10_02_2025

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Prioritizing a Recovery Campus and Treatment-First City Councilors Pass Unanimous Resolution in Support of a Recovery Campus for the City of Boston and Greater Boston Area

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oston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy, and Councilor John FitzGerald filed a resolution in support of prioritizing a recovery campus for the City of Boston and Greater Boston area. This follows a resolution last week in opposition to safe injection sites in the City of Boston, which was only supported by the original co-sponsors Councilors Flynn, Murphy, and FitzGerald. However, at today’s meeting, the Boston City Council voted unanimously in support of prioritizing a recovery campus and treatment-first approach to address underlying mental and

behavioral health issues to help break the cycle of addiction.

Recent reports indicate that rebuilding the Long Island Bridge and an addiction recovery center is still a long-term plan that will potentially take years or decades, and conservatively cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Continued and protracted legal battles have left residents wondering when, if ever, that a recovery campus will open on Long Island once again, and what will become of Mass & Cass in the meantime.

In the FY 2026-2030 Capital Plan, $108,758,144 is reserved to construct a new bridge to Long Island, $8,220,000 is set aside to repair and upkeep buildings that may be utilized for a recovery campus, and an additiona l $2,000,000 to renovate existing buildings. However, previous Continued on Page 3

South Boston’s Development

by Rick Winterson

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hursday afternoon, September 25, the long-awaited South Station Tower was unveiled. The Tower’s sheer numbers are certainly impressive: At 51 floors and 678 feet high, it is unmistakably a skyscraper. Also, the Tower will fulfill many urban functions in the City of Boston – 22 floors are or will be devoted to office space (three leases have already been signed), 16 floors will become condominiums, and two stories have already become locations for tenants’ amenities.

In addition to its height, perhaps the Tower’s most striking feature is the stupendous parabolic arches that actually support the Tower over South Station itself. These arches are triumphs of design, engineering, and architecture, all of which were superbly combined to create the Tower. And the arches are beautiful. Hines was the developer; Pelli Clarke & Partners, the

The South Station Tower looks over the Fort Point Channel. architect. At the unveiling, John Fish – the CEO of Suffolk Construction, the Tower’s General Contractor – said of the Tower, “It’s a symbol of vision, innovation, and determination.”

The South Station Tower isn’t in South Boston – it’s nearby. But the Tower’s unveiling reminded South Boston Online of just how much development is going on here. This article Continued on Page 6

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Rep. Biele Files Bill to Increase Transportation Benefits for Veternas

tate Representative David Biele testified in support of legislation to increase benefits for veterans in Massachusetts relating to service on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

Currently, active-duty military personnel can ride the MBTA for free if in uniform or by presenting a valid military identification card if in plain clothes. However, that benefit does not extend to veterans after their discharge from service.

The bill filed by Rep. Biele, entitled An Act relative to fares for veterans (H.3626), would direct the MBTA to convene a working group with the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services to analyze implementation of reduced or free public transportation fares for veterans and solicit input from the public and stakeholders.

Recognizing that transportation needs differ across Massachusetts, the bill also directs the MBTA to work with the state’s Regional Transit Authorities (RTA) on public engagement regarding implementation of a free or

reduced fare program for veterans across the Commonwealth. The legislation is modeled on the process utilized to study and implement the reduced fare program currently offered by the MBTA for income-eligible riders.

“In talking with local veterans in South Boston, I heard stories about the importance of public transportation in getting to and from work, medical appointments, and around our city and our state” said Rep. Biele.

“This bill recognizes the service and sacrifices of our veterans, and the benefits they have earned in defense of our country, through the continuation of a fare program extended to veterans while on active duty in the military. I am grateful to veterans who shared their stories and discussed the importance of transportation in their daily lives with my colleagues who are charged with reviewing this legislation.”

The bill was heard before t he Joint Committee on Transportation at a public hearing and is currently under review.

Dolores at Seapoint

South Boston Zoo For those who aren’t aware that South Boston has a zoo that’s independent of Franklin Park, please note the attached photograph of our animals. They are available for you to visit at any time that’s convenient. Please note that they’re specially bred to have Irisn green coloration.

But please don’t feed them.

South Boston Online ran into Dolores (she’s 2nd from r., with two O’s, please) during her birthday party at Seapoint this last weekend. It was quite a celebration, and Dolores made several resolutions concerning her future actions. She even promised that she’d vote in the upcoming elections on November 4th, now that she has come of age.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM Continued from Page 1

Recovery Campus estimates pegged repairs at more than $550 million, while recent reports are now over $1 billion due to inf lation, tariffs, a nd increa sed construction costs s i nc e that t i me .

On September 4th, the City Council held a hearing on-site at the Hampton Inn, where approx i m ately 20 0 constituents shared their lived experiences on public safety, public health, and quality of life issues due to the Mass & Cass crisis. These included public drug dealing, public drug use, human trafficking, violence, public urination and defecation, and shoplifting. A number of residents shared that beyond these unacceptable and existing conditions, concerns on public safety have increased significantly due to a series of recent break-ins and people sleeping in resident’s homes and cars, or trespassing in backyards.

At that time, t he over whelm ing majorit y of the public testimony from neighbors, small businesses, and nonprofit partners emphasized the need for the city and state to make a recovery campus a top priority for the City of Boston and Greater Boston area, and a treatment-f irst approach.

“Wit h deteriorating conditions due to the Mass & Cass crisis, and continued u nc er t a i nt y re g a rd i ng t he status, timeline, and feasibility of Long Island - it is critical that the city and state work collaboratively to take concrete steps that would allow for a recovery campus to be built for the City of Boston and Greater Boston area - not only to provide necessary treatment programs for our most vulnerable, but to address the public safety, public health, and quality of life of neighbors, sma ll businesses, and nonprof it partners,” said

Cit y Councilor E d Fly nn.

“It was great to have unanimous support of the Boston City Council to support a recovery campus, with the intention of filling the gaps in the continuum of care for those struggling with addiction, as this is an issue that impacts the entire cit y,” said Cit y

THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

Councilor John FitzGera ld.

“With the steep costs and lengthy timelines ahead, we cannot afford delay in creating a recover y campus. Today’s u n a n i mou s Cit y C ou nci l vote mark s a long-overdue acknowledgment that Boston and Greater Boston desperately need a dedicated space for healing.

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As a lead sponsor, I am happy all of my colleagues signed on in support of this treatmentf irst vision. Our city must turn rhetoric into reality,” said Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy.

For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @ B o s t o n . g o v.

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THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

Continued from Page 1

Development will update you on some local projects and developments that are planned or approved or underway or completed.

So far this century, South Boston residents have seen the development of our entire Seaport area. The Convention Center, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), and Grub Street have joined the Children’s Museum as Seaport’s cultural community institutions. Fallon Company’s Fan Pier, WS Development, and many other organizations joined to create, in total, the largest project Boston has ever seen. That included making our Seaport a center of life sciences. Bordering on or near a short section of Sumer Street are the Eli Lilly

building and a couple of cleverly designed multi-storied buildings that have just opened. You’ve likely heard the news that Hasbro, the toy market giant, will be relocating its headquarters to 400 Summer Street in the Seaport. They plan to relocate some 700 employees onto seven floors amounting to 265,000 square feet by the end of 2026. Their reason for this move: “To take advantage of Boston’s business community and innovation opportunities,” Here on the other side of South Boston, a residential building has been completed at Dorchester Street. On Old Colony Avenue, South Standard has rented approximately two-thirds of their new units. Ground has been broken at the Mary Ellen McCormack/Old Harbor project by Winn Corporation,

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who plans to replace all of the project’s existing buildings, and then create a mixed-use residential complex in its place. Since demolition began earlier this year, two of the MEM buildings have been torn down and the first level steel of the new building is in place.

Park City, a local enterprise, has built an outdoor recreation and entertainment area in CORE Enterprises’ lengthy property along Dorchester Avenue.

Further development is planned by CORE for the coming year, now only a few months away. Across South Boston to the east, now that demolition is complete (except for the turbine hall that will be renovated), construction at 776 Summer by the Reserved Channel will be resumed early next year.

Two more substantial areas in

South Boston are being considered for development. P&G Gillette plans to move its manufacturing and many of its employees to Andover over the next few years. We have reported on these plans, which include developing this property in a way that fits Gillette’s Fort Point neighborhood. Other potentially useful lots will become available in areas now crossed by First and Second Streets and Pappas Way. Proposals there included structures up to six stories that generated objections.

Other proposals seem to have been designed for what are now being called “transients”, i.e., people who’ll move in and move out frequently.

South Boston is still very active, indeed.

Please keep up with these developments.

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THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

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Councilor Flynn Supports New Proposal for BPS Exam School Admissions

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his week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn went on record in support of the recent proposal to the Boston exam school admissions policy, which includes adding a city-wide round for top-performing students and elimination of school-based bonus points.

In 2020, du ring t he pandemic, the admissions process was solely based on grade point average, the Independent School Entrance Exam score, and choice in school. In 2021, the Boston School Committee voted to implement a socioeconomic tier system for admissions.

Applicants were evaluated on their academic performance and entrance exam scores within eight socioeconomic tiers determined by their home address. Eligible students received a composite score, in which 70% was based on their GPA and the remaining 30% based on the MAP Growth assessment score, measuring g row t h a nd a c h ie vement across v a r i ou s s u bj e c t s .

Over the last few years, parents across the city have expressed that qualified students, applicants scoring as high as 100, have been denied based on where they live. In the last few years, parents have expressed that they live on the wrong side of the street on K Street or E Street in South Boston in older housing stock; however, if they lived in new construction across the street, their child would

have been accepted. In District 2, and across the city, a system like that will not work when there is a mix of single families, triple deckers, and large multifamily buildings all together.

Councilor Flynn supports adding a city-wide round for topperforming students, as it would allow for all students, regardless of where they live, to essentially compete for 40% of exam school seats. This policy change would account for deserving children in Tier 4 being excluded based on where they live.

Councilor Flynn has also spoken with long-time education leaders who emphasized that this is win-win for the city. But they also stressed that there is an unfunded mandate for an enrichment program with grades 4, 5 and 6 across the city that has yet to be implemented. The city should be looking at this enrichment program to help more students to be ready to apply, especially our underserved communities. Having more of our children participate in such a program will not only benefit our exam schools, but it will have the consequence of benefiting all schools across the district.

On eliminating schoolbased points, Councilor Flynn continues to hear from many parents that they have not worked as intended and proven to be unfair, inequitable, and arbitrary as they are awarded to applicants regardless of t heir ind iv idu a l economic circumsta nces.

M o r e o v e r, schools with similar levels of economic a l ly d isadva nta ged students are not all consistently receiving the same bonus points.

Parents across the city also continue to advocate for a policy that would allocate seats to tiers proportional to the number of applicants in each tier - and that they believe such a change

wou ld ef fect ively increa se diversit y over pre-pandemic levels and treat applicants fairly by achieving an equal admission rate for each tier. However, they believe that a city-wide round and elimination of the bonus points is our next best option.

“Qualif ied students, and applicants scoring as high as 100, should not have been denied these last few years based on what neighborhood they come from. It is critical to implement a system that is fair to every

6th grader and families seeking an opportunity to attend any of our three exam schools. I fully support the thoughtful changes that are being proposed, such as a citywide round and elimination of bonus points, and I continue to advocate for an enrichment program to support all of our high schools and BPS families,” said Councilor Flynn.

For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @ B o s t o n . g o v.

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THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Sports by the Numbers It’s Fall 2025 in Boston Pro Sports Are Heating up

by Rick Winterson

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s you know, Boston is a cit y with “Spor ts for A ll Seasons”. While there are no championships on our immediate horizon, our sports scene is still very interesting. We are writing this to encourage you to take part in our sports scene. Along with your kids. And your friends.

Over the weekend, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots both successfully rose to their respective challenges.

Last Friday, in a classic baseball game with all the trimmins’, the Sox bested the Detroit Tigers to clinch a post-

season, wild-card, three-game playoff with the Yankees. The game was a lot more than just a Red Sox win. It was a tense, classic 3-3 duel that finally became a thrilling, 4-3 walk-off, Sox victory in the bottom of the ninth. Huzza!

A nd then on Tuesday evening, the Red Sox began their three-game playoff with the Yankees. The game was an unforgettable pitcher’s duel between the Yankees’ Max Fried and Boston’s Garrett Crochet, who threw 117 pitches, and gave up just one run (a homer) in 7+ innings. In an exciting finale, Boston’s closer Aroldis Chapman loaded the bases (with no outs), and then pitched three straight outs – two of which were strikeouts. The Sox won, 3-1.

Unfortunatley, the lost

game two Tune in tonight at 8:00 for ga me three.

Last Sunday, the Pats literally creamed the visiting Carolina Panthers with a runaway 42-13 score. The game began shakily, as the Pats surrendered a quick opening touchdown to the Panthers. Carolina missed the point after, which perhaps sent a signal about the wipe-out that would follow. Marcus Jones electrified the Pats by returning a punt for a touchdown, setting off the Pats’ 42-point scoring drive.

And Jones returned another punt deep into the Panthers’ territory, just to keep his afternoon productive during the second half.

This puts the Pats at 2-2 so far this season, which is a decent start compared to W-L numbers of 4-13 in each of the last two (yes, 2) seasons. But it’s early on. The Pats meet the Bills in Buffalo next Sunday. They are a perfect 4-ZIP so far. Be sure to watch this game carefully, because the question is “How well can Mike Vrabel’s and Darke Maye’s 2-2 team play against a 4-0, at-home opponent”?

If nothing else, it’ll be exciting!

The Celts open this month without Jason Tatum.

No matter who replaces him, his injury will cost the Celtics some games. Tatum averaged 27 points per game before his injury last February; his ongoing absence will hurt the Celts this season, no matter who takes his place. Also, the exigencies of the 2025 draft cost the Celts three (yes, 3) reliable centers –

Porzingis, Kornet, and Horford.

Head Coach Joe Mazzulla will need to apply all of his excel lent leadership sk il ls.

And keep an eye on how well Neemias Queta measures up as the Celts’ starting center. But (very!) fortunately, Jaylen Brown will still be an effective team leader whenever he’s on the f loor. Basically, the Celts are really a “brand new” team that will be well worth following, as they re-develop under Brad Stevens and Joe Ma zzulla.

At the moment, the Boston Bruins are testing various blue line defenders in their pre-season games.

Hampus Lindholm played for the first time since his knee injury eleven months ago. Defender Andrew Peeke has returned as well, after playing with the Team USA gold medal winners in May. Perhaps the most interesting hockey news in Boston is that Marco Sturm, originally from Germany, will be the new Bruins Head Coach this season. He has stated his emphasis will be on scoring. What else? We’ll wish him the best, and we’ll see.

The Bruins open their season away on Wednesday, October 8; the Celts will kick off at home on Wednesday, the 22nd. Who knows? Perhaps games played by the Sox, Pats, Celts, and Bruins will overlap this month. No matter what, October will be a very interesting sports month in the city of Boston. Don’t miss it. Take part!

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THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

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Mayor Wu Announced Launch of FY26 Grant Making Cycle, Totaling $1.25 Million to Support Immigrant Families

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ayor M ic hel le Wu announced that the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Adva ncement (MOI A) ha s launched its annua l grantmaking opportunity to support orga nizations providing le g a l ac c e s s, c om mu n it yled mental health and wellb ei n g prog r a m m i n g , a nd neighborhood support initiatives to residents. Together, the programs awarded will distribute $1.25 million from the City of Boston’s FY26 operating budget. Applications are open now through October 8, 2025.

MOIA has focused its grantmaking in these areas: Immigration Legal Access - E xpa nding access to legal services and support for i m m ig ra nt s nav ig at i ng complex immigration processes.

Weaving WellB e i ng - Promot i ng nonclinic a l prog ra m m ing t hat strengthens the mental health of immigra nt communities.

St re ng t he ni ng B os ton’s D i ve r s e Ne i g hbo r h ood s Programming for communities to share r e s ou rc e s a nd sk ills, uplif ting the overa ll welfare of a neighborhood.

“Prov id i ng suppor t to our immigrant residents and families honors our commitment to keeping Boston a safe and welcoming cit y,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These grant f unds will ensure residents are connected to City support at all times, providing a wide array of resources that best ser ve the ever-changing and evolving needs of our immigrant communities. I am grateful to the Office for Immigration Advancement and all of our

City partners for helping make Boston a home for everyone.”

E l ig ible appl ic a nt s for this cycle must be registered nonprof its or have a f isca l sponsor to apply and receive g ra nt s for a ny of t he se i n it i a t i v e s .

Orga niz ations can f ind further application det a i ls in each progra m’s g u id e l i ne s linked b e low.

Description of Grants and Qualifications: Immigration Legal Access Tota l A mount Ava ilable for Gra nt s: $900,000 MOI A aims to support programming offered by communit y-based nonprof it s a nd le g a l a id organizations, addressing the need for immigration lega l assistance. Immigration legal ser vices must be provided by l ic e n s e d i m m i g r a t ion at tor ne y s or D e p a r t me nt of Justice-Accred ited Representatives. Grants will be disbursed to immigrantser ving nonprof its that are work i ng acros s i m m ig ra nt communities. Learn more here.

Weaving Well-being Community Mental Health Tota l A mount Ava ilable for Gra nt s: $200,000 To en ha nc e t he wel lbeing of immigrants in Boston, destigmatize menta l hea lt h cha l lenge s, a nd enc ou ra ge non-clinica l, c u l t u r a l l y, a nd ling u ist ic a l ly sensitive practices as a form of therapy, MOIA is pleased to announce a f ifth round of its Weaving We l l-B ei n g g r a nt s. L e a r n m or e he r e .

A ppl i c a t i on s a re encoura ged from nonprof it or g a n i z at ion s t h at :

Currently provide or plan to incorporate non-clinical wellness activities in their programming to promote healing together.

A nd/or are bridging the need s w it h in c om mu n it ie s through advocacy Strengthening Boston’s Diverse Neighborhoods Tota l A mount Ava ilable for Gra nt s: $15 0 , 0 0 0 The aim of this grant is to uplift efforts to promote collective care, where community members support and help one another through an exchange of resources and services. The goal is to work together to meet each other’s needs through solidarity, while working together to overcome social, economic, and political barriers. This initiative will provide funding of up to $10,000 for grassroots and communitybased organizations, and up to $30,000 for coalitions, to run programming serving Boston’s immigra nt commu nities facing d i s pl a c e me nt a nd cr i si s. L e a r n more here.

“Our immigrant communities know best what resources they need to thrive,” said Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion.

“By directing these grants to

grassroots and community-based organizations, we are uplifting the leadership, wisdom, and resilience of immigrants while ensuring Boston remains a city rooted in equity and belonging.”

“The celebration of a ll people is integral to the heart of the City of Boston,” said Monique Tú Nguyen, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement.

“Through partnerships with local nonprofits with over $1.25 million grant investment, we’re building a City of Belonging where ever y resident feels connected to Boston and each other. Together, we’re creating spaces where immigrants from a ll backgrounds can thrive, contribute, and feel truly at home in our neighborhoods.”

About the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement The Mayor’s Of f ice for Im m ig ra nt Adva nc ement (MOI A) strives to strengthen immigrants’ abilit y to fully and equitably participate in B o s ton’s e c onom ic , c iv ic , social, and cultural life. MOIA a l so promote s rec og n it ion and public understanding of i m m i g r a nt s’ c ont r ibut ion s to the City. To learn more, visit boston.gov/immigra nts.

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SBCA News

BCA was delighted to take part in this year’s South Boston Street Fest!

From our Director of Admissions and Lower Elementary STEM Teacher, Ms. Lauren Monaghan... “South Boston Catholic Academy was delighted to take part in this year’s 25th South Boston Street Festival, a wonderful community tradition that brings neighbors and families together.

Our team enjoyed connecting with past, present, and future SBCA

families, sharing stories, smiles, and school spirit. It was a beautiful day to celebrate our community and showcase the joy of being part of the South Boston Catholic Academy family.” Thank you to the SBCA families, teachers and everyone who helped to make this special Saturday event in South Boston possible! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicacademy. org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel Annual Blessing of the Animals 2025 In honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals, all are Welcome to the Annual Blessing of the Animals that will take place this coming Sunday morning, October 5th, 2025, outside of Gate of Heaven Church, downstairs in the I Street Courtyard, near the Celtic Cross, after the 9AM Mass at 9:45AM. Please have your lovable family pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.

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THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

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Councilor Flynn Holds a Hearing on Financial Literacy in Boston Public Schools Boston Cit y Councilor Ed Flynn held a hearing to discuss the inclusion and status of financial literacy programs in Boston Public Schools.

The hearing discussed the importance of having students learn about f inance in high school to help prepare them for balancing the responsibilities of everyday life, and planning for their future post-graduation.

T he he a ri ng i ncluded panelists from the Boston Public Schools such as Development Officer for Strategy, Partnership, and Innovation, Anne Roger Clark, Executive Director of PostSecondary Initiatives, Marsha Inniss-Mitchell, and Chief of Teaching and Learning, Angela E. Hedley-Mitchell. Councilor Flynn also invited industr y experts, including the Executive Director of Early Investors, Nislo Galvao, and Managing Partner of City Real Estate Development, Stephen Whalen.

C ou nc i lor s asked if there was a way to facilitate a requirement on educating every student on financial literacy.

Chief of Teaching and Learning, Boston Public Schools, Angela E. Hedley-Mitchell noted, The DESI’s High School Graduation Council is looking at creating sea ls, or certif ication, for financial literacy, as well as civics. Financial literacy is not one of the approved courses under Ma sscore graduation requirements, but the State Graduation Council is looking to adopt a certification process.

Financial literacy involves critical thinking and planning to solve the real world problems each of us face upon entering the workforce and life on our own.

Students should become familiar with monthly budgeting and expenses, gain an understanding regarding the cost of living and housing, and be able to

comprehend various financial vehicles like checking and savings accounts, or the importance of investing in retirement accounts at an early age due to the power of compounding.

In 2023, The Boston Globe reported that the number of states that have approved legislation for financial literacy programs in public schools have increased from eight to twenty-three - yet Massachusetts remains behind on this effort.

Although 70% of Massachusetts’ schools offer some electives in financial literacy, most students graduate with little to no knowledge of the fundamentals

of budgeting, saving, investing, and maintaining good credit.

“Time and again, I hear neighbors say that our kids are not armed with the knowledge they need to ma ke sound financial decisions when they enter the real world. W hile some high school students may already work part-time jobs, and have debit or credit cards at a young age - it is eye-opening for many when confronted with monthly bills, the cost of living, and long-term financial planning,” said Councilor Flynn.

“As our students prepare for life after high school, it is critical that we provide them with an

understanding of the demands of being an adult, as well as knowledge of basic f inancial tools they need to succeed.”

For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @ B o s t o n . g o v.

Boston City Council Erin J. Murphy Councilor At-Large

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2025 Councilor Murphy: Boston Needs Recovery, Not Safe Injection Sites

Our city is at a breaking point in the addiction crisis. Residents are living with the daily consequences of unchecked drug use: families finding needles in their yards and parks, people sleeping in neighbors’ homes and cars, break-ins and trespassing, public urination and defecation, human trafficking, and shoplifting. The last thing our city needs is legalized safe injection sites.

On September 15, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery held a hearing on Bill S1393, which would authorize safe injection sites. Boston already has one of the most extensive harm reduction programs in the country, yet neighborhoods remain overwhelmed by discarded needles and public drug activity. Expanding into sanctioned injection sites will only deepen the cycle of addiction and destabilize our communities.

Early in September, nearly 200 residents and stakeholders spoke at a Council hearing near Mass & Cass, sharing the real impact on their neighborhoods. The message was clear: Boston does not need safe injection sites. We need real recovery opportunities, accountability, and a treatment-first approach.

The answer is not to normalize or incentivize drug use. The answer is to prioritize a Recovery Campus, expand treatment access, and make sure people struggling with substance use disorder have a real pathway out of addiction. At the same time, we must stand with the residents, families, and small businesses who are bearing the burden of this crisis every day.

I urge my colleagues to oppose safe injection sites and to stand with residents while prioritizing a Recovery Campus as the real path forward.

ONE CITY HALL SQUARE | BOSTON, MA 02201 | ERIN.MURPHY@BOSTON.GOV | 617-635-3115

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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.

208 H ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 10/28/2025 Project Description: Interior renovation rear addition, no change in occupancy use or egress

917 E Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 11/6/2025 Project Description: Change occupancy from office to single family residential. Finish basement with living room gym bathroom. Addition on top garage extending 2nd floor connect addition

26 Barnard PL South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 11/18/2025 Project Description: Four parking spaces residential on private way with existing curb cuts. Property is landscaped grass sand stone, all property permeable materials

1812 Columbia RD South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 11/18/2025 Project Description: Proposed new 3 family residence with 6 parking spaces as per plans. Demolish existing house on lot

ABUTTER’S MEETINGS 744 E Fourth St (NEW) Proposal: Raze existing 4 Unit Dwelling and replace with new 4 Story, 6-Unit Building with 8 Garage parking spaces Time: Mon, Oct 27, 2025 7:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86880004486 Meeting ID: 868 8000 4486 One tap mobile +13092053325,,86880004486# US +13126266799,,86880004486# US (Chicago)

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Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival returns to Boston Common

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he Boston Parks a nd R e cre at ion Department will host the fourth annual Fall-oWeen Children’s Festival on the Boston Common Parade Ground at the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets on Friday, October 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Skating Club of Boston. The key sponsors are Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and HP Hood LLC. Additional support is provided by New England Dairy Council and Polar Beverages.

Adults and children alike are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and enjoy an array of activities including a Fun House Maze, Jumpin’ Pumpkin, Scarecrow and Alpine Slides, and field games facilitated by Knucklebones.

A “monster mash” of entertainment on our stage featuring live music from Matt Heaton, Mike Bent’s AbraKidabra, Ventriloquism

by Kevin Driscoll and more. Families

can also ride the trackless train, create arts and crafts, and visit the Boston Music Project instrument petting zoo.

Special offerings include frozen treats from HP Hood, sparkling water from Polar Beverages, and dairy samples from New England Dairy’s Mobile Dairy Bar and Mobile Dairy Experience, and mini cookies from Flour Bakery + Cafe.

Attendees will also find giveaways from Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and activities with the Boston Park Rangers, Boston Public Library, Friends of the Public Garden, University of Massachusetts Early Minds Lab, Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department, four labs from the Institute for Cognitive and Brain Health at Northeastern University, and more.

For more information, visit boston.gov/falloween. 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.

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Politics or Mullets—it’s all about Hustle

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ccording to Frank Baker - Candidate for Boston City Councilor At-Large only he and Brody Byrne know what the real ground game

looks like: knocking on doors, kissing babies, smiling when your feet are screaming, and never letting the energy drop. Politics or mullets—it’s all about hustle.

That’s why I’ve officially endorsed Brody for Best Mullet in the Land. The man is running a campaign on hair and heart, and I respect that. We’re both brothers from Boston on a mission, and now I’m asking you to cast a vote his way.

If you’ve ever wondered what democracy looks like, it’s this: me chasing voters, and Brody chasing the perfect windblown look. Vote Brody Byrne for mullet king!

Log in below for Brody Byrne and vote early and vote often !

https://www.mulletchamp. com/mul.../brody-byrnehair-2-party/

THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

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THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

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