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THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Helping Neighbors
Thanksgiving Dinner, 2020
T
he Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell and the Frank Kelley Holiday Dinner Committee, along with the South Boston Catholic Parishes, have arranged, hosted, cooked, served, delivered, and cleaned up after their Annual Thanksgiving Dinners for the last 36 years – ever since 1983. Msgr. McDonnell, affectionately called “Father Tom” by everyone, was the Pastor of St. Augustine Parish back then. Father Tom’s idea of hosting a classic Thanksgiving Dinner was, according to him, inspired by his reading of the Gospel of St. Luke, which he called “The Hospitality Gospel”. He got hold of St. Augustine parishioner Frank Kelley, who had served as a Mess Sergeant in the military. The rest is local Catholic history. These Thanksgiving Dinners quickly became a tradition in South Boston. Almost as rapidly, they became a joyful Holiday event, with
HAVE YOU HEARD?
politicians dropping by and cheerful volunteers lining up to help serve and deliver. Even though Father Tom and Frank have left us, each Thanksgiving, the Dinner Committee serves up to 150 dinner guests in person, and delivers another 350 pre-cooked dinners to homes, ready to serve. Regrettably, the Year of Our Lord 2020 is different due to a global pandemic known as COVID-19, caused by a Coronavirus. Even so, the Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell and Frank Kelley Holiday Dinner Committee and the SB Catholic Parishes will still deliver Dinners on the day before this Thanksgiving. However, gathering in person won’t be possible, nor will food donations be accepted. If you would like Thanksgiving meals delivered to your home, please call 617-586-5824 as soon as you can. Also, please take note that these dinners will be delivered to you on Wednesday afternoon, November 25, between 1 and 4 p.m. There will be no meals served or delivered on Thanksgiving Day this year.
South Boston Catholic Academy 6th graders
helped care for their school and neighbors! The 6th Graders continued to help serve the school and raked the leaves surrounding the school on Friday. We are so grateful for our community helpers. More school news on page 6
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Gate of Heaven, St. Brigid Parishes Along with St. Augustine Chapel Masses Schedule
Thanksgiving Weekend
Fallen Heroes Memorial in Seaport
O
ur veterans are remembered all over South Boston during November – Veterans Month. The wreath pictured was placed at the foot of South Boston’s “Fallen Heroes” Memorial on Northern
Avenue in the South Boston Seaport. The “Fallen Heroes” Memorial is a clean-lined obelisk overlooking Boston Harbor from the Seaport Common. It commemorates 21st Century combat deaths.
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020 - 9:00 a.m. Gate of Heaven Friday, Nov. 27, 2020 - 9:00 a.m. Gate of Heaven (There will be no morning Masses at St. Brigid Church or St. Augustine Chapel) Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
“Functioning as a Parish Community amidst the Corona Virus – A Slow Transition Back to Normal” Important Message Cardinal Sean continues to dispense all Catholics from the Sunday Mass obligation. This will be in place for the foreseeable future. Catholics are not obligated to go to Sunday Mass due to current pandemic and the continued risks. The Cardinal strongly encourages people in vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with complicating physical conditions to continue to watch
South Boston Mural Is Expanded
Via Live Stream on our Sebsite (www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org) or on Catholic TV.
Mass Schedule Saturday Afternoon Vigil Mass 4:00 p.m. Gate of Heaven Church
Sunday Masses 8:00 a.m. St. Brigid Church 9:00 a.m. Gate of Heaven Church 10:30 a.m. St. Brigid Church 12 Noon Gate of Heaven Church 6:00 p.m. St. Brigid Church Daily Mass 7:00 a.m. St. Brigid Upper Church Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. Gate of Heaven Upper Church
Unfortunately, due to the requirements of social distancing – we will not be able to hold Masses or services at St. Augustine Chapel at this time.
T
he urbanscape mural located on the northeasterly corner of G and Second has grown. It now in-cludes three rapidly running children approaching the steps into the building at
that intersection. Take a good, up-front look at the mural from across G Street, then walk towards it to see what is real. South Boston Online keeps a constant eye on the many (14 or so) highly creative, original murals in South Boston.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020
Councilor Flynn and Bok Opposed Executive Suite Proposal
B
oston City Councilors Ed Flynn and Kenzie Bok continue to oppose proposals from corporate operators who seek to convert residential units into executive suites, as the latest proposal for such came before the Zoning Board of Appeals this Tuesday. Both Councilors have been vocal about the need to preserve residential units in the city amidst a housing crisis, and having strong enforcement of the city’s Short Term Rentals Ordinance, which protects our housing stock from speculative investor units. The application from Sonder was ultimately denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals today. The proposal was for Sonder to convert 21 residential units to executive suites at 101-111 Arch Street, and executive suites are a forbidden use in the Arch Street area. Concerned residents and community advocates had reached out about the proposal, as it runs in contrary to the city’s Short Term Rentals Ordinance and takes away valuable units from our city’s housing stock. There have been mu ltiple proposals to convert short term rental units and residential units to executive suite units, and this latest proposal at Arch Street raised concerns that corporate op er ator s a re c ont i nu i n g to attempt to circumvent regulations and operate short term rental units in the same fashion. Councilor Flynn and Councilor Bok submitted a joint written letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and were pleased by the decision from the Board to deny this proposal. “W hen I ran for Cit y Council in 2017, I advocated for strong regulations to remove large corporations from the Short Term Renta l market as unscrupulous speculators negatively impacted our housing stock, along with quality of life
issues that ensued from de facto unregulated hotels with absentee landlords in our communities. I proudly advocated for their removal and voted in favor of the Short Term Rental ordinance. It is my belief that this and similar proposals to convert housing units into Executive Suites runs contrary to the spirit of the Short Term Rentals Ordinance,” said Councilor Flynn. “As the District 2 City Councilor, I’ve witnessed their detrimental effects and believe that our city should remain a place where working families and the middle class, our proud immigrant neighbors, our seniors and persons with disabilities can call home. I’m glad that this proposal for Executive Suites was denied, and I want to thank Councilor Bok for her partnership on this issue, along with the neighbors, civic groups and housing advocates as well. “I am thrilled that, after so much community activism, the ZBA denied this application for a conversion of housing units into executive suites today. The Short Term Rental Ordinance was a hard-won achievement of so many downtown neighborhood groups, and we cannot allow it to be circumvented by a semantic category change. Boston needs to focus on long-term housing for our residents a nd on strengthening our communities during these unprecedented times. I am grateful to Councilor Flynn for his leadership and pa rtnership on this issue, and I hope today’s decision will send a strong message to discourage any further efforts by corporate entities to evade the spirit of the city’s ordinance.” For more information, ple a se c ont ac t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203, or at Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
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Msgr. Thomas J McDonnell and Frank Kelley Thanksgiving Dinner Update
Please call 617-586-5824 if you would like a meal delivered to your home. Meals will be delivered on November 25th between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (Safety protocols in place). We will not be able to gather in person or accept food donations this year. Our greatest need for support is drivers to deliver meals to our neighbors. Volunteers should meet at the BCEC loading dock, using the west gate off of Cypher Street @ 12:30 p.m. on November 25th. Any questions email: manning.danielr@gmail.com Checks can be made payable to: South Boston Seaport Collaborative (memo: Holiday Dinner)
Please mail or deliver checks to: Deja Brew 704 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127
Special thanks to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and Levy Restaurants
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Catch the Waves
Erin Ghella
New hair boutique focuses on customized service By Ginger DeShaney
F
or Erin Ghella and Mart y Horn, one blessing came out of the COVID-19 pandemic: their new hair boutique, Feather & Waves. During the state shutdown, Marty was laid off from her job and Erin’s hours were drastically cut. Marty called Erin and asked: “Do you want to open a salon with me? I’m serious. It needs to happen.” “We held hands and said, ‘Let’s go,’ ” said Erin. “We’re Laverne and Shirley over here.” “It’s one good thing that came out of COVID,” Marty said. “I never thought I’d actually do it. But we had no choice. No one was hiring.” Located at 653 E. Broadway, Feather & Waves Hair Boutique has been open for about two months. Mart y, 30, and Erin, 39, met five years ago while
Marty Horn
working in a downtown Boston hair boutique. They were basically managing that salon. “When we first worked together, we talked about doing our own thing,” Erin said. “We wanted a f inal destination. We have a different perspective now being owners.” Erin and Marty, who worked at other salons before coming together again for Feather & Waves, have been jaded by their experiences at larger salons. They have vowed to make sure their salon is unique. “We wanted to stand out and be different,” Marty said. “It’s up to us to create a salon where the customer isn’t just a number.” The women pride themselves on the one-on-one attention they give to customers. They provide an experience that is custom to each client’s wants and needs. “We want them to feel amazing when they leave,” Erin said. In other salons, one stylist may be working on three people at once, Marty said. That will never happen at Feather & Waves, which boasts just two bays (situated more than 6 feet apart). “The setting is intimate, relaxing,” Marty said. “We ta ke our time. A good day for me is two colors.” Added Erin, “We don’t want people to feel rushed. We want people to come in here and feel at home. We want them to have a great experience with hair.” The boutique has a definite family feel. “People open up to us,” Marty said. “Erin brings out the good sides of people. She makes people open up.” Marty is like a little sister to Erin. “Her work ethic is immaculate. She’s super strong, independent,” Erin sa id. “We work all day together. It f lows,” said Marty. Added Erin, “It just works. We complement each ot her.” Marty found the building -- which was the “Something Special” shop in a past life --
on Craig’s List. It needed some work, but they both envisioned how it would look in the end. It’s soft, natural, and inviting. It’s clean, simple, and uncluttered. The duo took out no loans for the shop. They started it up with their savings. “We had the help of awesome people who donated their hours, time, and work to us,” said Erin, noting that most of the helpers were from Southie and many of the items in the salon are recycled. “People were reaching out; do you need an electricia n?” Ma r t y sa id. Erin grew up in Southie and used to shop at “Something S p e c i a l .” A nd M a r t y ’s b o y f r i e n d ’s gra ndmot her had a shop at that location. “It feels like it was meant to be,” Erin said. “Karma came full circle,” Marty added. The sa lon caters to omen, men, a nd k id s. Erin loves cutting hair and creating updos. Marty’s expertise is in balayage, or hand painting color onto hair. The name Feather & Waves harkens to the duo’s boho and natural style. “We didn’t want it to sound corporate,” Erin said. “We wanted the name to stick in people’s heads.” Erin and Marty are happy to be in the heart of Southe, where everyone looks out for each other. “We’re new to the neighborhood,” said Erin. “We’ve gotten words of encouragement. We’re hearing from other stylists. We’ve gotten so much support.”
In turn, Marty and Erin refer clients to other stylists and barbers in the area. They are also looking for ways to give back to the community. Cancer, domestic violence, and animal causes are near and dear to them, but they are also seeking suggestions for other charitable causes. “We want people to come in. Everyone is welcome,” Erin said, noting the salon strictly follows COVID-19 guidelines, taking people’s temperatures upon c om ing into t he building and requiring masks. “Stop by a nd s ay h i ,” Marty added. “It’s been such a cool process,” Erin said. “It’s teaching us a lot. We’re growing. I’m so happy Marty asked me to do this. We’re both learning. This is our baby.” Follow Feather & Waves on Insta gra m (@Feat her_ and _Waves) and Facebook ( ht t p s : //w w w. f a c e b o ok .c om / F e a t h e r- a n d -Wa v e s - H a i rBoutique-109527417596466). The website is https://www.vagaro.com/ featherandwaveshairboutique/.
Balayage highlight
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020
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The Pats: A Few Thoughts by Rick Winterson
T
he Patriots’ 23-17 de f e at of t he Baltimore Ravens, who came into last Sunday evening’s game at Gillette with a 6W-2L record, was good news in sports-starved Boston. The only more important recent sports events were Alex Cora’s return as Manager of the Red Sox and Dustin Johnson’s epic, new, 20-underpar record at the Masters. Next Sunday, the Pats meet the Houston Texans, who are 2W-7L. With continued performance as a real team (no kidding), the Patriots may end up with a 5W-5L regular season record so far. They’ll have six games left in the NFL regular season; that will be an interesting series to watch. As
part of their very difficult 2020 schedule, the Pats still must face three winning teams (Cardinals, Rams, Dolphins) that each have 6W-3L records, and the Bills, who are now at 7W-3L. After the Texans next Sunday, the only losing teams the Pats will play are the Chargers at 2W-7L and the Jets (don’t bother to ask). We’ll see. No predictions about any playoff slots. Just a hope to see some excellent hometown football for the next two months. This is a cliché, but the Patriots finally played like they were a real team. When the score got to 23-10, the game felt as if it were already out of reach. Sure, it was raining, at times quite heavily, but the rain, as always, fell equally on both teams. The Pats beat the Ravens – no excuses accepted. Obviously, the Pats’ offense on Sunday consisted mostly of their ground game, led by Harris’s 120+
yards. Newton scored on a run as well. However, the most notable scoring play came from Newton’s lateral to Meyers, who then threw a cross-field, 24-yard TD pass to Burkhead (Meyers has had prior experience playing QB). It was a modified flea-flicker play that could only have been one of those patented Belichick beauts. It was very pretty! But most notable to this writer was the Patriots’ defense.
A score of only 17 points in the NFL, especially by a 6W-2L team like Baltimore, means an almost certain loss. Led by Jackson (a key interception) and Winovich (a bunch (!!!) of tackles), the Pats had literally tired out the Ravens by the fourth quarter. The Ravens were unable to execute well enough to close out a six-point gap – and a game that they then would have won 24-23 by kicking a final point after.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SBCA Grade 4B Highlights
F
rom our Gr. 4B Te a c h e r , Mrs. Maryann Dawson… Class 4B has gotten into the swing of things quickly and just finished writing, addressing, and mailing personal letters to friends, family members, and quite a few authors. We are eagerly awaiting any responses. We finished up a study of Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo, and completed our first book report of the year. We have included a picture of our “Ghost Tree”, which symbolizes all of the lessons we learn through a lifetime. In math, we are learning various strategies for solving multiplication problems. Games are set aside for Fridays to practice those skills in a more entertaining way. We have included some pictures showing our favorite game of X’s and O’s being played with
flashcards, dice, and Unifix cubes. We are learning how to move about the room and confer with our classmates, during Writer’s Workshop, while still observing distancing protocols. What started out as an overwhelming checklist of things to do and not to do, has transitioned into the normal operating procedure at this point. Masks are beginning to feel normal, but the mask breaks are delightful! The month of November offers us the chance to reflect on all God provides for us and to practice feeling grateful for the gifts in our lives. We are most especially grateful for our family and friends. We also watched a favorite clip by Kid President and then we listed those things for which we are most grateful; hot cocoa, pizza and books were some of the items on the list!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020
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Oh, Christmas trees!
Santa ups his delivery game By Ginger DeShaney
W
e all know Santa Claus delivers gifts on Christmas Eve. But in the Boston area, Santa has expanded his job description to include delivering trees. Santa Trees Boston, run by Robert Harrington and Dan Brett, 2018 Boston College graduates, allows you to order a tree online for deliver y to your house. They’ve been thinking about this venture since college and made it a reality this year. Robert and Dan, both 24, were off-campus roommates at BC. “We carried the tree to the house and thought, ‘There has to be a better way,’ ” said Robert, a native of Virginia. “We thought this would be a fun thing, and the Santa suits are an added bonus.” They did their research and found that a similar program was successful in other cities, including Chicago. “We added the Santa suits,” Robert said. Dan, a software engineer, and Robert, a derivatives broker, quit their jobs in June to create two startups. They’d been discussing working together for a while. “While we’re young, we thought we’d give it a shot,” Dan said. Their startups:
Ma rk it plac e ( h t t p s : // w w w.ma rk itplace.io/ ) work s with scheduled food delivery compa nies to provide t he
Robert Harrington and Dan Brett with Santa’s little helper widest array of food options. Their partners deliver fresh food products straight to the customer, who can be assured their money goes toward a small business in the community. Dan Harrington (https://www. danharringtondrink.com/) works with local bars, restaurants, and independent mixologists to bring craft cocktail mixers and kits to customers. Each purchase helps support a business and bartender i mpa c te d by C OV I D -19. “[Santa Trees Boston] is a great way to make extra cash and have fun doing it,” said Dan, a Maine native. To order a tree, go to https:// w w w.santatreesboston.com/ and select your preferences: size range, specific requests (tall and skinny, fatter tree), delivery range. Dan
and Robert get the tree for you from their tree farm partners in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. “Santa Trees is committed to sourcing trees from small and fa mily-owned fa rms, reducing CO2 from our transportation, a nd s upp or t i n g t he lo c a l economy,” the website states. You can also select if you want lights and a tree stand. The duo are scouting local businesses for these items. “We want to keep everything local,” said Dan. Once the order is made, Robert and Dan will be in touch with customers regarding delivery. They can bring the tree in the house and put it in a stand (if the customer is comfortable with that) or they can leave it outside. Sa nt a Tree s a lso of fers tree disposal after the holidays. Dan and Robert, who both live in Brookline, already have a handful of orders. They will start delivering trees the day after Thanksgiving. Da n loves t he f un a nd family that surround Christmas. “I love the whole spirit of it.” In 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been a challenging and frustrating year. “This is a fun thing to do,” Dan said. Dan and Robert know that Santa Trees Boston will dominate their lives for the next two months,
but they will maintain their startups. “We wanted to see if Santa Trees could be successful and if it could be something to keep doing year over year,” Dan said. R ight now, the plan is to transport the trees in their personal vehicles, but if they get enough orders, they may spring for a truck. To get the word out about the business, Robert and Dan are reaching out to local media, relying on word of mouth, and displaying signs featuring their website on overpasses on Storrow Drive -- in full Santa gear. They will also be doing grassroots and Facebook advertising. Follow Santa Trees Boston on Instagram @SantaTreesBoston. Their website is https:// w w w. s a nt a t r e e s b o s t o n . c o m /
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Virtual Public Meeting
Virtual Public Meeting
Dorchester Bay City
Old Colony: Final Phase
Thursday, November 4 6:00 PM
Register: bit.ly/DBCNov4 Call-in: 833-568-8864 Webinar ID: 161 909 0401
Wednesday, November 18
Monday, November 16 6:00 PM
Register: bit.ly/DBCNov16 Call-in: 833-568-8864 Webinar ID: 160 760 2881
Project Proponent:
Wednesday, December 2 6:00 PM
Register: bit.ly/DBCDec2 Call-in: 833-568-8864 Webinar ID: 160 776 4081
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/2GIYWjr Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 307 6929
Boston Housing Authority and Beacon Communities Project Description: The FINAL Phase will include the demolition of 208 and the construction of 342 apartments that will be undertaken in 3 phases (phase 4, phase 5 and phase 6). This will accomplish the goal in Phases 4 and 5 with a 1-to-1 replacement of of 208 apartments, plus in Phase 6, a new production of 134 additional affordable apartments and affordable condominiums.
Project Description: The Boston Planning & Development Agency will be hosting a series of Virtual Community Advisory Committee (“CAC”) and Public Meetings in connection with the proposed Dorchester Bay City project. A Virtual KickOff Public Meeting was held on October 19th, which was followed by an Urban Design focused Virtual Public Meeting on October 28th. The next topic-specific Virtual Public Meetings are as follows: • • •
Wednesday, November 4th: Open Space, Public Realm & Resiliency Monday, November 16th: Transportation & Infrastructure Wednesday, December 2nd: Topic TBD mail to: Lance Campbell Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4311 email: Lance.Campbell@Boston.gov
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
Close of Comment Period: 11/30/2020
@BostonPlans
BostonPlans.org
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
The Law Office of
Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law
Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
BPDA Income Restricted Home Ownership Opportunity The Ceinture 20 West Fifth Street, Boston, MA 02127 www.20WestFifthLottery.com 10 Income Restricted Homeownership Units # of Units # of Bedrooms AMI Price 1 1 Bedroom 80%-100%* $248,600 1 1 Bedroom 100%-120%** $304,400 4 2 Bedroom 80% $221,900 2 2 Bedroom 80%-100%* $288,700 2 2 Bedroom 100%-120%** $351,400 *These units are available to those who earn more than 80% but less 100% of AMI **These units are available to those who earn more than 100% but less 120% of AMI Maximum Income Limits Household size 80% AMI 100% AMI 120% AMI 1 $66,650 $83,300 $100,000 2 $76,200 $95,200 $114,250 3 $85,700 $107,100 $128,550 4 $95,200 $119,000 $142,800 5 $102,850 $128,550 $154,250 6 $110,450 $138,050 $165,650 Maximum Asset Limits 80% AMI 100% & 120% AMI $75,000 $100,000 Does not include retirement. Does include Real Estate
Households may request an application to be sent by email or mail from: Monday, November 16, 2020 – Wednesday, November 25, 2020, through the following methods: To request and complete the application online, please visit: www.20WestFifthLottery.com To have a hard copy of the application sent to your mailing address, please call: 781-992-5302 After careful consideration and an abundance of caution, the City of Boston has decided to cancel the in-person application distribution period. If you cannot complete the application online, please call us at 781-992-5302, to request that we mail you one and to ask us for any guidance you might need to complete the application. Fully completed applications must be submitted online or postmarked no later than December 2, 2020 Completed printed, signed, paper applications can also be mailed to: Maloney Properties, Inc., Attention: Ceinture Lottery 27 Mica Lane, Wellesley MA 02481. Selection by lottery. Asset, Use & Resale Restrictions apply. Preference for Boston Residents. Preference for Households With at least One Person Per Bedroom. Preference for First-Time Homebuyers. For more info or to make a request for reasonable accommodations, please call, Maloney Properties, Inc. at 781-992-5302 US Relay 711 | Email: Ceinture@maloneyproperties.com
Equal Housing Opportunity
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020
Councilor Flynn in Support of Marriott Copley Place Hotel Workers & Statewide “Right to Recall”
B
oston City Councilor Ed Flynn is filing a resolution at this week ’s Council meeting to support Marriott Copley Place Hotel workers, many of whom are being laid off with little severance after decades of service. Moreover, Councilor Flynn is calling for statewide “Right to Recall” legislation that would allow for workers to be recalled to their job within a two year period of being laid off. This is the second resolution that Councilor Flynn has filed in support of hotel workers being laid off, the first one being in June after the Four Seasons laid off a large number of its employees. Last week, it was reported that Marriott Copley Place Hotel would permanently lay off more than 230 employees, offering little severance for decades of service in some instances. Marriott Copley Place is the second largest hotel in Boston, and the hospitality industry is the third largest in the city, which employs tens of thousands of local residents. These hospitality jobs provide good pay, benefits, and a path to the middle class for many Black and Brown Boston hotel workers, including immigrants and women. These jobs have allowed many residents to achieve f irst generational wealth, buy a home, raise a family, and stay in the city. The Marriott Copley Place layoffs
came after the Four Seasons Hotel layoffs back in May. These hotel layoffs are likely to happen again in the months to come and, without government intervention, COVID-19 could potentially be used as a reason for employers to enact a massive campaign of dislocation of black and brown residents from their jobs. In the fight for racial justice, there must be a pathway for secure jobs and wealth creation for our communities of color. This resolution offers support for the Marriott Copley Hotel workers in their demand for a better severance package, as well as calling for a statewide “R ight to Recall” legislation that would allow employees to be recalled to their jobs within two years of being laid off when new positions are available. “In the middle of both a public health and economic crisis that has disproportionately impacted communities of color, it is unconscionable to me that a large corporation like Marriott Hotels, who reported $100 million in prof its for the third quarter, would offer little severance to its workers; many of whom are black, brown, immigrants and women with decades of service to the company,” said Councilor Flynn. “Our hotel workers are a critical part of our city’s economic engine, and I’m proud to stand with them. It is critical that we also continue to advocate for a’ Right to Recall’ for our workers, so that we ensure these good hospitality jobs continue to provide a path to the middle class, as well as an opportunity for wealth building and prosperity for our residents and families.” For more information, ple a se c ont ac t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
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BPDA Income-restricted Home Ownership Opportunity The Mezz 420 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127 www.TheMezzLottery.com 5 Income-restricted Homeownership Units # of Units # of Bedrooms AMI Price 1 Studio 80% $150,700 2 1 Bedroom 80% $186,400 1 1 Bedroom 80% - 100%* $248,600 1 2 Bedroom 80% - 100%* $288,700 *These units are available to those who earn more than 80% but less than 100% of AMI Maximum Income Limits Household size 80% AMI 100% AMI 1 $66,650 $83,300 2 $76,200 $95,200 3 $85,700 $107,100 4 $95,200 $119,000 5 $102,850 $128,550 6 $110,450 $138,050 Maximum Asset Limits 80% AMI 100% AMI $75,000 $100,000 Does not include retirement. Does include Real Estate For more on income + asset eligibility, please visit: http://www.bostonplans.org/housing/income,-asset,-andprice-limits Applications are available during the application period from: Monday, November 23, 2020 – Wednesday, December 2, 2020 To request and complete the application online, please visit: www.TheMezzLottery.com To have a hard copy of the application sent to your mailing address, please call: 781-992-5304
After careful consideration and an abundance of caution, the City of Boston has decided to cancel the inperson application distribution period. If you cannot complete the application online, please call us at 781992-5304, to request that we mail you one and to ask us for any guidance you might need to complete the application.
Fully completed + signed applications must be submitted online or postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Mailed to: Maloney Properties, Inc., Attention: The Mezz Lottery 27 Mica Lane, Wellesley MA 02481. ● Selection by lottery. Asset, Use & Resale Restrictions apply. ● Preference for Boston Residents. ● Preference for Households With at least One Person Per Bedroom. ● Preference for First-Time Homebuyers. For more information, language assistance, or to make a request for reasonable accommodations, please call Maloney Properties, Inc. at 781-992-5304 US Relay 711 | Email: TheMezz@maloneyproperties.com
Equal Housing Opportunity
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION
