THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 61
Flynn Votes to Ban Airbnb Investor Units Last week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn voted in favor of Mayor Walsh’s ordinance to regulate short-term rentals platforms, like Airbnb, and to ban Investor Units - entire buildings or units that are not owner-occupied and strictly used for Airbnb and short-term rentals. The ordinance would also allow for homeowners and owneroccupants of two and three family houses to participate in short-term rental activity. The Boston City Council voted 11-2 in favor of the ordinance, which Mayor Walsh subsequently signed last week. During the Council Hearing, Flynn emphasized the need to ban Investor Units due to their impact on housing stock and rental prices, as well as quality of life issues that have arisen on account of absentee landlords such as trash removal, parking and noise complaints. Flynn called attention to a plaque dedicated outside City Hall in 1991 by Mayor Flynn titled “An
Immigrant’s Gateway” and how the city must do all it can to ensure Boston remains a landing spot for working-class immigrants, as well as a home to long-time residents. Flynn said,” I am proud of Mayor Walsh’s leadership and his commitment to social and economic justice for all. In the midst of our current affordable housing crisis and concerns regarding our housing-stock, it has been my position since last fall that we should phase out investor units. I support this ordinance and the regulation of short-term rentals so that we may ensure areas like Chinatown remain a neighborhood for working-class immigrants. I want to ensure that immigrant workers and long-time residents will not be pushed out of Boston. I want us to defend our communities from commercialization, investor speculation and to protect the fabric of our neighborhoods.”
Lawn on D Celebrates Summer with Lawn of Champions
By Richard Campbell This past Sunday families gathered to play games, exercise, listen to music by local bands and support local charities. The lawn itself is mostly artificial turf, surrounded by green grass, stages and pavilions, located behind the
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THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
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Letter to the Editor: State Rep Candidate Matt Rusteika Speaks Out About Development As I speak with voters across South Boston, I hear about two pressing issues most consistently: development and gentrification. With housing prices soaring, so many people who have called Southie their home for generations are faced with the stark reality that they cannot afford to stay. And I know this first-hand: I faced the same challenge, and as a young man was forced to look for affordable housing options that simply didn’t exist for me. Development in Boston has taken off at a startling— a nd dispropor tionate —rate. According to the Boston Foundation, the City of Boston represents less than 1% of the region’s land area, but in recent years has produced 36% of its building permits for new housing units. In the same period of time, the number of units permitted in the cities and towns around Boston has declined by 7%. Meanwhile, 1.7 million square feet of new
construction has been permitted in South Boston in the past five years, not including the Waterfront. My family has lived in South Boston for generations. This is where my wife Katrina and I have chosen to raise our son, and I’m proud to be part of this community. As your State Representative, I will stand up for families like yours and mine who are at risk of being
Joan V Fisher 12 Year Anniversary Remembrance
Everyday, in some small way, Memories of you come our way. Though absent, you are ever near, Still missed, still loved and ever dear. Loved and Missed Everyday YourVillage
forced out of this neighborhood. Development is the sign of a strong economy, but we cannot ignore its adverse impacts—it’s not wrong to want to preserve the small amount of open space we have! To strike the right balance, I believe we need to
take a regional approach to tackling the housing crisis. Our legislators need to help developers look beyond the cranes that we already see in our backyards. Building more in South Boston will help to bring down the region’s average housing cost, but it won’t necessarily bring down housing costs in Southie. And for families like mine who want to put down roots in their hometown, that’s not good enough. We need much more housing in the Boston region, and real estate development that’s done in a reasonable way—with genuine community participation—still has a place in our neighborhood. But to preserve our quality of life, we need to approach the issue deliberately. That means not letting developers dictate our housing policy.
Letter to the Editor: Supporting David Biele “This September’s race for State Representative is incredibly important to our community because we will be electing a new leader to represent our neighborhoods in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. With so much going on our community, I know that David Biele is the best candidate for the job because of his background and experience, and I am very proud to support him. I’ve known David through his years of service to our community as a staffer to Nick Collins in his State Representative Office, as well as his volunteer role as an Advisory Board member at the South Boston Boys & Girls Club. I know first hand that David has always been a strong advocate for our neighborhoods on quality of life issues that impact all of us and, as an attorney, he also helped write and pass legislation to support our local neighborhood non-profits and charities. David has always been willing to listen and work with residents on issues that matter to us all us, no matter how controversial. He will use
his legal background and legislative experience to get things done. I hope you will join me in supporting David Biele for State Representative on September 4, 2018. He has the experience to step in as State Representative on Day One and deliver for our community, and I’m confident that he will work hard for the residents of our community.”
Pattie McCormick South Boston
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
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Mark Rooney, Officially Launches Campaign to Represent 4th District as Governor’s Councillor
Outpaces Incumbents’ Supporter Signatures to Certify Spot on the Ballot in September Today, Mark Rooney of South Boston officially launched his campaign to represent the 4th District on the Governor’s Council. One of eleven brothers from South Boston, he gathered more than enough signatures to secure a position on the ballot in the Democratic Primary on September 4, 2018.
Time for Change: Rooney has embarked on a campaigned focused on brining new ideas and interest to the work of the Governor’s Council. In just one week Mark Rooney personally met and gained the support of nearly 2100 people in communities across the district including Brockton,
Weymouth, Scituate, Marshfield, Weymouth, Braintree, Quincy and Boston - with the Secretary of State’s Office officially certifying 1363 of those signatures. The incumbent, who has served for over 28 years in the role certified support from just over the minimum of 1,000 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot. “We are energized by number of supporters that have turned out to support my candidacy,” Mark Rooney said. “The people of the Fourth deserve the best effort from their elected officials - not just the minimum - I am proud of the work we’ve done to earn the trust of our supporters and engage them in this important process - The volume of our support confirms our belief that the voters are looking for change and true representation.”
About the Governor’s Council and why it matters to Mark: The Governor’s Council is made of 8 individuals, elected by voters in 8 Districts throughout the Commonwealth. Each Governor’s Council District consists of 5 State Senate Districts. The 4 District is includes 22 Municipalities, and includes the Senate Districts currently represented by Senator Nick Collins, Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, Senator John Keenan, Senator Patrick O’Connor, and Senator Michael Brady. The following cities and towns are in the 4 Governor’s Councillor District: th
as Councillors decide on the character and qualifications of candidates for judgeships.
Abington, Boston, Braintree, Brockton, Cohasset, Duxbury, E. Bridgewater, Easton, Halilfax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Plympton, Quincy, Rockland, Scituate, Weymouth, and Whitman. “Most of the people I’ve spoken to throughout the 4 District, could not name their current Governor’s Councillor, and many do not know the important role the Governor’s Council plays and I intend to change that.” Mark Rooney said. “If elected, I will represent the whole District, from Boston to Brockton, Weymouth to Whitman and everywhere in between, and I will be accountable and visible in every pocket of our District.” The role of the Governor’s Council is to advise and consent on the Governor’s nominations and appointments, most notably judgeships. The Governor’s Council has come under scrutiny in recent times, due to the behavior of some Councillors during meetings, and due to recent decisions made by sitting judges, who have been approved by current Governor’s Councillors. Rooney believes he will bring professionalism, civility to the body, and the common sense that voters are yearning for,
About Mark Rooney Rooney, a lifelong resident of South Boston, graduated from Saint Anselm College with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. He currently works for Eversource, helping municipalities reduce their energy consumption. He is and has been active in the Boston community, including as a former Board Member of the South Boston Neighborhood House, and the Boston Green Academy. Rooney also coached in South Boston youth sports programs, including South Boston Youth Soccer, and close to 20 years in South Boston Youth Hockey. Rooney was also a member of the City of Boston Climate Action Committee, and is a member of the Boston Children’s Hospital Children’s Advocacy Network (CAN). Rooney is also proud of his annual participation in the Eversource Walk for Boston Children’s Hospital, where he has raised close to $10,000 over the past 7 years. Rooney and his wife Theresa, currently reside in South Boston, and have three children.
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WWW.VOTEMARKROONEY.COM
MARK F.
FOR
Governor’s Councillor 4TH DISTRICT
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Cookout for St. Anselm in South Boston
The Committee to Elect Mark F. Rooney invites you to A Campaign Kick-Off Mark F. Rooney for Governor’s Councillor Thursday, June 28, 2018
at
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Florian Hall 55 Hallet Street, Dorchester, MA 02122
St. Brigid Church hosted a cookout in the churchyard for priests from St. Anselm College (New Hampshire). Shown above are Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Ray Flynn and his wife Kathy, the President of St. Anselm’s college, and Fr. Robert Casey, Pastor of St. Brigid/Gate of Heaven Churches.
Suggested donation:
$50 - $100 - $250 - $500 - $1,000
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Mark F. Rooney 133 N Street, South Boston, MA 02127
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THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Beach & Park Update: Summer Brings Crowds of Pleasure Seekers
Molly’s Beachside is open serving beach treats.
By Richard Campbell As the heat comes on Carson beach filled up with volleyball and swimming, while crowds lined up to purchase snack food at the counter of Molly’s Beachside Cafe, patrons across the way played baseball and volleyball on Moakley Field with kids enjoying the playground areas. Glorious is the walk out to Castle Island at this time of the year, and the Castle Island Association in partnership with the DCR does a commendable job of creating an inviting place to explore, swim, boat and hang out. Old timers say the water is warmer at Pleasure Bay than Carson Beach, but we don’t have evidence of that. While Moakley field looked great the same can’t be said for The Will McDonough Field House, which suffered greatly by comparison with the gleaming, well-tended Carson Beach bath house and facilities. Note the comparison pictures of the facilities. It may be time for the McDonough to clean up its act a little, as bird nests, graffiti and its generally speaking closed status indicate there isn’t much there for patrons to utilize or enjoy. With a roof ready for repair, closed off entrances, weeded yard, inaccessible restroom facilities, Mc Donough looks like it has seen better days. Nevertheless, courtside activity was in display with young basketball teams posting up, while picnics ensued adjacent to the parking lot, and kids enjoyed the playground complete with jungle gyms. I guess that this small building fits fairly low on the priorities
of the city at this time, but there are plans for the future spearheaded by the Moakley Park Vision plan of the city parks, backed by a $210,000 development plan. It would be great to see some real rest room facilities near the playing field instead of portapotties, and perhaps a new scoreboard. It is interesting to note that the enterprising Social Sports Boston has grown in numbers from a few years ago to dominate the beach with their volleyball activities. If you are interested in their schedule it is posted here: http://www.socialbostonsports. com/. I was looking for the kayaks normally rented out at Carson Beach, but saw none being used. The water conditions for both Carson and Pleasure Bay were excellent, and the guards were on duty during the weekend. We are in the beginning of the season, so people were on generally good behavior, when walking out to both beaches, this writer encountered only one speed demon (bicyclist going very fast swerving in and out of crowds) and but a few pot smokers. We’re coming up to a great event, sponsored by Columbia Threadneedle Investments. On July 21 and 22, when more than 2,000 athletes will descend on Carson Beach Boston for the 10th anniversary of the Boston Triathlon. The first date is Kid’s Day, with races for kids 7-15, and the second date is for the full adult races. Youth groups from Boston have already signed on to participate in the events on July 21, including the South Boston Leadership Initiative and Youth Enrichment Services (YES). This Triathlon is a USATsanctioned event and the only triathlon held in the city of Boston. It features both an Olympic distance competition and a Sprint distance race and includes a swim at DCR Carson Beach, a bike ride on DCR William Day Boulevard, and a run in Moakley Park. 2016 Olympian Ben Kanute and former North American Ironman Champion Angela Naeth will be part of the field, which will compete in a swim, cycle and run, which last year was an incredible event. Look for Senator Nick Collins as the honorary race director on Kid’s day. Save the dates!
Carson Beach Bath house facilities open and ready for the season.
Volley Ball from Boston Social Sports in full swing.
Last Year’s Triathlon was well attended.
Will Mc Donough Field House: From a distance OK.
Graffiti on doors… ready for some touch up paint?
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
Congratulations to Boston Latin School Class 2018
On June 11, 2018, Boston Latin School, in its 383rd Commencement Exercise, celebrated the graduation of 412 students from Boston Latin School. The Ceremony took place at the Blue Hill Park Pavilion. Amongst the 412 graduates, were four students, who were named Captains to their team sport. From left to right, Mari Barry, Cheer Captain, BC Nursing and BC Cheer Team, Coleman O’Toole, Baseball Captain, UMass, Lowell, Business Management, Claire Craddock, Lacrosse Captain, UMass Amherst, Political Science, and Joyce Welch, Hockey Captain, UMass, Amherst, Pre-Med.
Mari Barry and Joyce Welch
Open a checking account and get $100!* One more great reason to call South Boston home. Come in for a Free** & Easy Checking account and you’ll get: • $100 Cash Bonus • Free usage of other banks’ ATMs throughout the U.S.*** • No minimum balance or monthly fees • Free online bill pay and mobile banking Free & Easy Checking is only available at our East Broadway branch. So it really is another great reason to live in South Boston. Stop by or open an account online today.
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Lawn on D hit with young kids. Sponsored by Citizen’s Bank, the events were free and ran all day, bringing in the older kids later for music scene. Some famous mascots: Red Sox Wally, and Blades from the Bruins made the rounds, getting selfies with kids, and dancing on stage, and the Celtics Green Team revealing acrobatics. “The Royal Furs” two dudes dueling it out with guitars
were playing in the beginning as well as “Steel Rhythm” a clever Steel Drum band. The latter made very happy music for chomping down on the food at the café. I can’t really tell you this is the kind of food that is actually healthy to eat, but standard fair fare, and there was beer on hand as well. The Museum of Fine Arts was busy showing kids how to make their own impression medallions, while the community art Center sported a printing demo using silk
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screen ink. The Boston YMCA, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and the Mass Audubon Society had tables, spreading their messages and signing up people to their respective causes. Though the Lawn on D is fun friendly, once you’ve seen it a few times, it starts to wear a little thin. For the adults, the best bet on these free themed events is to attend the later concerts as a nice evening out on the weekend. The BCEC are good hosts creating a safe atmosphere,
and they keep everything moving along but given the fact that three quarters of the year it is cold, dark, and wet, I think the space would be better utilized as the very badly needed Boston Botanical Garden. This would especially be true for conventioneers visiting the city in January, as the Seaport has almost no green space. But! While the summer is on look forward to some more rocking events on the BCEC Lawn D Website.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
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What Great Dads They Would Have Been by Ray Flynn, former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Speaking at the annual meeting of the Catholic Order of Foresters last week on Cape Cod, I was telling the group of concerned lay Catholics about a sit down dinner event I attended Friday night at the Latham Hotel in Boston which included former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican and U.S. Secretary of Veterans Services under President George Bush, Jim Nicholson, along with Amb. Brent Hardy and other top ranking former Vatican - American diplomats and their spouses . It was an especially interesting dinner party in hearing the many stories about how we all worked so closely with different Popes and President and leading diplomats from the government of the United States and the world wide Catholic Church, headquartered at the Vatican, called the Holy See which was often referred to by seasoned diplomats as “the worlds most important listening posts.” This assignment required that
those of us who worked there, among other things to do, had to be prepared for when the President and Pope would meet formally in high level meetings either at The White House, the Apostolic Palace or in a neutral foreign country. These meetings would always generate world media attention which often focused on important political, economic or moral topics. Sometimes, an Ambassador had to advise the President about a widely controversial issue that was not politically popular, or understood by the public and disagreed on by top political advisors. Yes, controversy flared, but the President usually had complete confidence in knowing that what we recommended was in our country ‘s best interests. Sometimes the Vatican realized that what we were recommending would generate some negative controversy. Ambassador Nicholson was also the former National Chairman of the Republican Party and I was a 35 year experienced Democratic Elected official, but we both placed our Catholic values ahead of petty politics. Not always welcomed by career partisan political operatives in Washington Im afraid.
ParkARTS Concerts Begin July 10 The Boston Parks and Recreation Department presents the 2018 ParkARTS Citywide Neighborhood Concert Series made possible by Berklee College of Music, Bank of America, The Friends of Ramler Park, and the Fenway Civic Association from July 10 to August 5 in parks citywide. The ParkARTS outdoor neighborhood summer concerts are presented free of charge in local City of Boston parks. The concert series begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, with The Woo Factor at Hunt/Almont Park, 40 Almont Street, Mattapan; 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, with Chosen at Horatio Harris Park, 85 Harold Street, Roxbury; 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, with Too Rude at Brighton Common, 30 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Allston-Brighton; and two shows on Wednesday, July 18, with Swingin’ in the Fens featuring the Chosen at 6:30 p.m. at Ramler Park, 130 Peterborough Street, Fenway and Tom Baker and the Troublemakers at 7 p.m. at McConnell Park, Denny Street, Dorchester The ParkARTS Citywide Neighborhood Concerts continue at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, with Scarab – A Journey Tribute at Billings Field, 369 LaGrange Street, West Roxbury; 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, with Juke Joint 5 at Adams Park; 7 p.m. on Friday, July 27, with Lisa Lopes featuring Djim Djob and the Band at Clifford Park, 160 Norfolk Avenue, Roxbury; and 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 5, with Jazz at the Fort featuring the Gregory Groover Jr. Negro Spiritual Project at Highland Park, 58 Beech Glen Street, Roxbury. The series ends on Wednesday, August 8, with Them Apples at 7 p.m. at Blackstone Park, 1535 Washington Street, South End.
I said the very next day at a annual breakfast meeting of the Catholic Foresters of America that Ambassador Jim was also a decorated Viet War Veteran also reminded us of all the great young men from Boston like Medal of Honor Recipient Tom Kelly, as well as patriotic US Marine hero Eddie Sullivan from SOUTH BOSTON who was killed in Viet Nam in 1968. I told the group that later after this event, I will attend morning Mass of Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston celebrated fly Fr.Casey. We will join Eddie Sullivan’s family, friends, neighbors and fellow veterans in praying to his memory. I know I know I will also think about all the young boys from from all over America who were killed in the service to our country. At Mass I thought about Eddie Sullivan with his wit, humor and good will, on this anniversary of his 50 year Memorial Mass. In a humorous reflection, I could also still see him sneaking a tray of “screwballs”as he called them from the bar at Lithuanian Club from bartender Chuck Mayo at my wedding while being watched
in disbelief by my guests and friends especially Judge Joe Feeney, Father Mac Donnell, John Tynan, Joe Fisher, Fran Dugan, Eddie McCormack and my coach Red Auerbach. Eddie was on a mission on behalf of several other 17 year old rascals from the corner of H and 4th Street along with my brother Dennis who were sneaking mixed drInks that they couldn’t even pronounce. I have so many wonderful memories of those kids growing up who at a young age, went off to combat in Viet Nam., several of them like Eddie, Nick, Johnny, Don, Desmond, Milan, my basketball protege Johnny and so many others who never came home. While in Church, I didn’t know if I wanted to laugh or cry. So I’ll just keep on praying. For a time on Sunday morning, I honestly felt like all the young kids from H Street and 4th were sitting around me in Church. I loved them and think about them all the time. Today, I’m thinking what great Dads they would have been. Happy Fathers Day men. We are all thinking of you with respect and love.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Cannistraro Opens “The FID” at 25 Fid Kennedy
President John Cannistraro, his brothers David and Joe, and Mayor Walsh on the podium.
by Rick Winterson Thursday morning was a busy, bustling day in South Boston’s prime industrial area, its Marine Industrial Park, now entitled the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park. Promptly at 11 a.m., Flynn Marine Park became even busier. J.C. Cannistraro LLC, a two-generation, familyowned firm engaged in mechanical contracting, formally and officially opened the doors to “The FID”. “The FID” is a highly evocative name that Cannistraro gave to the BPDA-owned building they now occupy at 25 Fid Kennedy Avenue. Thomas “FID” Kennedy was a longshoreman; he was also an uncle of John F. Kennedy – think “Uncle TFK and Nephew JFK”. A fid is actually a marine hand tool-of-the-trade used for splicing rope. It resembles a piece of thin, tapered, sharpened doweling. Cannistraro uses the word “FID” as an acronym for their business plan: “F” for Fabrication, “I” for Industry, “D” for Design. What better, more fitting name could there be for a sophisticated mechanical contracting operation on the South Boston Waterfront, on the peninsula formed by the Reserved Channel and Boston Harbor’s waters? “The FID” building, now a completely refurbished shop for skilled workmanship and design, began its existence in 1941. Built for the U.S. Navy and called “Building 16”, it was a cavernous metal fabricator and ship repair facility. It sat idle for more than two decades
after the Boston Naval Annex closed in 1974, and was once again used by Boston Sand & Gravel during the Big Dig. In 2016, J.C. Cannistraro submitted a proposal to design and install a facility there, which suited the site so well that it won out over four other responders. Industrial design capability, skilled job creation, and a good fit with historic uses of the site – call it “Industrial Art Deco” if you’d like - all served to win the day for Cannistraro’s “The FID”. Its figures are very impressive: square footage under roof in “The FID” is 160,000 – that’s four acres, and about as large as four Gillette Stadium football fields. At this time, Cannistraro employs 700 people. A hundred craftspeople and their managers work at “The FID” right now, with 400 more to come there eventually. “The FID” will consolidate operations located in Watertown, Wilmington, and Stoughton. “The FID’s” lease with the BPDA is for 50 years; the site also offers added space in the industrially dedicated Flynn Marine Park, more skilled workers, and accessibility to Downtown, major highways, and Logan Airport. The opening ceremony for Cannistraro’s “The FID” last Thursday was warm and impressive. President John Cannistraro (a son of the founder) spoke very eloquently of how grateful he is for the cooperation and friendship he has found on South Boston’s Waterfront and with the BPDA. He rendered heartfelt compliments to his employees for their efforts leading up to this memorable opening event. Mayor Walsh followed him, bearing thanks from the City, union locals, and everyone involved with “The FID”. Joseph and David Cannistraro gave out several awards. These awardees included Mayor Walsh himself for his support of “the FID” project, the architects of “The FID” – Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, Inc. – and Superintendent Pierre Joas. All of the speeches were brief, sincere, and very well spoken. The program flew by, followed by a sumptuous lunch One of the most unique touches in the Opening Porgram was the symbolic ‘ribbon-cutting”,
Mayor Walsh and Alexis Jones attach a cutter to the pipe that opens the new shop. which actually involved cutting a piece of two-inch copper pipe with the appropriate hand tool. Alexis Jones, from the Sprinkler Fitters Local 550, set up the tool (yes, she was wearing her safety equipment!). Mayor Walsh twisted the tool until the copper pipe separated into two parts. And “The FID” was well and truly open for business. This part of the program was quite nicely done. There were many other memorable touches as well. “The FID” building itself is a remodeling that reflects great credit on the architects, who received one of the event’s awards (we’ve mentioned “Industrial Art Deco” already). The views are magnificent – of the Boston Harbor skyline, the Airport, and (by chance) the departure of the Portuguese Tall Ship “Sagres”
at mid-day last Thursday. And the awards were designed locally by members of South Boston’s Artists for Humanity, now expanding their own facility at A and Second Streets. Simple, tasteful Japanese flower arrangements were emplaced in real, threaded, cast iron pipe fittings to decorate the lunch tables. And for a humorous note, floral arrangements were emplaced around the speakers’ podium, using that most well-known bathroom fixture as the planters. (Special thanks from South Boston Online to Bonnie McGilpin and Fran Collins of the BPDA, and Lynne Kortenhaus and Jane Bisson of Kortenhaus Communications, for information contained in this article.)
The “FID” – (“Fabrication, Industry, Design) – the totally refurbished Cannistraro pipe fabricating shop at 25 Fid Kennedy Avenue in South Boston’s Flynn Marine industrial Park.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
A few selected floral decorations adorn the podium at Cannistraro. Who says pipe fabricators don’t have any sense of humor?
Cannistraro’s Alexis Jones – Sprinkler Fitters Local 550 – set up the pipe cutting ceremony.
Spacious and well-organized – the ground floor in the new South Boston site of J.C. Cannistraro LLC.
Superintendent Pierre Joas, after being given an award for his leadership.
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Lucas Carr and Pathfinder by Rick Winterson You might have seen Pathfinder Tree Services LLC around South Boston in recent months. Pathfinder, a company owned by Lucas Carr and headquartered in Norwood, now performs its essential landscaping services – especially devoted to maximizing the health and growth of our trees – here in South Boston. Trees are sturdy, of course, but they aren’t completely invulnerable to storms, accidents, diseases, and a just plain bad diet. Often, they can overcome such difficulties by themselves, but it takes them a long time to do so. You don’t have to be a professional arborist to know that trees have natural enemies, ranging from hurricane force winds to gypsy moths.
Here’s a list of nine (9) basic services offered by Pathfinder Tree Services LLC – pruning, spraying, injections, fertilizing, stump grinding, pest management, crane/bucket work, cabling and bracing, and storm damage cleanups. Obviously, many (or most) of these services require proper equipment. Much of that equipment needs to be big, safe, and mechanized in one way or another. Even more important than machinery are the skills and know-how that go into providing effective tree services. The human factors at Pathfinder are essential. It’s easy to become attached to trees – we even bring them into our homes at Christmastime. This writer grew up in the ‘burbs, next to a vacant lot where a four-footthick copper beech tree sat. A tree that thick goes back maybe two
or three hundred (2-300) years. Perhaps it was a sapling around the time of Paul Revere’s birth (1735) or the original Evacuation Day in Boston (1776). Do you recall that low-hanging branch on the tree near the bottom of G Street, which gave thousands of Southie’s young people a simulated horseback ride? And as you read this, notice the lilac/honeysuckle scent of South Boston’s Fragrant Linden Trees (a.k.a. basswood and “tilia”). Catch it while you can – it will be gone early in July. Lucas Carr, nicknamed “Luke”, is the founder, owner, and President of Pathfinder Tree Services LLC. He is an experienced climber and consulting arborist, who began in the tree service business some 24 years ago. Luke started up his own tree services business in 1995, with just one key interruption. After the horrendous terrorist attacks on 9/11 in New York City and Washington (the worst such events in U.S. history), Luke Joined the Army. He rapidly moved up in rank to Sergeant, successfully completing training as a Paratrooper, Ranger, and ultimately a Pathfinder. Suffice to say that the Pathfinders go into potential combat zones,
boots on the ground, even before the airborne assault teams get there. “First In, Last Out” is the Pathfinders’ motto. After two tours of duty overseas, Luke returned to civilian life. In 2009, he opened Pathfinder Tree Services LLC. We have mentioned the wide range of tree services available from Lucas Carr and Pathfinder. Just as important, Luke is also a working philanthropist and an executive who takes great pride in the growth of his employees . The causes he supports include the Foundations of the Red Sox and Bruins, the Mass. Eye & Ear Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the U.S. Army Ranger Foundation, and Matt Brown: “Brownie Points” (among others). Luke has also run 11 Marathons to raise funds, both here and in New York City. Pathfinder Tree Services has loyal employees. Luke oversees and invests in their career growth by way of training, modern equipment, and professional certifications. His people respond to his attention in kind. When you next see Pathfinder equipment on the job in South Boston, watch for Luke as well. No matter how busy he is, he makes it a practice to visit every job site.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
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“Spring Fling” at Lawn on D by Rick Winterson The high point of the South Boston Collaborative Center’s Annual 2018 “Spring Fling” was the conferring of the “Community Hero” Award on Tommy Noto – Boston Police Officer, devoted family man, and supporter of countless community causes. A close second was the location of the “Fling” at the increasingly iconic Lawn on D, South Boston’s playground. The efforts of Cranberry Café’s Cathe Walsh was all that was necessary to make the “Fling” a very special affair. Mayor Walsh, accompanied by Lorrie Higgins, and the Collaborative’s Andy Ward conferred the “Community Hero” Award on Tommy. He was applauded by a (very) large crowd, mostly made up of family members of all ages. Partly out of doors, partly in the Lawn’s tent – the Collaborative’s 2018 “Spring Fling” was an affair to remember.
2018 “Community Hero” Tommy Noto (center) with his best buddies – Stephen, Jimmy, John, and Dave – at The Lawn on D.
Your Hostess and Host at the Collaborative’s “Spring Fling” – Cranberry Café’s Cathe Walsh and Executive Director Andy Ward.
Theresa, Ritchie, and Mark (Candidate for Govenor’s Councillor) show thier uppor for the South Boston Collaborative Center’s “Spring Fling”.
Don Wilson, Karen Stanley, and John Allison are all Collaborative supporters.
Even the young folks join in the Collaborative’s “Spring Fling.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes News Congratulations and God Bless you Father Patrick Nolan! “Father� Patrick Nolan, SJ celebrated his First Masses this past weekend. Deacon Patrick Nolan, SJ was ordained as a Jesuit Priest on Saturday, June 9, 2018 in New York. He celebrated his First Mass at his home parish in Long Island on June 10, 2018. Father Nolan celebrated his First Mass in South Boston this past weekend at the 4PM at Gate of Heaven Church on Saturday, June 16 and at the 10:30AM Mass at St. Brigid Church on Sunday, June 17, 2018. Our Pastor, Father Robert Casey, Monsignor Liam Bergin and Father Tom Hever, who is visiting from Sligo, Ireland; concelebrated at the 10:30 Mass with Father Patrick Nolan. A reception took place following the 10:30 Mass in Cardinal Cushing Hall at which many came to congratulate Father Pat. We thank Father Pat for his year of service to our parishes and congratulate him on is Ordination to the Priesthood. Please remember him in your prayers.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
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THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
ZONING HEARING The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston (“Zoning Commission”) hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a public hearing will be held on July 11, 2018, at 9:30 AM, in Room 900, Boston City Hall, in connection with a petition for the Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Development Plan for 49, 51 and 63 Melcher Street within Planned Development Area No. 69, The 100 Acres/South Boston (“Third Amendment”), filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a Boston Planning & Development Agency. Said Third Amendment would modify the basement space at 63 Melcher Street from 2,695 gross square feet to 3,543 gross square feet, an increase of 848 gross square feet. A copy of the petition and the Third Amendment may be viewed at the office of the Zoning Commission, Room 952, Boston City Hall, between 9 AM and 5 PM any day except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
For the Commission, Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary
ZONING HEARING The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston (“Zoning Commission”) hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a public hearing will be held on July 11, 2018, at 9:15 AM, in Room 900, Boston City Hall, in connection with Text Amendment Application No. 482 and Map Amendment Application No. 709, filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a Boston Planning & Development Agency. Said amendments would extend the South Boston Interim Planning Overlay District (“IPOD”), Article 27S, for a period of one year from the current expiration date of July 12, 2018. Copies of the petitions and a map of the area involved may be viewed at the office of the Zoning Commission, Room 952, Boston City Hall, between 9 AM and 5 PM any day except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
For the Commission, Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING ON SITE CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES
On-Terminal Areas 900 East First Street, South Boston MassDEP RTN 3-00257 Former Owner: Coastal Oil of New England (CONE) Current Owner: Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) Tuesday July 10, 2018 As part of the Public Involvement Process for the site at 900 East First Street, Massport will host a public information meeting about the remediation and assessment activities for this site. The site is tracked by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) under Release Tracking Number (RTN) 3-00257. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information on the continued cleanup of the site pursuant to the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP). The meeting will be held in the Senior Lunch Room of the Curley Community Center located at 1663 Columbia Road, South Boston, on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 7:00 PM. Please use the M Street entrance. Copies of the assessment and remediation documents are available for review at the South Boston Public Library and MassDEP, Northeast Regional Office, 205B Lowell Street, Wilmington, MA 01876 or on-line at: http://public.dep.state. ma.us/wsc_viewer/. Interested parties may also submit written questions or concerns to James Stolecki at Massport’s Environmental Management Unit Office, One Harborside Drive, East Boston, MA 02128 or by e-mail at jstolecki@massport.com.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018
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Dorchester Heights This Summer by Rick Winterson Just two days ago, on Tuesday evening, June 19 (a.k.a. “Juneteenth”), the DHA (the Dorchester Heights Association) held its Annual End-of-the-Year “Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social”. It was quite the occasion and quite the turnout. The Paraclete, local running clubs, and many, many children were among the DHA’s guests. The green mint ice cream with chocolate chips appeared to be the favorite confection. Next up on the Heights will be the opening performance of the DHA’s Dorchester Heights 2018 Concert Series. This Series consists of three monthly concerts in June, July, and August. All three concerts are free and open to the South Boston public. The first concert will feature Irais Brito. It takes place this coming Saturday evening, June 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. Young family members will enjoy lawn games, face painting, and make-and-take art. Come and join us – watch
the sunset from the Heights, see the Boston skyline come alive with lights, and listen to some superb local music. Irais Brito, a native of Havana (Cuba), is from Berklee; his ensemble is a string quartet that performs melodic, rhythmic contemporary music. Dorchester Heights, officially part of Boston’s National Park Service, is the highest natural point in all of the City of Boston. It is the site if the Evacuation Day Monument, which commemorates the British evacuation of Boston on March 17, 1776 – 242 years ago. The views from the Heights are stunning any time of day or season of the year, in (almost!) any weather. Soon, in just a couple of weeks, there will be two magnificent fireworks displays that can be viewed easily and conveniently from the Heights. Plan to go to the Heights on Saturday night, June 30, to see the fireworks that conclude the City of Boston’s Annual HarborFest. Bring a picnic supper, get there at 7 p.m., and enjoy the cityview after dark. Then, there are also the spectacular
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Applications are available 06/04/2018 through 07/06/2018. Applications may be picked up in person from the Management Office at 9 Wardman Road-Rear, Roxbury, MA 02119 Weekdays: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Evenings: Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. You may also request an application via email at walkerpark@winnco.com Informational Meeting 1: 06/06/2018, 6:00 PM (Wednesday) Urban Edge, 1542 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury, MA Informational Meeting 2: 06/20/2018, 6:30 PM (Wednesday) BCYF, 200 D Street, Boston, MA Deadline for completed applications to be in lottery: 07/13/2018 Application must be submitted online or returned in person at the above address by 4:00 p.m., or mailed and postmarked by that day. Reasonable accommodations made. SELECTION BY LOTTERY Income and Assets limits apply. *Income minimums apply unless household has housing subsidy. Preferences apply: 5 accessible units (3 mobility impairments, 2 vision impairments and deaf/hard of hearing) Boston residency preference for 70% (34) of units, 5 units set aside for homeless households, 8 project-based MRVP units Use and Occupancy Restrictions apply: Minimum 1 per bedroom-Reasonable Accommodations made Walker Park is a smoke-free community For more info or reasonable accommodations, call WinnResidential at (617) 989-0168 / TTY/TDD: (800) 439-2370 For info about MRVP and units for households transitioning from homelessness, call HomeStart at (617) 542-0338
Members of the Dorchester Heights Association (the DHA) begin serving at their “Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social” Wednesday evening fireworks on the Fourth of July, after Keith Lockhart’s Boston Pops Concert concludes with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, as church bells ring all over the City. Check the exact time on the July 4 fireworks; they usually begin between 10 and 10:30 p.m. The two remaining concerts in the Dorchester Heights Series will be on Saturday evening, July 21 - “The Fort Point Ramblers” – and Saturday evening, August 25 – “Anna Maria Villa”. Come by at 6 p.m.; the concerts conclude around 8. And there’ll be plenty
for the entire family to enjoy. The Ramblers (July 21) are an authentic bluegrass quartet, with vocals, mandolin, guitar, stand-up bass, and (of course) a country-style fiddle. Anna Maria Villa (August 25), although Italian-born, sings jazz, standards, and numbers straight from The American Songbook. How does Ms. Villa sound? For those of us who have been around a while, think of Peggy Lee, who used to perform in South Boston’s Blinstrub’s Village at D and West Broadway.
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