THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Police Activity Level Drops
by Rick Winterson The Boston Po l i c e Depa rtment’s Station C - 6, commanded by Capt. Joseph Boyle and located on West Broadway near B Street, is responsible for law enforcement in South Boston. Monthly public information meetings a re nor m a l ly held w it h re pre s ent at ive s f rom t he va rious neighborhood civic groups in South Boston on the f irst Wednesday evening of every month. However, along with most other public meetings here, these update
meetings have been deferred indefinitely to avoid possible contagion from Coronavirus and COVID-19. This is a brief, informa l report concerning police events in South Boston during the month of March. Despite C O V I D -19, our neighborhood has been relatively quiet, according to Sgt. Steve McNeil, the Supervisor of Station C-6 Community Relations. Actually, call volume has decreased by a measurable a mount during the recent month, probably due to more people staying inside, as well as a number of establishments
being closed out rig ht to decrease the occurrence of C OV I D -19 – “ f l at ten i n g the cur ve”, as it’s ca lled. There are some secondary ef fects resulting from the important, disease-related “Social Distancing” we are all practicing. Cars are being parked in place longer, so there have been a few more auto break-ins and larcenies. As much as possible, some police work is being handled by phone – like the processing of paperwork, licensing applications, and so on. Inspections of properties like restaurants and bars have been increased, at least for now, to be sure they conform to proper l ic en si ng a nd the rules set up to prevent contagion between customers. And maybe, just maybe, wrongdoers are a lso afraid of C oronav i r u s a nd a re st ay i ng home t hem selve s.
BINGO South Boston Catholic Academy’s Home and School Committee held a Family BINGO. Many families and friends came and had a lot of fun at this event. A Special Thank you to Mrs. Roderiques, Mrs. Nee and our 6th Grade Student Council Members, for hosting this event. More Photos on Page 8 & 9
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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
THE SURGE IS COMING: STAY HOME A PLEA TO THE PUBLIC By: Tara Kerrigan Hayes
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he surge is coming. The word is out. So, why t hen, a re t he pe ople? The stats are everywhere and the outlook is grim. Despite the US death toll eclipsing China’s and continuing to rise at a staggering rate, it seems, for some, the severity of the situation is simply not sinking in. New York infectious disease epidemiologist, John Smith, succinctly conveyed how an outbreak like the Coronavirus spreads exponentially, “if your son visits his girlfriend, and you later sneak over for coffee with a neighbor, your neighbor is now connected to the infected office worker that your son’s girlfriend’s mother shook hands with”. Consider the power behind that fact, (and it is, indeed, a fact). Conversely, any break in that chain - breaks the disease transmission along the chain. To put it simply, the line has been drawn in the sand. You are either one of the people who builds a bridge that leads the virus directly to us all, or you are one of the people who obliterates the bridge and aids in keeping us safe. If somehow the words don’t resonate, perhaps a visual might. By now we’ve all seen the infamous footage of the Spring breakers crowding the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. What not everyone has seen, however, is the visual presentation tracking the movement of thousands of those revelers returning home
(via their mobile devices), and landing themselves all over the country. Using an analysis called Spider Monkey Query, Tectoni x, geospatia l data visualization platform (working with location company X-mode Social) plainly demonstrates the massive impact of just one of those beach gatherings, and how it can potentially spread the virus across our nation at an alarming rate: https://t witter.com/i/ status/1242628347034767361. It’s that same mentality of those beach goers that has frustrations rising over the lack of social distancing, even here in South Boston, where groups gathered along M Street beach last week, (albeit on a much smaller scale). One local resident says, “it’s disturbing to see these clusters of people gathering on the streets over coffee, storming castle island together, dragging cases of beer and chips into each other’s houses, like it’s one big party”. If this is indicative of what we can expect as the weather improves, then the fear is that Governor Baker’s extended stay-athome advisory will have fallen on too many deaf ears, and it would seem inevitable that mandatory action will be necessary, if common sense does not soon prevail. Here in the states, we have the benefit of foresight, having observed where other countries failed, or made strides, and yet, in some ways, we are already too many steps behind. A relative and resident of Manchester, England reacted to the banned gatherings of more than 2 people
by Prime Minister Johnson, saying, “I’m afraid we are now on the same trajectory as Italy, because we took action too late”. So what can WE do here and now, to take preemptive measures aside from the obvious, (ha nd wa shing )? If you haven’t already, start strict self-sequestering immediately. To be effective in a community, sequestering should be done simultaneously, (staggering the stopwatch is as futile as it is unfair). Dismiss permission to gather with up to 10 people, (it only takes one infected person to expose the other 9). Eradicate the belief that 6 feet of social distancing is enough. New research suggests a “safe” distance is around 27 feet. That number will likely change. Err on the side of caution and simply STAY HOME. Limit your social interaction to your household members ONLY. This excludes family who live in another residence. This excludes outdoor social gatherings, (just because it feels safer outside, doesn’t mean it is). Dispel the notion that this virus is only deadly for the elderly and
those with compromised immune systems. No one is impervious. Quarantine yourself as if you are a carrier (because you might be). Reject the defeatist perspective that “we are all going to get it anyway” as an excuse to stray from the current goal; to cut off the transmission route in order to buy time to advance development and implementation of vaccines and treatment drugs. The unfortunate truth is this virus will thrive on the naivety or selfishness of those being socially irresponsible, and there are already innocent people dying on the front lines. If that terminology is reminiscent of being at war, it’s because we essentially are, and each of us are either Team Virus, or Team Humanity, directly determined by our actions. Yes, these will be trying times. Yes, isolation is difficult, and the prospect of loneliness can be overwhelming. But the irony is that by enduring it together, we are actually more connected to each other, and to the world, than ever before. Pl ea se hel p us hel p each other, and hold the line. By STAY ING HOME .
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020
Councilor Flynn Files Resolution to Support Our Nurses & Healthcare Workers
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oston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a resolution at this week’s City Council meeting to offer support to our nurses and healthcare workers, who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resolution calls for hospitals, industry leaders, and other policymakers to provide healthcare workers with the sufficient equipment and appropriate working conditions as they work to combat this spread of this virus. As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, our nurses and healthcare workers play an indispensable part in our response to the pandemic. The resolution urges that all frontline healthcare workers be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), that hospitals consider triage outside of their facilities, and also designate floors for COVID-19 patients to reduce exposure. Moreover, it asks for a halt to all hospital closures and staff reductions, and that there be sufficient environmental services and cleaning
staff in hospitals to limit spread of the virus. Our frontline healthcare workers also need to be supported with childcare, paid leave, and facility provided scrubs so they can care for patients and also limit spread to their families and communities. Finally, we all must do our part in preventing the spread of the virus by practicing physical distancing, so that we can help flatten the curve and not further stress our medical system. “Our nurses and healthcare workers are risking their own health for us and giving everything they have in order to serve their patients. They are the heroes of this crisis and deserve our utmost respect, ” said Councilor Flynn. “We must continue to support our frontline healthcare workers by advocating for the proper safety equipment and precautions, as well as emphasizing the critical need for physical distancing to not overwhelm the system.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Sr. Evelyn Defers Visit
We are sorry to report that Sister Evelyn Hurley SCN, a longtime, much beloved teacher at what is now South Boston Catholic Academy, has postponed her annual visit to South Boston from her retirement quarters in Nazareth, Kentucky. She was coming here to celebrate Easter with us. Sr. Evelyn recently (early this March) celebrated her 105th Birthday (yes, that was 105!), and of course, she has to take precautions during the Coronavirus pandemic. Drop her an Easter note, when you have a moment. All of us will miss you, Sr. Evelyn. Please plan on visiting us as soon as you can in the future.
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Collins, Biele Support Tax Delays, Small Business Relief State Continues to Battle COVID-19 Outbreak
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s the COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect every aspect of our lives, State Senator Nick Collins, State Representative David Biele, and their colleagues in state, local, and federal government continue the push to provide relief for individuals, families, and businesses across the State. Last week, the state announced it would move the income tax filing deadline to July 15th, in line with Federal policy, to give residents more time to adapt to a rapidly changing financial situation. On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to allow cities and towns to delay the collection of property taxes. To help local small businesses, last week the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation allowing for the sale of beer and wine for take-out and delivery when ordered with
food. This measure will allow restaurants to sell their beer and wine inventory, providing a much-needed economic boost for these businesses. “As families struggle to make rent and mortgage payments, small business owners are scrambling to pay their bills, and people are under immense financial pressure to file taxes and pay property tax, these measures will provide immediate economic relief,” said Senator Collins. “It is important that we as a Commonwealth look out for all of our residents, and my colleagues and I are working hard every day to deliver policies that make a real difference for families in the First Suffolk District.” “These measures will help give individuals, families, and small business owners relief from financial and economic burdens brought on by COVID-19,” said Rep. Biele. “We must continue to work hard and work together to support those in need and those impacted by this public health crisis.”
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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Boston Strong By Brianne Fitzgerald RN, NP, MPH
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fter reading Mayor Wa l s h ’s announcement regarding the increased capacity and intervention help for the homeless, the near homeless and the recently housed (formally homeless), I am both hopeful and proud of our city. These are not times to waff le, point fingers and play what if. It is time to get real and through the efforts of the city, the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, of private businesses, as well as an army of concerned individuals reaching out to the homeless and most vulnerable. We are all equals as Covid 19 spreads across America. Boston is a small city and chances are that
we might know or have served in the past one of these most vulnerable citizens. It is easier to stay home if you have a home, more comfortable to distance when you have enough space to distance. As each of us imagines this unimaginative experience unfolding in real-time, consider just how unsettling this may be for the marginalized and alone. We pride ourselves on being Boston Stong and Mayor Walsh and his teams are living up to this. As each of us considers what we might be doing for the rest of our life, take some time to ref lect on our relationship to consumerism, with the community and with the environment. We all have a chance right now to live fully and generously one day at a time. A generous spirit does not necessarily translate into money;
a generous spirit honors the other. We are all going through this in our own unique way. Each human experience is valid. Please let us step away from judging the other. If we ruminate on how or when this pandemic will wane we miss today. In an excessive focus on ourselves, we miss the other. A well-known tenet to successful living is to share what you have with others. Call a
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Membership open to those that live, work or attend school in a community of Middlesex, Norfolk or Suffolk Counties** 617-635-4545 Cityofbostoncu.com * Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of WINcentive Savings is .10% APY and is accurate as of 1/1/19. APY is subject to change without notice. Must be a member in good standing of City of Boston Credit Union to open WINcentive Savings. Only one WINcentive Savings account allowed per member. Business and trust accounts or other non-consumer accounts are not eligible. Unlimited deposits allowed, but per calendar year prize pool entries are earned by month-over-month balance increases with each $25 deposit increase equal to one (1) entry with the following maximum entries per drawing period - maximum number of entries per month equals 4, maximum number of entries per quarter equals 12 and maximum number of entries per year equals 48. Account holder is only eligible to win once per drawing pool period. At least one account holder must be 18 years or older. Account must be open and active to win any prize during drawing period. Early withdrawal penalites apply; first withdrawal $10 fee, second withdrawal $25 fee, third withdrawal account closure is required with no penalty. If WINcentive savings account is closed member is ineligible to open another WINcentive savings account with City of Boston Credit Union for a period of 90 days, all earned drawings at the time of account closure are forfeited. Minimum deposit of $5.00. After twelve (12) consecutive months of saving, WINcentive savings account holder may do any of the following penalty-free during the one year anniversary month (month 13) of account opening; keep balance in WSA account, (any roll-over balance that remains at the end of the anniversary month will be treated as a new deposit for eligibility into applicable prize pools for the subsequent first monthly, quarterly and annual savings period); Transfer funds into another savings product offered by City of Boston Credit Union; Withdraw all funds but keep $5 on deposit in WSA to maintain account; Close account. Federally Insured Offer may be withdrawn at any time. by NCUA ** For complete City of Boston Credit Union membership eligibility and guidelines visit cityofbostoncu.com
neighbor, see if anyone needs a grocery pick up. Pray mightily for those on the front lines and remember that a homeless person is someone’s child, parent, or sibling. We are Boston Strong. For further information on shelters, mea ls, st reet outreach and day programs: ht t p s : // w w w. b o s t o n . g o v/ d e p a r t m e n t s /n e i g h b o r h o o d .development/helping-homeless.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020
Congressman Lynch’s “Town Hall” – March 30, 2020 by Rick Winterson Congressman Lynch held one of his online “Town Hall” question-andanswer sessions on Monday evening, March 30. These are mass meetings via mobile phones, which are open to all who are interested in the Congressman’s activities, viewpoints, and opinions about what the future holds. The announcer who emceed this event said that approximately 1,600 had called in to listen. As you’d expect, most of the questions and comments dealt with the Coronavirus/COVID-19 crisis, and accompanying issues such as the $2 trillion “bailout” bill that was just passed. List of the most important things discussed in the form of brief line items or “bullet points”, in the order in which they were brought up: - A medical doctor who took part in Lynch’s Town Hall stated that key COVID-19 symptoms, in addition to having a fever with body aches, include a dry cough and sudden extreme fatigue. She told the listeners to immediately contact their primary care physicians for testing. - Regarding domestically produced personal protective equipment (PPE), Lynch mentioned that 60% of PPE now comes from overseas sources, including from China before their own epidemic. Congress has set aside $50 billion to resolve this, working with reputable U.S. firms like 3M, who will need three or four weeks before our own factories are ramped up. There is also the alternative of using of PPE multiple times after “extended life protocols” (i.e., carefully sanitizing the used PPE). - The Federal government plans to pick up the cost of COVID-19 testing, if it is performed based upon a medical doctor’s recommendation and referral. - Federal loans to help tide small businesses over economic injury from the pandemic will become available soon. - Complicated questions about the eligibility for the planned one-time “bailout” benefit arose, especially if the potential recipient was already getting certain SSI disability benefits. Lynch recommended contacting his office and requesting Nick Zaferakis to answer this question. - Specific benefits for USPS employees, especially those maintaining external mail deliveries, were not funded, at least not yet. Congressman Lynch stated he is working on this gap. - In answer to when to wear a mask, the MD with Lynch stated that you should wear a mask if you feel sick yourself, or if you are caring for a sick person. Otherwise, a mask isn’t necessary. - One-time “bailout” payments for children will be made to family dependents in college, but here again, complications such as Federal college loans may have to be taken into account. Check first. - According to the U.S. Treasury, the first “bailout” checks will arrive in about three weeks. Congressman Lynch closed his Town Hall by thanking all participants, and commenting on how well he thought his fellow Americans were handling themselves during this crisis. He expressed profound gratitude, in particular to all medical personnel, especially those on the “front lines” caring for patients who have already caught the virus.
The True Heroes of 2020
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he true heroes of 2020 range from highly educated doctors to brilliant research bioscientists to consistently accurate technicians to empathetic caregivers to dedicated manual workers. They have endured – and are still enduring – long hours of labor, immense fatigue, mental and physical privation, and separation from any aspects of what we call “the good life”. Even though they can see no end to their labors, they labor on. They are devoted to, and energized by, that saying of Hippocrates, “First, do no harm.” And they have elevated that saying to an oath that states, “Above all, cure.”, even though they themselves are in mortal danger every day. These heroes are all medical personnel who work in clinics, hospitals, laboratories, homes for the ill, and the overcrowded wards that serve patients who have fallen prey to the Coronavirus – patients who have become sick (often fatally so) with COVID19 (COronaVIrus Disease of 2019). Recognize that the challenge accepted by these heroes is that of dealing with a lethal organism, which spreads a disease that has no cure, at least not right now. They are as susceptible to this disease as any of the patients they serve, yet they are being asked to perform their duties in a superhuman way and in constant contact with this
disease. Their conditions of work, always difficult, have declined from demanding to grueling to outright dangerous. The conditions these heroes encounter are aggravated by a shortage of safety equipment, but they reuse the same equipment over again to help their patients as much as possible. They work long, long hours; they are unavoidably exposed to the Coronavirus, which at times isolates them from their friends and families. And to add to their concerns, a few of the institutions they work for have run out of cash – some of these heroes are now working for half-pay or less.
Yet, they labor on.
South Boston Online will compare these heroes to military veterans – veterans who have seen combat. The danger, the fatigue, the isolation, and the threat of death both groups endure resemble each other. You know how much value South Boston places on its veterans. We can only suggest that these medical heroes are deserving of similar praise and gratitude as well. We can safely predict that we will win the war against Coronavirus, but remember that a war, even one that is eventually won, is made up of numerous battles, often taking place over several years. And all wars, without exception, are hugely dangerous. So, light a candle for the well-being of all our “Medical Veterans” during the war against Coronavirus and COVID-19.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Neighborhood House Auction Update by Rick Winterson
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s you’ve heard, the South Boston Neighborhood House transformed its “in person” 2020 Annual Benefit & Auction, originally scheduled for last Friday night, March 27, into a week-long “Virtual Event”. This transformation, to minimize exposure to COVID-19 of course, means that everything is now taking place online. In a brief phone interview on Monday with Executive Director Kathy Lafferty, she updated us on how well their “Virtual Event” was going. And overall, she informed us that it was going very well indeed. Their week-long, “Virtual Event” Auction opened online last Friday evening, March 27, at the same time the live event had
once been scheduled to begin. The Auction will last for seven (7) days exactly – you can take part in the Auction right now by making your own bid online, choosing from 50 delightful, attractive items of all kinds. The Neighborhood House “Virtual Event” Auction will be open for your bids until next Friday, closing at exactly 5:59 p.m., early in the evening of April 3. As the first news item, the Auction’s raffle prize of an unusually adventurous trip to San Francisco and Sonoma was won by Toby Messina on East Sixth Street. Please enjoy yourself, Toby. South Boston Online would appreciate hearing back from you when you return, so we can tell our readers how your adventure went. The mechanics of making an online bid in support of the Neighborhood House are simple.
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The South Boston Neighborhood House at H and East Sixth is having a highly successful “Virtual Event” Auction this year Simply log onto https://www. biddingfor good.com/SBNHMA, either on Facebook or on the South Boston Neighborhood website. But before you do that, please take the time to examine all the items available in the “Virtual Event” Auction – they are certainly worth a look, and because of this being a week-long “Virtual Event”, you’ll have plenty of time to make up your mind about what to bid. And even though South Boston is in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Neighborhood House is continuing its invaluable support of our community during these difficult times. Last Friday, they gave away
115 bags of emergency groceries to those who needed staple foods to get through the weekend, and will continue doing this each Friday in the future until it’s no longer needed. This week, Neighborhood House volunteers are delivering meals to Seniors – 150 of them each day, Monday through Friday. You may contact Carol Sullivan at the Neighborhood House to be included in these programs. And stay tuned for the results of the “Virtual Event “Auction at the South Boston Neighborhood House. If you don’t choose to make a bid, the Neighborhood House would be grateful for a donation. Thanks!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020
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“Social Distancing”, Part Two (Fort Point, Seaport) by Rick Winterson
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n South Boston Online’s March 19 issue, we headlined our article on “Social Distancing” that featured open spaces that are seen while walking in the more residential areas of South Boston. At the end of that photoessay, we promised our readers that we would follow up with an article about walking scenes in Fort Point and South Boston’s Seaport District. The promised article follows; please read on. Governor Baker’s recent press announcements encouraged outdoor walks, by yourself and keeping up the important practice of “Social Distancing”. Next to washing your hands frequently, Social Distancing is the single most important way to prevent the Coronavirus from spreading. We encourage you to use these walks for healthful exercise, both physical and mental. Take pride in the South Boston you’ll see, especially now that spring has arrived. But please be sure (!) to continue “Social Distancing” – at least six feet away from everyone! To start your Fort Point/ Seaport walk, get off the #9 bus or the MBTA’s Red Line at Broadway Station. Walk a block and turn left onto A Street, which was once (and really still is) the main street through South Boston’s Fort Point
How’s that for a Channel walkway that beckons? neighborhood. You are in for a constantly shifting, eye-catching kaleidoscope of views that mixes histor y, the local waterside (82% of South Boston looks out over salt water), and 170 years’ worth of human architecture stretching out before you. More seriously, use the views you’ll encounter while walking alone in South Boston as a way to bring back that good old American quality of future optimism. On A St reet, you’ l l i m me d i ate ly enc ou nter a delightf u lly pla nned sma ll park. Walk across the Gillette parking lot; check out the Fort Point Channel views and the Boston skyline in all directions. The carefully preserved brick str uctures in For t Point, once used for the woolen trade, are now salutes to local
“I was born down on A Street, grew up on … “.
craftsmanship, as well as fine places to live and work in creative and/or high tech pursuits. Proceed through the two tunnels that line the east side of the Fort Point Channel to approach the Seaport District. Take a quick look back along the length of the Channel to where Bass River used to f low. At Summer Street, take another quick look back at the elegant, curvilinear brickwork at the head of Melcher Street. Then you’ll pass the Tea Party Ships’ dock and the Children’s Museum (with milk bottle) on Congress Street. C ont inue nor t h a long the Channel, past the hulking old steel structure that was the original Northern Avenue Bridge, and continue by The Barking Crab onto Fan Pier and the Harborwalk. Pause
and enjoy the view, which is a sight to behold no matter what the weather is. Check out the rest of Boston’s skyline, then pass over the Seaport Green at the Fallen Heroes Memorial to end your walk. Or for a really long walk, go up to the World Trade Center, climb upstairs to their divinely landscaped elevated park area, and come back to South Boston past the Convention Center via D Street. Right now, even on clear, sunny days, you’ll encounter very few pedestrians while you are walking, but please remember to make “Social Distancing” a (very!) important part of your own private walk. We must all take this precaution 100% of the time, until Coronavirus has disappeared.
Looking across to Pier 4 and the ICA from the Reel House roof.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Catholic Academy News March Highlights Students in Grade 3B completed a Biography Genre Study by researching a person who has been influential to a community. Students worked independently in class to conduct research and create a “Biography Buddy” report about their selected person. Some of the Biography Buddies were on…Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Harriet Tubman (American Abolitionist and Political Activist), Helen Keller (American Author, Political Activist, and Lecturer), Katherine Johnson (NASA Research Mathematician), George Washington (1st President of the USA), John F. Kennedy (35th President of USA), Barack Obama (44th President of the USA), Princes Diana of Whales, Nancy Kerrigan (1993 US National Figure Skating Champion) and Michael Jordan (Former Professional Basketball Player Winning Six Championships) Fantastic job 3B! South Boston Catholic Academy’s Home and School Committee held a Family BINGO. Many families and friends came and had a lot of fun at this event. A Special Thank you to Mrs. Roderiques, Mrs. Nee and our 6th Grade Student Council Members, for hosting this event. Thank you to all our wonderful parents, families and all who helped in any way to make it possible for families and friends to come together for some pizza, a fun game of BINGO and a chance to win some great prizes! South Boston Catholic Academy’s website (www.SBCatholicAcademy.org). Please contact: Mrs. Jamie Brown, our Vice Principal, with any questions at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org or phone 617-268-2326 for more information.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020
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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
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Helping Others, Part 3
outh Boston Online has been seeking the good news along with the bad (please read our reports entitled “Helping Others” and “Helping Others, Part Two” in our two last issues. Since we wrote those articles, more and more examples of caring and volunteering have popped up. The Children’s Museum has announced their efforts to help us get through the Coronavirus crisis. They are offering free play and learning resources for children and their families to use, and which are online for
safe use in your home. Thank you ver y much, Children’s. For additiona l information, please log onto: https://www. bostonchildrensmuseum.org. And the newly begun “Boston Resiliency Fund” is off to a great start. The Fund is a coordinated effort that supports City of Boston residents most affected by COVID-19/ Coronavirus. Begun earlier in March, at the end of last weekend the Boston Resiliency Fund had raised just over $20 million ($20,000,000). Truly generous
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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 781-992-5308, to request that we mail you one and to ask us for any guidance you might need to complete the application. Completed printed, signed, paper applications can also be mailed to Maloney Properties Postmarked no later than April 18, 2020 Maloney Properties, Inc. Attention: Echelon 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 781-9925308 US Relay 711 | Email: Echelon@maloneyproperties.com
Bostonians, indeed! You may donate online using your credit card if you wish, or by check made out to “Boston Charitable Trust” with “Boston Resiliency Fund” in the memo field. Mail your check to City of Boston Treasury Department, 1 City Hall Square, Room M-5, Boston, MA 02201 Fur t hermore, volunteers are showing up in huge numbers wherever they are needed. Please read our article on the Neighborhood House’s “Virtual Event” Auction, and their efforts to supply food to residents in our community of South Boston using volunteers. And next week, we’ll have a story about Monica’s Kitchen, and how the volunteers there manage their good works, while maintaining the now essential practice of “Social Distancing” – self less good works, six feet (or more) away. Speaking of Social Distancing, the local Boston Police Station
C-6 has reported that, for the most part, local residents are keeping their “Social Distance” when out walking, or they are staying home. We aren’t perfect, but South Boston is nearly there. And here’s a loudly spoken “THANK YOU” to those on the front lines of the battle against Coronavirus - our elected of f icia ls, educators, volu nteers, bu sinesses a nd their at-home employees, and (especially) those who have worked in the field of medical care so hard and so long during the last month or two. Medical workers of all kinds are the true heroes in our current situation. A s a f ina l (a lt houg h unconf irmed) positive note, the higher temperatures and increased sunshine that come with spring may decrease the menace of Coronavirus. As we said, this is unconfirmed, but we can hope, can’t we?
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
Equal Housing Opportunity
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020
Gate of Heaven, St. Brigid and St. Augustine Chapel Parish News All Masses and Religious Services are suspended until further notice! Please keep up to date on the times and dates our Churches will be open for private prayer by: 1. Visiting our websites 2. Following us on Facebook 3. Calling Parish Office for Voice Updates on our automated system NOTICE - CHANGE OF TIMES March 28 - April 7th Churches will be closed 10:00AM MASS - Live Streamed - EVERY MORNING On Sunday - April 5th - Palm Sunday We will LIVE STREAM --- PALM SUNDAY MASS at 10:00AM on our website www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org PARISH OFFICE CLOSED TO VISITORS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE USE EMAIL OR PHONE TO CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE Leave a Voicemail on Karin’s Extension - #10 IN EMERGENCY – PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE ON FR. CASEY’S VOICEMAIL.
DND AffordableRental Opportunity Talbot Commons- Phase 1 - Multiple Addresses in Dorchester, 02124: 14 & 18 New England Ave, 15 & 17 Mallard Ave, 207 Norfolk Street, 4-6 Norfolk Terrace
40 Income-restricted Units 19 New Construction and 7 Moderate Rehab to be rented through lottery 14 units are currently occupied with no waiting list. Filled on turnover by this lottery
BPDA Income Restricted Rental Opportunity The Alyx at Echelon Seaport 133-135 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210 www.AlyxLottery.com 24 Income Restricted Rental Units # of Units # of Bedrooms Maximum Income Limit (by AMI)* Rent 3 Micro-Studio 70% $1,012 5 Studio 70% $1,125 9 1-Bed** 70% $1,318 5 2-Bed 70% $1,492 2 3-Bed 70% $1,672 *Minimum income limits apply **One ADA Unit available for persons with mobility impairments Maximum Income Limits by AMI + Minimum Income Limits by # of Bedrooms # of people in household 70% AMI # of Bedrooms Minimum Yearly Income*** 1 $55,550 Micro-studio $30,360 2 $63,450 Studio $33,750 3 $71,400 1-bedroom $39,540 4 $79,300 2-bedroom $44,760 5 $85,650 3-bedroom $50,160 6 $92,000 *** Minimum incomes are set by the owner and do not apply to households receiving housing assistance such as Section 8, VASH, or MRVP. Maximum Asset Limits 80% AMI 100% 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, March 30, 2020 – Monday, April 13, 2020 through the following methods: To request + complete the application online, please visit: www.AlyxLottery.com To have a hard copy of the application sent to your mailing address, please call: 781-992-5309 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 781-992-5309, to request that we mail you one and to ask us for any guidance you might need to complete the application. Applications can be completed online by April 18, 2020 Completed printed, signed, paper applications can also be mailed to Maloney Properties Postmarked no later than April 18, 2020 Maloney Properties, Inc.
Number of Units
Number of Bedrooms
Rent
Maximum Income in AMI
3
2-Bedrooms*
up to 30%household income
30% AMI
6
3 Bedroom*
up to 30%household income
30% AMI
3
1-Bedroom
$1,359
60% AMI
25
2-Bedroom**
$1,530
60% AMI
3
3 Bedroom
$1,359
60% AMI
*The three 2 bedrooms and one 3-bedroom units are Homeless Set-asides filled through direct referral from HomeStart. For more information, please visit https://www.homestart.org/bostonhsa or call 857-415-2139 **Two of these units are built out for people with mobility impairments + one is built out for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
Maximum Yearly Income based on Number of People in Household (2019 limits, provided by DND) Number of People in Household 1
30% AMI $24,900
60% AMI $49,800
2 3
$28,450 $32,000
$56,880 $64,000
4 5
$35,550 $38,400
$71,100 $78,800
6
$41,250
$82,500
Minimum Yearly Income Based on the Number of Bedrooms Number of Bedrooms
30%
60%
1
No Minimum
$41,133
2
No Minimum
$49,371
3 No Minimum $57,024 Minimum Incomes do not apply to households with housing assistance like Section 8, MRVP, Vash
Applications are available March 30, 2020 through April 24, 2020
After careful consideration and an abundance of caution, the City of Boston has decided to cancel the in-person application distribution period. To request an application online please go to: http://bit.ly/talbotcommons1
If you cannot complete the application online (recommended), please call us at (617) 287-9580 to request that we mail you one and to ask for any guidance you might need to complete the application. When you call, you will be asked for your full name, complete mailing address, and phone number. This is a City and HUD requirement. Application must be submitted online OR postmarked by April 24, 2020. Reasonable accommodations made. Selection by Lottery.Income, Asset, & Use Restrictions apply. Preferences apply. For more information, language assistance, or reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities please call or email. For more information, language assistance, or reasonable accommodations email WinnResidential at TalbotCommons@winnco.com or call (617) 287.9580 / TTY/TDD: (800) 439-2370
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION
The State of Real Estate Besides following all the measures that the CDC urges all individuals to follow, Rooney Real Estate will be adding the following practices : • Our staff and agents will work from home as much as possible • Online virtual tours of each of our listings to limit showings • Personal / Private showings, not conducting open houses • We will provide sanitizers at all showings • Sales and rental contracts will be signed electronically
. . . . s N g O n i t O s i S L G s N e I l a M S O ting it! / s li C l y ll a ia fic 9-1000 Rent hout of
y 17-26 y wit t 6 r a : e T p IS o L M r E April &y to get exposure onUyRouPrRpOoPERTY CAN MAKE TH wa W YO O H N A great TAIILS O E D R O CALL F
Take advantage of a low interest rate today! Rooney Real Estate, LLC. 617.269.1000 | www.Rooney-RE.com Jackie Rooney | jackie@rooney-re.com