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SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Vandalism of American Flags at Medal of Honor Park Councilor Flynn, Senator Collins, and Representative Biele’s Statement on the Vandalism of American Flags at Medal of Honor Park

he people of Boston unequivocally denounce the hate and disgusting vandalism of American flags overnight at the Admiral Farragut Statue and the Korean War Memorial in South Boston. I filed a police report this morning with the Boston Police Department who are actively investigating the incident and working to identify those responsible. Another South Boston neighbor, John Linehan, filed a police report with the Massachusetts State Police. It is unacceptable to cause vandalism to an American flag and/or any veterans memorial. In times of struggle and unity, the American flag captures the strength and legacy of the United States,

our service members, veterans, Gold Star Families and our military families. These memorials are not just monuments, they are places of remembrance that acknowledge the supreme sacrifice made by these heroic veterans. We stand with our veterans and military families and respect the

American flag today and every day. We need to increase our security infrastructure including camera coverage to protect public assets honoring veterans and help law enforcement hold those accountable who violate the law by defacing them. Following last night’s incident, we must reaffirm our commitment

to the values the American Flag represents to so many in South Boston, the Commonwealth and throughout the nation. -Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, U.S. Navy (Retired). Veteran - Operation Enduring Freedom, State Senator Nick Collins, and State Representative David Biele.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

Kathleen Clifford is Promoted

athleen Clifford, the South Boston Branch Library’s Librarian responsible for Events & Outreach, has just been promoted. As of late this month, she’ll assume the position of Branch Librarian in charge of the Adams Street Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 362 Neponset Avenue and recently renovated. Kathleen’s well-deserved promotion was recognized at an

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Christmas Mass Schedule for Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Parishes & St. Augustine Chapel

afternoon gathering. Shown in the photograph are Dani Crickman, Children’s Librarian; Jane Bickford, our recently retired Branch Librarian; Kathleen herself; and Joe Kebartas, President of the Friends of the Library. Kathleen has been a major contributor to our Branch Library since she joined us in 2017; her total experience with the Boston Public Library has been more than ten years in duration.

Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24th No Morning Mass 4:00 p.m., at Gate of Heaven Church: Family Mass with Children’s Pageant 4:00 p.m., Mass at St. Brigid Church 4:30 p.m., Mass at St. Augustine Chapel 9:00 p.m., Mass at Gate of Heaven Church

Christmas Day Thursday, December 25th 8:00 a.m., Mass at St. Brigid Church 9:00 a.m., Mass at Gate of Heaven Church 10:30 a.m., Mass at St. Brigid Church No Noon or 6:00 pm.m, Mass on Christmas Day

Friday, December 26th No Morning Mass

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

Floating Dock at RLFMP

he Planning Department this month recommended approval of real estate actions to advance the redevelopment of Parcel M in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park and Pier 5 in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and recommended an extension of the Office to Residential Conversion Program to the BPDA Board. Staff also recommended approval of nine new development projects representing approx imately 321,688 square feet (SF). All were approved. The newly approved development proposals will create 278 new homes, including 170 units that are designated incomerestricted, and will support approximately 296 construction jobs and 159 permanent jobs. The projects advanced today will help make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Office to Residential Conversion Program extended The Planning Department recommended and received approval to extend the Office to Residential Conversion Program. The program, which formally launched in October of 2023, has received 22 applications to convert 1.2 million square feet of office space across 27 buildings into 1,517 new homes, including 284 income-restricted units, far exceeding initial city goals. Four projects totaling 236 units are currently under construction, and one of the first buildings to apply for the program at 281 Franklin Street has already fully tenanted its 15 units. A total of 251 units are either under construction or completed. Applicants during this extended period must commit to pulling a full building permit and starting construction by December 31, 2027 to benefit from the program.

Real Estate Pla nning advances redevelopment of Parcel M on the South Boston Waterfront The Board awarded tentative designation to Marcus Partners for

the redevelopment of Parcel M in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP) at 3 Dolphin Way. Marcus Partners is proposing a new advanced marine manufacturing and research and development facility to support the development, integration, and testing of marine technologies. The project would also install a new floating dock at the East Jetty. The proposal is estimated to create hundreds of temporary construction jobs and new permanent ‘blue tech’ research and development jobs. Like all publicly-owned parcels in the RLFMP, the selected development

team will be required to meet Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, including

Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

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Compass on the Bay Family Holiday Party The COTB 2025 Apre Ski Family Holiday Party was one for the books! The Award Winning Chef, and his kitchen crew pulled out all the stops and delivered an over the top spread. They were transported to the top of a mountain and enjoyed the evening from a private ski lodge. Santa came to deliver Christmas gifts for the kids before sending the trolley for a festive holiday light tour through Boston!

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

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Snowport has Vibes The Snowport Holiday Market, located at Seaport and Pier 4 Boulevards in the Seaport District, is one of South Boston’s most eyecatching Christmas displays. It’s worth a trip just to enjoy the sights – as well as finding many vendors of food and drink. Nearly 150 vendors’ booths in Snowport offer fine arts, home decorations and furnishings, personal care products, novel gifts, unique jewelry, children’s toys and games, several kinds of clothes, and many other fine items. Their booths range from tiny to more than 20 feet across. Snowport hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. until December 28.

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

Rep. Biele’s Toy Drive a Success by Rick Winterson

rom 5:30 o’clock until 7 p.m. last Mond ay e ven i ng , State Representative David Biele hosted his Annual Holiday Party and Toy Drive. As usual, he held the event in Amrhein’s Restaurant at A Street and Broadway. It was a gala party that included a buffet dinner featuring several of Amrhein’s specialties, such as deepfried chicken and meatballs in tomato sauce. Amrhein’s artfully crafted framed mirrors behind the bar were adorned with greenery. Everyone who came to the Holiday Party brought toys with them. These formed a real

“mountain of toys” – hundreds of donated gifts that were arrayed along the front windows in Amrhein’s main dining room. There were toys for every young age – from toddlers up to teenagers. For an hour and a half, laughter, conversation, food-and-drink, and a true Christmas spirit were enjoyed by all. The event was a welcome (and warm) oasis during an otherwise frigidly cold and gusty evening. Rep. Biele deserves credit for including the successful 2025 Toy Drive as an integral part of his campaign for re-election. The Drive will now result in many children around South Boston receiving unexpected but welcome Christmas surprises.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

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Senate Tax Relief Bills Advance Testimony Being Taken By Senate Committee on Ways and Means

wo Senate proposals aimed at delivering property tax relief to homeowners are currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means after advancing in the Senate last week. S.1933, An Act to Prevent Property Tax Bill Shocks, filed by Senator Will Brownsberger,

would allow municipalities to phase in significant residential tax increases over several quarters and provide targeted relief to seniors, low-income residents, and others most vulnerable to residential property tax increases. S.1935, An Act Relative to Municipal Tax Relief, filed by Senator Nick Collins, would authorize municipalities to issue uniform rebates to homeowners using surplus revenue. This would provide immediate relief to

residential property owners without undermining fiscal stability. The City of Boston’s budget has grown 26% over the last four years. With the City refusing to reel in spending, they have decided to increase taxes on commercial property owners and homeowners. Boston property tax increases for 2026 have been set for homeowners at the following rates: $12.40 per $1,000 in value for residential and $26.96 per $1,000 in value for commercial. Both represent an

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Contact Porshia, SACC Director, at phaygood@bgcb.org for more information.

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unnecessary increase over last year. According to Evan Horowitz, Executive Director of the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, the City is “choosing to raise tax rates and pretending that it’s not a choice at all, that they’re being forced to do it and someone should rescue them.” Furthermore, while the City continues to raise taxes on residential and commercial property owners, they are currently sitting on over $552 million in reser ves. The Senate bills are focused on providing relief to residential property owners to mitigate municipal property tax increases on homeowners by leveraging the City’s substantial taxpayer reserves. The goal of the Senate bills is to provide municipalities with the tools to provide real relief for residential taxpayers without harming small businesses or putting the economy at risk. With affordability on everyone’s minds, increasing the tax burden unnecessarily on homeowners and businesses to perpetuate exponential and irresponsible spending increases is unacceptable. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means will receive written testimony on legislation related to municipal property taxes beginning Thursday, December 11, 2025, through Monday, December 29, 2025, at 5 p.m. The public is encouraged to participate by submitting written testimony via email to SenateCommittee. Way s& Me a n s @m a s en ate.g ov.

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

Neighborhood House Throws a “Merry Moakley” Party by Rick Winterson

he South Boston Neighborhood House (the SBNH) threw a “Merry Moakley” Party. It welcomed winter, and indeed, it celebrated this season. More than a hundred guests of all ages showed up, despite the inclement cold weather. Needless to say, everyone dressed up with many layers of wool and cotton knit. The children enjoyed the event – they were seemingly impervious to the breezy, cold temperatures. Merry Moakley was held outdoors at the “Ollie”, on the edge of Moakley Park at the corner where Columbia Road and Old Colony Avenue intersect.

“Ollie” is the nickname for Olivia James, the SBNH Founder, and the Ollie has now become SBNH’s pre-school, field house, and busy youth activities center. In the undying, joyful spirit of Neighborhood House events, everyone had a great time. A timeless winter activity – toasting marshmallows over an open charcoal blaze – drew a long line-up. And monster clowns, hot cocoa, photos, pizza, music, crafts, and much more were all featured. The SBNH was even thoughtful enough to provide a cozy warm-up tent. A cold, orange sunset on the other side of Moa k le y Pa rk st ri k ing ly silhouetted the event’s scene.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

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Preparing for the 4th Sunday of Advent and Jesus’ Birthday

he students in Mrs. Cole’s Grade 1A class, Miss Byrne’s, Grade 1B class and Mr. Bourque and Mrs. Pickard’s K2B class, as well as the other classes at South Boston Catholic Academy, did a great job making and designing their classroom Advent Wreaths as we are preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and enter in the Christmas season. This Sunday we will be lighting the 4th Advent candle. In the Catholic Advent, purple signifies penance, preparation, and royalty, used for the first, second and fourth candles, representing Hope, Peace and Love. The pink (rose) candle is lit on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday)

represents Joy. It’s a reminder that joy comes from God’s faithfulness, even amidst waiting and struggle and marking halfway to Christmas; a central white Christ candle (often added) symbolizes Christ’s purity and it is lit on Christmas Eve. When all four candles are lit on our Advent Wreath, we will have a full circle of light. The Lord brings the light of love to his people by sending His only Son to earth for our salvation. Prayer for lighting the Advent Candle...”Allpowerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Holy Spirit who prepares us for his coming.”

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS

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CITATION ON PETITION FOR ALLOWANCE OF ACCOUNT

To participate in ZBA hearings, below are instructions on joining a public meeting. Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.

921R to 923R E Fourth ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 1/13/26 Project Description: Top floor renovation expansion, no change in occupancy use or egress

774 E Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 1/22/26 Project Description: Change occupancy from single family dwelling to two interior renovation addition rear balconies

59 Emerson ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 1/22/26 Project Description: Change occupancy 3 family in to 2 Renovate finish existing basement use as habitable space add new third story Construct rear decks off levels 1 build private roof deck No change building footprint

748 to 750 E Broadway South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 1/27/26 Project Description: Building is under construction ERT1304322 Change Occupancy Only with no additional work from 9 Units Retail to 2 Shell spaces 1 Fitness amp Bank Looking go BOA change use

181 W First ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 1/27/26 Project Description: Project is subject to Article 80 Large Review 148 units with 103 parking spaces 3 retail Approximately 153 440 SF GFA 5 lots being combined under ALT1602345 Demolition existing structure

62 L ST South Boston 02127 Appeal Type Zoning Hearing Date 2/24/2026

SIGN UP FOR OUR MAILING LIST! The City of Boston’s Planning Department will be sharing updates and engagement opportunities with the public online and via email beginning in 2026. Please subscribe to our mailing list following the QR code or link included here if you would like to receive regular updates about planning and development in Boston. Website: bosplans.org/GetInvolved

Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025

I’m dreaming of....

A New Home

For A New Year.

Rooney Real Estate, LLC.

Merry Christmas &

Rooney Real Estate, LLC.

A Happy New Year! Rooney Real Estate, LLC.