Neighbors Help Save Sister Mary Veronica Park
Dear neighbors,
WThe park was named after Sister Mary Veronica, a South Boston girl who was raised nearby and became a nun in the Sisters of Notre Dame Order in 1939, until her death in 1960. The park was created due to years of communitydriven efforts to transform a vacant lot and was subsequently dedicated on November 23, 1968. It was reported to be “the first vest pocket park in a non urban renewal area in the City of Boston.”
e are proud to announce that the City of Boston has formally acquired and now preserved Sister Mary Veronica Park through the use of Community Preservation funding and the Open Space Acquisition Fund of the Parks and Recreation Department. This pocket park in South Boston - nestled between F Street, West 8th Street, and Grimes Street - has been a topic of contention for years with significant concerns over a potential sale and loss of open space and five mature trees within the neighborhood. In 2023, there was a petition signed by over 1,700 South Boston residents to save the park for the community. We want to thank the Archdiocese of Boston for working closely with the South Boston elected officials and residents to make this a reality.
At the outset of this community process in 2023, the South Boston elected officials stated they would not support development on this land and pocket park. Additionally, we joined our neighbors for a community meeting on-site shortly thereafter and met several times with both the neighbors and city officials..
We would also like to thank our South Boston neighbors and the Committee to Save Sister Mary Veronica Parkincluding Vicky Shen, Pattie McCormack, Kevin Conroy, Karan Dimartino, Langdon White, Luanne O’Connor, Sonia Tan, and Margaret Itri - for their years of strong advocacy. It is critical that we continue to
work together as a neighborhood to preserve our outdoor spaces, mature trees, and also these pocket parks that have played a key role in the lives of South Boston residents and our history.
Sincerely, Congressman Stephen Lynch Senator Nick Collins Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn Representative David Biele
Councilor Flynn Respectfully Asks For Your Vote Tuesday, September 9th
It is an honor to serve as your District 2 City Councilor, and I have worked hard each and every day for our residents and community. With multiple challengers now also on the ballot with me this year, I am respectfully asking for your vote again on Tuesday, September 9th so that I may continue to focus on constituent services and advocate for quality of life issues in District 2.
Over the last few years, with the help of strong neighborhood advocacy, we were able to share some key victories. These include new Boston EMS & Boston Fire Department stations in the South Boston Waterfront, a new Josiah Quincy Upper School and affordable housing developments in Chinatown, a new Thomas C. Foley Little League Field at Major Christopher Lee Playground in South Boston. We helped to secure funding for the South End Library,
reconstruction to Crite Park, and improvements to several others like Titus Sparrow Park and the Peters Park Little League Field. We established the One Downtown Task Force to address public safety concerns around the Boston Common area. Moreover, we were able to preserve Sister Mary Veronica Park in South Boston, and advocate effectively against the impracticality of the bus lanes at both Summer Street and Boylston Street, with each ending over the last year. I advocated for additional Copley Library funding and continue to work with Back Bay neighbors on public safety quality of life issues, such as the drag racing that took place last year.
Throughout my time in office, I have used my position of public trust to speak out on many important issues impacting the city. As an elected official, my focus has always remained on public safety, housing stability &
The City Council’s Committee on Public Health, Homelessness, & Recovery will hold an off-site hearing on:
Docket #1457 – Resolution to declare Mass & Cass and impacted neighborhoods a Public Safety and Public Health Emergency and a Humanitarian Crisis
Thursday, September 4, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Crosstown Center, 811 Massachusetts Ave.
Hearing Chair Councilor Jon FitzGerald
Lead Sponsor: Councilor Ed Flynn
This is your chance to speak up and be heard about the urgent public health and safety issues affecting the community. Residents, business owners, and neighbors are encouraged to attend and share your experiences and concerns.
Your voice matters—let’s work together for safer, healthier neighborhoods.
affordability, social & economic justice, and quality of life issues for our residents and families.
In terms of public safety, I have been a strong advocate of pedestrian safety. I advocated for a 12 point safety plan and held hearings to advocate for traffic-calming infrastructure improvements on high traffic roads, slower speeds and increased enforcement. I’ve held hearings on many other public safety issues in the City of Boston. In addition, I have consistently called for hiring hundreds of Boston Police Department officers every year for the next ten years to address longstanding issues of forced overtime, overstretched resources, and looming retirements.
When it comes to housing, I held hearings during my time in office on affordable housing and the Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) to help keep working families in Boston. I have held hearings and advocated for property tax relief for longtime neighbors. I also passed an ordinance previously to help our seniors who have fallen behind on their property taxes to pay with reduced interest and on more affordable terms. I continue to advocate for neighbors and civic groups when it comes to zoning and licensing matters at City Hall.
Moreover, I have always stood with our working families seeking fair and living wages, affordable healthcare, safe working conditions and a secure retirement. Whether it was United Steelworkers during the National Grid lockout, Unite Here
I have always been proud to stand with organized labor.
With accessibility and inclusion in mind, I continue to advocate for improved language access at all levels of our city government. My social media posts are translated into Spanish and Chinese, and I have several women of color on my staff who are bilingual. In addition, I have been working on the issue of digital equity and ensuring that our residents have access to affordable internet and digital resources. I also work closely with the Disability Commission on accessibility for our persons with disabilities. I continue to advocate at City Hall when it comes to many neighborhood and quality-of-life issues, including a dedicated Office of Pest Control to provide this public health issue the attention it deserves. Government serves us best when it takes the legitimate concerns of its citizens seriously. I have not only listened to your concerns, but have taken the lead on issues affecting our most basic government services. I promise to continue to advocate on behalf of the people of District 2, listen to your feedback, be accessible in our community, and work hard to deliver results for all of our neighbors.
Thank you, Ed Flynn
Boston City Councilor, District 2
Local 26 at Marriott Hotels, UFCW 1445 at Stop & Shop or Macy’s, my family and
Time for Real Accountability and Decisive Action
Two years ago, as Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Public Health, Homelessness & Recovery, I called for a Public Health Emergency at Mass & Cass, filing Docket #1447: Resolution Calling for a Public Health Emergency at Mass & Cass. I held hearings and walked the streets with neighborhood groups, Sue Sullivan, and the Newmarket BID to hear directly from residents and business owners. At the time, those calls were ignored and faced pushback from the public health commission and the administration. Here we are again—two years later, and the situation is worse.
Residents continue to live in fear. Open-air drug use and dealing in public spaces, crowds gathering to shoot up, trespassers sleeping on private property, and children unable to safely play in their yards are routine. Families report children witnessing adults using drugs near playgrounds, trespassers sleeping inside homes, people exposing themselves while walking children to school, and discarded needles, trash, and human waste in playgrounds. Business owners face break-ins, theft minutes after delivery, and constant disruptions threatening their livelihoods. These are severe, daily threats to safety and wellbeing, not minor inconveniences.
While police and coordinated response teams are working hard, their efforts are not enough. The city’s response has not matched the scale of this crisis, and the lack of decisive action has allowed it to spread, putting more families, children, and businesses at risk every day.
I fully support Councilor Flynn’s resolution calling for a Public Health and Safety Emergency. Compassion for those struggling with addiction cannot come at the cost of residents’ safety and quality of life. We can and must do both: provide treatment and recovery options while ensuring neighborhoods are safe, livable,
and respected. The residents of the South End, Roxbury, and Andrew Square deserve better. The time for real accountability and decisive action is now. I stand with the residents and will continue to fight and advocate until we get this right.
Standing with you, Erin Murphy City Councilor At-Large
Boston Election Reminders
Early voting will take place at sites throughout the City until Friday, September 5.
The Boston Election Department is reminding voters that Preliminary Municipal Election Day is Tuesday, September 9, 2025. This election will determine the field of candidates whose names will appear on the official ballot for the General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Voters will determine the top two candidates for the office of Mayor, the top two candidates for each District City Councilor race (where applicable), and the top eight candidates for At-Large City Councilor. There will be no preliminary municipal election for District City Council in Districts 3, 6, 8, and 9.
Polling locations open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. A list of polling locations can be found at https://www.boston. gov/departments/elections/city-
boston-polling-locations. As a reminder, voters should check their registration status via the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. Printed ballots will be available in English and Spanish, English and Chinese, and English and Vietnamese. Language interpreters will also be available upon request. All voting locations are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with an AutoMark Voter Assist Terminal for voters with disabilities to assist with marking the ballot independently.
Unofficial Results
After polls close at 8 p.m., the Election Department will receive and upload unofficial results of ballots counted at polling places as they are returned from each precinct. Poll workers need time to tally election results and transport materials from polling places to City Hall. Uploading of election results may not begin until after 10 p.m.
Hello & Happy Pre-Preliminary Election Week!
You know I appreciated the opportunity to serve the people of Boston as a member of the Boston City Council. The work was important, especially to those that don’t have close proximity to power and decision makers. It was hard work, but to do for others fulfilled me every day. I am so proud of all we accomplished.
Part of my success on the Council was the partnership of colleagues. I had the benefit of serving with my friend, Frank Baker. Frank is a lifelong Bostonian, former six-term City Councilor, and (like me) a proud Dorchester native. He is running as an At-Large Council candidate.
Frank is known for his straight talk, hands-on service, and resultsdriven approach, Frank has spent over a decade fighting for safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and real support for working families and small businesses. Frank shows up, works hard and invests his energy for others.
From job creation and infrastructure to neighborhood revitalization, Frank has consistently delivered meaningful, lasting results. Now, he’s ready to bring that same commitment and experience citywide—offering voters and donors a trusted voice, steady leadership, and a clear vision for Boston’s future.
I will be voting for Frank Baker (#1 on the Ballot) on Tuesday, September 9. I hope you will join me in supporting him!
Thank you!
Annissa Essaibi George
Celebrate 25 years of the South Boston Street Fest on Sept. 20
Get ready, Southie! The South Boston Street Fest is celebrating its 25th year, and the party is going to be epic! On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, East Broadway between I and L streets will be transformed into a vibrant, music-filled, food-packed, shoppingcentric block party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, Sept. 27.)
Since its debut in 2000, the South Boston Street Fest has grown from a sidewalk sale into one of the neighborhood’s most beloved traditions, drawing thousands each year. Now in its silver anniversary year, the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation are pulling out all the stops — with more than 100 local shops, restaurants, artists, and community groups coming together to showcase the very best of Southie.
Two stages will keep the entertainment going all day long, featuring something for everyone, including: Shanel Sugar and Friends, Seldom Chalant, Tom Baker & the Troublemakers, Fionn Lonergan, and up-and-coming acts from Michael Caputo’s MusicBall Entertainment. The celebration begins with The Late Risers strolling the streets to get the crowd excited.
This year’s Thomas J. Butler South Boston Small Business Leadership Award will go to Joey Arcari, owner of Monarc Development. His presentation will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the Library Stage, which will now be known as the Karen Stanley Stage.
The ceremony will be followed by performances from Woods School of Irish Dance and Miss Linda’s School of Dance; singers and dancers from the St. George Albanian Orthodox Cathedral; and self-defense demos from Ultimate Self-Defense.
For the kids, there’s no shortage of fun — touch a truck, balloon twisters, caricature artists, face painters, pirates, princesses, and yes … Bluey will be there! Foodies, come hungry. Enjoy street-side dining from The Broadway, The Playwright, Roza Lyons, and Deja Brew, plus grab-and-go bites from neighborhood favorites Publico
Street Bistro, Sal’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Capo Restaurant & Supper Club, Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant, Layla’s American Tavern, Fresh Boston, Playa Bowls, Pig Beach BBQ, Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, Fat Baby, Dig Inn, Bottega del Sud, Park City
Southie, and Frios Gourmet Pops.
Festival-goers can also score oneday-only shopping deals from local shops, browse incredible artwork from South Boston’s creative community, and connect with local nonprofits making a difference in the neighborhood.
The 25th South Boston
Street Fest promises a day packed with music, flavor, community spirit — and the perfect chance to celebrate Southie in style.
For more information and the latest updates, visit the official South Boston Street Fest website at www.southbostonstreetfest.com.
Sister Mary Veronica Park Acquired for Permanent Open Space Preservation
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department announced the City has officially acquired Sister Mary Veronica Park in South Boston, securing the neighborhood gathering space as permanently protected public open space. At a public hearing on July 28, 2025, the Boston Parks and Recreation Commission voted to approve the purchase of the park, located at the intersection of West 8th, F, and Grimes Streets in South Boston. The property will be protected in perpetuity under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution and placed under a Conservation Restriction held by the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation. Closing took place on Thursday, August 14.
“Ensuring that our community spaces remain protected and accessible to all residents is a top priority,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.
“This acquisition of Sister Mary Veronica Park reflects our dedication to preserving our city’s rich history and strengthening communitydriven spaces across Boston.”
The City negotiated a
Lprice of $200,166.67 with the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Boston (RCAB), supported through the Community Preservation Act funding for the Boston Open Space Acquisition Fund. The acquisition fulfills a years-long community effort to protect the property from potential development.
Originally owned by the City of Boston and transferred to the Archdiocese in 1955, the site became an informal pocket park in 1968 when the South Boston Resident Association cleaned and improved the parcels. Maintained over the decades by the Archdiocese and neighbors, the space features five mature trees, several benches, and a small planter.
When the property was listed for sale in 2023, neighbors formed the “Save Sister Mary Veronica Park Committee” to advocate for the preservation of the property as open space, gathering over 2,000 signatures from South Boston residents on a petition.
“We’re excited to share that Sister Mary Veronica Park will now be a City park, ensuring that this space will
remain a community asset for generations to come,” said Cathy Baker-Eclipse, Interim Commissioner of Boston Parks and Recreation. “We’re grateful to the South Boston community for their advocacy on this project and look forward to maintaining the park as a welcoming place for all.”
“South Boston NDC is thrilled to support this acquisition by holding the long term conservation restriction to ensure that Sister Mary Veronica Park will remain open space in perpetuity,”
said Donna Brown, Executive Director of South Boston NDC. “We’re thankful to our neighbors whose advocacy will ensure this park and its mature trees continue to grow and strengthen South Boston’s tree canopy for generations to come.”
To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston. gov/parks, call (617) 6354505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @ parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
Love Art Sushi Opening in the Seaport
ove Art Sushi is opening its newest location in Boston Seaport with a special Grand Opening Event on Thursday, September 4, bringing its popular customizable sushi bowls and makiritto rolls to one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Guests can expect a streamlined, modern approach to sushi bowls made with seasoned sushi rice, bold housemade sauces, and responsibly sourced ingredients. The new location also offers digital ordering, a citywide loyalty
app, and specialty drinks including bubble tea, matcha, and imported canned beverages.
“Seaport has become the beacon for innovation, quality, and experience that Bostonians have come to trust. There have been so many loyal guests who have grown with our brand over the past eight years and the ability to plant a flag in the Seaport to become more accessible in the city to more people is exciting for our team,” said Ron SH, co-founder of Love Art Sushi.
MassDOT, Boston Temporarily
Remove Bike Lane On W. 4th Street Bridge for Paving Project
Crews are removing protective bollards on the West 4th Street Bridge in preparation for an upcoming paving project.
On Tuesday, a residents spotted a bulldozer tearing out protective bollards on the West 4th Street Bridge, a critical bike route between South Boston and the South End.
But MassDOT officials have confirmed that the removal of the bike lane is only temporary, and part of the agency’s preparation for
an imminent “mill and fill” repaving project on the bridge.
A city spokesperson told StreetsblogMASS that “we expect MassDOT to finish their work by the end of the month, and then protected cycling infrastructure will be reinstalled.”
MassDOT originally installed flexible-post bollards and other bikeway improvements on the West 4th Street bridge and the nearby Broadway/ Traveler Street Bridge in 2021, as part of its South Bay Harbor Trail project.
Celebrating 45 Years! FPAC Members Exhibition
FPAC Art Space, 70A Sleeper Street, Boston August 13 - October 31
Gallery Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-1 p.m., 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m.
Forty-five years ago, in 1980, the Fort Point Arts Community was founded to nurture Boston’s arts scene and champion local artists.
Today we’re celebrating past and present artists and supporters who sustain this legacy with the FPAC Members Exhibition. The exhibition features 46 members, and will be open through October 31.
Meet the artists at the reception on Thursday, October 16, 5 p.m. -7 p.m.
One reservation per person
Connect Where It Counts!
We are looking for volunteers age 50+ to serve as reading coaches to help South Boston students.
$1,000 STIPENDS AVAILABLE! Attend an upcoming information session to learn more!
Sat, Sept 13 at 10:30am South Boston Branch Library 646 E. Broadway Wed, Oct 8 at 10:30am (Ollie) South Boston Neighborhood House 136 H St
Bada Bingo with Tori
Come by the Supper Club at Capo Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m., and Play for a chance to win gift cards to your favorite Southie Spots! Followed by Capo Comedy at 8:00 p.m.
Boston Parks Department’s Forever Young Program for Older Adults Returns for Fall Season
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the Forever Young Program, inviting older adults to enjoy a fall season full of fun, fitness, and fellowship. This free program, presented in partnership with Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), features engaging outdoor activities such as archery and bocce, all designed to promote active lifestyles, strengthen social connections, and build community.
The program will take place once a week on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Langone Park, 529 Commercial Street, North End. Sessions begin September 5 and run through October 24th.
Each session is designed to encourage physical activity, mental wellbeing, and community engagement. Sessions are drop-in and preregistration is not required. Join us to try something new and make a friend.
To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks, call (617) 635-4505, visit boston.gov/parks, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, and Instagram and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.
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.
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
208 H ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 9/9/2025
Project Description: Interior renovation rear addition, no change in occupancy use or egress
372 K ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 9/9/2025
Project Description: Change occupancy from 1 family to 5, interior renovation, existing building dormer, addition rear
417 to 423C W Broadway South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 9/18/2025
Project Description: Change occupancy to include Adding use Body art permanent makeup existing beauty salon Including addition room No work be done
120 to 126 Emerson ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 9/18/2025
Project Description: Adding Gong Cha Bubble Tea to an existing empty commercial space Use is conditional so ZBA required Opening Hours will be 10AM 11PM Takeout available Items being sold Waffles Ice Cream ePlans
103 F ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 9/23/2025
Project Description: An existing attic will be converted to full story with master bedroom suite under low sloped roof two decks existing prior rear one addition removed second floor enlarged as well first mudroom parking space added
75 to 77 Dorchester ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 10/7/2025
Project Description: Combine Parcels 1886 Amp 1887 Demolish Existing Structures Erect New 5 Story Mixed Use Building, 1 Retail Restaurant Unit Core Shell 15 Residential Units W Partial Basement Elevator As Per Plans
62 L ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 10/28/2025
Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.
852 Summer St / MYSTRYDE (NEW)
Proposal: Change occupancy of ground floor. Add 3453 sf of furniture showroom space (on left side) and 2662 sf “H & R Block” office space (on right rear) to the existing 3100 sf Mystryde Fitness Center (on right front).
Time: Sep 10, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84386490992 Meeting ID: 843 8649 0992
SPEED HUMBS ON YOUR STREET
Over the next three years, the City will be working to design and build speed humps in many neighborhoods of Boston. It will take time to get this work done, and the 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.
Welcome Old and New Students, Families, Teachers and Staff to Another Great Year at SBCA
CITATION ON PETITION FOR ALLOWANCE OF ACCOUNT
Virtual Public Meeting
NOTICED IN A RELEVANT NEIGHBORHOOD OR CITYWIDE NEWSPAPER BETWEEN AUGUST 27 & SEPTEMBER 3)
Notice is hereby given that the City of Boston Air Pollution Control Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on September 17, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83946976326. The Commission will consider the proponent’s request for a modified permit for a facility located at 38 Farnsworth St, South Boston Waterfront in Boston, MA, pursuant to the Procedures and Criteria for the Issuance of Parking Freeze Permits adopted under M.G.L. Chapter 111, Section 31C.
This modification consists of 18 commercial spaces in a surface lot. The application requests modification of an existing permit for 16 commercial parking spaces in order to permit an additional 2 commercial spaces. Issuance of the permit would withdraw 2 spaces from the South Boston parking freeze bank.
DESCRIPTION: The NPC Project calls for the development of 149 residential units and garage parking for 103 spaces within the building. The existing two-story warehouse building will be demolished to make space for the new four (4) story building along West Second Street and a six (6) story building along West First Street, and the Project Site will be subject to any necessary remediation. The project requires Large Project Review under Article 80B of the Zoning Code.
NOTE: In accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, and subsequent legislation with the same purpose, this meeting will only take place virtually. If you are unable to access the internet, you can call 1-929-205-6099, enter Meeting ID 863 2937 7111 # and use # as your participant ID.
Translation and sign language interpreters will be provided upon prior request. A copy of the application is available for public inspection at Boston City Hall, Room 709, from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday (by appointment only), or you may request a digital copy by email at APCC@boston.gov. Questions should be directed to: APCC@boston.gov or 617-635-3850.
For the Commission, Alice Brown, Executive Director Air Pollution Control Commission
