SBOL 06_11_2020

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Amazon in South Boston

by Rick Winterson

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t this time, Amazon C or porat ion a lready ha s a presence in South Boston.

Just over a year ago (in our May 30, 2019 issue), South Boston Online headlined an article on its front page about groundbreaking for an Amazon office at WS Development in the Seaport District. Led by Mayor Marty Walsh, Governor Charlie Baker, WS SVP Yanni Tsipis, and many Boston officials, a crowd of several hundred enthusiastic people welcomed Amazon to South Boston in the spring of 2019. And of course, ground was well and truly broken afterward. It was really an upbeat, joyful event.

Amazon’s Seaport office will eventually employ 2,000 hightechnology people; completion of their 17-stort building is

expected in 2021. Speakers at the groundbreaking mentioned how Amazon will affect programs such as affordable housing, high level job training, and enhancement of the City of Boston’s global stature.

You perhaps recall that Boston was “in the running” during 20182019 to become the site of one of two massive Amazon headquarters offices. Instead, Amazon selected Crystal City in Virginia (two miles from Washington, D.C.) and New York City (in the borough of Queens). But Queens fell through early last year, in favor of smaller HQ offices like the one now being built in the Seaport.

And at this moment, here in South Boston, the A mazon “beat” goes on.

Amazon is proposing to open what they call a “last mile” distribution center on Dorchester Avenue in South Boston, using an existing warehouse building Continued on Page 2

West Broadway Reopens

Rondo’s submarine sandwiches are still for takeout only, but they’ll be ready for seating soon.

by Rick Winterson

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his is the second in a series of articles devoted to the reopening of South Boston (or should we say “Reawakening”), after the quarantine and selfisolation caused by Coronavirus.

As far as anyone can tell, we have

“f lattened the curve” and are past the COVID-19 peak. With the proper precautions, we can begin celebrating South Boston’s reopening. But South Boston Online will repeat ourselves: During the reopening, we must take all of the proper precautions.

Along West Broadway, many Continued on Page 6

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Pride, Faith, Hard Work will make for Meaningful Change Submitted by: Ray Flynn, Former Mayor of Boston

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oston Police officers are the best, and do their best to protect the people of Boston — from the hard working poor and middle income families to the vulnerable elderly.

They are the first line of defense against violent criminals and gangs.

Activists nationwide are calling for police departments to be defunded in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis — and that message has been echoed here.

Dema nds to cut t he police budget and diminish the ef fectiveness a nd professionalism of our police officers is one of the most absurd proposals I have ever heard.

Our police have done an outstanding job in protecting our decent, law abiding citizens and businesses, as they have for many decades. I’m certain that our fine Mayor Marty Walsh Continued from Page 1

Amazon approximately a half-mile north of Andrew Square. This will be a partnership with Core Investments, a local developer headquartered in Copley Square who owns the warehouse building.

Core Investments already has significant interests in the Andrew Square neighborhood – much land area, many buildings, and co-development responsibility for Washington Village, stretching from Dorchester Street in an arc to Dorchester Avenue.

A “last-mile” distribution center, as its name implies, is located near major urban sites and handles huge numbers of shorthaul deliveries to local addresses.

The items delivered are usually small, and might have come here via much larger shipments from all over the world. They may also have tightly scheduled delivery times (remember that Amazon now owns Whole Foods). Last mile

and City Council will not get caught up in the reckless rhetoric we are hearing on national TV nightly from activist groups and inexperienced politicians to cut the budget that our outstanding first responders need do to their jobs each and every day, including our outstanding firefighters and emergency medical professionals.

W hat happened in Minneapolis would not happen in Boston because of the leadership distribution combines extremely efficient material handling with (very) high-tech scheduling.

The warehouse to be converted into the Amazon distribution center offers 100,000 square feet of space. It will become one part of Amazon’s series of properties in and around the Boston area and Eastern Massachusetts, capped by their million-square-foot fulfillment operation in Fall River. Perhaps unusually, the space will be leased for 10 years, and then returned to other uses. Application has been made to the City of Boston for approval of this novel temporary plan – “temporary” but “years long”.

Clearly, traffic questions will also be asked – as they should be. The South Boston end of Dorchester Avenue is the home of many small businesses – Peter Welch’s Gym, Grand Ten Distilling, SPOT Clothing, and Old Town Trolley are only a few examples of the enterprises located nearby along the Avenue.

of Police Commissioner William Gross, his command staff and the proven outstanding character of our rank and file police officers.

I understand the new political environment in America and the demand for change at any cost, but we are Bostonians, and are smarter than giving in to kneejerk reactions. We don’t have to go along with the views of extreme political activists on either the left or right in Washington or

any other city. Together, the city has overcome many problems of inequality and unfairness.

We have come a long way, that’s why so many people want to live here. Certainly we have to give our kids a better public education, deal with the opioid crisis and pandemic of illegal drugs and get our youth athletic programs back on track to where they once were the best around.

They kept our children and neighborhoods active, competitive and safe. That’s the real call for meaningful change, and helps bring people and families of all faiths and race together.

Boston raised thousands of the best citizens who served our nation with honor and pride — working to make our country a better place for all people. Today, Bostonians can continue doing the job. But it will take hard work, faith in God, our neighbors and pride in our great city.

409 Dorchester Ave., to be demolished as part of Amazon’s delivery center project.

Alger St. off Dorchester Ave., the entry to the warehouse complex on Dorchester Ave.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

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Compass on the Bay Receives Dozens of Personalized Cards Compass on the Bay resident Ann Hyde receiving her handwritten card from Hollister Staffing.

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it h A ssisted L i v i n g communities across Massachusetts restricting visitors, many friends, family members, a nd even sma ll businesses are using the mail to spread cheer to seniors. At Compass on the Bay in South Boston, residents received a special surprise this month when Hollister Staff ing sent each resident a personalized c a rd to read a nd enjoy.

Each ha ndwritten ca rd was addressed to a resident at the Memory Support Assisted Living community, and filled with touching notes and words of encouragement. For the residents of Compass on the Bay, it was a thoughtful gesture that brought joy - and many smiles.

“We would all be happy to receive a nice handwritten note, but for seniors it means even more,” said Jenna Petrenko, Executive Director of Compass on the Bay. “Receiving and reading cards and letters is a really comforting experience for them.”

If you would like to send a card or letter to a senior

living at Compass on the Bay, please contact Director of C ompa ss Progra m m ing Shari Sweeney at ssweeney@ c omp a s s ont he b a y.c om .

To

learn more about Compass on the Bay Memory Support Assisted Living, please visit w w w.C omp a s s ont heB ay.c om .

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Condon Care Kits (plus goodies!) Given Out Thursday

by Rick Winterson

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an something positive be done about Coronavirus and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic?

At South Boston Online, we think so; we also think it happened last Thursday at the BCYF’s Condon Community Center at 200 D Street. And in addition, it was a highly enjoyable neighborhood event aimed at South Boston’s families and their children; it was sponsored by the BCYF (Boston Centers for Youth & Families).

Another question is “How do you teach young children about the COVID-19 pandemic?”

Last Thursday’s event provided one answer. City of Boston’s Mayor Martin J. Walsh has been distributing yellow Smiley bags that he has called “Mayor Walsh’s Care Kits”. Hundreds of these very useful Care Kits were distributed to families and children last Thursday. These kits contain many items, centered on the all-important hand sanitizer every one of us should use when we are out and about. This was

The Condon Center’s table, with T-shirts given out at Condon, courtesy of SPOT Clothing, COVID-19 kits and lemonade at the end. actually a “learn by doing” event for South Boston’s young people.

Many helped out at this event – In addition to Mayor Walsh and the hard-working BCYF Staff, Haley Dillon served as the Organizer.

Haley represents South Boston in Boston’s Office of Neighborhood Services. Allison Baker from Kick Off 4 Kids partnered by giving out treats.

BPD Sgt. Gino Provenzano from our Station 6 helped at the table, as did BPS Police Officer Chris.

Supporters included Joseph’s Bakery, SPOT Clothing, State Rep. David Biele, and District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn.

A short listing of what was given away will show you why everyone (especially including the kids) was so enthusiastic about

“Mayor Walsh’s Care Kits” – given away were more than 400 Mayor Walsh Care Kits to children, adults, and Seniors; Condon T-shirts; reading books; goodie bags for the kids; and many, many refreshments. Very generous of all those who took part, wasn’t it?

And the young people learned about COVID-19, a serious and troubling issue for us all.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

SENIOR BABE RUTH TRYOUTS Tryouts will take place on Tuesday June 16th and Thursday June 18th at 5:30pm at King Field at Joe Moakley Park.

All players aged 16-18 are eligible to play and those who have turned 19 on Jan-uary 1st of this year or after are also eligible to play. We are hoping the regular season will be able to begin after the July 4th weekend with playoffs to follow.

Adequate spacing/distancing will be in effect for all players in accordance with the Governor’s Phase 2 guidelines regarding youth sports practices.

Any player interested in signing up can reach out to Billy Connor via message or at wconnor16@gmail.com

“Mass for Racial Healing” Saturday, June 13th, 8:00 a.m.

Castle Island - South Boston The Celebrant will be His Eminence Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap. Archbishop of Boston and concelebrated by our Parish Priests.

Sponsored by the Catholic Parishes of the South Boston Community in cooperation with our elected officials. If you plan to attend, please wear a mask and practice social distancing

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Continued from Page 1

West Broadway of the restaurants are planning for outside table service, including CAPO, Lincoln, and LOCO. Stats, which opens onto Dorchester Street a few doors from Perkins Square, is placing 20 picnic-style tables in its parking lot next door. My Diner, a Southie favorite, has opened its attractive patio area for outside breakfasts and lunches.

Caffe Nero simply insists, “We Are Open!” Get set for al fresco dining and sunset celebrations all along West Broadway in June. Many of the West Broadway restaurants are also seeking approval for inside dining arrangements

that have safe “Social Distancing” possibilities. Plan to dine and drink in South Boston this summer.

And please stroll, shop, and buy around Perkins Square and along West Broadway. Start at Luxe Leisure a block away on Pill Hill. Purchase basic household DIY fix-up and repair items at True Value Hardware, who stayed open all during the crisis. Then drop in at Southie’s Own. Both Dewluxe and Covet are worth some window shopping, and perhaps a socially distanced inside visit. Neatly Nested at the corner of E Street can’t be beat for the “design & décor” where you live. For miniature plants and florals, don’t miss

Dewluxe parades its unique products along the sidewalks of West Broadway.

CAPO will open with permitted “Social Distancing” for evening dining.

A pleased customer departs Southie’s Own on West Broadway.

Julio’s Micro Plant Studios. And take a look at Boston Cabinet as you walk by.

By the way, you’ll be pleased to see that banks and credit unions (MassBay, City of Boston) along West Broadway now have interior lobby hours, as well as their usual entrance services. They want your business! After a bank visit, go for coffee or lunch at Caffe Nero, Pizzeria 260, or Broadway’s Pastry. Or lunch on a huge sub at that Southie icon, Rondo’s.

South Boston Online is not sure of some reopenings along Lower Broadway. There are notes of sadness now that Mul’s will become the site of new residences. South Boston Yoga has also closed because the yoga exercises in

larger classes could not be conducted at safe “Social Distances”. We’ll keep an eye for you on Moonshine 152, the Teriyaki House, the (new) Purple Shell, and Amrhein’s itself, which has placed its usual dining tables outside.

But spirits along West Broadway are sky-high. Everyone along that familiar roadway is optimistic and looks forward to taking part in South Boston’s reopening. So is South Boston Online, but we’ll also ask (one more time) that all of us practice “Social Distancing” along West Broadway, wash hands often, and cover our faces. Thank you.

Sweet Tooth Boston, one of our most well-known “Bests”, is open for business.

COVET, a South Boston consignment shop that is so good they expanded onto Charles Street by Beacon Hill.

Caffé Nero “WE are open!”

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

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Neatly Nested at the corner of E is deservedly famous for its “design & décor”.

Micro Plant Studios provides the best in small plants, plantings, and arrangements.

Pizzeria 260 at, well, 260 West Broadway.

Stats is setting up their own venue just off Perkins Square of outdoor tables six feet apart

The Purple Shell opened in February with takeout consisting of Japanese dishes with Southeast Asian flavors and French overtones.

True Value Hardware stayed open in Perkins Square, providing essentials from light bulbs to home repair kits.

No. 258 West Broadway is home to Broadway’s Pastry, and excellent coffee , too.

Tables set outside Amrhein’s.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Martin Richard Foundation Awards Impact Grant to the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center Local Celebrities Help Support Ongoing Inclusive Creative Arts Programming through “Night in with the MRPAC: Virtual Variety Show!” on June 13th at 7:00 on June 13th at 7:00

Vice President Rachel Calabrese.

“Like our fellow performing arts colleagues, we are struggling.

The gift from the Foundation will allow us to move forward and come out of the pandemic on our feet. It’s hard to put into words how much this means to our

theater, the town of Foxborough, he Marilyn Rodman a nd arts c o m m u n i t y.”

Per forming A r ts With the support of the Center (MRPAC) has Martin R ichard Foundation, been awarded a $20,000 annual The MRPAC is hosting “A Night Impact Grant by the Martin In with the MRPAC: Virtual Richard Foundation. The funds Variety Show,” live streaming are to be used to advance the on their Facebook Page. The mission of the MRPAC and to reset v a r ie t y s how, c on si s t i n g goals and programming in order of loc a l a nd professiona l to continue offering performing talent, will play at 7:00 on and creative arts opportunities Saturday, June 13th. Special during the COVID-19 pandemic. guests include Jojo (Grammy “We are just blown away Award-Winning Artist), Jane by the generosity of the Martin R i c ha r d , Me g ha n Fit t o n Richard Foundation,” says Board (American Idol), Ayla Brown

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(American Idol), comedian Sue Costello. Local businesses also have the opportunity to submit an advertisement that will be played during our variety show event. Interested businesses can visit our website to request more information.

M R PAC ’s E xe c ut ive Di re c tor, E m i ly G a r ven, acknowledges that the funding has come at a critical time for the theatre. “We are beyond gratef u l t hat t he Ma r tin R ic h a rd Fou nd at ion has recognized the MR PAC in this significant way. Our team continues to plan relevant and accessible programming that can be presented and enjoyed with the restrictions that are in place. We have put a heavy focus on our “Night in with the MR PAC,” virtual variety show event that will continue to follow our mission of bringing performing arts opportunities to our community. We are so thankful that the MR F has given us the ability to continue to do so during the pandemic. ” “Community organizations

will play an important role as our state re-opens. Through t he i r pr o g r a m m i n g a nd performances, MRPAC continues to provide fun and engaging opportunities for children of all abilities,” said Martin Richard Foundation Co-Founder Denise R ichard. “MR PAC continues to be an anchor not only in the arts community but in their town and surrounding area, and we are proud to support t hem du ring t h is t ime.”

A BOUT THE M A RTIN RICHARD FOUNDATION T he Ma r t i n R i c ha r d Foundation Inc. is a 501(c) (3) char itable found ation that hel ps you ng peopl e to lear n , g row and lead through volunteer i s m and community engagement. Its mission is to contribute to a world where people recognize the humanity in others and model the decency needed for a united, compassionate and inclu sive communit y.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

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Mayor Walsh Announces Increased Outdoor Seating for Restaurants in Boston

uilding on Boston’s c om m it m e nt to support the City’s small businesses, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston Licensing Board today announced increased outdoor seating for restaurants in Boston. The City’s Licensing Board, in conjunction with the Public Improvement Commission, Transportation Department, and other agencies, have undertaken a temporary, non-precedent setting initiative to allow for expanded use of public spaces for outdoor dining.

The City has received close to 500 requests for temporary extension onto outdoor space, and already more than 200 businesses have received full or conditional approval to expand their outdoor space to serve patrons. The Board is actively issuing approvals for temporary extensions on private and public property, and applications will continue to be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. Applications and guidance are available on boston.gov, the Licensing Board has been conducting outreach throughout Boston’s neighborhoods to encoura ge restaura nts to apply for this program.

“Boston is committed to a safe, phased reopening process,” said Mayor Walsh. “That includes helping our small businesses open safely and successfully, and we’ve been working wherever we can to remove barriers and provide new opportunities. The restaurant industry has been incredibly impacted by this global pandemic, and we’ve made helping the small businesses that make our neighborhoods and city so special a priority during this time.”

New outdoor dining spaces are moving forward this week, from Luna’s in East Boston; to M&M Barbeque in Dorchester.

The Board is actively working with establishments across the City to finalize approvals for restaurants including Dudley

My Diner (Dorchester Street and First) has begun table service on their sunny, well-placed patio.

Cafe in Roxbury to Tawakal Halal Cafe in East Boston to Blue Nile Restaurant in Jamaica Plain.

Outdoor restaurant dining in the North End will be finalized later week, as special considerations are given to the density of the restaurants within the North End. If restaurants have applied and received approval, they can begin outdoor service on their property, or in the public parking spaces outside their establishment, immediately.

Those outdoor spaces can remain open until 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.

Outdoor restaurant tables must be minimum 6 feet away, and tables can’t seat more than 6 people. Workers must wear masks, and patrons must wear masks until they are seated at their tables. In the State of Massachusetts’ regulations around reopening, Phase 2 began on Monday, June 8th, and allowed for outdoor restaurant seating.

Indoor restaurant dining is not yet allowed under State guidelines.

T he B oa rd, B oston Transportation Department, Inspectional Services Department, Public Improvement Commission, and Public Works Department will waive fees for the approved use of outdoor space for this program, on both public and private property, on a temporary, non-precedent

setting basis. The Licensing Board last month also voted to lift citywide the preexisting condition of “alcohol with food only” on outdoor space or any other similar condition that prohibits the sale and service of alcohol on outdoor space without the service of a food item.

These new protocols are part of the Walsh Administration’s ongoing work to support small businesses during this challenging time. On May 26, Mayor Walsh announced $6 million in new debt-free grants to support the safe and healthy reopening of small businesses in Boston, continuing the City of Boston’s commitment to provide rapid, equitable, and transparent relief to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will help qualified small businesses implement the necessary public health measures required to reopen safely. In total, the City of Boston has provided over $13.5 million in City, federal, and private funding to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

To further assist the City’s small businesses, the City of Boston has created a new platform to help businesses source the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies they will be required to have available in order to ensure the safety of employees

and customers as industries begin to reopen. Along with industryspecific reopening requirements, the page includes a list of selfidentified, local suppliers of PPE and cleaning supplies, information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ vendor database, and partner organizations helping to connect businesses with vendors.

As bu sine ss ow ners, employers, and employees navigate an evolving COVID-19related assistance landscape, the Economic Development Office has created a Federal Assistance Guide, Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document, all of which are continuously updated.

The City of Boston has created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the Commonwealth’s Non-Essential Services and ‘Stay At Home’ Order.

The Open Businesses in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents into supporting local establishments.

The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/smallbusiness. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit boston.gov/coronavirus.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION

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