SBOL_02_27_2025 by South Boston Online

A Small Project Update

by Rick Winterson

At this time, and in addition to some very large proposals, the City of Boston Planning Department is undertaking several Project Reviews on other, smaller proposals within South Boston. While some of these are indeed “small” or perhaps “medium-sized”, the number of apartments proposed within them will add up. These will, when taken all together, generate a significant community impact. For example, late last year we reported on a proposed project at 49-51 D Street, which the City has now approved. While this is not a really huge project, it will add 70 apartments and a ground floor commercial space between Old Colony Avenue, Dorchester Avenue, and Andrew Square. Furthermore, it will have nine floors and will be nearly 100 feet

tall. It includes no (!) parking spaces for tenants’ automobiles, but when questioned, the developer offered to install bike racks instead. In a “parkingshort neighborhood” like South Boston, that’s a ridiculous answer.

We want to alert you to three more apartment proposals on or near Broadway that have come to our attention this month.

The first is a two-apartment expansion, renovation, and extension at 674 East Broadway, where MOKO, a compact Japanese restaurant, is now located. MOKO’s owners want to add two expanded upper floors to create three apartments, where only one exists now. A public meeting with two neighborhood associations on this proposal took place at the Tynan Community Center last week. After that, we’ll only mention

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Geese Bring Spring to Southie

March is the month that traditionally begins Spring. But after the penetrating, sharp-edged cold weather we’ve been experiencing lately, the appearance of Canadian geese on Southie’s Moakley Field this last week of February was a cheerful, warming symbol. Moakley had thawed enough that the incoming geese could seek out grass roots, which are their staple food. Soon, they’ll depart for the Arctic Circle area in Canada. But the warm, spring-like weather they brought with them continues. Welcome!

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Small

Projects

that MOKO’s initial proposal contained eight (8) violations of the pertinent Zoning Codes.

Second, Stats, located at 77 Dorchester Street since 2012, is a “bar and grille”. It offers dinners, social drinks (especially after work), Saturday brunches, catered office lunches, and sports viewing on its 24 TV sets. That location is in Perkins Square, just a couple of doors away from where East Broadway and West Broadway join each other. Stats’ owners – Jim and Andrew Statires – have come up with a twopronged, five-story proposal. They want to convert their ground floor into a restaurant, which will change Stats’ present neighborhood role. What’s more important, they propose adding four upper floors that will contain 15 apartments. And there would

be no tenant parking provided. We’ve just received a third proposal that deals with the nowdeserted Savings Bank building at 460 West Broadway. The project as initially described includes a

courtroom for the Massachusetts Trial Court, support areas (e.g., offices) for the Court, commercial space, and 26 apartments. To house all these functions, the addition could be up to six stories high. According to the emailed proposal we received, only 20 parking spaces are planned for “for court and residential use”. A virtual public meeting about 460 West Broadway is scheduled on Tuesday, March 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. The meeting ID is 160 418 0694; the toll-free call-in number is 160 282 3355. Take part! In addition to firming up the parking requirement, we’d like to know whether those four fluted Doric pillars in front will be preserved.

MOKO restaurant seeks to expand from one to three apartments.

Stats Bar & Grille proposes adding four stories and becoming a restaurant.

The Pow Co. property at 49-51 D Street – a nine-story structure is proposed.

The Savings Bank will convert to apartments and a court facility.

Standish Village Honors

Compassionate Receptionist

as Associate of the Quarter

Receptionist Yvonne Hall with Standish Village’s Executive Director, Jenn Thoren

Standish Village Assisted Living recently honored their Associate of the Quarter, Yvonne Hall, at a special ceremony last month. The team spoke highly of Yvonne’s work as a dedicated Receptionist, emphasizing the warmth and sense of humor she brings to everyone who walks through the door. The Standish Village team was delighted to celebrate Yvonne’s compassion and commitment to the community. The celebration was the most recent of the community’s regular Associate of the Quarter ceremonies and emphasizes Standish Village’s culture of valuing the incredible work that the associates do each day for their residents.

Brian Hurley Appointed as Communications Director

Senator Nick Collins is pleased to announce the hiring of South Boston’s Brian Hurley as Communications Director for his office. A South Boston native and Emerson College graduate, Hurley brings extensive experience in media and communications, along with a strong connection to the community.

“I’m pleased to welcome Brian Hurley to our team as Communications Director,”

said Senator Collins. “His experience in media and deep ties to our community will be invaluable in keeping constituents informed and engaged.”

Hurley earned his degree in Communication Studies from Emerson College, developing his proficiency in media relations, public affairs, and strategic messaging. He then spent several years in Los Angeles working across the film industry in production, coordination, and media strategy, further refining his ability to manage complex projects and communications. His diverse background uniquely positions him to lead the communications strategy for Senator Collins’ office.’

“It is a great privilege to join Senator Collins’ staff” Hurley said, “I look forward to serving the communities I grew up in by working to improve policies, services and communications with the public.”

Rep Biele Joins Coastal Caucus

Local priorities to include fisheries, beaches, and marine industrial economies

State Representative David Biele joined the growing Coastal Caucus for the current 194th session of the General Court.

The role of the Coastal Caucus is to bring together legislators from throughout Massachusetts to discuss matters of common concern and work collectively to impact public policy on the federal, state, and local level. Legislators who represent 78 coastal communities from across Massachusetts work to build consensus within the caucus on issues impacting their districts including, but not limited to commercial and recreational fisheries, dredging, coastal infrastructure, beach nourishment, port operations, and other key issues important to our coastal communities.

“Understanding the importance of our local beaches, port activities, fisheries, and marine industries to South Boston and across Massachusetts, I look forward to working with my colleagues on infrastructure and economic development in our coastal communities while elevating concerns across the South Boston peninsula,” said Rep. Biele. “From supporting our state’s fisheries and seafood industry in innovative ways to supporting crucial investments in

Conversation and Cocoa with Council President Ruthzee Louijeune

City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune (l.) meets with Andrew Square Civic Association (ASCA) officers for cocoa, companionship, and conversation at The Cannonball on Dorchester Avenue.

port operations, the Coastal Caucus has done a tremendous job in responding to the needs along our coast and I look forward to support that important work this session.”

Currently in his fourth term, Rep. Biele has previously served as the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security as well as a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the House Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, the House Committee on Export Development, and the House Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

Since 2019, Rep. Biele has also served as a Commissioner on the Metropolitan Beaches Commission, charged with supporting the Commonwealth’s public beaches, including beaches in South Boston.

by Rick Winterson

The month of February, 2025, saw the first “4 Nations Face-Off” hockey tournament on record. We will use the word “professional” to indicate the source and the caliber of the players, not the fact that many in the Face-Off also play for pro hockey teams. For example, the Bruins’ left winger Brad Marchand wasn’t playing as a Boston Bruin. No, Brad played for Team Canada – one of the nations in the Face-Off. The other nations were Finland, Sweden, and the U.S., of course.

The 4 Nations Face-Off opened with a six-game “Round Robin” series, during which each of the four Face-Off teams played all three other teams. Four of these games took place in Montreal. The last three were here in Boston at the TD Garden. The winner of each game earned points –the two teams with the most points got to play each other in a final seventh game for the Championship. The U.S. and Canada played Game 7 last Thursday, February 20. Canada took the 4 Nations Championship title with a 3-2 overtime win over the U.S. Naturally, the loss was disappointing to local Boston hockey

February? Pro Sports Month?

fans, especially since the U.S. had beaten Canada 3-1 in their “Round Robin” matchup in Montreal on Saturday, February 15. But as you know, the entire 4 Nations Face-Off was remarkably successful. Every game sold out. It caught the attention of millions of hockey fans around here; it was followed closely worldwide, and not just by hockey fans. In simple words, the Face-Off worked. It really worked.

In contrast, the National Basketball Association (the NBA) held its 2025 AllStar game on Sunday, the 16th, after a weekend of preliminary athletic contests. In recent years, the NBA All-Star games have become slow and unattractive to watch, so NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (to give him credit) made major changes in the 2025 All-Star format. He called for several short mini-All Star games, including a game for young, new, star players. So-called “Shaq’s OG Team”, with Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown on its roster, finally won overall. However, many interruptions for awards, show tunes, and so on really slowed down all the real basketball events. Despite Silver’s effort, the 2025 All Star event did not work. The players often didn’t have enough time to warm up.

Even so, February has been a big month for sports, so here’s a suggestion

Sully’s Opening Saturday with half Priced Hotdogs

Sullivan’s Castle Island will be opening Saturday, March 1st. They will be celebrating thier 74th Season with half priced hot dogs all week!

from South Boston Online: Let’s declare all of February to be “Pro Sports Month”! Just think about the many sports events that occur during February – and a lot of these events are professional. It’s time to recognize the importance of sports, especially pro sports, to our City and our- State!

First of all, we are partway there already. February will continue to be the All-Star month for hockey and basketball. The Celtics Jaylen Brown wants the NBA All-Star game to come to Boston next year. Imagine what nations Boston might invite to play in an international basketball tournament during February in 2026. February is also the month for professional football’s Lombardi Super Bowl, which is

probably the most successful pro sports event in the entire world. Including soccer, Boston has five pro teams in all major sports, and sooner or later, we’ll be hosting a women’s soccer team and maybe a WNBA team as well. In addition, February has essentially become the nation’s “draft season” month. Think of all the interest in the future of local professional sports, in particular the Red Sox, that the draft can (and will) generate. Let’s start hoping for pitching this coming summer! Furthermore, the Winter Olympics take place next year, from February 6 to 22, 2026, right in the middle of our proposed “Pro Sports Month”. Plan to watch – the Winter Olympics work!

All were welcome and many came to the monthly 10:30 Sunday Family Mass at St. Brigid Church this past Sunday. Thank you to the families from both our Parish Religious Education Program and South Boston Catholic Academy for taking part in this Mass and for bringing

Family Mass and Coffee Hour

up the Gifts to the Altar. It was nice to see the many families and parishioners that came for Coffee and Refreshments downstairs in Cushing Hall following this Mass. Father Casey, our Pastor, was the Celebrant at this past 10:30 Sunday Family Mass and had a chance to meet and speak with the many families and parishioners that

came to the Coffee and Refreshment Hour in Cushing Hall. This past weekend was the anniversary of Fr. Casey’s arrival in our Parish and many thanked him for his many years of ministry to St. Brigid and Gate of Heaven Parishes and to the students of South Boston Catholic Academy. They all spoke to him of their hopes that he would continue to minister

many more years in South Boston! Gate of Heaven Parish is having a Special Irish Night on Thursday, March 13th at Gate of Heaven Church Lower Hall. This event will feature the Band “The Old Brigade” with Danny Gill...Please phone the Parish Office at 617-268-2122 for more information about this Parish event.

Celtics Players Celebrate the Opening of a New Gym

Floors were gleaming, and new baskets and side padding were ready to be put to use as the Boys and Girl’s Club celebrated the partnership with Dunkin and the Boston Celtics. Hundreds of children and some aspiring basketball players enjoyed drills, gymnastics and meeting the newest Celtic, Torrey Craig. The state of the art gym, provided by the partnering organizations, will surely be put to good use!

Robert Lewis, Jr. President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club and Joshua Davis, Executive Director of the South Boston Boy’s and Girl’s Club.

Robert Lewis, Jr. President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, Sean Sullivan and Victor Carvalho of Dunkin, and newest player for the Boston Celtics, Torrey Craig.

South Boston Citizens’ Association

Thomas E. McGrath, President “The Nation's Oldest Neighborhood Civic Organization”

249th Annual Evacuation Day Events

2025 Evacuation Day Committee

City Councilor Ed Flynn, General Chairman

Governor Maura Healey, Honorary Chairperson

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Honorary Chairman

Mayor Michelle Wu, Honorary Chairperson

State Senator Nick Collins, Honorary Chairman

State Representative David Biele, Honorary Chairman

City Councilor Erin Murphy, Honorary Chairperson

District Attorney, Kevin Hayden, Honorary Chairman

Suffolk County Clerk of Courts, John Powers, Honorary Chairman

March 1st through March 17th

Jimmy Flaherty

Kick-Off Breakfast

Saturday, March 1st

State Representative, David Biele Honorary Chairman

Sea-Point Restaurant -10:00 AM Suggested Donation $15.00

21+ Pop Lynch-Bowl-A-Rama

Sunday, March 9th

Cheryl Joyce, Andrea Flaherty, Rich Devoe, Pauline Bare

Donna Bohan and Joyce Higgins

Honorary Chairpersons

Sponsored by South Boston Bowl 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND

Basketball Free-Throw Competition

Monday, March 3rd

City Councilor Ed Flynn

Former Mayor Ray Flynn

Bernie O’Donnell, Kathy Davis, John Lydon

Honorary Chairpersons

Tynan Community School Gym 6:00 PM

The Swimming Competition

Tuesday, March 11th

City Councilor Erin Murphy Honorary Chairperson

Boys and Girls Club Pool

Registration 6:00 PM, Meet 6:30 PM

Our Sponsors

Ice-O-Rama

Wednesday, March 12th

State Senator Nick Collins

Colonel Tim Murphy, US Army Honorary Chairmen

Murphy Rink, Day Boulevard - 6:00 PM

Boxing Tournament

Saturday, March 8th &15th

Sanctioned by USA Boxing

SB Citizen’s Association Announces Henry Knox Unsung Hero Award Recipients -

The 2025 Henry Knox Unsung Heros are David Pogorelc, Kyle Holmes, Jimmy Allen, and Maria Blasi

South Boston Citizens’ Association (SBCA) President Tom McGrath, along with the Executive Board, invites family, friends, and neighbors to join them for the award presentation on Saturday, March 1, 2025, during the Kick-off Breakfast at the Seapoint Restaurant, 367 East 8th Street, at 10 AM. A $15 donation at the door is requested to help offset event costs. This year’s event will feature live music by Bob Fowkes and Curragh’s Fancy.

The Henry Knox Unsung Hero Awards recognize individuals who contribute to their community without seeking recognition, and the ceremony marks the beginning of a monthlong celebration honoring one of America’s most important historical events.The event will be chaired by South Boston’s own State Representative, David Biele, who has long been a champion for preserving the historical significance of Evacuation Day.

Award Recipients:

David Pogorelc , CEO and Founder of Core Investments, is a true champion of the South Boston community. As the driving force behind the redevelopment of Andrew Square and the creation of Washington Village, David

Presentation on Saturday, March 1

has worked tirelessly to revitalize the neighborhood while honoring its rich history. His partnership with the South Boston Historical Society to preserve their archives and support local history initiatives showcases his deep commitment to the area’s heritage. Through projects like the Cannonball Café, which celebrates Henry Knox and the Noble Train of Artillery, and the thoughtful reuse of historic buildings in Washington Village, David ensures the neighborhood’s character is preserved while bringing new energy to the community. Beyond his work in development, David is a generous philanthropist, supporting causes like Smile Train, Special Olympics, and the Wounded Warrior Project, and even organizing trips for WWII veterans to Normandy. His unwavering dedication to both the history and future of South Boston makes David Pogorelc a deserving recipient of the Henry Knox Unsung Hero Award!

Kyle Holmes, a lifelong resident of South Boston and a dedicated Boston Police Officer, is deeply committed to his family and community. Married to Brenda, he is a proud father of three with a fourth child on the way and the son of lifelong South Boston residents Eileen (Houlihan) and Ronnie Holmes. Beyond his service to the City of Boston, Kyle devotes his time to coaching his daughters in Gate of Heaven CYO, South Boston Youth Hockey, and Kicks for Kids flag football, making a lasting impact on young athletes. He is also a faithful supporter of the South Boston Special Kids program, rallying friends, family, and neighbors each year to contribute to the annual Variety Show, ensuring this cherished event continues to bring joy. His unwavering dedication to public service, mentorship, and community involvement makes him a deserving recipient for the

General Henry Knox Award.

Jimmy Allen , a proud member of Local 537 for 40 years and the owner of South Boston Sign for the past 30 years. A devoted father to Christine Allen and grandfather to 2 ½-year-old Kennedy Joe, Jimmy has built a legacy of hard work, generosity, and commitment to his community. Through his business, he has donated labor and materials to numerous charitable organizations, ensuring they have the signage they need to promote their causes. With his bucket truck, he has helped hang countless signs across East Broadway for local events and initiatives, supporting organizations such as South Boston Pop Warner, South Boston Kickoff for Kids, the Harry McDonough Sailing Program, and South Boston Youth Hockey. Additionally, he has consistently offered discounted rates to many charitable golf tournaments, further demonstrating his dedication to giving back. Jimmy’s contributions have left a lasting impact on South Boston, making him a deserving recipient for the General Henry Knox Award.

Maria Giazi Blasi , the daughter of Greek and Albanian immigrants, grew up on Beckler Avenue. She attended the Tuckerman School and South Boston Heights Academy before working in the insurance industry for 20 years. She later stepped away from her career to focus on raising her children. Maria met her husband, Kenny Blasi, at the parade on the corner of K & 5th. Together, they raised four children: Christian, who married his wife Devon in May 2024; Mario, a 2024 graduate of Catholic Memorial; Rocco, currently a junior at CM; and Gianna, a 7th grader at Archbishop Williams. All of her children attended St. Peter Academy, where Maria first started as a teacher’s aide.

Over the past 15 years, she has taken on a larger role in development and school tours. Since Kenny’s passing, Maria has been the sole owner of Blasi’s Kitchen and Bar in Dorchester, a neighborhood with a close-knit community that reminds her of the South Boston she grew up in—perhaps even more so now, with so many Southie families making their home there. She remains deeply grateful for the unwavering support she has received from the entire Boston community.A proud Southie girl at heart, Maria often says that everything she needed to know about life, she learned in South Boston. Her commitment to supporting numerous causes and organizations throughout South Boston and the city makes her a deserving recipient of the General Henry Knox Award.

“It is a privilege to honor these incredible individuals whose commitment to our community has helped make South Boston such a special place,” said SBCA President Tom McGrath. “Their dedication to uplifting those around them and improving our neighborhood is a testament to the heart and soul of this community. I feel truly fortunate to be able to recognize their efforts and celebrate the positive impact they continue to have on South Boston.”

“These honorees embody the best of South Boston— dedication, generosity, and a deep commitment to giving back,” said State Representative David Biele. “Their contributions, whether through public service, community engagement, or preserving our neighborhood’s rich history, make a lasting impact. I’m honored to help recognize their efforts and celebrate their work at this year’s Henry Knox Unsung Hero Awards.”

Tickets are available at the door for a $15 donation. Doors open at 9:30 AM. For more information, contact Tom McGrath at 857-204-5825.

SB Citizens’ Association 145th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet Honorees

South Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board are pleased to announce the Association’s 2025 recipients of the James M. “Jimmy” Kelly/Margaret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Award for Community Service, The John “Doc” Tynan Profile in Courage Award and the John W. McCormack for Public Service.

The 2025 Shamrock Award will be presented to Brian Yanovitch and Kelly Coyne for their selfless efforts in aiding those in need, and pitching in at the drop of a hat, for any benefit or worthy cause in and around the town.

The John W.McCormack Award will be presented to Danny Lynch, recently retired

Evacuation Day Events

• 1 State Representative David Biele, Honorary Chairman

367 East 8 th Sti·eet, South Boston, MA Saturday, March 1, 2025 10 a.m. - 12 Noon Breakfast Buffet & Entertainment Suggested Donation $15.00

Check South Boston Citizens Association on Facebook or Call Tom McGrath 1-857-204-5825

from Congressman Stephen Lynch’s Office and the John “ Doc” Tynan Profile in Courage Award will be be given to Kristen McCosh ,The City of Boston Disabilities Commissioner.

More info on award recipient’s will be posted next week. These awards will be presented at the 145th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet to be held on March 14, 2025 at the South Boston Convention Center. Cocktail Hour is 5:30 -6:30 with Dinner being be served at 7 pm .”Entertainment will be provided by Bobby Fowkes and Curragh’s Fancy. Table of 10 is 600.00 and individual tickets are 60.00.

Tickets are sure to go fast ! Please contact Tom McGrath 857-2045825 for tickets and information.

Happy 100th Day of School

As you can see from the photos, our students and teachers from SBCA and the ECC recently had a great week celebrating our 100th Day and St. Valentine’s Day! “The 100th day of school marks a point in the year where students are more than half-way through the 180 day school year. It is a time to reflect on all the

learning that has taken place so far.” “How do you spell Love? -Piglet You don’t spell it, you feel it...-Pooh” South Boston Catholic Academy also had a special Tag Day in honor of Jack Hynes, a lifelong resident of South Boston, a member of the SBCA community and a Sergeant with the Boston Police Department. His three children

Brennah, Millie and Jack attended SBCA as well as his nephews Braeden and Patrick Kennedy. He is the son to our wonderful K1 Teacher, Ms. Janice. All proceeds from this Tag Day were donated to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in honor of Jack Hynes. The Spaulding Rehabilitation Center has been an instrumental part of Jack’s recovery

after suffering a stroke this past summer. SBCA raised $1,250.00 for this worthwhile cause. The family would like to thank the SBCA Student Council, Ms. Olsen, who assisted them in organizing this Tag Day and all the families, teachers and staff and the entire South Boston Community for all their kindness and support as Jack continues to recover.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL LICENSING HEARINGS

Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.

674 to 676 E Broadway

Appeal Type Zoning

BOA App# BOA1658178

Hearing Date 3/4/2025

Project Description: Change occupancy from restaurant one residential units to three

32 Vinton

Appeal Type Zoning

BOA App# BOA1644826

Hearing Date 3/4/2025

Project Description: Confirm occupancy as 3 family Frame new addition bedroom with closet according engineer plans Remove reframe emergency stairs back house

546 E Broadway

Appeal Type Zoning

BOA App# BOA1663313

Hearing Date 3/4/2025

Project Description: Change use from 1 apartment professional office body art establishment to seven residential units Interior renovation rear 4 story addition Reducing parking spaces 18 14 Combine two parcels into one parcel

68 F ST

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 3/20/2025

Project Description: Change occupancy from one to two family dwelling, no changes to exterior building

401

W Fourth

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 3/20/2025

Project Description: Renovation, addition to 3 story single family dwelling create new two

368 W Broadway

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 3/20/2025

Project Description: Change Occupancy to include Community Center

457 to 469A W Broadway

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 4/8/2025

Project Description: Full Interior Fit out 457 469A West Broadway to build Anna’s Taqueria Restaurant With Takeout Space is currently vacant Use conditional so ZBA required Operating Hours 10AM 10PM 7 days No Alcohol

F ST

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 4/17/2025

Project Description: Change occupancy from one to two family dwelling. No changes to exterior building

401

W Fourth

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 4/17/2025

Project Description: Renovation addition to 3 story single family dwelling

ABUTTER’S MEETINGS

Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.

260 W Broadway

Proposal: Broadway Pastry/260 Pizza application for new all alcohol license

Time: Mar 3, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86838521520

Meeting ID: 868 3852 1520

PROJECT PROPONENT: The Cedarwood Group

DESCRIPTION:

The City Planning Department is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss the recently filed Small Project Review Application for 460 West Broadway in South Boston. The proposed Project includes the adaptive re-use of vacant former bank building, with a commercial and residential addition, up to six stories; new occupancy to include courtroom and offices/support space for use by the Trial Court of Commonwealth, and twenty-six dwelling units; with 20 garage parking spaces for court and residential use. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the proposed project. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the Task Force and the public. Nick

Close of Public Comment Period: 3/17/2025