No Property Taxation Without Verification
Thank you, Senator Nick Collins and Senator Peter Durant
Senator Nick Collins heard from Boston constituents, and “laid on the table” Mayor Wu’s Home Rule Petition 5114 to raise Boston taxpayers’ bills. He was supported by Republican Senator Peter Durant, who stood in bipartisan support for the “review of relevant data” to make a “more informed decision,” as other action “could undermine public trust.”
Boston community advocates and The Grassroots Community Members from: Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, Mission Hill, Roslindale, South End, Charlestown, Hyde Park, and Back Bay are grateful to be heard by the Senators.
Advocates, who oppose Home Rule 5114/5099, call for Mayor Wu to cut the City’s budget which includes an increase of 8% over the previous year. One percent of that 8% is revenue-neutral because it is a reimbursement by the Boston Redevelopment Authority for the salaries of employees of the city’s new Planning Department.
In these uncertain times, community members are asking for a hiring freeze, as Governor Healey enacted at the State level. Governor Healy requested staff reductions. Instead of a hiring freeze, Mayor Wu hired 450 city workers even though in the previous Walsh administration, 400+ city workers represented the greatest number of new hires in the City’s history.
Mayor Wu hired the new 450 city workers despite the
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Jingle Bell Run
Hundreds of runners -- young and old -- participated in the 15th Annual South Boston Catholic Academy Jingle Bell Run This Southie holiday tradition kicked off with youth races (100-meter dash for ages 9 and under; and a half-mile race for ages 14 and under), followed by a scenic 5K run along South Boston beaches and Castle Island. After crossing the finish line, participants enjoyed refreshments, awards, and festive entertainment! More Photos Page 5
Continued from Page 1 Property Taxation
financial headwinds from a decline in demand for commercial real estate, work from home impacts, and a huge surplus of biolabs approved by the city with no foreseeable occupants.
Our request includes a reduction in the use of consultants, embedded in the budget, and reduction/elimination of Administration giveaways.
A few are enormous, notably the $110 Million in an “accelerator” fund, awarded to the $4.6 billionaire financier of the Bunker Hill Housing Project although the project’s designation was granted based on the developer’s commitment NOT to take public funds What is worse, is this project will destroy 288 mature, century-old trees.
Currently, the City is being sued for the unpopular taking of White Stadium and the granting of $50 Million of public funds to a privately funded women’s soccer stadium in Franklin Park. The City conducted a survey whose sample was skewed, with conclusions biased, to favor the City’s position. Franklin Park designer Frederick Law Olmstead, specifically stated that he wanted the park to be a place of “passive recreation” instead of organized professional sports. To that end, we have heard communities as far as Four Corners oppose the Women Soccer Team to be located at Franklin Park’s White Stadium. This is an example of the entire city’s enjoyment of Franklin Park, not just the abutters. Therefore, the City’s opinion survey should
have included a random sampling of ALL of Boston’s neighborhoods.
To add injury to insult, the White Stadium project will destroy another 170 mature trees. The wanton destruction of these trees raises the question of whether the Wu Administration is committed to its own “Green New
Deal.” In addition, we wonder who destroys 170 mature trees in a PARK?
Boston communities are asking the Wu Administration for transparent, responsible, interactive community engagement with coherent, prudent, fiscal management.
Data from the Wu Administration has been unreliable and subject to change each time it is challenged. At the City Council Hearing on December 3rd, Marty Walz, Interim President of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, testified that Boston “does not have a revenue problem.” She confirmed Councilor Ed Flynn’s concern that “Boston has a spending problem.”
Yet, so far the Wu administration has ruled out any budget cuts, falsely arguing that budget cuts will affect critical services, such as, Police, Fire, and EMTs. There are city programs and services that can be cut, and are less critical than Police, Fire, and EMTs.
“Senator Nick Collins heard his constituents, and is doing the right thing,” said Martyn Roetter, Neighborhood Association of Back Bay. “All Bostonians must adjust budgets from time to time. With the second highest real estate prices in the country, an added tax burden on residents must not be allowed before the City budget is reduced. Otherwise, more residents will find they can no longer afford to live in their homes, even if they have owned their homes for a long time with appreciated value.”
“We applaud the bipartisan support of Senator Peter Durant” said Charlestown resident, Attorney Rosemary Macero, adding that “The City of Boston is not only the Capital of the State, it is the economic engine. In the finest tradition of Boston, we should insist upon “No More Property Taxation Without Verification.”
Public Health Warning Issued Related to Recent Sewage Discharge at Fort Point Channel and West Fourth Street
The following is a public health warning related to a recent sewage discharge, also known as a combined sewer overflow (CSO). State regulations require local public health departments to provide notice to the public when these discharges may create a risk to public health, including when a discharge lasts for more than two hours.
A combined sewer overflow occurs when a large storm overwhelms the combined sewerage system causing rainwater to mix with wastewater and discharge to a nearby water body. This prevents sewage backups into homes and businesses.
The public is advised to avoid contact with affected water bodies for at least 48 hours after a sewage discharge or overflow, during rainstorms, and for 48 hours after rainstorms end, due to increased health risks from bacteria or other pollutants associated with urban stormwater runoff and discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater.
Boston Water and Sewer Outfall BOS004 in the Fort Point Channel near W. Fourth Street
experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Wednesday, December 11 at 6:40 p.m. and ended on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:45 p.m., creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the lower Inner Harbor and the Jeffries Point area of East Boston. This advisory will expire on Friday, December 13th at 11;45pm, 48 hours after the overflow has ended.
Boston Water and Sewer Outfall BOS070 in the Fort Point Channel near W. Fourth Street
experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Wednesday, December 11th at 5:15pm and ended on Thursday, December 12 at 12:15 a.m., creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the Fort Point Channel and downtown waterfront. This advisory will expire on Saturday, December 14 at 12:15 a.m., 48 hours after the overflow has ended.
Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Outfall MWR201 in the Charles River Basin Upstream of the Boston University Bridge experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Wednesday, December 11 at 8:05 p.m. and
An ASCA Meeting Note
At the monthly ASCA (Andrew Square Civic Association) meeting, Linda Zablocki announced that Boston’s Planning Agency had tentatively approved a controversial proposal for a nine-story apartment development on the D Street block between Old Colony and Dorchester Avenue. This would, of course, tower over the rest of that neighborhood. Other massive development plans for South Boston have also been submitted for approval lately – for example, a planned
development on First Street that has suddenly expanded from four floors up to six. NoB (Friends of North of Broadway) have firmly objected to this proposal. Please be alerted to these proposals. They deserve your critical examination. Unlike any other past projects that we know of, the proposed development on D Street does not have any parking provisions – none, as in zero. We hear that (when asked about this) the developers replied they plan to put in a bicycle rack instead of parking.
ended on Thursday, December 12 at 12:07 a.m., creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the Charles River basin downstream to the Inner Harbor. This advisory will expire on Saturday, December 14 at 12:07 a.m., 48 hours after the overflow has ended.
Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Outfall MWR203 at the Prison Point facility on the Charles River in Charlestown experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Wednesday, December 11 at 3:47 p.m. and ended on Thursday, December 12
at 12:49 a.m., creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the Charles River and Inner Harbor. This advisory will expire on Saturday, December 14 at 12:49 a.m., 48 hours after the overflow has ended. Note that this data is preliminary and may be revised. Check the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website here and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission here for current updates. More information about CSOs and public health is available at www.boston.gov/cso.
Rep. Biele to Establish Live Theatre Tax Credits Signed into Law
Incentive program will support direct jobs with secondary benefits to tourism and hospitality industries
Recently, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a comprehensive economic development bill, including nearly $4 billion in investment authorizations as well as numerous policy initiatives, to support the Massachusetts economy. One such initiative included in the sweeping economic development package was legislation filed by State Representative David Biele (D-Boston) to create a live theater tax credit program
in Massachusetts. Under the program, producers of Pre-Broadway and National Tour launches will be eligible for tax credits to offset in-state labor costs and other production costs to attract these large-scale, long-running productions to Massachusetts by authorizing $7 million in total tax credits each year.
Historically, Massachusetts was once a top destination for Pre-Broadway and National Tours launches. However, the number of launches has decreased in recent years as eight other states—including neighboring Rhode Island and New York—have created live theater tax incentive packages,
luring those productions away from Massachusetts with each state experiencing corresponding increases in new revenue and economic impact.
For example, Rhode Island has launched more than 20 PreBroadway and National Tour live theater productions since establishing the state’s tax credit program and reported a return on investment of $8 for every $1 in state investment, while upstate New York has seen 19 such productions launch since establishing a live theater tax credit with over $103 million in new revenue and a return on investment of $10 for every $1 spent on tax credits.
In terms of economic impact in Massachusetts, one of the last live theater productions to launch in the Commonwealth before going to Broadway was “Moulin Rouge!” which sold over 52,000 tickets for its 17-week run—with more than half of tickets sold to out-of-state theater goers. The secondary economic impacts from “Moulin Rouge!” generated an estimated $4 million spent on restaurants accompanied by an estimated $460,000 in hotel spending.
“This live theater incentive program will eliminate our state’s competitive disadvantage, while supporting direct jobs in our cultural and creative economies for stagehands, ushers, designers, and countless others who rely on a thriving theater industry,” said
Rep. Biele. “Equally important, bringing Pre-Broadway and National Tour launches back to Massachusetts will have secondary economic impacts on our travel, tourism and hospitality industries, supporting restaurants, hotels, and their staff, while generating revenue and boosting our local and state economies. I am grateful to Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Parisella and my colleagues in the House of Representatives for their support of this live theater legislation.”
“The more than 1,500 workers of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 11, convey their deepest gratitude to Representative David Biele for his tireless efforts and dogged determination in our fight, for more than a decade, to bring about passage of legislation that returns Boston to the position of Premiere Tryout City in the United States,” said Chris Welling, President of IATSE Local 11.
Rep. Biele’s legislation was incorporated into the economic development bill passed by the House of Representatives and was ultimately included in the compromise package sent to the Governor’s desk.
The economic development bill, including legislation creating the live theater tax credit program, was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on November 20, 2024.
15th Annual Jingle Bell Run
Hundreds of runners -- young and old -- participated in the 15th Annual South Boston Catholic Academy Jingle Bell Run
This Southie holiday tradition kicked off with youth races (100-meter dash for ages 9 and under; and a half-mile race for ages 14 and under), followed by a scenic 5K run along South Boston beaches and Castle Island. After crossing the finish line, participants enjoyed refreshments, awards, and festive entertainment!
Hearing to Discuss the Importance of the Cruise Industry in the City of Boston
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will call for a hearing this week to discuss the importance of the cruise industry and its economic impact on the City of Boston. According to the Flynn Cruiseport 2024 Economic Impact Report, Boston’s cruise industry grew significantly over the past six years, with a passenger count of over 480,000 passengers this year. This contributed $256 million to the economy, a 90 percent increase since 2018, and supported over 3,000 jobs, a 36 percent increase from 2018.
Recently, Massport also announced plans for a $100 million investment in the Cruiseport, $60 million of which will go towards infrastructure advancements, including the installation of “ship-to-shore” power that will enable cruise ships to plug into electric power at shore while at berth in the South Boston Waterfront. This will reduce their diesel emissions and minimize pollution to the surrounding environment and community in South Boston.
“Boston is a city with a rich maritime history, and its port operations have
Mayor’s Cup Ice Hockey Tournament December 13th
Youth hockey teams from across Boston will hit the ice to compete for the title of “Boston’s Best” at the 2024 Mayor’s Cup Ice Hockey Tournament. Hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department with support from the Boston Bruins Foundation and P&G Gillette, this exciting event celebrates community, sportsmanship, and the city’s love for hockey.
The tournament begins December 13, with 136 games scheduled at eight different rinks throughout the city. Nearly 1,300 youth hockey players will participate from seven different programs: AllstonBrighton, S.C.O.R.E Boston, Charlestown, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Parkway, and South Boston. They will compete for the 30th Annual Mayor’s Cup in 16 different divisions.
Spectators can experience the tournament at these ice
rinks: Bajko Rink, Hyde Park; The Edward T. Barry Rink, UMass Boston Dorchester; Murphy Rink, South Boston; O’Neil Rink, Charlestown; Reilly Rink, Brighton; Roche Arena, West Roxbury; Matthews Arena, Back Bay; and Conte Forum, Boston College.
The Mayor’s Cup would not be possible without the support of Boston College, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the University of Massachusetts Boston, Northeastern University, and FMC Ice Sports. Thank you to all of the youth hockey directors, board members, coaches, parents, and athletes who take part.
For a full game schedule, go to boston.gov/sports. To stay updated with news, park improvements, and events, sign up for the Parks email list at bit. ly/Get-Parks-Emails and follow @bostonparksdept on Twitter,
always been vital to our local economy. As Boston’s cruise industry logs recordbreaking passenger visits, it is critical that we continue to support their work due to the significant impact on Boston’s economic vitality and opportunities created for our local businesses, restaurants, and hotels,” said Councilor Flynn. “I’m also proud that the Flynn Cruiseport is named in honor of my father, former Mayor Ray Flynn, as well as my family’s history with the maritime community in Boston- including both of my grandfathers who worked at the Port of Boston as proud union longshoremen.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
The students, families, faculty and staff at South Boston Catholic Academy celebrated this month’s School Mass in honor of the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother Mary. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic feast celebrating Mary’s conception without sin. This feast Day celebrates the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin in her mother St. Anne’s womb. Mary was removed of original sin because she was destined to become the mother of Jesus, Our Savior.
Our students in Grade 3A led us in this Mass. They did a fantastic job as Greeters, with the Scripture Readings, Prayers of the Faithful and bringing up the Gifts to the Altar. Thank you to their
SBCA Grade 3A News
Teacher in 3A, Mrs. Kellie Defelice, for helping them to prepare for this Mass.
Father Peter Schirripa, was the celebrant at this Mass. Thank you to our Altar Servers who did a great job serving at this Mass, and also to the SBCA Children’s
Choir who sounded great! They were led by our talented Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi and accompanied by our Parish Music Director and Organist, Kathy Clancy. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@
sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@ sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
SOUTH BOSTON ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events
400 W Broadway
Proposal: Si Cara seeking to transfer alcohol license to this location
Time: Dec 12, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89339246211
Meeting ID: 893 3924 6211
809 E Fifth St
Proposal: Change of occupancy from a 2 family to a 1 family.
Renovation and addition.
Time: Dec 16, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83332924389
Meeting ID: 833 3292 4389
232-234 W Third St (NEW)
Proposal: Erect new single family dwelling
Time: Dec 16, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85950041431
Meeting ID: 859 5004 1431
15 Necco St (NEW)
Proposal: Revival Cafe + Kitchen
Time: Dec 18, 2024 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87326371500
Meeting ID: 873 2637 1500
598 E 7th St (NEW)
Proposal: Confirm occupancy as a one family, change to a three family dwelling and erect an addition
Time: Dec 19, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89119890780
Meeting ID: 891 1989 0780
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,89119890780# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,89119890780# US
246 Dorchester St (NEW)
Proposal: New package store operators
Time: Dec 19, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89101957669
Meeting ID: 891 0195 7669
CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION
Docket No. Commonwealth of Massachusetts CITATION ON PETITION FOR SU24P2364EA The Trial Court FORMAL ADJUDICATION Probate and Family Court
Estate of: Helen Stella Saniuk
Also known as: Helen Saniuk
Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114
Date of Death: 04/11/2019 (617)788-8300
To all interested persons:
A Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment has been filed by Theresa Houck of Hudson MA
requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.
The Petitioner requests that: Theresa Houck of Hudson MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration
IMPORTANT NOTICE
You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 01/17/2025
This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this
UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM
Date: December 06, 2024
CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION
Docket No.
To all interested persons:
The Petitioner requests that:
Lavoie
be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve With Corporate Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration
IMPORTANT NOTICE
You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 01/10/2025
This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.
UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC)
A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.
WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.
Date:
November 29, 2024
Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate
PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE
Santina Froio Gerber, Esq. Attorney at Law
