Mass/Cass Returns
by Rick Winterson
Ed Flynn, our District 2 City Councilor, called a hearing on Tuesday morning. He did that to publicize what he believes is not only a growing problem, but also an old problem that has come back. The problem is illegal hard drugs being sold and used. It is rapidly coming back to the South End in the “Mass/Cass” area, which is centered on Atkinson Street. Mass/Cass extends from Topeka and Atkinson Streets, along Southampton Street, and ends at Massachusetts Avenue. Councilor Flynn’s hearing began at 10:00 a.m. and was beginning to become argumentative until a City Hall fire alarm interrupted it at 11:30.
The Mass/Cass hearing opened with comments from City Council members that included references to the lack of access to Long Island’s treatment facilities
and increased drug use in Back Bay. Then, Councilor Flynn spoke at length about the effects of drugs at Mass/Cass on overall public safety, as well as eloquently expressing his concerns for the people who buy and use hard drugs there. Answers were given by several City of Boston employees at the hearing, who provide treatment and counseling as part of Boston’s strategy to reduce and eliminate illegal drug use. The City Councilors at the hearing, including City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, politely (but firmly) stated their criticisms of Boston’s current drug prevention efforts. In the replies to these criticisms, it was insisted that such efforts are effective but need more time, funding, and personnel to succeed completely. A police officer described changes to make police presence more effective,
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Carving Out Memories
The creativity was off the charts at the Pumpkin Carving event at the Broadway Wednesday night! The 45 carvers at the sold-out event created masterpieces that ranged from spooky to silly to cute. All the talented carvers -- age 21+ -- brought their A-games and enjoyed pumpkin beverages! Great job, South Boston! More Photos Page 8
Continued from Page 1
Mass/Cass
using the BPD’s recent actions in Nubian Square as an example.
We feel that Councilor Flynn’s hearing was effective. It also proved that much quicker, firmer actions to reduce drug abuse are desperately needed. The “strategy” described in the hearing refers to long-term counselling and treatment. This is a worthwhile effort, but it’s also slow process aimed specifically
at drug users. “Tactics” to cut off the supply of illegal drugs are urgently needed right now. This will be extremely difficult, of course, but eliminating drug availability must be given the very highest priority. And the first step to do this will involve hiring and training more police officers to handle this very challenging problem.
For your information, at 8:30 last Tuesday morning (immediately before City Councilor Flynn’s 10:00 a.m. hearing began), this reporter walked through Mass/Cass. He wanted to determine just how serious the drug problem had become; he went on foot to get an exact, current look at the Mass/Cass situation. Beginning at the intersection of Topeka and Southampton Streets, he came across a pile (yes, a pile!) of used drug needles. One block farther on, near the intersection of Atkinson and Southampton Streets, there were countless other used needles on Atkinson
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING
29
181 WEST FIRST STREET
Register: bit.ly/4de2xPT
Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
Meeting ID: 161 862 3883
DESCRIPTION:
The NPC Project calls for the development of 149 residential units and garage parking for 103 spaces within the building. The existing two-story warehouse building will be demolished to make space for the new four (4) story building along West Second Street and a six (6) story building along West First Street, and the Project Site will be subject to any necessary remediation.
Mail to:
Phone:
Email:
Stephen Harvey
616.918.4418
Stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov
Street’s sidewalks, even though a Boston Police wagon was idly parked nearby. While no one was actually seen “shooting up” on Tuesday morning, it was clear that heavy use of illegal drugs had recently taken place all over the Mass/Cass area. The Boston Police Department and every one of Boston’s elected officials must
take immediate steps to stop this. Once again, serious federal felonies are being committed at Mass/Cass. And both drug users and drug peddlers from Mass/ Cass are beginning to show up in South Boston’s Andrew Square. It’s worth repeating: Except for the tents that used to be there, Mass/Cass is back again, big time!
by Rick Winterson
It’s always a pleasure to welcome new enterprises to South Boston. One of these, with the picturesque name of “Sushi Guys”, is an example. Exactly a month ago, Sushi Guys opened for business at 283C Old Colony Boulevard, in a handsome new building along Old Colony on the block between Vinton and Dorchester Streets.
The cuisine at Sushi Guys is deliciously Japanese throughout. There’s an incredible variety of menu selections that will satisfy every hungry customer. We chose to dine on tasty bowls of miso broth accompanied by a serving of delicately flavored rice – the kind of rice called “sticky rice” by many South Bostonians (and that’s a compliment). For entrees we decided upon maki, those sliced rolls of expertly crafted food with memorable names. We chose the “Caterpillar” and “Katsu Style Crazy”, both of which are delicious. They were created and served to us as real works of art. Soy and tangy wasabi added to our enjoyment; we definitely plan to return.
Three folks run Sushi Guys, including Lyn Thang, the young Assistant who served us last weekend. Lyn was born in China and raised in the U.S. from age four. She keeps herself really busy working in public services and at Sushi Guys. Cary Wong is the Sushi Guys Chef and a partner. He was born in Hong Kong and has trained himself to become an artistic Japanese food expert over the last 33 years. He has been here in the
“Sushi Guys” Opened This Month
U.S. since 1989. Jaimie Thang is the Owner and Manager of Sushi Guys. She was born in Guanzhou, one of China’s “central cities”; she immigrated here 45 years ago. In Boston, she attended Josiah Quincy Elementary, the John W. McCormack Middle School, and then graduated from South Boston High School in 1996. All three live nearby – Cary lives in Randolph; Jaimie and Lyn are cousins who have apartments in Quincy.
And yes, all three of them travel the Southeast Expressway to get to work, just like many others who work here.
Jaimie brings a lot of dining experience to Sushi Guys and to South Boston. Her resume lists positions at
Tobiko Japanese Fusions in Acton, BonChon Korean Fried Chicken in Waltham, and in 2021, a partnership with friends in Chestnut Hill at a Chinese restaurant named Mandarin Gourmet. She has steadily worked her way up, beginning as a waitress, a bartender and a hostess, which she then followed with ten years as a General Manager in restaurants around Greater Boston. Jaimie is certainly a highly skilled restaurateur.
Sushi Guys is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to dinners, you might want to try the lunches at Sushi Guys, too. The mid-
day menu includes five sushi lunches and two daily bentos, which are offered until 3 p.m. If you are unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine, you should know it’s an excellent choice for take-out or delivered meals. Actually, Japanese food can tastefully accompany a large variety of your own at-home dinners – take-outs can be prepared in about 20 minutes or so. Stop by Sushi Guys at 283C the next time you’re on Old Colony and pick up one of their colorful menus. You can then order by phoning (857)880-3016. They deliver via ChowNow, GrubHub, and Uber Eats, and of course they accept major credit cards. Sushi Guys Gift Certificates are available as well.
Councilor Flynn to Discuss Financial Literacy Programs in Boston Public Schools
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will call for a hearing to explore the implementation of financial literacy programs in Boston Public Schools. The hearing will discuss the importance of having students learn about finance in high school to help prepare them for balancing the responsibilities of everyday life, and planning for their future post-graduation.
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 make sound financial decisions as they enter the real world. While 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 longterm 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 financial tools they need to succeed.”
For more information, contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
It’s breast cancer awareness month. Bring your questions and concerns and let’s talk about the best ways to detect breast cancer early. All are welcome!
South Boston Community Health Center & Laboure Center Invite You To A
Julie’s Since 1974
It’s hard to believe, we know, but Julie’s Family Learning Program was founded in 1974 by Sisters Jean and Louise, within what was then known as the “D Street Project”. That was fifty years ago, so Julie’s has earned a Gold Medal for its many, many services to children and mothers from South Boston and our surrounding neighborhoods.
Julie’s now sits in the multi-story building at 133 Dorchester Street, just outside of Perkins Square at Gold Street. And it has become the home of a Pre-K school offering as well. But perhaps the most visible evidence of Julie’s success in community service is the new playground now installed to the left of its building.
The MCCA congratulates this year's SBCDF grant recipients!
GLORIA LARSON INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Agreement Announced on Residential Tax Releive to Protect Residents from Spike in Property Taxes
Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that Jim Rooney, President and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce; Marty Walz, Interim President of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau; Tamara Small, CEO of NAIOP; and Doug Howgate, President of Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation have reached consensus on a path forward for the City’s residential tax relief proposal. The Mayor has announced that she will file a new home rule petition to stabilize property taxes and protect homeowners and renters from a dramatic spike.
The new home rule petition incorporates revised maximum tax shift levels with previous provisions approved by the City Council and amended by the House of Representatives:
A three-year stepdown period, compared to five years as originally filed.
Maximum shift levels not to exceed 181.5% in FY25, 180% in FY26, and 178% in FY27.
Authorizing language for the City to appropriate up to $15 million for each of the three years (up to $45 million total) that the shift is in effect to offset potential impacts on small businesses due to the shift.
Raising the personal property tax exemption threshold for small businesses from $10,000 to $30,000.
The proposal allows for a modest modification to the current tax system with clear guardrails to prevent too great of a burden from being placed on commercial taxpayers. This proposal is revenue-neutral and
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING
776 SUMMER STREET PHASE 2
Register: bit.ly/3XYOc5f Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 198 2121
PROJECT PROPONENT:
HRP 776 Summer Street PropCo, LLC
DESCRIPTION:
The Boston Planning Department is hosting a Virtual Public Meeting for the proposed project located at 776 Summer Street located in the South Boston neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Development Plan for Phase 2 and First Amendment to the Masterplan for Planned Development Area (PDA) No. 128 that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public. HRP 776 Summer Street PropCo, LLC, (the “Proponent”) proposes the construction of four (4) new buildings, rehabilitation of an existing turbine building, and development of related parking, infrastructure and structures containing approximately [1,025,500] square feet of Gross Floor Area.
Mail to:
Phone: Email:
Zoe Schutte
Planning Department
One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201
617.918.4311 Zoe.schutte@boston.gov
Website: bit.ly/3ZMyg7y
Close of Public Comment Period: 1/15/2025
time-limited, stepping down over three years back to the current classification system.
In order to take effect, the home rule petition must be approved by the Boston City Council and both chambers of the State Legislature, and signed by the Governor. Preliminary parcel-level valuations will be available for residents to view in late October 2024. Tax rates must be finalized and approved by the Administration and City Council in November 2024 for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to certify in December 2024, with bills for the third quarter of the fiscal year mailed out to taxpayers by January 2025.
“The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce remains committed to creating a region where all people and all businesses can thrive. I am proud that we worked with Mayor Wu to reach a resolution that mitigates short-term property tax increases for residents while avoiding significant new burdens on commercial properties. Our united business community voice, which was led by the Chamber, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, NAIOP Massachusetts, and the Municipal Research Bureau was integral at every step of this process, and this will serve the City well as it tackles the fiscal challenges ahead,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
seniors and other homeowners with limited incomes.”
“As a senior with a fixed income, a large increase in my property taxes would be devastating,” said Shirley Jones, president of the Meetinghouse Hill Civic Association. “I am grateful to Mayor Wu for advocating for residents like me and hope the Boston City Council and the State Legislature pass this compromise quickly to provide residents across Boston with enough time to budget accordingly.”
“This deal achieves two essential goals: it safeguards the City of Boston’s municipal workers and basic city services, while protecting residents from a sudden and sharp property tax increase,” said Darlene Lombos, President of Greater Boston Labor Council. “We encourage the City Council and the State Legislature to pass this home rule petition as quickly as possible.”
“This agreement is a major relief for Boston’s hospitality workers. Whether they pay rent or they pay a mortgage, now is not the time for a massive increase in housing costs. Congratulations to Mayor Wu and the business community for working day in and day out to make this important agreement happen,” said Carlos Aramayo, President UNITE HERE Local 26. Teresa Polhemus,
“Facing this large tax increase has been very stressful for a lot of homeowners, especially seniors with limited fixed incomes,” said Lillie Bryan, Dorchester homeowner and member of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council. “We are hopeful that this compromise will be passed quickly and that more can be done in the future to expand tax relief for
St. Brigid Parish News Welcome to the Monthly Sunday Family Mass
This past Sunday marked the start of the monthly Sunday Family Mass at 10:30 at St. Brigid Church. “We celebrate not only that the family is of God but also that we are each part of God’s family.”
A family was kind enough to bring up the gifts of bread and wine to the altar to be consecrated for this Mass. Our Parochial Vicar, Father Peter Schirripa was the celebrant at this Mass and asked the children at Mass to join him up at the altar during the consecration and transformation of the bread and wine into Jesus’ body and blood. The Catholic Church teaches that during Mass, the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ through the power of the Holy
Spirit and the words of the priest. This is called transubstantiation.
The bread and wine’s outward characteristics, such as color, taste, feel, and smell, remain the same. Scripture shows us that the teaching about the Holy Eucharist is consistent with what happened at the
Last Supper. Every time we celebrate the Holy Mass, Jesus Christ re-presents (brings back) to us his Last Supper, the fulfillment of the Seder Meal.
The wonderful music was provided for by the talented Cantor, Chris Weigel, accompanied by our
Parish Music Director and Organist, Kathy Clancy. All are welcome to join us at the next Sunday Family Mass at 10:30 at St. Brigid Church on November 17, 2024. Followed by Coffee and Refreshments in the downstairs hall downstairs St. Brigid Church.
Carving Out Memories
FPAC Scores a 2024 Success
The Fort Point Art Community (FPAC) held their 2024 Open Studios Exhibition last weekend. Hundreds of artists took part, including some who were included as proponents of freedom, such as artists from Vietnam. Works of art from all schools of art and artistic media were shown, such as photography, realism, and fashion, along with many “mixed media” creations.
Christine Vaillancourt, who’s the current President of FPAC, is welcoming Open Studio visitors as she stands by her own paintings entitled “Magnetism I and II”.
The Law Office of
Christine Vaillancourt, President of FPAC, by her Artworks “Magnetism I and II”.
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.
To track and participate in Licensing hearings, please monitor this page
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
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
374 E Eighth ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1615346
Hearing Date 10/29/2024
Project Description: Amendment to ALT1555165 Build garage attached back existing house additional story on per architectural plans
309 to 325 Old Colony AVE South Boston 02127 Center, LLC
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1599485
Hearing Date 11/7/2024
Project Description: Remove provisos Takeout granted to this petitioner only under BZC31897 Alt122900 2012
590 E Broadway South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1660656
Hearing Date 11/7/2024
Project Description: Install light fixtures paint throughout Change occupancy from 1 Professional Office Two 2 Residences to Fitness Studio
617 Dorchester Ave South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1636406
Hearing Date 11/19/2024
Project Description: To construct four story 13 unit multifamily building fully sprinklered with an elevator
125 B ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1633160
Hearing Date 11/19/2024
Project Description: DISH Wireless Rooftop Cellular Installation Eligible Facilities Request Antennas w support equipment RRH OVP Junction boxes associated cabling amp conduits 67 9 foot RAD Dish will require lease area ground Array on top existing penthouse
21 to 35 W Second ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1654962
Hearing Date 11/26/2024
Project Description: In our first floor retail space we currently looking to work with Fitness Concept move into We will need get zoning relief submitting this application start process
80 G ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1634764
Hearing Date 11/26/2024
Project Description: Build 3 story addition to existing family convert 6 Demolish car garage
275 Gold ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1630349
Hearing Date 12/10/2024
Project Description: Erect new family 4 story building with three car parking no elevator Fully Sprinklered HP variance required from AAB lift access to grp 1 designed dwelling
BLUEBIKES EXPANSION
The City of Boston is adding new Bluebikes stations to every neighborhood in Boston. During this phase, we are focused on South Boston, South Boston Waterfront, East Boston, and Charlestown. We have 28 potential sites for 7-14 new stations in South Boston and South Boston Waterfront. We want to hear from residents which sites would be best for the neighborhood.
Attend an upcoming open house Thursday, November 7th, 6 - 8 p.m. Tynan School, 650 E 4th St, South Boston
