SBOL 11-7-19

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

November 5, 2019, Election: Unofficial Results

by Rick Winterson This brief article deals with the City of Boston’s Election Day on Tuesday, November 5. The poll numbers South Boston Online is using in this article became available on Tuesday evening at 11 p.m., just three hours after the polls closed.

They are therefore labelled “Unoff icial”.

Even though the results that South Boston Online is reporting on below are unofficial, it appears (with one exception) they will match the final results.

The exception is the race for the final at-Large City Council seat between Julia Mejia (22,464 votes) and Alejandra Nicole St. Guillen (22,454), a difference of only ten (10) votes (-0.002%). As of this morning, St. Guillen has

requested a recount because of the narrow vote margin. This seat had been occupied by Althea Garrison, who replaced Ayanna Pressley after she was elected to the House of Representatives.

The two City Councilor races that directly affect South Boston were in District 2 and District 3. These were won

by Ed Flynn and Frank Baker, respectively, both of whom ran unopposed in Tuesday’s contest and were re-elected with 95%+ vote getting. Baker will represent the two South Boston precincts that lie south of A ndrew Square; Flynn will represent the rest of South Boston.

The eight candidates for the four at-Large City Councilor seats generated a total of just over 200,000 votes – up to Continued on Page 3

Who’s On Your List?

What A Treat!

Make no bones about it, this year’s “Trick or Treat on Broadway” was a smashing success! On Halloween night, thousands of costumed cuties and their families strolled East and West Broadway getting all kinds of fun sweets & treats from participating businesses and residents. It was another hugely successful and safe community event by the SB Chamber of Commerce and the SB Neighborhood Development Corp working with the BPD, C-6 and Cadet class. Shown above are the BCYF Condon Boo Crew enjoying their #1 favorite night of the year!

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM Senator Collins Secures $4,500,000 For Boston Roads State Senate Allocates $60M for Local Roads and Bridges

The Massachusetts State Senate recently passed an annual Supplemental Budget, including a provision earmarking $60 million to reimburse cities and towns for roadway repairs and infrastructure improvements. State Senator Nick Collins estimates that Boston stands to receive about $4.5 million of the investment into transportation infrastructure.

The allocation will go to fund the Chapter 90 formula, which the State uses to help municipalities pay for roadway improvements. Salt and sand from a heavy winter, combined with typical factors of erosion, often leave potholes and dangerous conditions come springtime.

Drivers, pedestrians, public transit riders, and bicyclists alike feel the impacts of these conditions, and these funds are designed to allow cities and towns the flexibility to make critical repairs.

“This funding helps our cities and towns promote safety and reliability on their roads and infrastructure” said State Senator Nick Collins. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the Senate and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing support to our partners in city government.”

The closeout supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2019 passed by the Senate also includes: $10M for low-income housing units through Affordable Housing Trust Fund $9.9M for nursing home facility rates $5.7M for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) $5M for gun violence prevention grants $50M for the MBTA capital acceleration program $35M to help finance improvements to local water systems

A Few Friendly Reminders

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here is a rule of thumb in South Boston’s many, varied activities that says the pace of these events here in the old hometown picks up around Halloween, and continues apace until right before the December Holidays. Many of these events support worthy causes; all are greatly enjoyable times.

Willy Wilson’s Friendship Party on the 26th of October was a blast. And now Halloween has passed. Citywide crowds of several thousand thoroughly enjoyed the one day of the Haunted Castle extravaganza, also on Saturday, the 26th. And Mother Nature didn’t dare to interfere with “Trick or Treat on Broadway” on October 31. Early on, South Boston Online lost count of all the trick-ortreaters. But weren’t their costumes stunning – really outstanding!

And now it’s November.

Tomorrow evening on Friday the 8th, Andy Ward’s South Boston Joseph Nee Collaborative Center has its Comedy Night at Florian Hall.

Rob Pacitti will receive his welldeserved 2019 Darlene Sheehan “Beacon of Hope” Award. The comics are Johnny Pizzi and Artie Januario. On Monday, November 11, the Fitzgerald Post opens to observe Veterans Day at 9:15 a.m.,

followed by a march to St. Brigid Church for a 10 o’clock Memorial Mass and brunch in Cushing Hall. Remember our vets, please!

On Friday, November 15, the second Bayside project charrette takes place. This begins the long process of building up where the Bayside Convention Center was once active. Make yourself heard – the handling of traffic in and around any Bayside project design will be critical. On Wednesday evening, November 20 at 6 p.m., there’s the second meeting concerning the upgrading of the Curley Community Center – including the question as to whether it’s really necessary to do anything that causes an 18 to 24 month shutdown at the Curley.

To open the four-day Thanksgiving weekend on October 28, there’s the Thanksgiving Feast at St. Monica Church on Preble Circle. How about volunteering to prepare and serve the dinner? It’s truly an enjoyable way to start your own Thanksgiving observances.

And essentially right after Thanksgiving weekend, there are the South Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Stroll at 5 p.m. on December 5 and the Laboure House Tours on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8.

Compass on the Bay Events Lunch & Learn November 6, 2019, 5:45-7:00 This month’s topic is, “Steering the Final Stages of Life” with Linda Smith, RN, GCM. Join us as we discuss advance directives, living wills, MOLST, and other important documents to have in place for you or your loved one.

Dinner will be served. RSVP to Shari Sweeney at 617-268-5450

Classical Pianist Adam Bergeron November 10, 2019, 2:00 pm

Entertainment with Gian Faraone November 11, 2019, 1:00 pm

Kenny Morrell November 15, 2019, 10:30 am

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

Friends of Elaine Connolly Host Inaugural Benefit for Kidney Cancer

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n September 9, 2018, Elaine Connolly, a resident of Weymouth, originally from Dorchester, and adopted daughter of South Boston, passed away from metastatic kidney cancer.

In an effort to work through their grief, honor Elaine and her spirit, and help others suffering from this disease, her family has partnered with the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center to establish the Elaine M. Connolly Kidney Cancer Fund. Money raised through this foundation will be directed toward expanding kidney cancer research, providing additional patient services, and

raising awareness of a disease that affects 75,000 Americans annually.

T he Fr iend s of E la i ne Connolly are hosting the Inaugural Evening for t he Ela ine M. Connolly K idney Cancer Fund to benef it the Ma ssachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Thursday, November 14, from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. at Granite Links.

The event will feature music, a live and silent auction, and comedic enter ta inment from Tony V, Christine Hurley, and Will Noonan.  To sponsor, purchase a ticket, or donate to the fund, please visit: ht t ps://f riend sofelaineconnolly. eventbrite.com.Â

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Continued from Page 1

Election Results four candidates (but not more) could be selected by each voter.

Michelle Wu (41,616 votes), Annissa Essaibi George (34,054), and South Boston’s Michael Fla her t y (33,242) received the three highest vote totals, assuring them they’ll hold onto their City Councilor-at-Large seats. We congratulate all three winning at-Large candidates.

South Boston Online confesses is especially grateful that Michael Flaherty, a lifelong South Boston

resident and a highly capable City Councilor, was re-elected.

We mentioned above that a recount was requested for the fourth at-Large seat. This contains a lesson for all of us.

Unofficially, there is a gap of only ten (10) votes between the two candidates. We believe this is (very) strong proof that your own individual vote can count – really count. Please keep this in mind as we approach the all-important Election Year of 2020. And then, be sure to vote next year!

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

NKT Photonics Cuts Ribbon Last Wednesday

President and CEO Basil Garabet warmly welcomes guests.

by Rick Winterson

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new enterprise, or rather a key branch of a successful hightechnology European enterprise, is now officially part of the South Boston business scene.

Last Wednesday afternoon, October 30, NKT Photonics Inc cut the ribbon to mark the opening of its local branch at 23 Drydock Avenue in South Boston’s Innovation and Design Building (the IDB).

The ribbon cutting was a festive occasion, led by Basil Garabet, the President and CEO of NKT Photonics, who f lew over for the occasion from NKT’s head

office in Birkerod, just outside of Copenhagen in Denmark.

NKT Photonics is a supplier of fiber-based lasers and sensing systems for high-technolog y i ndu s t r i a l a nd s c ient i f ic applications. Founded in 1999, it turned 20 years of age this year. It has 350 employees; its annual business volume is approximately $80 million.

In turn, NKT Photonics is a subsidiary of the billion dollar Danish corporation NKT A/S. NK T Photonics Inc is NKT’s American subsidiary and has been operating in the U.S. for about ten years. NKT’s decision to invest in a major bricks-andmortar facility within the IDB was made to better serve the U.S. market, particularly their U.S. Aerospace and Defense customers. NKT is registered w it h I TA R (Internat iona l Traffic in Arms Regulations), an important requirement when vendors from other allied nations such as Denmark want to supply our own U.S. defense force needs.

The new NK T facilit y occupies the fourth f loor in the IDB at 23 Drydock. The 18,500 square foot area will combine

And the NKT Photonics red ribbon is well and truly cut, as the NKT staff stands by. resea rch a nd development, engineering, manufacturing, and m a n a g e me nt /a d m i n i s t r at ion .

Stephen R. Phillips, Senior Operations and Site Manager, is in charge of NKT’s South Boston operation. He plans to start up the first production line before the end of this year; engineering projects will start up at the same time. Currently, NKT Photonics Inc has 20 local staff; the plan is to grow to 50 personnel (or more) next year in 2020. According to Kim P. Hansen, NKT’s Vice President of Strategic Marketing in Denmark, making technical products right here is the best way to serve the American market for high-tech products in aerospace and defense. In addition, a Boston location provides access to many technically strong

u n i ver sit ie s , world-f a mou s hospitals, and a highly inventive center of the life sciences.

As mentioned, the ribbon cutting was a festive event. The actual cutting took place in a brief ceremony around 6 p.m. last Wednesday. NKT President and CEO Basil Garabet held the scissors and did the honors. In his remarks, Garabet ref lected upon his experiences in Boston late in the last century, “I first came to know Boston in the 1980s – I have great memories of the City and its people. Thank you for everything.” Midori Morikawa (Director of Business Strategy) and Austin D. Williams (Life Tech Industry Manager) were on hand for the ribbon cutting from Boston City Hall’s Economic D e ve lopment D e p a r t ment .

Don Riddell (COO of NKT in Denmark) shows an exhibit of NKT Photonics’ product lines.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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Reverend Burns at 60

by Rick Winterson

“Joyful” is the only word that comes close to describing the celebration held at the Fourth Presbyterian Church last Saturday evening – i.e., totally filled with joy. This event at the Fourth was called a “Talent Show”, which it certainly was, but the high points of the evening were the 60th Birthday observances that marked the start of Pastor Burns Stanfield’s seventh decade.

This celebration has moist, fertile roots that extend back ten years to 2009, back when the Rev. Burns turned 50. This first such celebration was conceived and arranged by Burns’s wife, the much-loved and sorely missed Lorraine Stanfield.

Last Saturday evening was indeed a Talent Show. Performers included the Jacob Boys’ rock/ rap group, father-son violins, two remarkably skilled young piano

The divinely inspired Fourth Church Choir sings the Beatles’ “Abbey Road”. soloists, a fab belted-out song by the Shorty/Ingrid Duet, impact spirituals by Lauren Basler, and numbers sung by the cast of Fourth’s upcoming “Aladdin”. Welldeserved standing ovations by the Fourth’s congregation and guests were awarded to all the performers.

One of the evening’s high points occurred when Rev. Burns and his children – Nathan, Grace, and Liz – sang an original song in four parts, “Love Is Good Company” (I Wish I Had More). There wasn’t a dry eye

anywhere when it ended. That was followed by the Fourth Church’s superb choir and their equally superb instrumental accompaniment.

They played the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” – outstanding!

And then a copious Church Supper followed, complete with two 60th Birthday cakes for Rev. Burns. At its end, everyone was filled to bursting – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And please remember that next year, 2020, will be the 150th Birthday of

the Fourth Presbyterian Church, first born all the way back in 1870.

The Fourth Church Pastor, Rev. Burns Stanfield, welcomes all to an evening musicale.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Flaherty Visits Union Workers at UPS Customer Care Center

UPS South Boston Shop Steward Antonio Santana of Hyde Park and Boston City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty of South Boston.

B

oston City Councilor At-L a rge Michael F l a her t y v i sit e d Teamsters Local 25 members working at UPS Customer Care Center in South Boston. Councilor

Flaherty is a Teamsters Local 25 member himself, having worked at Airborne Express, where he developed an abiding appreciation for the benefits of organized labor to the lives of working families in Boston and across the state.

During his years of public service, Councilor Flaherty has proven to be a strong leader and a champion for blue collar workers. He also shares the vision of Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O’Brien of a well-trained, well-paid workforce that truly reflects the diversity which makes Boston and its neighborhoods a great place to live and work. Councilor Flaherty greeted UPS workers as they arrived at the large shipping center in South Boston, seeking their continued support and hearing their thoughts and concerns.

Councilor Flaherty earned the

endorsement Teamsters Local 25 in the upcoming Boston City Council Election on November 5th.

Teamsters Local 25 is New England’s largest Teamster

union with more than 12,500 members. For more information about Teamsters Local 25, please visit www.teamsterslocal25.com.

Boston City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty, Cori Boston of Roslindale and Mardoche Laine of Brockton.

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Come meet with Boston Water and Sewer Commission staff in your

Neighborhood and learn why it’s important not to pour fats, oils or grease (FOG) down the sink or toilet.

You can also pay your water bill with a check or money order, talk about billing or service problems, and more.

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There have been many commentaries on the recent Bruins 5-4 loss, and certainly there was even more written about the Pats loss to the Ravens (including far too many awkward references to Edgar Allan Poe’s narrative poem “The Raven”. Please, nevermore!). Even the Celts were roasted for cold shooting in their first game. So here are some numbers for you to consider: 11-2-2, 5-1, 8-1. You don’t need to be told those are the win-loss records of the Bruins, the Celts, and the Pats. Naturally, no one in South Boston wants to see one of our home teams lose.

But so far, those numbers total six wins for every single loss in hockey, basketball, and football.

Relax. Boston (Sports City USA) is doing just fine.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

68th Annual Veterans Day Memorial Services

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Flag Retirement Ceremony: Veterans Day

On Monday, November 11, 2019 the Thomas J. Fitzgerald VFW Post 561 will hold its 68th annual Veterans Day Memorial Services

The order of events will be as follows: 9:15 a.m. Assembly 9:40 a.m. Parade/March to St. Brigid’s Church 10:00 a.m. Memorial Mass Brunch will follow at Cushing Lower Church Beginning on Veteran’s Day, the post will be accepting Christmas donations for the Chelsea Soldier’s Home – hats, socks, scarves, toiletries, etc. These residents will be forever grateful.

On Monday morning, November 11, the Scottish-American Military Society will join with the Castle Island Association (the CIA) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (the DCR) to conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony at 11 a.m., on the parade ground inside Fort Independence on Castle Island in South Boston. This Ceremony is for American flags no longer fit for public display – flags that are worn, torn, faded, or frayed. They will be disposed of according to the U.S. Flag Code.

Please drop off your old American flags at the BFD Stationhouses on Fourth Street or on D Street. If you prefer, you can bring your old American flags to the Flag Ceremony by 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, this coming Monday morning, the 11th.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Medal of Honor Recipient Capt. Thomas G. Kelley, USN (Ret.) Honored The recipient of the USS Constitution Museum Lifetime Achievement Award was CAPT Thomas G. Kelley, USN (Ret.). This award is given to a person whose distinguished contributions to our nation embody the Museum’s mission and inspire excitement about naval service, maritime heritage, and the American experience. On June 15, 1969 he led eight river assault craft boats on a mission to extract a U.S. Army infantry company from South Vietnam under heavy fire. For his “extraordinary courage under fire, and his selfless devotion to duty” he was awarded the Medal of Honor from President Nixon in 1970. Despite receiving serious head wounds which included the loss of an eye, CAPT Kelley remained on active military duty and later served as Chief of Staff for the commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Korea and Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services. In retirement, CAPT Kelley continues to advocate on behalf of veterans, notably serving as Past-President of the Medal of Honor Society.

CAPT Kelley thanked the Museum for the award, and for “carrying on this tradition of educating the American public about why this country is a bright and shining light as a

From left, USS Constitution Museum president Anne Grimes Rand, board chairman Paul George, CAPT Thomas G. Kelley, USN (Ret.), and Governor Charlie Baker. beacon for the rest of the world.”

USS Constitution Museum president Anne Grimes Rand described the Museum’s work engaging visitors in the stories of “Old Ironsides,” naval service, maritime heritage, and the American experience, as well as a look ahead at what’s to come.

“We have an exciting vision for the future. We are not resting on our laurels; instead we are challenging ourselves to build a better Museum,” she said.

Paul George, the Museum’s chairman of the board, welcomed the group and acknowledged the honorees and special guests, including

Stephen Brodeur, the chair and founding sponsor of Mayflower Sails 2020. “From Mayflower to USS Constitution to 2019, Boston’s maritime heritage continue to shine. The values represented by ‘Old Ironsides’ – courage, leadership, teamwork, perseverance, ingenuity, and service – endure today,” said Mr. George.

The event, held at the Seaport World Trade Center, was both the highest attendance ever for a USS Constitution Museum Gala and raised gross revenue surpassing $650,000, a record breaking amount.

The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory

Two More Passenger Liners Two more cruise ships – the Sliversea (.l) and the Aida from Genoa – at South Boston’s Black Falcon Pier in the Flynn Cruiseport means thousands more guests, passengers, and sightseers for the City of Boston. Not bad at all, especially considering that our leaf-peeping season is virtually over and the City’s weather is becoming a bit cooler and damper.

Isn’t it great to be popular?

and educationa l voice of USS Constitution by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of “Old Ironsides” and those associated with her. This award-winning, educational nonprofit welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year and provides a hands-on, minds-on environment where inter-generational groups seeking an enjoyable, educational experience can have fun while learning and exploring history together. The USS Constitution Museum’s mission is to engage all ages in the story of “Old Ironsides” to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Trick or Treat on Broadway: GOOD WEATHER!

by Rick Winterson

T

he best news about this year’s Halloween observance – “Trick or Treat on Broadway”, 4-6 p.m. on October 31 – was the weather. You might recall that weather folks from all around the nation predicted (non-stop, around the clock) that Boston would have heavy rains on Halloween late in the afternoon at sunset, all during the standard classic “Trick or Treat” hours.

Well, t he weat her on Halloween was not perfect, but it was all right. Short sprinkles

occurred early on Thursday, the 31st, but these stopped in midafternoon.

The heav y, gray clouds remained, but a gloomy atmosphere goes well with Halloween, now doesn’t it? It was very windy – this wizardly gravedigger lost his battered top hat a few times – but it wasn’t so gusty that the many eye-catching costumes were damaged. And the wind, although strong, was warm. Temperatures approached a pleasant 70 degrees at one point.

No, last Thursday, Mother Nature gave us a TREAT, not a TRICK. And it seemed that more folks than usual took part in the

Broadway “Trick or Treat” event this year. The costumes everyone wore were nothing short of spectacular. Dragons, dinosaurs, and dramatically dressed-up p e ople were e ver y w here .

Certainly, the merchants, businesses, and loca l organizations played a valuable part in making “Trick or Treat on Broadway” in 2019 a hugely enjoyable happening.

The kids had a wonderful time. All of us became at least a little child-like. Special thanks go out to the two Trick or Treat Sponsors: The South Boston Chamber of Commerce and the

South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation. All of us had a great time this year.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

South Boston Catholic Academy News The Home and School Association with help from our Student Council Officers hosted fun Halloween dances in the school gym for all the students, families and friends of South Boston Catholic Academy.

On Halloween Day, Thursday, October 31, the students got to enjoy Halloween parties in their classroom and later in the day, all the children took part in the Annual Halloween Day Parade showcasing their imaginative costumes. Boston Catholic Academy (www.

SBCatholicAcademy.org) is currently accepting applications for all classes PreSchool-Grade 6. All are welcome to come to our school Open House on Thursday, November 14Th, 2019 from 9AM to 1PM. We have Before School and After School Programs available and high acceptance rate to Parochial, Private, and Boston Exam Schools. Please contact: Mrs. Jamie Brown, our Vice Principal, with any questions or for a tour of the school at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org or phone 617-268-2326 for more information.

Gate of Heaven Parish Coffee and Conversation Hour

All are welcome to join us on the 2nd Sunday of each month at the Gate of Heaven Parish Coffee and Conversation Hour, downstairs in the Lower Hall, following the 9AM Mass at Gate of Heaven Church on East 4th Street. Looking forward to seeing old and new friends this Sunday, November 10, 2019.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

BPDA Income Restricted Homeownership Opportunity 27 H Street, Boston, MA 02131 www.27HLottery.com # of Units 1

1 Income Restricted Homeownership Unit # of Bedrooms AMI Price 2 Bedroom 80% $221,900 Maximum Income Limits Household size 80% AMI 1 $63,500 2 $72,550 3 $81,600 4 $90,650 5 $97,950 6 $105,200 Maximum Asset Limits 80% AMI $75,000

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Tuesday, November 5, 2019 Wednesday, November 6, 2019 Thursday, November 7, 2019 Friday, November 8, 2019 Saturday, November 9, 2019

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Online applications must be completed by November 20, 2019 Paper applications must be signed and postmarked no later than November 20, 2019 Mailing Address: Maloney Properties, Inc., Attention: 27 H Street, 27 Mica Lane, Wellesley MA 02481 Selection by Lottery Asset, Use & Resale Restrictions apply Preference for Boston Residents, households with at least one person per bedroom, and first time homebuyers For more info, language assistance, or to make a request for reasonable accommodations, please call, Maloney Properties, Inc. at 781-992-5307 | US Relay 711 | Email: 27HStreet@maloneyproperties.com

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235 Old Colony Ave. (Washington Village) Monday, November 18 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

240 Old Colony Avenue South Boston, MA 02127

Project Description: Washington Village Property Owner LLC, c/o Samuels & Associates and DJ Properties LLC (the “Proponent”) proposes to construct one building in place of the approved Buildings A and B, with approximately 214 residential units, approximately 20,500 sf of ground floor retail space, and approximately 58 parking spaces, of which 50 will be located in the building on the ground floor and 8 will be located on-street, and public open space. If approved, the NPC will be the first amendment to the development plan for Planned Development Area (PDA) No. 107.

mail to: Stephen Harvey Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4418 email: stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov

Close of Comment Period: 11/14/2019

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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Mayor Walsh Announces Elimination of Youth Library Card Fines Boston Public Library to go “fine free” for youth effective November 1, 2019 Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that the Boston Public Library (BPL) is eliminating overdue fines for youth under the age of 18 who have a Boston Public Library card. The announcement follows a unanimous vote from the BPL Board of Trustees to eliminate overdue fines which in turn will also re-move barriers and expand access to the important services and resources offered at the library for all youth in the City of Boston.

“The accrual of fines puts a barrier between youth and the Library that can prevent fu-ture use of its materials, programming, and resources,” said Mayor Walsh. “In Boston, we believe that free and open access to the Library is crucial for children’s literacy and education. Going ‘fine free’ is a step to level the playing field and become closer to en-suring that everyone has access to the important resources the Library provides.”

Under this new policy change, which becomes effective November 1, 2019, BPL will remove all pending overdue fines and replacement costs for youth library card hold-ers. Youth card holders will not face monetary penalties for returning books late, although they will still be required to return any overdue books in order to check out addi-tional materials. While youth card holders will no longer incur fines for late returns, they will still be responsible for replacement costs if a book is lost or not returned.

With this move, the Boston Public Library now joins the five percent of public libraries that do not charge late fines for youth materials, according to a recent Library Journal survey. The same survey reported that, on average, only about 14 percent of borrowed materials are returned late. Previously, at the Boston Public Library, the maximum overdue fine a youth card holder could accrue was $2.50 per book.

“We are proud to be joining the ranks of libraries across the country who are moving towards being finefree,” said BPL President David Leonard. “Too often, fines penalize those least able to afford them and have the unintended effect of turning young peo-ple, in particular, away from their libraries. That’s just not what ‘Free To All’ should mean in the 21st century. Eliminating youth fines reflects core values of the BPL - to be accessible, to be welcoming, and to ensure we are promoting youth reading, not pre-venting it.”

In FY19, the Library collected a total of $24,069 in overdue fines from BPL cardholders under the age of 18, representing less than ten percent of the total youth overdue fine balance for that fiscal year, which was approximately $249,179. That data indicates that about 90 percent of BPL cardholders below the age of 18 are facing fines - and therefore barriers - to continued use of the Library.

“Libraries are our societies’ most trusted public institutions - we are in the business of opening doors, not creating barriers for children

Broken Doors on Broadway The photo shows a broken door on a convenience store on East Broadway. This recent display of vandalism occurred late last week, presumably late at night. You can see that no entry was gained, so it was not a robbery – just senseless, undiluted vandalism. As of now, there have been about a half-dozen such events. Please call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious after dark along Broadway.

and families,” said Susan Benton, President & CEO of the Urban Libraries Council, which monitors and reports on librar-ies going ‘fine free’ through an interactive map on its website. “By joining libraries across North America in eliminating overdue fines for children and teen readers, Bos-ton Public Library is taking a leading stance in ensuring all city youth have equitable opportunities to pursue their dreams.”

More than 150,000 youth hold BPL library cards, while thousands more benefit from the BPL’s free programs, Homework Help sessions, annual summer reading chal-lenge, and other outreach programs.

In January, the Youth Services department wel-comed a new Youth Outreach Librarian, responsible for extending BPL services and programs into the community, especially to underserved and underrepresented popu-lations. The Youth Outreach Librarian works collaboratively

with partners including South Cove Community Health Center, the Floating Hospital for Children, and Boston Children’s Hospital.

The Library has also expanded its outreach partnerships with organizations serving teens. BPL now provides services to not only the Department of Youth Services and the McKinley School, but also to Youth On Fire, a drop-in center for homeless and street-involved youth ages 14-24; Bridge Over Troubled Waters, which provides shel-ter and services for teens who are experiencing homelessness; and Succeed Boston, providers of counseling and intervention for Boston Public Schools students.

Since 2016, programming at the Children’s Library has more than tripled, while every month, more than 2,800 teens access and use Teen Central. To learn more about the BPL’s offerings for kids and teens, please visit bpl.org/kids and bpl.org/teens.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 THE PRINT EDITION