to deepen and strengthen its commitment to

the community and welcome even more patients seeking care.

Board President Ann Brady opened the ceremony, thanking the dedicated staff, leadership team, community partners,

and elected officials who made the expansion possible. “The expansion of the South Boston Community Health Center today marks a major milestone, not just for our organization

but for the entire community of South Boston,” she said. “This expansion … represents our deep and ongoing commitment to the compassionate, high-

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Councilor Flynn Re-Files Ordinance to Establish Office of Pest Control, Rat-Resistant Trash Containers

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn re-filed an ordinance to establish a standalone Office of Pest Control in the City of Boston. Additionally, Councilor Flynn co-sponsored an ordinance with Councilor Erin Murphy amending the City of Boston Code by adding a new provision to require rat-resistant trash containers in neighborhoods with high rodent activity. Thus far, the City has not implemented the recommendation of both Councilor Flynn and renowned rodent urbanologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan, in the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP), to visit the idea of a dedicated position (or “Rat Czar”)

solely focused on this issue.

Since the outset of the pandemic, there has been a dramatic rise in rodent and pest activities in Boston, and cases reported to 311. Recently, a Tufts University study on the Boston Urban Rat population also found that rats in Boston are carrying and spreading leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that impacts both humans and other animals. Currently, pest control is a crossdepartmental effort in the City of Boston, with Inspectional Services, Public Works, Boston Water and Sewer Commission being the main points of contact on this issue. Having a dedicated City department on pest control would allow

us to better streamline and coordinate services on the issue.

Flynn continues to conduct pest control walkthroughs with the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) throughout District 2, with increased calls from residents relaying that

the problem is getting worse. These walks have illustrated residents and businesses not disposing of trash properly, while neighbors also continue to ask for bait boxes, proper containerization and compost bins to separate food and not allow rats to have a food source.

“Although the administration did not include the recommendation of Dr. Corrigan and I for a dedicated ‘Rat Czar’ last year, nor did the Council approve my ordinance previously - I hope that my colleagues will objectively look at worsening conditions this year and support my efforts to establish an Office of Pest Control in Boston,” said Councilor Ed Flynn. “While public trash containers in commercial areas are helpful, we need to launch a massive public awareness and outreach campaign on proper trash removal and containerization for individual residents and businesses. It is critical to supply bait boxes, compost containers to separate the food source, provide strict enforcement for violations, and language access is key for all communities to also understand their role in addressing a crisis that has left rodents carrying leptospirosis in Boston.”

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

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quality care we deliver every day.” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch praised the health center’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when staff tested and vaccinated more than 30,000 people. “South Boston only has 35,000 residents,” Lynch noted, “but we had people coming in from the suburbs because the care here was so exceptional.”

This expansion ensures that level of service will continue, he said. “It’s building community.”

Lynch recognized $2 million in federal funding that helped make the project possible, adding, “If we give the $2 million in federal funding to the South Boston Community Health Center, they’ll give us $10 million in services and benefits to the community.”

Other speakers included Senator Nick Collins, State Representative David Biele,

City Councilor Ed Flynn, and Andrew Colameta, president of Sterling Construction, the project’s builder. Collectively, they emphasized the importance of expanding access to care, supporting families and seniors, and strengthening community health. They also thanked the health center for taking care of the neighborhood.

Over its 53-year history,

SBCHC has evolved to meet growing needs — establishing a pharmacy, integrating behavioral health services, launching a food pantry with senior home delivery, and creating specialty medical space. Currently, the center receives about 25 requests per day from new patients seeking care. “When this addition is built,” Halpin said, “we’ll be

able to say yes to all of them.”

The new facility will enhance patient experience and address critical healthcare needs in South Boston, continuing the center’s mission of providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality care for all, regardless of ability to pay.

“It’s a mission of love for the South Boston Community Health Center to care for our families,” Lynch said.

South Boston Neighborhood House’s first-ever Ollie Kids Bike Bash was a Huge Success!

Families came together at the SBNH Preschool Wednesday for an afternoon full of fun, laughter, and pedaling power –all to support the Ollie Team’s participation in the Rodman Ride for Kids. For the first time, the Rodman Ride for Kids included a Ride for Kids Jr. this year. In honor of that, the Ollie held its own ride for kids. From the littlest rookie riders to junior racers, every child gave it their all while helping raise funds for vital SBNH programs. The day featured bike rides, face painting, tattoos, and plenty of community spirit.

Ollie Kid Bike Bash

Senator Collins’ Bill to Reform Involuntary Commitment Law Moves on Beacon Hill

Senator Nick Collins announced that his legislation, An Act Relative to Life-Saving Treatment (S.1042), is advancing through the legislative process. Recently, the bill received a unanimous vote of approval from the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. The bill aims to reform the state’s civil commitment laws, increasing access to treatment and improving oversight of medical discharges from care.

“This bill is about acting at the critical moment when someone survives an overdose and is most in need of intervention and treatment. The system we have now isn’t working, and people are falling through the cracks,” said Senator Nick Collins, the bill’s sponsor.

S.1042 would reform the state’s civil commitment process for individuals with substance use disorders, addressing key gaps that currently delay or disrupt care. Under current law, family members, physicians, police officers, court officials, and social workers may petition a judge to civilly commit someone who poses a danger to themselves or others due to their substance abuse. According to Trial Court statistics, there has been a 50% drop in civil commitment petitions in Boston over the last five years, with the 544 petitions filed in FY25

representing the lowest amount per year in over a decade.

This trend coincides with approximately 15,000 patients being brought to the hospital after surviving an overdose over the last five years.

With over 90% of the petitions made by family members, according to Trial Court statistics, this legislation would create a clearer path to treatment for patients before they are discharged after surviving an overdose.

Right now, people are being discharged without treatment and sent right back to the streets. This legislation seeks to change that by ensuring that patients are discharged into a safe environment.

S.1042 introduces a comprehensive package of reforms. It allows for virtual Section 35 court hearings, enabling patients who are

hospitalized after an overdose to participate in proceedings without delay. The bill also mandates an evaluation by a social worker before a patient is discharged from the hospital after surviving an overdose. Additionally, the bill adds judicial approval for early discharges from civil commitment facilities to ensure that individuals are not released prematurely. This provision aims to prevent patients from being released without the proper level of treatment or a safe place and plan for discharge. The need for these reforms has only become more urgent. Recent reports have highlighted the public health and safety crisis that has spread beyond Mass & Cass and into surrounding neighborhoods of Boston. The current system often misses the opportunity to intervene effectively.

Councilor Flynn Files Resolution to Declare Mass & Cass a Public Safety & Public Health Emergency, and a Humanitarian Crisis

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a resolution at the Boston City Council to declare Mass & Cass and impacted neighborhoods a public safety and public health emergency, and a humanitarian crisis. After years of frustration and concern from residents and small businesses in the area, it’s wholly appropriate to finally acknowledge that the City of Boston’s current plan at Mass & Cass has been an abject failure by any standard. Any reasonable person who visits the area will say unequivocally that what has taken place there on a daily basis for over a decade now - an open air drug market and dealing, public drug use, the trafficking of women, acts of serious violence, public defecation and urination, shoplifting, among

others - is completely unacceptable.

Neighbors and small businesses continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, with discarded needles, trash removal issues, and human feces scattering neighborhoods. Neighbors from Nubian Square, Worcester Square, Andrew Square, Blackstone and Franklin Squares all the way to Downtown Boston and the Boston Common continue to share their frustration and fear for public safety. More recently in the South End, neighbors have experienced residential and business break-ins, assaults, and drug dealing on residents’ stoops. The situation continues to harm our small businesses, nonprofit partners, and the local economy.

“The status quo of crime and violence spreading from Mass & Cass cannot continue. We need zero

tolerance when it comes to making arrests for public drug dealing and drug use, human trafficking, crime and assaults. On public health, it is appropriate to shift to a treatmentfirst approach, with detox and drug treatment programs, to address the underlying mental and behavioral health issues,” said Councilor Flynn.

“It is long past time to make a recovery campus a top priority for the City of Boston, and that services be decentralized and spread out to other locations across the Commonwealth.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

“Putting for Parks” Golf Tournament

Olympian and Peabody native

Heather MacLean

Joins Boston Youth for Track & Field Practice at Moakley Park Tonight

Olympic middle-distance runner and Peabody native Heather MacLean will visit a Track & Field practice held by the Boston-based nonprofit Youth Enrichment Services (YES) TONIGHT at Saunders Stadium (inside Moakley Park) from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

. MacLean will lead the Boston youngsters in a Track & Field workout and share her story about becoming an Olympic athlete. After the practice, she will host an autograph session for the YES participants. MacLean competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and graduated from UMass Amherst.

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the return of the Putting for Parks Golf Tournament, taking place on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the George Wright Golf Course in Hyde Park. Now in its second year, this fundraising event brings the community together for a day on the green, all to benefit free youth sports and fitness programming offered by the department’s recreation division.

“Putting for Parks is a fun and meaningful way to support the free youth programs that strengthen our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We hope you’ll join us at George Wright this October!”

The tournament kicks off with registration at 8:00 a.m., followed by a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. Golfers will enjoy 18 holes of play, on-course contests, and a celebratory luncheon on the clubhouse patio. Participants can register as individuals for $175 or in foursomes for $700.

All proceeds will support free youth sports programs in the City of Boston, which include youth sports leagues, clinics, Summer Sports Centers, and the beloved Mayor’s Cup Tournaments in

soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, cross country, ice hockey, street hockey, tennis, and more.

In 2024, the Recreation Division’s free programs served over 20,000 Boston youth, providing access to physical activity, team building, and leadership development in neighborhoods across the city.

“Recreation is a vital part of our mission to support Boston’s communities,” said Interim Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner Cathy BakerEclipse. “The Putting for Parks Tournament is not only a fun day on the green, but a meaningful way to invest in the health and well-being of the next generation.”

To register, visit boston.gov/ putting-parks. Registration is now open and closes September 28, 2025.

The 2025 Putting for Parks Tournament will be supported by title sponsor, AFSCME Council 93.

“As the union representing the dedicated parks workers in Boston, we know that providing our youth with a wide-range of recreational opportunities is an essential part of the effort to build their self-esteem, improve their health and help them make connections with other

kids from around the city,” said Mark Bernard, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 93. “Most importantly, it helps to steer them away from trouble. We’re proud to support this important effort.”

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to support the event by sponsoring a hole or selecting from other sponsorship packages. Sponsors must register by September 26, 2025 for logo inclusion in event materials. For details, contact Tiffany Clark at Tiffany.Clark@ boston.gov or (617) 233-2305. For more information, visit boston.gov/putting-parks. 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.

Alison Baker Receives Community Partner Award

South Boston came together Tuesday afternoon at Moakley Park to celebrate National Night Out, a community event that brings neighbors and local leaders together to strengthen connections and promote public safety.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet Mayor Michelle Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox, C-6 Captain John Conroy, Rep. David Biele, Senator Nick Collins, Boston City Councilors, BPD Command Staff, and fellow residents.

Community organizations hosted informational tables, offering resources and support to attendees.

A highlight of the day was the recognition of Allison Baker, founder of Kickoff for Kids, who was honored with a Community Partner Award for her outstanding dedication to the community.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign focused on building strong policecommunity partnerships and fostering neighborhood camaraderie, making Boston’s neighborhoods safer and more welcoming places to call home.

Date of

relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Paul Sordillo of Boston MA

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 09/04/2025

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: July 31, 2025

Estate of: Ann Marie Menslage Also known as: Ann Menslage

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

The Trial Court FORMAL ADJUDICATION Probate and Family Court Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114

Date of Death: 06/08/2025 (617)788-8300 To

Jill A Wilson of Boston MA

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

IMPORTANT NOTICE

UNSUPE RVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS

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: July 28, 2025

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 Harvey Planning Department One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.834.7964 stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov Mail to: Phone: Email:

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

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

Date: July 29, 2025

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.

62 L ST South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 8/12/2025

Project Description: 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

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 studio

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 hatch

164 Dorchester ST South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 9/9/2025

Project Description: Change existing 8 bedroom single family to two bilevel units

ABUTTER’S MEETINGS

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

917 E

Broadway

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

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

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

26 Barnard Pl (NEW)

Proposal: New construction of a two family dwelling with two parking spots

Time: Aug 12, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89231486985

Meeting ID: 892 3148 6985

395 W Fourth St (NEW)

Proposal: Confirm occupancy as 1-family. Change of occupancy to 2-family home. New kitchens and bathrooms, new HVAC and electric service. New 2-story deck with metal spiral stairway for unit two second egress. Extension of living space into basement with new finished habitable area for unit one

Time: Aug 20, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86380941928

Meeting ID: 863 8094 1928