Transportation Action Plan (SBTAP)
by Rick Winterson
Deadline for comments about SBTAP is tomorrow, Friday, October 4, at 5 p.m.
SBTAP is an abbreviation for the pending “South Boston Transportation Action Plan”, which was proposed earlier in 2024 by the Boston Traffic Department – the BTD. And the first comment in this commentary is perhaps the most important comment of all. Via a recent email from his office, District 2 City Councilor Flynn has let South Boston’s residents know that he is opposed to many key parts in the SBTAP. He has asked that all of us who live here state our own opinions of the SBTAP to the BTD, and ask for more time and community
meetings to decide about the plan. This can be done by submitting your emailed comments to southbostontap@boston.gov or logging onto bostonplans.org.
Time is of the essence here.
Despite how much SBTAP is going to affect our quality of life in South Boston, the deadline for comments about SBTAP is tomorrow, Friday, October 4, at 5 p.m. Please take a few moments to send your own comments and opinions before that time expires.
Recently, South Boston Online published an article with photos of dense traffic clusters along both East and West Broadway; we intended to show how active South Boston’s small businesses are. These photos were just a small part of the 171 businesses along Broadway
Continued on Page 3
Ms. Taylor and Ms. Denise’s students in K0C, at South Boston Catholic Academy’s Early Childhood Center, getting ready for fall with some Apple tasting!
Story and Photos on Page 8
This year, every one of us should devote a lot of time and effort to deciding how to vote. We’ll try to present a few political facts simply, quickly, and truthfully, but we don’t plan to endorse any candidate. You yourself should be the only one who decides how you’ll vote. Just examine the political facts and the candidates carefully.
The Presidential race in 2024 is an unusual “one-of-a-kind”. One candidate has already served a term as President, and now wants to be elected again, even though
Crucial Elections Are Facing Us.
the current President’s term of office has intervened. Serving two “non-consecutive” terms of office hasn’t happened since President Grover Cleveland in the late 1800s. The other major candidate was originally planning to repeat as Vice President, until the current President stepped away from a second term. The VP candidate is now running for President instead. Two political backgrounds like these in the same race has never happened in America before. So, think about each candidate and take your time.
As voters, we must decide carefully who should be elected to “The most important job on Earth.”
Politics in America has changed significantly in this century, ever since the year 2000. We’ve were struck hard by 9-11 in ‘01, frightened by the financial crisis of ’08-’09, and strongly affected by the COVID pandemic in 2020. In addition, the U.S. has new generations out there – Millennials, Gen Zs, whoever. Which elected officials can best lead our new generations if disasters strike us again? Make
no mistake. America currently faces ongoing challenges. As of now, we need “the very best” elected officials possible. But another reason for you to vote is that we are now in the middle of a voting “season” or perhaps even a “tidal wave” of elections, which will last three years. Almost every single one of our elected officials will be re-elected or newly elected during this electoral “tidal wave” in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Your votes in all of those races will be (extremely!) important.
We had elections last year in 2023 for both District City Councilors and City Councilorsat-Large, which meant each of us was called upon to cast five votes - one for our District Councilor and four for Councilors-at-Large. This Year of 2024 brings forth our 59th Presidential Election, along with a host of other elective offices to be filled in November – all over America. This will be followed in 2025 by the Election for Mayor of Boston, who’ll be sworn in 13 months from now. After that, a major batch of elections will take place in 2026 – a so-called “off-year”. But don’t be fooled by that silly name. Among the many offices to be filled in 2026, the election or the re-election of Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will top the ballots that year.
So, please plan to vote in all three of the next elections. Why is this so important? Well, one good reason is because the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. As of 2026, that’ll be 250 years ago. For our City, our State, and our Nation, let’s vote the best possible people into every elected office by then! There will be no better 250th birthday present you could give to our beloved Nation, State, and City. Prepare carefully to vote this year, and in 20252026. Then cast your votes!
Continued from Page 1 Transportation Plan
during peak delivery times. The photo attached to this article shows Broadway which was taken on a workday morning; it illustrate how open East and West Broadway can be at many times – accessible to autos, pedestrians, patrons of our many local businesses, and so on. We mention this to prove that South Boston (as it is right now) really works very well, even though, at times, there are traffic jams and a lack of parking spaces.
Right now, no significant traffic-related changes along East and West Broadway (except to improve safety) are necessary. And please, no more assigned lanes – they only make traffic problems even worse.
A safety improvement that we believe is necessary involves some form of control over small, motorized units used on our streets (and often on sidewalks!) – delivery vehicles, motor bikes, motor scooters, even motorized skateboards (!), and so on. Many
of these motorized devices are being used for deliveries, including “take- out” meals, lots of packages, and remote phone purchases. They are often operated very unsafely – rapidly weaving in and out of auto traffic and frequently coming to sudden stops on crowded streets. How to safely control such units is an open question. Are these units registered and licensed? If not, should they be?
This leads us to First Responders and a warning that Councilor Flynn has stated: The proposed SBTAP, especially along Broadway, could make it more difficult for emergency vehicles to quickly get to where they’re going. And we believe the Councilor was also correct to insist on more pedestrian safety first and foremost – lower speed limits, raised crosswalks, “speed bumps”, more warning lights, added traffic officer enforcement, and so on. Furthermore, SBTAP’s designs do not allow for efficient delivery space to and from our many businesses.
And a few words about
bicycling and bike lanes: One of the most difficult safety problems with bikes is the fact that almost all bicycle rides involve approaching and passing motor vehicles on the vehicles’ right-hand side. That can be dangerous – visibility from that angle is poor. In addition, whenever it turns right, a vehicle must cross in front of bicycles (even if they are in a legal bike lane). After three recent bike fatalities in Cambridge, it’s obvious that tragic mistakes can happen. Certainly, bicycling is
good exercise; it takes up only a little space; and it’s enjoyable. It causes no air pollution, either. But only one out of 25 road trips are bike trips. This drops to none during rainy weather and in Boston’s wintertime. At this time, our local traffic here is doing all right. Make no mistake: South Boston works! So, let’s immediately do whatever will improve public safety but defer any other upgrades until summertime next year (at least). We need the time to thoroughly think all of them over.
Congratulations to Mona Connolly Casper, Winner of the Thomas J. Butler Small Business Leadership Award
After accepting her award at the South Boston Street Festival on Saturday, Mona thanked the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and specifically the late Karen Stanley.
“The fact that the award is named after one of my favorite South Boston leaders, Tommy Butler, is just the icing on the cake. He was such a larger than life personality, truly special,” she said.
She also thanked the staff at the Seapoint for their consistency in putting out an amazing product every day.
“It is not easy running a small business and we could not do it without you,” she said. And, thanked her lifelong friends for their support; and her sons, Thomas and Macdara, her husband, Tommy Casper, and her brother Tommy and sister Christine Connolly Boyda for their unconditional support.
“This award means the world to me and I am so grateful to be from South Boston,” Mona said.
BOSTON TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1974 50th – Year Reunion
DATE: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 – 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
LOCATION: The Common Market Restaurant, 97 Willard Street, Quincy, MA 02169
EVENT DETAILS: 6:00 pm Cocktail Hour (cash bar) – 7:00 pm Buffet Dinner
COST: $65.00
PAYMENTS: CHECKS – MADE OUT TO: BOSTON TECH 1974 REUNION
MAIL TO: Boston Tech 50th Reunion
C/O: William McDonough, 34 G Street, South Boston, MA 02127
VENMO - @JAMES-ALDRED – Please Note: Reunion Fee, Name & Email For more info & register to attend, contact committee members and always add your email address and mobile phone number for updates and texts. Pass the word around; we will have a great time reminiscing. Join our Facebook Page: Boston TECH 1974 Reunion
Richard “Dicky” O’Shea PO Box42 Hull, MA 02045 Beantiger74@aol.com 1-401-729-6146
William “Touchie” McDonough 34 G Street South Boston, MA 02127 TouchieM@aol.com 617-792-8570
Frank J. Cavaleri 576 East 2nd Street South Boston Fjcav2@gmail.com 617-590-4571
James “Jim” Aldred 271 Lake Shore Drive Duxbury, MA 02332 Jiminran@yahoo.com 1-339-987-0382
Deborah Dancy 4827 Washington Street West Roxbury, MA 02132 Deborahdancy1@yahoo.com 617-318-8343
Keith A. Laubenstein 10 Luke Street Wrentham, MA 02093 owlpark@aol.com 1-508-259-6370
Stephen “Jason” Wheeler 576 Crescent Street Brockton, MA 02302 sjason_wheeler@msn.com 1-508-989-3905
South Boston Association of Non-Profits
Some of the many Organizational Members that span the arts, religion, environmental, healthcare, education, advocacy, literacy and more in ever-changing and committed community
By Carol Masshardt
“We can do amazing things when we collaborate and together have a powerful voice for a better quality of life,” said Kathy Lafferty, Executive Director of the SB Neighborhood House, and current president of SBANP.
There is an organization in South Boston ready to work with infants and families through the most seniors of seniors and everyone in between, and to address needs and interests that can enhance quality of life. Beyond even that, the unique association serves as a link among them, an organizational connection rare, and critically important, in the world of nonprofits. Established in 2000, SBANP is a collaboration in the finest sense. It was established with a mission to “inspire a collective and powerful voice among leadership of South Boston’s nonprofits to influence change and build a healthier community for all our residents and neighbors.”
The organizational members span the arts, religion, environmental, healthcare, education, advocacy, literacy and more in ever-changing and committed community. Rather than shying away from difficult issues, it seeks to provide the greatest access to residents for sensible and accessible services.
They do this by knowing each other and understanding what the community needs.
Kathy Lafferty serves as the current president following such community leaders as Brian Van Dorp, Bob Monahan, Sister Maryadele, and Michael Dowling, and currently serves with an equally impressive council Board, including Mercy Robinson, Donna Brown, Maureen McGlame, Burns Stanfield, and Peter Barbato,
“You really can’t serve the community without knowing the other agencies. Knowing how to collaborate is a major way I do my job, and we do it better when we know each other. You can’t compete and expect to understand and meet needs and interests,” said Lafferty.
There is nothing static about this overarching group. Anyone can join, and as the community changes, new organizations enter in, and inclusiveness is at the core. Meetings are once monthly, but the work lives on daily. Shared grant writing, community events, leadership support, and learning through the experience of others simply lead to better and more focused organizations.
The needs of the South Boston community are not unlike other urban environments; housing at all levels, including for those who work at non-profits, substance use and mental health, navigating education
and having clear opportunities for culture, sustaining, and improving the environment, and inclusivity at all stages.
The SBANP welcomes new neighbors to volunteer at a wide range of organizations, and Kathy Lafferty and company will be more than happy to connect interested people. Meetings are once monthly for member organizations.
“I don’t think there is another
such organization in the city or even the state,” said Lafferty. “It does take a village, and we are committed because we see that it works when we know and talk to each other. Picking up the phone is a good thing.”
(Carol Masshardt can be reached at carolhardt@ comcast.net and the SBANP website has more information or contact klafferty@sbnc.org)
Senator Collins & Representative Biele Vote to Increase the Commonwealth’s Competitiveness for Federal Dollars
The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that will allow the Commonwealth to more effectively compete for federal funding that could be invested in transformative projects related to transportation, housing, climate, economic development, and technology.
An Act, S.2954, to provide for competitiveness and infrastructure investment in Massachusetts, takes advantage of the interest accrued from the Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund and leverages that interest to ensure the state receives the maximum possible share of federal funds. The Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund has an alltime high balance of over $8 billion. It is currently estimated that Massachusetts could receive up to $17.5 billion through historic, once-in-a-generation federal funding opportunities.
“Federal funding opportunities is crucial for
Massachusetts to thrive.
Diverting interest from the Stabilization Fund is a can significantly benefit Massachusetts,” said Senator Nick Collins. “With over $8 billion available, reallocating these funds allows us to tap into the $17 billion in federal resources and enhance our regional projects. The additional $12 million for municipalities will empower them to compete effectively for federal matching funds, fostering local growth. This approach not only supports immediate investments but also accelerates our ability to address longterm liabilities, strengthening our financial position.”
“Over the last few years, we have seen the positive impact from federal resources in our community, our city, and our state,” said Representative David Biele. “This legislation will leverage our state resources to ensure that Massachusetts is in a strong position to compete for federal resources to invest
Hearts, Hugs & Hope Alzheimer’s Support Group at Compass on the Bay
October 31, 2024, 5:00 pm Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 1380 Columbia Road
Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is held both in person and virtually. Contact Director of Compass Programming Erin Bollinger at 617268-5450 or email ebollinger@compasssonthebay.com to RSVP by October 28 and to receive the virtual meeting link.
in our communities and bolster our economy. I was proud to vote for this legislation which will support job creation and infrastructure in Massachusetts.”
The initiative requires the Comptroller to transfer interest from the Stabilization Fund to the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund on a quarterly basis if the stabilization balance reaches certain benchmarks. The Secretary of Administration and Finance (A&F) would then pursue federal funding opportunities available due to the availability of federal funds for infrastructure, resiliency and economic development projects.
At its current level, the Stabilization Fund is anticipated to accumulate approximately $250 million in interest annually. Currently, that interest is deposited directly back into the fund. Once signed into law, this bill will require the Comptroller to transfer interest from the Stabilization Fund to the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund when amounts exceed 10 per cent of budgeted revenues of the previous fiscal year; and the balance of the fund has not decreased in the previous year. When a diversion does occur, the interest will be used for two key purposes,
including matching funds for federal grants, during this unique opportunity of Federal investments; and long-term debt management strategies. Over the coming years, this bill is expected to unlock more than $800 million in funds that will be used to fund the state or municipal match requirement for federal competitive grant opportunities, as well as planning work that will help municipalities with the process of preparing applications for federal grants. Once federal grant opportunities expire, money in this fund will go toward reducing the Commonwealth’s long-term liabilities. Through three pieces of federal legislation—the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act—over $2 trillion in spending is being made available to states through competitive grant programs and formula allocations. With this bill, the Commonwealth will be maximizing its position to capitalize on these substantial federal funding opportunities. Having been approved by the House and Senate, the bill was signed by the Governor into law on September 24, 2024.
Letter to the Editor Significant Challenges Facing Boston School Bus System
As an At-Large City Councilor, my primary responsibility is to serve all the residents of Boston, especially our children and their families. In recent weeks, I have become increasingly concerned about the significant challenges facing our school bus system, which is meant to transport 22,000 students daily. Despite our annual investment of $140 million, we are currently falling short of our obligations, with on-time perfo1mance hovering around 34% in the frrst week of school. This results in over 14,500 students waiting at bus stops for extended periods, forcing many families to seek alternative transportation options or keep their children home if they cannot fmd another way to get them to school. While it’s encouraging that the
Mon-time arrival rate is improving as we approach the second month of school, it remains far below what families expect. Many have lost trust in the reliability of the school bus system and are seeking alternative transportation to ensure their children arrive at school safely and on time. This situation is unacceptable. It is not merely a ‘’kink’’ that needs to be worked out; it is a serious failure impacting the lives of families across our city and creating chaos for those trying to manage their own work schedules while getting their children to school.
I understand that addressing systemic issues often requires patience and collaboration. However, it is imperative that we prioritize accountability and transparency over appearances. While some of my colleagues
may prefer to focus on ribbon cuttings and celebrations, we must confront the difficult realities that our constituents face every day. For parents relying on timely transportation for their children, the current situation is unacceptable.
I have sought collaboration with the school system and the school committee to address these concerns, but I have been ignored. It is disheartening to see a lack of political will to tackle these pressing issues head-on. I will continue to push for meaningful changes, even if it feels lonely at times. I urge my colleagues and the administration to join me in focusing on the fundamental needs of our community.
Our students deserve a reliable bus system, and their families deserve to feel confident that their
children are safe and on time. It is time for all of us to take a stand for what truly matters and ensure that we are fulfilling our responsibilities as public servants.
Erin J. Murphy Councilor-at-Large
Boston Unviels 30 Green Roofs on Bus Shelters
ayor Michelle Wu announced the installation of green roofs on 30 bus shelters along the MBTA’s #28 Bus route. Built in collaboration with community partners, these new roofs feature drought-resistant plantings that will help provide shade, improve air quality, increase stormwater retention, and add new green space along the bus route. The City selected bus shelters along this corridor as it has some of the highest bus ridership in the MBTA system and neighborhoods along this corridor are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat. The City and its partners will be evaluating this three-year demonstration project to learn how it can be scaled to other locations across the city.
“These green roofs on bus shelters are not just a representation of Boston’s progress on sustainability—they are a practical, scalable solution to some of the most pressing challenges we
face as a city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With this new milestone from our Office of Climate Resilience, we are demonstrating that Boston is leading the way in innovative, communityfocused climate action.”
These green roofs provide direct shade over bus shelters, which typically have transparent roofs. In addition to keeping people cool on hot days, the plantings will absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and capture pollutants, thereby contributing to better water quality and flood prevention. Finally, the small rooftop gardens will also support birds and pollinators, fostering greater biodiversity in urban areas. This is the largest single installation of green roofs on bus shelters in the nation.
This project advances key strategies in Boston’s Heat Plan, including the “Cool Commutes” strategy, which aims to create cooler commutes through shaded bus stops. The City prioritized the
Route 28 corridor running between Mattapan, Dorchester and Roxbury as it intersects with some of the city’s urban heat islands - areas that experience higher temperatures for longer periods on hot days. Route 28 is currently the most popular route in the MBTA system and is one of three fare free bus lines in Boston. Over half of riders on free routes are classified as low-income, and thus disproportionately affected by climate impacts such as the urban heat island effect.
This corridor is used by a variety of bus routes in addition to the #28. Today’s announcement expands upon the City’s work to make Boston the most green and resilient city in the country. Recently, the Office of Workforce Development in collaboration with the Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet, the Green New Deal team, and the Office of Green Infrastructure have been awarded $9.8 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
The Students in the ECC Enjoyed Apple Week!
Ais for Apple! Ms. Taylor and Ms. Denise’s students in K0C, at South Boston Catholic Academy’s Early Childhood Center, getting ready for fall with some Apple tasting! They got to try red, green and yellow apples but the class favorite was most definitely the red apple! The students in Ms. Alexa, Ms. Caitlyn’s and Ms. Gretchen’s K0A class had
fun using apples to make colorful paintings for their families using the Apple Stamping Art method. In Ms. Samantha and Ms. Shalynn’s Toddler 3 class, the students loved learning about and exploring all the many different types and flavors of apples and getting to taste each one, and loved them! Apple week was definitely a fun treat in the ECC. What a great way to celebrate the beginning of Fall!
Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel News Annual Blessing
of the Animals
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 on this coming Sunday, October 6, 2024, outside of Gate of Heaven Church, downstairs in the I Street Courtyard, near the Celtic Cross, following the 12 Noon Mass at 1PM. Please have your lovable family pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.
St. Brigid & Gate of Heaven Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel News
Silent Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and Confession Monday Evenings
Silent Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and Confession Monday Evenings Beginning Monday, October 7th, we will offer adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Monday night from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at St. Brigid Church on East Broadway. Confession will also be available during that time should you wish to go to confession.
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.
165 D Street (Residential)
Proposal: Construct a 2 story addition, two residential units, and change occupancy.
Time: Oct 8, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85804516937
Meeting ID: 858 0451 6937
One tap mobile
75 Northern Ave (NEW)
Proposal: “Seaport Innovation Center Hospitality LLC” seeks to petition the Boston
Licensing Board for the issuance of a new common victualler all alcohol license with 2AM closing hour
Time: Oct 9, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82721121735
Meeting ID: 827 2112 1735
One tap mobile
Law Office
Paul J. Gannon PC
ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS
To participate in ZBA hearings, please monitor this page for 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.
471 W Broadway South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1649572
Hearing Date 10/8/2024
Project Description: Convert T-Mobile commercial space to fast casual smoothie juice bar
933 E Broadway South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1636269
Hearing Date 10/29/2024
Project Description: Change occupancy from three family to four creating basement unit
457 to 469A W Broadway South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1605291
Hearing Date 10/29/2024
General Practice
Law
Project Description Interior Fit out Dental Space Tend 457 West Broadway Use is conditional
131 Athens St South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1415286
Hearing Date 10/29/2024
Project Description Erect new single family house on vacant 800 sf lot as per plans
SOUTH BOSTON TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN
The draft recommendations include proven strategies and people-first improvements to eliminate severe and fatal traffic crashes and create a safer and more efficient network for all modes of transportation— walking, biking, transit, and vehicles. The SBTAP project team invites public comments and questions regarding the Draft Recommendations Report. Please feel free to email comments to SouthBostonTAP@ Boston.gov. PLEASE NOTE: Comment period concludes, Friday, October 4th.
