THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Congratulations
Helping Homeless Move Up! Mass Bay Credit Union In Partnership Helping Homeless Move Up! Initiative to help individuals save for housing “ During these dif f icult times, we are proud to recognize 9 program participants who have t ra nsit ioned out of home le s s ne s s”, a n nou nc e d t he pa r tnership comprised of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Friends of Boston’s Homeless and Mass Bay Credit Union. T he Hou si ng Sav i ng s Account program is designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness overcome t he fou ndationa l life-rebu ild ing challenges of saving money and securing housing. Here’s how it works: the Serving Ourselves (SOS) program, a workforce development program in the BPHC ’s Homeless Ser vices
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Bureau, a ssists individua ls experiencing homelessness by providing educational resources, work opportunities in the food services and janitorial sectors, and individual case management to support participants obtaining permanent employment in the communit y. Through this partnership, interested program participants open a Housing Savings Account with Mass Bay Credit Union. Mass Bay provides access to financial tools and educational resources to these i ndividuals and mai nt ai n s d i re ct cont a ct with them along their way. When the participants secure housing, the BPHC notifies Mass Bay Credit Union and Friends of Boston’s Homeless. At that point, the three partners combine to match the amount the participant saved, doubling their savings account. Mass Bay Credit
Congratulations to all the students of South Boston Catholic Academy and our Parish Religious Education Program who received the Holy Eucharist for the first time on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Gate of Heaven Church. More Photos on Page 6
Continued on page 2
OUR RATE IS “ONE OF
HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT
1.75 % 2.50 % APR+
+
APR
1st 6 months then prime minus .75% for life
current fully-indexed rate
the best
AROUND!”
Super-EASY Online Application at massbaycu.org/heloc, or call (617) 269-2700 or visit our South Boston branch.
Serving Greater Boston since 1936. Federally insured by NCUA
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
+ APR= Annual Percentage Rate. 1.75% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is an introductory rate for the first six months. After the introductory period, rate on the outstanding balances will revert to Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the calendar month minus (-) 0.75%. Prime rate as of 04/01/2020 is 3.25%. The APR may vary monthly. Minimum rate 2.50% and maximum rate 18.00%. 10 year draw period. 15 year repayment period. Minimum $10,000 draw at closing and $1,000 advances thereafter. 80% combined LTV to $200,000 (</=70% LTV $300,000). Proof of adequate property insurance required and Flood Insurance may also be required. Subject to credit approval. Other terms and restrictions apply including 620 minimum credit score. Offer subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #615913
2
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Continued from Page 1
and adds, “At Mass Bay, giving Homeless persona l attention to our members is our primary focus.” Union pledged $5,000 in funds Stephanie Rodriguez, Career through the Mass Bay Credit Union Charitable Foundation. Center Manager with the Boston Ma ria nn Bucina Roc a, Public Hea lth Commission Friends of Boston’s Homeless Homeless Services Bureau shared Executive Director, shared, “This the following success stor y: is an innovative partnership After becoming disconnected where the public, private, from family, Robert was eager to reintegrate into society and and non-prof it sectors come together to bring about change. applied for the SOS program. Always working with a smile, Together we are helping those experiencing homelessness reach he sought out opportunities to assist other program participants, their goal of achieving financial worked additional shifts, and and housing independence.” “Helping people secure applied for work opportunities housing is a perfect example of in the community. Through his efforts, Robert received full the credit union ideal of ‘people helping people,’” says Terr y time employment at a major delivery company earning well Dorilas, Mass Bay CEO. “Our goal here is to help our members above living wage and was able to request the full match and continue to be a strong partner in the community. So upon being housed. Robert far, 9 individuals have received was able to obtain financial independence and housing in matching funds,” she notes
five months by participating in SOS and the Housing Savings Accou nt s (HSA) progra m. About The Partners: The Boston Public Health Commission, the countr y’s oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a seven-member board of health appointed by the Mayor of Boston. Public service and access to quality health care are the cornerstones of collaboration - to protect, preser ve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Friends of B o s t o n’s Homeless supports solutionsoriented programs with proven track records that help people transition from the streets and shelters into safe, dignified housing and reclaim their lives.
The final transition steps out of homelessness are often the most crucial, and this program can help make them happen. In addition to its South Boston Headquarters, Mass Bay Credit Union has branches in Everett, Quincy, and the Seaport. Over 19,000 people choose Mass Bay Credit Union for great rates, low fees, and personal service. In addition to offering a full array of deposit and lending products, Mass Bay Credit Union Members have access to over 55,000 surcharge free ATMs and 6,800 credit union branches. In business since 1936, Mass Bay Credit Union has assets in excess of $275 million. Through its Charitable Foundation, Mass Bay Credit Union carries out many initiatives throughout
the year to benefit the people and communities they serve.
Councilors Ed Flynn and Liz Breadon Held Hearing on Pest Control and Illegal Dumping in Boston
B
oston City Councilors Ed Flynn and Liz Breadon held a hearing this week to discuss issues relating to pest control and illegal dumping in the City of Boston. The hearing was sponsored by Councilor Ed Flynn and Councilor Breadon, and was chaired by Councilor
Flynn in the Committee for City and Neighborhood Services. The hearing brought together city officials and community advocates, together they discussed measures that the city has been taking to respond to the recent uptick in rodent activities and preventing illegal dumping, as well as other ways to improve on these issues. The hearing was held on Tuesday, September 22nd, and was attended by officials from Boston’s Inspectiona l Services Department (ISD) and Code Enforcement, as well as representatives from the Asian A merican Civic A ssociation (A ACA) in Chinatown, and the Allston Civic Association. Councilors Flynn and Breadon emphasized the importance of rodent control, and City Councilors in attendance have noted the increased reports of rodent infestations and activities
in recent months in the city. City off icials noted that other cities have seen similar uptick in pests due to the pandemic, since rodent food sources are being moved from commercial areas to residential areas. ISD officials have been responding to this by stepping up on inspections and enforcement, dropping f lyers on impacted areas about how to properly dispose of trash, and looking at methods such as using dry ice to kill rats. Officials emphasized the importance of properly disposing trash in curbing rodent activities, and encouraged residents to use 311 to report cases so ISD can better track the cases and activities. Advocates from A ACA and the Allston Civic Association noted that rodents and illegal dumping have long been issues for their neighborhoods, and suggested higher penalty fees
for violators, more public education a nd enforcement to add re s s t he se i s sue s. “Pest control and prevention of illegal dumping have always been important qua lit y of life issues for our residents, and with the pandemic, it’s even more important that we keep our neighborhoods clean and healthy,” said Councilor Flynn. “I’m grateful for the work that our city employees and community advocates are doing in remedying these issues. I want to thank Councilor Breadon for her partnership, and everyone for participating in this productive hearing. I look for ward to continuing work ing on t hese issues.” For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
Farmer’s Market: October Is Its Final Month By: Rick Winterson Photos: Ginger Deshaney
T
his is the South Boston Fa rmer’s Market from Riverdale Farm in Groton (978448-5123) last Monday, September 25, around 2 p.m. The Farm has served South Boston on Mondays, 12 noon until 6 p.m., since the spring. The Market will be here on this coming Monday, the 28th, and then for all four Mondays during
the month of October. After that, we’ll have to wait ‘til next spring for Riverdale’s farm fresh produce to return. Fall veggies dominated the offerings on Monday, of course, ranging from squash, apples, and tomatoes so plump they were ready to burst, to some ears of late corn on the cob. Riverdale is actually a farm and garden complex with a wide, highly rated selection of garden plants and f lowers, fruit, vegetables, and various farm products.
Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) 980 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02119
WATER MAIN FLUSHING NOTICE Boston Water and Sewer Commission will commence Water Main Flushing in the South Boston area starting:
October 11, 2020 through November 18 , 2020 The boundaries for the areas being flushed: Boston Harbor to the north, William J. Day Boulevard to the south, Dorchester Avenue to the east and Dorchester Bay to the west. The purpose of the Water Main Flushing Program is to improve drinking water quality for residents and businesses.
Water Main flushing will take place between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. The flushing process may cause discolored water and a reduction in pressure. The discoloration of the water will be temporary and is not harmful. If the condition persists, please contact BWSC's 24 Hour Service at (617) 989-7000. BWSC appreciates your patience as we work to improve the quality of drinking water we will provide to the residents and businesses of Boston. If you have any questions, contact BWSC's Night Operations Manager at (617) 989-7000 or visit our website @ www.bwsc.org.
3
4
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
John “Jack” O’Brien Street Hockey Court The Castle Islanders battled it out Saturday during South Boston Street Hockey League action at the Jackie O’Brien Street Hockey Court at Moakley Park. There’s about a month left in the season, which includes the playoffs in a couple of weeks. Photos: Ginger Deshaney
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
Super Saturdays: Two Down, One (SEP 26) to Go Businesses in South Boston are reopening, often by featuring eye-catching product displays outside their stores and enterprises on Saturdays. You don’t have to be told about the increasing popularity of dining outdoors; now it’s time to shop outdoors: “Shop! Dine! Splurge!” The first two Southie Super Saturdays took place the 12th and 19th. One more is planned for September 26, the first Saturday of Fall, 2020. SO SHOP SOUTH BOSTON!
5
6
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel News Congratulations to this year’s First Holy Communion Class! Congratulations to all the students of South Boston Catholic Academy and our Parish Religious Education Program who received the Holy Eucharist for the first time on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Gate of Heaven Church. This First Holy Communion Mass was postponed in May due to Covid-19. The presider at this Mass was our Pastor, Father Robert Casey. Father Casey was joined by our Parochial Vicar, Father Christopher Boyle and Monsignor Liam Bergin in celebrating this Mass. Thank you to our parents and teachers who helped to prepare the children for this Sacrament. Special thanks to Dr. Helenann Civian, Principal of South Boston Catholic Academy and Mrs. Joan Dixon, 2nd Grade Religious Education Teacher for the work they do throughout the year to ensure that everyone is ready for this Sacrament. God’s Blessings on all these wonderful children!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
7
Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes with St. Austine Chapel News Welcome Deacon Danny Gustafson! Welcome to Deacon Danny Gustafson, SJ to our Parishes. Every year we welcome a Jesuit Deacon who is completing studies at Boston College. Deacon Danny will be assisting at Masses, preaching and assisting with Baptisms and Marriages. Danny Gustafson, SJ was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD. He went to Georgetown University in Washington, DC with aspirations of going into politics, but got to know the Jesuits on campus and wound up joining them after he graduated in 2011. After taking vows in 2013 he earned a Master’s Degree in Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago, taught high school at Fordham Prep in the Bronx, and is now in his third and final year of theology studies at Boston College. He is very excited to get involved at Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes.
8
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Virtual Public Meeting
333 Dorchester Avenue Tuesday, September 29 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/333DotAvePublicMeeting Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 192 4364
Project Proponent: SB Gateway I, LLC c/o National Development Project Description: The Proposed Project consists of the construction of a twenty-one (21)-story mixed-use building with approximately two hundred sixty-five (265) residential units, 47,000 square feet of commercial space, approximately 14,500 square feet of retail space, new public open space, and a below-grade parking garage.
phone: email:
401 Congress Street Monday, September 28 6:00 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/32qddJY Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 529 8713
Project Description: Virtual Impact Advisory Group/Public Meeting to review the Supplemental Submission in connection with the Proposed Project at 401 Congress Street in the South Boston Waterfront. Please note ample time will be allotted during this meeting for participation and discussion with members of the public, in addition to review and feedback from the members of the Impact Advisory Group. This Meeting will be held virtually on Zoom. Please register at the link provided above.
This meeting will be held virtually on Zoom. Please register at the link provided above.
mail to:
Virtual Public Meeting
Raul Duverge Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4492 raul.duverge@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period:
mail to:
10/2/2020
BostonPlans.org
phone: email:
Aisling Kerr Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4212 aisling.kerr@boston.gov
@BostonPlans
BostonPlans.org
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
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
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
Virtual Public Meeting
457-469A West Broadway IAG Public Meeting Monday, September 28 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/3k75Pcs Call In: 833 568 8864 Meeting ID: 160 504 3983
Project Proponent: Navem West Broadway, LLC Project Description: Navem West Broadway, LLC proposes a Notice of Project Change for the currently under constructed project located at 457-469A West Broadway. The request would change the 44 housing units from rental units to homeownership units including the six (6) IDP Units (affordable).
No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
mail to: John Campbell Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4282 email: john.campbell@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period: 10/9/2020
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
9
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
Rep. Biele Supports Passage of Jobs Bill to Spur Economy Amid Pandemic
Legislation invests in housing and legalizes sports betting Faced with an economy afflicted by COVID-19, State Representative David Biele recently joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation to spur economic growth by legalizing sports gaming, supporting business and work force development, facilitating housing development and authorizing more than $450 million in state grant funding.
CITATION
PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE
“This legislation will help support and provide much-needed relief to businesses that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19, like restaurants, tourism, arts and culture,” said Rep. Biele. “As we continue to find ways to bolster our economy, this bill will support businesses, help create jobs and foster work force development through innovative policies and targeted investments.” The bill authorizes the Housing Choice concept, reducing the voting requirement for a range of housing-related zoning changes, such as affordable housing and multi-family housing, from a two-thirds threshold to a simple majority at the local level. Previously, only 74 communities in Massachusetts had adopted Housing Choice, including the City of Boston, to support the creation of workforce housing and multi-family housing. The legislation also increases the low-income housing tax credit from $20 million to $40 million. The bill initiates a system for legal sports gaming in Massachusetts and allows the independent Massachusetts Gaming Commission to grant in-person licenses to existing casinos and racing facilities. Mobile applications and casinos are also eligible to receive mobile gaming licenses. In addition to licensing fees, the state will receive 15% of all sports betting proceeds -- $50 million annually. The proceeds will be distributed as follows: 40% to a workforce development fund for at-risk youth; 30% to a Distressed Restaurant Fund that would help over 1,000 restaurants pay for things like rent, payroll, and PPE for a period of two years; 10% to youth development initiatives, including scholarships and after-school programs (raised to 25% after January 2023); 10% to Local Aid (raised to 25% after January 2023); and 9% to Public Health, including gambling addiction. The bill also authorizes $459 million in bond funding, including: $35 million for small business loans and $15 million for microbusinesses through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation; $10 million for travel/tourism capital improvements; $10 million for manufacturing grants; $55 million for grants through Mass Development for planning activities and redevelopment of blighted or abandoned properties; $40 million neighborhood stabilization and preservation under the Department of Housing and Community Development; and $30M for a PPP loan type program run by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation that directs funding to businesses impacted by COVID-19 but did not receive federal assistance.
The bill passed the House of Representatives on a 156-3 vote and is being debated in conference committee.
Virtual Public Meeting
244 - 284 A Street Wednesday, October 7 6:00 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/2G236lC Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 384 7249
Project Description: Urban Design and Resiliency focused Virtual Public Meeting in connection with the Proposed Project at 244 - 284 A Street in the Fort Point district of the South Boston Waterfront. Please register in advance for this meeting using the link provided above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
mail to: Aisling Kerr Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4212 email: aisling.kerr@boston.gov BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION
Are you considering selling your ho1ne or condo? Real Estate is Thriving in South Boston Knovv the True Value of Your Home Today With a Free Market Analysis Q
(j Facebook.corn/RooneyRealEstat e
Rooney Real Estate, LLC 700 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127 Jackie@rooney-re.com
Over 30 years of professional service • Over 2,000 real estate transactions #I sales agent in South Boston for 25 of 30 years rooney-re.com • office: 617-269-1000 • cell: 617-645-5370