10_01_2020

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Mayor Walsh: We Want you to Succeed and take Charge city-journal.org/harmreduction-san-franciscohomel ess ness-a d diction- c r i si s) .

Brianne R. Fitzgerald RN, NP, MPH

R

ecently City Journal published a piece called San Francisco’s Deathly Compassion.

“Harm reduction” advocates do little more than pass out drug supplies to the sick and dying. It is a powerful read: ( h t t p s : / / w w w .

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Met hadone Mile is mercifully not what San Francisco is dealing with; 50 city blocks of makeshift shelters of drugaddicted and severely mentally ill people. Other than the sheer numbers, the rest of the article mirrors what Mayor Walsh and his team call “Recovery Road.”

The evolution of harm reduction that originated in the ‘80s due to the HIV/AIDS crisis was a far cry from what we have today. Enabling drug use among those least capable of managing such substances is what we call harm reduction today. In the old days, there were rights and responsibilities associated with reducing harm.

Last week I saw a 50 yr. old female who was the recent Continued on Page 2

The First Week of Fall

by Rick Winterson

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all off icially (and astronomically) arrived in South Boston at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, the moment when the sun and earth’s central planes intersected at the middle. Its arrival was somewhat displaced from its usual pattern by the 2020 Leap Year (as was the first day of spring on March 19), due

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to its extra day last February 29, a Saturday. But no matter – fall is here, by all measures except for one.

Last Sunday, the so-called “high-course, low-course tides” occurred, which are typical of New England in the spring and in the fall. These aren’t exact markers of either fall or spring, but occur when the seasons change. This is because Continued on Page 2

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Continued from Page 1

Methadone Mile victim of an assault. Her pitbull (therapy dog) had its head bashed in, and her medications “stolen.” Someone had picked up those medications from the pharmacy a mere 24 hours before I met her. Clonazepam, gabapentin, Seroquel, clonidine, Wellbutrin were the medications of immediate street value stolen.

Medications such as these, along with Suboxone and Xanax, are the street’s currency, and yet are regularly supplied to many people who frequent Methadone Mile by health care providers. Like the woman hit by a truck in Andrew Square on Tuesday, death is often a result of those who think that harm reduction is humane.

The idea of providing safe zones for addicts creates an environment of comfort, and yet thinks nothing beyond that. Families of those out on Methadone Mile often cling to the hope that that one day, their child, sibling, parent, or Continued from Page 1

Tides the angles of the sun and the moon, each of which exerts a gravitational pull on earth’s oceans, come together twice each year and reinforce each other.

The tides last Sunday at Boston Light were a considerable 13+ feet from low at 7:54 a.m. to high at 2:06 p.m. (see photos).

At 2 p.m. last Sunday, Pleasure Bay was chock full; winddriven waves were lapping at the seawalls and the entries to the beaches. It was fortunate no offshore storms were nearby.

Two days later, at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, the seasons changed, for real.

But the first day of fall is often referred to as the “Equinox”, meaning the daylight hours and the nighttime hours are exactly equal – twelve (12) hours each. However, that isn’t exactly true in 2020 or in any other year, because we measure

partner might finally hate drugs enough to seek help? Vending machines provide needles and other drug paraphernalia, and drug dealers are recognizable in the area’s perimeter. How can one even conceptualize a way out when the driving force of drugs is everywhere?

Mayor Walsh, we want you to succeed, and take charge. Allow sunrise at the moment when the sun’s disc first peeks over the eastern horizon, and sunset when that disc completely disappears below the western horizon.

Fu r t her more , t he e a r t h ’s atmosphere refracts (or bends) the rays of light from the sun, which further confuses the timing issue (as well as this writer).

So actually, the last act of the 2020 Autumnal Equinox will occur tomorrow, Friday the 25th, when according to our earthly methods of timing it, the sun rises at 6:34 a.m. and sets at 6:34 p.m. This means that the transition to autumn really began last Sunday with the high-course tides, and then officially occurred last Tuesday morning at 9:30, and will finish the changeover to fall with an equal day and a night at sunset tomorrow evening.

Therefore, fall’s arrival took place gradually, over six full days.

Conf used?

the Boston Police Department authority to make arrests. These arrests will ensure that those arrested with due process are provided a recovery/detox bed at South Bay for a minimum of 30 days. Make a deal with Quincy, money talks, and no one walks! Encourage Governor Baker and the Department of Public Health to put some eyes

on the Massachusetts prescription monitoring system and weed out those who prescribe dangerously.

Perhaps BSAS (the state’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Services) can become proactive: less cultural humility and more programming that includes a decent pay scale for those who work in the field and job training opportunities for those working on getting well.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

Collins, Biele Support Bill to Strengthen Technology and Infrastructure

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Our Clock Lives!

Recently, State Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele joined their colleagues in Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives to pass legislation authorizing up to $1.8 billion in spending for the improvement of information technology equipment and other capital projects in Massachusetts.

The legislation also authorizes funding for food security and investments in educational technologies in Massachusetts schools.

“This bill is a continuation of our commitment throughout this pandemic to deliver relief to those who need it most,” said Sen. Collins. “From struggling small businesses to BPS families grappling with remote learning, the funding in this bill will break down barriers to accessing high quality internet and technology, and move our Commonwealth forward.”

“This authorization will help increase access to services as we continue to face challenges brought on by the current pandemic,” said Rep. Biele. “This funding authorization will help increase access to information and technology services, which is crucial amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, while making important investments to improve our community health centers and increase access to food security.”

The capital plan, which includes $794 million for state and local general technology and physical infrastructure, features the following targeted investments. $110 million in public safety infrastructure and equipment $134 million in statewide economic development grants $80 million in educational IT and infrastructure grants, including $50 million to assist public schools in facilitating remote learning environments $10 million to fund technology investments at community health centers $37 million in food security grants $25 million in capital improvements for licensed early education and care providers and after school programs

The legislation has been signed into law by the governor.

How’s this for a small but positive happening in South Boston during these difficult times? Our iconic clock on West Broadway is back to fulfilling its prime duty of telling time. Even with half of its clock face obscured by condensation, it was obvious that the exact time was 11:01 a.m. That corresponded exactly with local watch time, as well as with the time’s numerals flashed upon an iPhone screen.

Welcome back to work.

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.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Councilor Ed Flynn Hearing on Digital Equity and Resolution Recognizing Week of the Deaf

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oston City Councilor Ed Flynn held a hearing this week to discuss strategies to ensure digital equity and internet access in Boston, as well as filed a resolution recognizing the International Week of the Deaf and supporting those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

These are reflections of Councilor Flynn’s continual commitment to equity and his advocacy for persons with disabilities.

Held on Monday, September 29th, the hearing on digital equity

and internet access was sponsored by Councilors Ed Flynn, Julia Mejia, and Michael Flaherty, and it was chaired by Councilor Flynn in the Committee for City and Neighborhood Services. The panelists include city representatives from the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), organizations such as Tech Goes Home and Boston Neighborhood Network Media, and advocates in the education field working on this issue. Panelists and Councilors all highlighted the importance of having access to the internet, especially during this pandemic as services, resources, and classes moved online. DoIT spoke about using the Digital Equity Fund to collaborate with organizations such as Tech Goes Home to provide classes on digital skills and expanding the city’s Wicked Free Wifi and broadband network. Other panelists have spoken on the hardship that many students and residents faced without access to quality internet during to the pandemic, and

emphasized the need for affordable and stable internet access, especially for working families, immigrants, seniors, and communities of color.

Councilor Flynn is also filing a resolution this week to recognize the International Week of the Deaf, also known as Deaf Awareness Week. The week is celebrated during the last full week of September, and is initiated by the World Federation of the Deaf to celebrate the accomplishments of those who are deaf and to promote their rights. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing estimates that there are 650,000 people with hearing disabilities in Massachusetts, and hearing problems are by far the most common service related disability among veterans. In the City of Boston, the Disabilities Commission provides advocacy and language access services for those who have hearing disabilities, and the Boston Public Schools Special Education Department has a mainstream team for the deaf and hard

of hearing to support students with hearing difficulties and families with specialized and technological needs.

It is important to recognize our deaf and hard of hearing community, and continue to support and advocate for their full participation in everyday life.

“Working towards equity and advocating for our persons with disabilities are two of my top priorities,” said Councilor Flynn.

“I want to thank Councilors Mejia and Flaherty for their partnership in the hearing on digital equity, as well as to the panelists for a robust conversation and their insightful comments. I also want to recognize our persons with hearing disabilities who are an integral part of our city, and celebrate their achievements during the International Week of the Deaf. Let’s continue to work together to improve digital equity, and support our deaf and hard of hearing residents.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

National Coffee Day, 2020

by Rick Winterson

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early two out of three Americans (more than 60% of us) drink coffee every day. According to a survey sent to South Boston Online by WalletHub, the City of Boston ranks 14th in America for its consumption of coffee, which is actually quite remarkable since

we have a population of less than a million. The first three “coffeehappy” American cities are Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland – that’s the Portland in Oregon, not Maine.

West Coast coffee consumption is completely understandable – just think about the West Coast as the place where COVID-19 in the U.S. first showed up and where nightly protests are still continuing.

So, the West Coasters need coffee to keep up with it all.

Here in Boston, and in South Boston too, we drink a lot of coffee simply because we really like it. If you need proof of that, just count the number of places to get coffee along Broadway the next time you’re out for a walk.

Coffee in the Western World has been around for about 600 years. Its earliest recorded use was in Yemen at the southern end

of the Saudi Arabian peninsula.

There’s a charming legend about coffee’s discovery: a holy Imam who visited Ethiopia in Africa noticed the birds that ate the berries on a local Ethiopian tree f lew around him with great energy. He ate some of those berries himself and became highly energetic also. The Imam eventually boiled the berries to soften them, and brewed the world’s first cuppa coffee!

Roughly a century later, African traders brought coffee, called “qahva” in those days, to the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Venice (now part of Italy).

Much later on, caffeine, coffee’s active ingredient, was identified.

And coffee’s history (and consumption) in the Western World was off and running.

Nowadays, you can even find

a coffee-based brew entitled “Nitro”, which once was a slang word for nitroglycerine, the original explosive for mining and construction excavating.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

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Early New Year Resolutions

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outh Boston Online believes we are not thinking far enough ahead – it’s time to begin making plans that extend out to the end of next year: December, 2021, fifteen months from now. Let’s call these plans “Early New Year Resolutions”, which perhaps will be the most serious resolutions we will ever have to make. And we must all take part in putting these resolutions into effect. All of us!

Every single American citizen.

R e c ent ly, we’ve b e en reminded of this in several ways.

You certainly know that the U.S. has many highly serious problems. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year on September 18, reminded us that our secular New Year on January 1 is just three months away. And this year of 2020 is a major election year, of course. What have the

candidates campaigning for your vote really promised they can and will do for America, when they are elected and inaugurated in January? Do you believe any of them? Have any of them really admitted to you how difficult next year will be?

Most important of all, we are still in the middle of the COVID19 pandemic, perhaps the most serious outbreak of any disease the U.S. has ever seen. We don’t have a cure yet, so we really don’t know when the sickness (and death) caused by the Coronavirus will be overcome. And equally important, please remember that finally overcoming COVID-19 will then require a long recovery period AFTER we find the cure – a recovery period that could easily last until the end of 2021.

What are the other problems we are facing? In addition to the

COVID-19 pandemic itself, a partial list would include global warming that’s causing coastal f looding and record-breaking wildfires (especially on the West Coast), a weak economy with high unemployment, racism with its ongoing turmoil in our major cities, and increasing substance abuse – all of them very serious issues.

The pandemic has not only slowed our economy, it has interrupted almost all American education at every level. And it is causing severe hunger, not only here in Boston but also in many other urban a rea s across Ma ssachusetts (check out Brockton’s situation).

Yes, right now there’s hunger in America – hunger in the richest, most powerful country the world ha s ever seen.

We won’t apologize for focusing so much on the bad news.

We must (!) prepare

for the next 15 months. It is important that our “Early New Year Resolutions” include helping others in any way we can, especially those who are now going hungr y.

“Early Resolutions” must also include voting on Tuesday, November 3.

As citizens, we all have a solemn obligation to decide which candidates can best serve our city, county, state, and nation during 2021, and then cast our votes for those candidates.

Perhaps most of all, 2021 will require sacrifices from every one of us, along with much hard work on our part. Over the last 200 years or so, American citizens have solved and resolved each and every difficulty we have encountered.

So let’s make our “Early New Year Resolutions” now, work together in 2021, and do it again – all of us. C.E. 2021 beckons.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

South Boston Catholic Academy News Grade 1C Highlights

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rom our Gr. 1C Teacher, Ms. Caroline Gannon…

Although things are different this school year, as a class we are working together to learn in creative and innovative ways. Twelve students are able to sit on the rug, while other students pull up their chair to join the class. Students keep a 3 feet distance at all times and it is nice to be able to sit in another area than their desks. During the morning meeting, I read a morning message to the students. The students are then able to circle sight words, two-syllable words, high frequency words, and proper nouns.

Because we can’t share the same writing utensil, the students are able to use their personal crayons/ markers. This allows the students

to still be involved in activities. The students also have jobs to help me in the classroom that follow CDC guidelines. This allows students to have different responsibilities in the

classroom by helping me and their classmates. During math, students use their own expo markers to come up to the board and solve problems and write equations. We have read many books as a class thus far. We are starting our second Junie B.

Jones chapter book this week! It is great having students involved in discussions about the text and working together to learn. We are all looking forward to having a great year in Grade 1C here at South Boston Catholic Academy!

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

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Dorchester Heights is the Place to be in the Evening

By Ginger DeShaney On nice summer nights, the lawn at the Heights is dotted with socially distanced groups who are there to hang out, picnic, and watch the sunset.

For many, coming to the Heights provides a sense of normalcy as many people are working from home. “I love the fresh air; I love the dogs,” said Stephanie, a 29-year-old Southie resident. “It’s nice to have some social interaction.”

Lauren, also 29, said if she were working at the office, she wouldn’t be able to enjoy the Heights as much. “It’s a nice reprieve from being inside.

It’s more socia l outside.”

From left: Mike, Nicole, Kaitlyn, Hannah, Ben, all 22 and all but Ben live in Southie Nicole, 22, was hanging out with a group of coworkers who are all new to Boston. Being at the Heights “offers a good sense of community,” she said.

W hen Nicole moved to Southie a few weeks ago, her neighbors came and introduced t hemselves. “Sout h Boston seems very close knit.” And that feeling is apparent at the Heights.

Aaron, 28, likes the open,

breezy feel of the Heights. “It feels like you have your own space.”

Being up on the hill also provides a hint of what life was like before and what it could be like after the Covid-19 pandemic, said Nicole. “It’s a cool vibe.”

ZONING HEARING

Olivia (age 24, South Boston), Hailey (25, North End) -masked with dogs

The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a virtual public hearing will be held on October 21, 2020, at 9:00 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of the Fifth Amendment to the Master Plan for Planned Development Area No. 69, South Boston/The 100 Acres (“Fifth Amendment”) and a petition for the approval of the Amended and Restated Development Plan for 5 and 15 Necco Street within Planned Development Area No. 69 (“Amended and Restated Plan”), filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

The proposed Fifth Amendment and Amended and Restated Development Plan for 5 and 15 Necco Street, South Boston, all relate to the New Building and related site/landscaping improvements at the project site.

Aaron (28), Michelle (31), both of Southie

This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bit.ly/3ii1B04. A copy of the petition, the Fifth Amendment and the Amended and Restated Development Plan, and a map of the area involved may be obtained from the Zoning Commission electronically, and you may also submit written comments or questions to jeffrey.hampton@boston.gov.

For the Commission Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary From left: Lauren, Stephanie, both 29 and live in South Boston

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

A Charles River Basin Walk

by Rick Winterson

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his article suggests that you branch out, by beginning your walk at the very scenic, recently reconstructed Longfellow Bridge, which connects Boston’s West End with Kendall Square in Cambridge. Simply take the Red Line from Andrew or Broadway Station and get off at Charles Street. Painted pedestrian crosswalks will lead you to the sidewalks on the Longfellow Bridge, but traffic is heavy: be sure look both ways and always wait for the “Walk” signals.

You can choose two walks to aim for – the first will be a couple of miles long and stays in the vicinity of the Bridge. The second will also include the Bridge, but will then take you along Memorial Drive up to Harvard Square.

This amounts to five or six miles; it takes three leisurely hours. In either case, you’ll enjoy remarkable views of the Charles River Basin, many of them featuring Boston from the Cambridge side. Look especially for Beacon Hill against the downtown skyline, capped by the gold State House dome.

The Longfellow Bridge, named of course for Henry W., Boston’s narrative Poet Laureate, has just been completely reconstructed. It was first opened in 1907, and came to the end of its life more than a century later - its multiyear restoration was begun in 2013. As you cross the Bridge, take your time experiencing the views of the Charles River Basin off to the west; gaze at both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the Basin. “Spectacular” is the only word to use! Look at the Bridge itself and

The Boston entrance to Longfellow Bridge

Boston from the Cambridge side of Longfellow Bridge.

MIT’s sailing pavilion and Downtown Boston’s skyline.

note the craftsmanship that restored the granite stones, cast iron artifacts, and the original lighting (now modern electric, of course). Walk around each of the Bridge’s “salt shaker” towers on the stone balconies that overlook the water.

Look at the lower end of the Basin from the other side of the Bridge, where the Science Museum now sits. After your walk across and around the Bridge of two miles or so, have lunch in Kendall Square and take the Red Line from Kendall Station home to South Boston.

Or think about perhaps turning your “walk” into a real “hike”.

Proceeding on to Harvard Square along the Cambridge side of the Charles River Basin will make your total traveled amount to five or six very scenic miles, and you can then take the Red Line back home from Harvard

Square. Views of Boston from Beacon Hill to Kenmore Square are totally eye-catching all along the Cambridge side. On that side you’ll pass by MIT’s trademark dome, and then catch sight of the BU towers across near Kenmore Square – look for the CITGO sign. The upper Basin at Magazine Beach and Harvard is placid and picturesque, as is Harvard University and the Square itself, a great place to enjoy a hiking lunch.

And the Cambridge folks are really very nice, even though they spell our nation’s name “Amerika” and have a one-party political system (Democrat, of course). They truly appreciate visitors from the outside world, especially those who are on foot. And their accents are almost as cultured as ours are, even though many of them have never left Cambridge for any reason.

The Weeks Bridge, one of the few pedestrian spans left.

Welcome to Cambridge, via Longfellow Bridge.

Harvard Bridge to Copley, between the Hancock and the Pru.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

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Just for kicks ...

By Ginger DeShaney

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unday is fun day for Gay Kickball Boston, a league of 17 teams with colorful Pride Sports USA T-shirts and even more colorful names.

Playing its game on Moakley Park’s baseball fields, the fall league runs from Aug. 30 through Oct.

25. Each team plays two games every Sunday (minus holiday weekends), culminating with the playoffs/championship on Oct. 25.

“It’s a fun way to socialize with the LGBTQ community while being outside enjoying the weather,” said Steve Savitsky.

“We appreciate it even more with Covid; we can get out and socialize.”

The players wear masks and there’s plenty of hand sanitizer to go around. But because of Covid-19, tournaments, national events, and social outings have been canceled this year.

There are gay kickball leagues in 21 cities around the country, including Dallas, Seattle, and Tampa.

According to its Facebook

page, “Gay Kickball Boston is an LGBTQ and ally communitybased sports league that takes pride in providing an organized, competitive, and fun experience for all players. Our league values each player for who they are and what they bring to the league’s community.”

“It’s a lot of fun,” Savitsky said.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Fourth Presbyterian Church Goes Solar

by Rick Winterson PHOTO CREDIT: A drone photograph by Resonant Energy, the solar panel vendor/ installer.

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n keeping with the times – energy conservation, reduction of global warming, good economic sense, and so on – the Fourth Presbyterian Church has gone ahead and installed an extensive array of solar panels on the roof of its church building.

Some 112 panels were recently emplaced there; an additional number of panels were also installed on the Vinton Street Parish Building.

According the Fourth Church’s Pastor, the Rev. Burns Stanfield, this project not only benefits the environment, it is also a good investment, which in the long term, has a measurable and profitable return in energy cost savings.

The array of 112 solar panel modules on the roof of South Boston’s Fourth Presbyterian Church at Dorchester Street, corner of Vinton.

The technologies connected with solar energy and solar panel investments have become increasingly well-known and documented. Solar energy is fairly inexpensive and it’s getting even cheaper. And of course, it’s the original source of all the

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energy on Earth, ever since the formation of our home planet some 4.5 billion years ago. If that sounds Biblical, well, it really is – in Genesis 1:3, 4 “God said let there be light, and there was light. And He saw that light was good.” Of course, His “light” meant sunlight, Earth’s original energy, and the only energy that’s environmentally benign .

Perhaps you should think of taking advantage of solar

energy yourself, either for your own cost savings or for benefit of the organization you belong to. There are many sources of loans, grants, and tax breaks in support of conserving energy and reducing the use of carbonbased energ y, especially for schools, churches, and non-profit agencies. Small modular units using solar panels and collectors have become very attractive as local, low-cost energy sources.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

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Mayor Walsh Announces New Fall and Winter Support for Restaurants

ayor Martin J. Wa l s h to d ay announced the expansion of the Reopen Boston Fund to ensure restaurants in Boston are able to purchase necessary equipment for outdoor dining this fall and winter. This opportunity will include costs to cover heaters, storage equipment, and propane.

In May, Mayor Walsh announced the $6 million Reopen Boston Fund, which provides debt-free grants to support the safe and healthy reopening of small businesses in Boston. To date, the City of Boston has issued more than $2.5 million in direct grants to 1,325 qualified small businesses to implement necessary public health measures and to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies.

The Reopen Boston Fund continues to offer grants to eligible small businesses of up to $2,000 (for non-restaurants) to assist with reopening costs, now with the expanded fall and winter relief category for restaurants up to $3,000 (for restaurants). Applications are now open, and will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis.

“As we head into the cooler months, we want to support the restaurants and businesses that bring so much to our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Walsh. “Restaurants have continued to face incredible challenges during this pandemic, and we remain committed to supporting them, whether it’s through expanded outdooring dining, or additional funding.”

The new fall and winter relief opportunity is available for restaurants operating in the City of Boston with under 25 employees, and which has been approved by the Licensing Board for the City of Boston to operate outdoor dining through the temporary extension permitting process. Any restaurants that have not yet applied for or received funding from the Reopen Boston Fund can apply for up to $3,000 to cover reopening costs associated with outdoor dining.

Restaurants who previously received Reopen Boston funds are eligible for

additional funds and may re-submit an updated budget that includes fall and winter relief and does not exceed $3,000 in total. Eligible expenses include outdoor heating equipment, including heaters, storage, and propane; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); and outdoor seating materials like tables, chairs, barriers.

Information and applications are available at boston.gov/reopen-fund.

On September 15, the Licensing Board for the City of Boston issued an advisory regarding the extension of the City’s Temporary Outdoor Dining Program and the use of approved heaters. Restaurants utilizing public sidewalks and parking lanes for outdoor dining may continue the approved use of those spaces until December 1, 2020, weather permitting or until further notice or until the Boston Licensing Board issues further guidance. Outdoor dining on private property has been extended for the duration of the COVID-19 related public health emergency. In addition, application fees will be waived for businesses that apply for a permit for outdoor propane heaters from the Boston Fire Department. All restaurants applying for the additional grant must have an approved Extension of Premises License and a permit from the Boston Fire Department for any outdoor heating requirements.

Licensees interested in the Temporary Outdoor Dining Program that have not previously applied may do so via the online application process.

If businesses need support through this process, please email smallbiz@ boston.gov for technical assistance.

A list of restaurants with outdoor dining is available on boston.gov.

Today’s fall and winter relief announcement builds on the work the Walsh Administration has undertaken to support small businesses during the City’s COVID19 response and through the reopening of our economy. In total, the City of Boston has dedicated over $12.6 million in City, federal, and private funding to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Through the Small Business Relief Fund, Mayor Walsh has announced that nearly $6.5 million in debt-free grants have been distributed to over 1,800 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston. The City of Boston has also created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted

by COVID-19. The Open Businesses

in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents to supporting local establishments. The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/ covid19-businesses. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit boston.gov/coronavirus.

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, OCTOBER 1, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION

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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