THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 32
The 2017 Preliminaries: A Commentary * KEY RESULTS: (As of Wednesday Afternoon) Walsh – 34,869 Jackson – 16,202 Flynn, District 2 – 5,083 Kelley, District 2 – 2,860 (* Unofficial, rounded) by Rick Winterson Probably the most noteworthy result in the preliminary elections held on Tuesday, September 26, had a negative tone. The voter turnout was a painfully low 14%. That number contains its own lesson: We have to do a better job of getting out to cast our votes. There is no sense in criticizing various levels of government if we don’t take part in the
elections – every one of them. In the Mayoral race, incumbent Mayor Walsh will face off against challenger Tito Jackson, come Tuesday, November 7. This week’s Preliminary Election was a landslide in favor of Walsh – 63% versus 29% for Jackson. But this lopsided result was in Boston – a City that has almost always re-elected its sitting Mayors in the past. In the District 2 Preliminary Election for City Councilor, Ed Continued on Page 2
Washington Village: A Major South Boston Development in Progress Richard Campbell
DJ Properties Development plan for Washington Square Village is a huge project in full swing with the first of eight buildings being built, on a 5acre site, to include over 656 units, and nearly 100,000 square feet of retail shops- largely reinventing the moribund corridor on the corner
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of Dorchester Street and Old Colony Avenue outside of Andrew Square. It looks small on a map, but it is about replacing 192,000 square feet of existing “obsolete and vacant” properties that also includes parking for about 600 cars. The architectural firm Continued on page 8
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Mayor Announces PAIR Initiative at Gavin by Rick Winterson September is Recovery Month, an important annual anniversary. No one has to be told that we are in the middle of an epidemic of substance abuse. While the severity of that epidemic might have leveled off slightly in recent weeks, it is still far more serious than it was only a few years ago - locally, statewide, and across the nation – but especially in Massachusetts. Last Thursday morning, December 21, Mayor Walsh visited the Gavin Foundation on Devine Way here in South Boston. He took advantage of his visit to announce a new initiative called PAIR (“Personal Advancement for Individuals in Recovery”). This Pair Initiative is a partnership between the City of Boston, Warren and Doris Buffett’s “Letters Foundation”, and the Gavin Foundation. It is the first program of its kind in the United States. Present with the Mayor were Gavin Foundation President John McGahan; Jennifer Tracey, who directs the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Services; Brendan Little, who is the Policy Director in the Office; and Alex Buffett Rozek, who manages the Boston operation of Letters Foundation. Each spoke
of the advantages of working jointly with the Gavin Foundation, which serves 5,000 individuals with substance abuse problems every year, and the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Services, the nation’s first such municipal office, and the Letters Foundation. Specifically, the Letters Foundation has set up a seed grant program, which Letters will initially fund at $100,000. This pilot program will provide so-called “wraparound” services to people in recovery, so they can continue to make progress in their recovery and future lives. A small but important example of such services could be buying individuals transit passes, so they can travel to work and back home at the end of the day. A more critical need might be having a roof over one’s head until that first paycheck arrives. The Letters Foundation is an agency of last resort that gives humanitarian grants to people in a crisis that is not their fault. PAIR is their effort to focus a certain amount of budgeted funds on the needs of those in recovery, while working through and with both the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Services and the Gavin Foundation. Individuals in recovery, guided by the Gavin’s full spectrum of
treatment and recovery support, will write letters to the Letters Foundation explaining their needs and how they’ll use a grant from
Letters to stabilize their lives and continue on the road to recovery. This is a very positive way to end Recovery Month.
Mayor Walsh announces the PAIR Initiative at the Gavin Center on Devine – (from l.) Jennifer Tracey (Director, City of Boston’s Office of Recovery Services), Alex Buffett Rozek (Director, Boston Office of Letters Foundation), Mayor Walsh, John McGahan (President, Gavin Foundation), Brendan Little (Policy Director, City of Boston’s Office of Recovery Services). Continued from Page 1
Preliminary Election Flynn came in first with 5,100 votes (56%); Mike Kelley was second at 2,900 votes (32%). The other five candidates in District 2 received a total of 1,000 votes – approximately 11 % of those cast. So, Ed Flynn and Mike Kelley will face each other in November. Neither Flynn nor Kelley is an incumbent, of course, since they are both campaigning to replace Bill Linehan, who is stepping down as District 2 Councilor. And no matter how the votes for the losing candidates are split in
the General Elections, this will be a one-on-one horse race from here on. Should be interesting. In the District 7 City Councilor preliminaries, there were 13 (yes, thirteen!) candidates. The top two candidates received only 1,000 votes between them – graphic proof of how important individual elections can be. So please, make yourself a firm resolution to vote on Tuesday, November 7. And a big Southie “thank-you” to Bill Linehan for his long career of accomplishment in public service.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
F and Bolton Now Pvt. Brian Mahoney Square
by Rick Winterson
O
ver a hundred people gathered on the intersection of F and Bolton Streets at 11 a.m. last Saturday. Traffic was rerouted for an hour or so; the occasion was both joyful and solemn. The square formed by the intersection of those two streets was being named for Pvt. Brian Mahoney, who was taken from us much too soon. And who, in the words of Bob Allison, President of the
Bolton. Kevin Conroy piped “Amazing Grace”; Sr. Lois gave a brief eulogy that emphasized Brian’s “passion for life”. Then his two brothers described how
much Brian loved South Boston. The square’s dedication to Brian closed with “Taps”, rendered by Tom Florentino. A lunch followed at the Fitzgerald Post.
The new sign is unveiled by Brian Mahoney, Jr.
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There it is – F and Bolton Streets form the Pvt. Brian Mahoney Square.
South Boston Historical Society, was “A great son of South Boston, and a great friend of its history.” Ed Flynn served as the occasion’s emcee. Sr. Florence gave the invocation as the ceremony opened. Holy water was sprinkled upon the signpost bearing Brian’s name. Emcee Flynn narrated some of Brian’s many accomplishments and community activities, a lot of them connected with veterans. Congressman Stephen Lynch was on hand, referring to Brian as being both “from” South Boston and “of ” South Boston, and mentioning his role in the Evacuation/St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He presented Brian’s wife, Kelly Mahoney, with an American flag that had been flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The program continued with remarks from Brian’s son, Brian, Jr., recalling the support he and his mother Kelly got from South Boston – “That’s why my father loved it so much.” He climbed up and unveiled the sign for the newly named square at F and
& Joseph Dodo Nee Foundation Benefit
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017
Golf Tournament William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park 7:30 Registration/Coffee/Donuts
Congressman Steve Lynch speaks – Kelly Mahoney is standing right.
Brian Mahoney, Jr., talks about his father. Emcee Ed Flynn stands left.
George Wright Golf Course 7:30 Registration/Coffee/Donuts $150
per person/$600 per team price includes: Greens Fee, Carts, Jacket and Lunch @ Florian Hall
Please join us for an evening of dancing featuring Dru, prizes, fun and good company. Plus a few guest appearances on stage. Tickets will be available from all committee members for a donation of $20 per person. Funds raised will be given back to the families and nonprofit organizations within the greater Boston area to keep Dodo’s memory alive by doing what he loved so much, giving back.
Tee/Green Sponsors available $250 INFORMATION or TICKETS: Kelly & Mark Collins .............. Brian & Kerry Nee ................ Kristin Nee ............................ Joe & Donna Casper ............ Kristine & Richie Corrado ...... Michael & Tracy Doyle .......... Kevin & Marybeth Doyle ...... Danny & Amanda Bausemer Sean & Katie Nee .................. Molly Casper .......................... Emily Casper ........................ Kailyn Corrado ...................... Tommy Noto .......................... Joe & Sue Finn ...................... Edzo Foley ............................
Benefit 7:00 pm FLORIAN HALL
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WWW.Josephdodoneefoundation.com Checks can be made out to the Joseph Dodo Nee Foundation Boston Fire Fighters Credit Union
Sr. Lois (at lectern) recalls Brian Mahoney to the crowd.
The Joseph (Dodo) Nee Foundation, Inc. is a Massachusetts charitable corporation organized pursuant to Chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws and has applied for 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. Donors are urged to consult their tax advisors. EIN# 82-1585335
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
By Rick Winterson Chrissy Mazzeo Jack Hart reprised his role as a favorite South Boston emcee last Saturday in the Boston Teachers Union Hall on Mt. Vernon Street, where he took the reins at Harry Uhlman’s 85th Birthday Party. He started the program by asking everyone to rise and sing “Happy Birthday” to Harry. And Jack then struck exactly the right note by
Harry Ulman’s 85th mentioning that classic American popular song, “I’m Just Wild about Harry!”, because all of us there were wild about him (and still are). The reasons for this high esteem were evident. Many of the guest were “special kids”, all of whom have been dear to Harry’s heart for the last 25 years. They were having the time of their lives, socializing with perhaps as many as 500 people who also attended Harry’s soiree. Partway through the evening, after the
program was concluded, Harry’s kids gathered around him on the dance floor for photographs. Some of his special kids were dancing themselves; every one of them wore smiles of joy. In one key part of the program, it was announced that the bandstand in Marine Park will now be officially and deservedly named the “Harry Uhlman Bandstand”. Harry really didn’t want such recognition, so this had been kept a secret. All he really wants is for his
special children to have a special time, which they certainly did. To the best of our knowledge, the term “Special Children” originated with Cardinal Cushing. He called these young people “Special” in the eyes of God because they could do nothing wrong – they do not know the meaning of the word “evil”. Harry’s 85th was a marvelous event – just ask any one of his “Special Children”.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
Our New South Boston Branch is Now Open at 130 West Broadway! Stop in today to meet our amazing staff! Membership open to those that live or work in Boston or a community of Suffolk or Norfolk County Boston City Hall | Canton | Dorchester | South Boston | West Roxbury 617.635.4545 | Cityofbostoncu.com Federally insured by NCUA Member of MSIC
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Taking Back the Hill by Rick Winterson Thursday evening, September 21, a celebration on Dorchester Heights marked an important anniversary – two of them, actually. This year of 2017 is the 25th Anniversary of Medicine Wheel Productions, which is now located at 110 K Street and which still serves South Boston (especially its at-risk youth) by demonstrating the power of art in improving the South Boston community. This year also marks the end of 21st year of the Medicine Wheel project that has transformed the sloping crescent of land behind the High School, commonly called “No Man’s Land”. This celebration was called “Taking Back the Hill”. The results of the No Man’s Land transformation were both striking and welcoming, as many well-wishers gathered there. It was accomplished by employing young workers over several summers. No Man’s Land is now a place of
garden paths, water fancies, and rock-enclosed sites, serving as picnic areas or simply places to relax. It has become a one-acre, urban green space that even includes a place to perform and entertain in the open air. When you next visit No Man’s Land, note that there are open gates between it and the Dorchester Heights Memorial. The two parks have been officially joined into one, varied urban green space with spectacular views and stunning internal landscaping. Two awards were presented during Thursday’s “Taking Back the Hill” celebration. One was to Probation Officer Barbie Loftus, who was named Queen of the Hill for her long public service as well as her participation in Medicine Wheel’s efforts. The other was to City Councilor (and lifelong public servant) Bill Linehan – he is now the 2017 King of the Hill. Bill has announced his retirement, and the
Medicine Wheel Chair Mark McGonagle (l.) with “King of the Hill” Bill Linehan, “Queen of the Hill” Barbie Loftus, and Michael Dowling, Artistic Director of Medicine Wheel. best way to sum up his many civic accomplishments is to say that he’ll be very much missed by the people of South Boston. Mark McGonagle, the Chair of Medicine Wheel’s Board, capably emceed the event. Michael Dowling closed out the program with remarks of gratitude for all that has happened over the last 25 years, saying, “People destroy things because they weren’t invited to help create them.” His words recalled vandalism in No Man’s Land, which was followed the employing the vandals in No Man’s Land the next summer. One of the attractions in No Man’s Land is the placement of
engraved memorial bricks along its walkways. These are permanent remembrances you can have emplaced there yourself, to commemorate a person, an event, or a greeting. Check with Medicine Wheel for details. Last Thursday evening’s “Taking Back the Hill” observances featured a cookout of hamburgers and hot dogs, courtesy of the generosity of Sullivan’s – that iconic Castle Island purveyor of refreshments since 1950. Sully’s, we thank you very much. Thursday, September 21, was also the last full day of summer. It concluded with a dramatic sunset.
No Man’s Land alumni, now grown up, with last Thursday’s awardees.
“Queen of the Hill” Barbie Loftus with her family in No Man’s Land.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
Look up to No Man’s Land – walkways, a picnic table, even a performance space.
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Council candidate Ed Flynn seeks votes among the ladies at No Man’s Land.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
2017 Cyrene Breakfast Fete at Venezia
In memory of Msgr. Thomas McDonnell – “Father Tom” – the founder of the Simon of Cyrene Society. by Rick Winterson South Boston’s Simon of Cyrene Society is about to enter its 40th year. The idea for such a Society originally came from Msgr. Thomas McDonnell, then the Pastor of St. Augustine Church on Dorchester Street. Father Tom, as he was affectionately known back then, enlisted the support of Sr. Peggy Youngclaus,
SND. The rest is history, as they say. A charitable history; a history of ongoing good works. Last Sunday morning, the Society held its Annual Breakfast at that citywide Port Norfolk favorite, Venezia. It was crowded and festive affair; “Aris” (pronounced (Arishe) provided an upbeat background of Irish music. State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry served as the emcee. The Society, who work with members of the physically and developmentally disabled community, now has more than 500 people, coming from over 55 different communities in and around Boston. While Catholic in origin, the Simon of Cyrene Society’s membership is open to and includes every race, creed, and walk of life. Specifically, the Society provides care, support, and respite to help those with disabilities as well as those who are caring for these “special people”. Advocacy, home visits, and celebrations are part of this mission, as is providing vacations and accessible respite
Charlie Harrington receives an award from Sr. Peggy Younhgclaus and Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry for (among other things) establishing a Simon of Cyrene Society newsletter.
The Flynn family at the 2017 Simon of Cyrene Breakfast – (from l.) Cathy, Nancy, Braeden, Gavin, and Ray.
The Sullivans (of Castle Island’s Sully’s), Dan and Brendan, receive awards for their devoted support of the Simon of Cyrene Society from Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry and Sr. Peggy Youngclaus. homes on the Cape. The Society is named for Simon of Cyrene, the man who assisted Christ with his Cross. Four deserving people were recognized by Sen. Dorcena Forry and Sr. Peggy at the 2017 Breakfast: Awards were conferred by them on Dan and Brendan Sullivan of Sullivan’s at Castle Island, Sheila
Shea, and Charlie Harrington, who established and published a Simon of Cyrene Society Newsletter. Ray Flynn spoke of Pope (and now Saint) John Paul II – Karyl Wotyla – who was extraordinarily impressed by the care given to Boston’s “special children” during his visit here.
Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry and Sr. Peggy Youngclaus confer a well-deserved award for her years of service to the Simon of Cyrene Society on Sheila Shea.
Peggy Woods (second r.) and her guests at the 2017 Simon of Cyrene Breakfast.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
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Ed Flynn Thanks the People of District 2 As the Preliminary Election has concluded, I would like to extend my best wishes to my neighbors and thank you for the hospitality that you have extended to me, my family, and my supporters as we knocked on doors and made phone calls throughout our district. I have had the pleasure of meeting many new neighbors and becoming reacquainted with so many longtime friends. With your help, we gained significant victories in South Boston and Chinatown, and performed strong in every other community in the district. I would also like to tip my hat to my opponents for campaigning on the issues that affect us and not engaging in the politics of personal destruction. I am proud of this campaign and all of its participants.
The Rooney family are enthusiastic supporters of the Simon of Cyrene Society.
Starting in March, I have spoken out on many important issues through public hearings, house parties, literature, press releases and candidate forums. These issues include improving our Boston Public Schools for all families, keeping our streets safe, developing a plan to re-open the Long Island Treatment facility, fighting against overdevelopment in our neighborhoods, parking, elderly housing, and a Bus Rapid Transit plan. Government serves us best when it takes seriously the legitimate concerns of its citizens and civic organizations. I have not just listened to your concerns, but have been out front and taken the lead on issues affecting our most basic government services.
I promise to keep my commitments to the people of District 2. I will: • • • •
Young Korbyn, Sr. Peggy Youngclaus of the Simon of Cyrene Society, and State Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, who emceed the 2017 Simon of Cyrene Breakfast.
Do all I can to support our young people and families, especially when it comes to issues such as education, youth fulfillment opportunities and mental and behavioral health; Promise to ensure that our seniors receive the respect and dignity they deserve; Demonstrate my firm belief that the people who reside in a neighborhood should have a say in what happens in their neighborhood; Advocate for collective bargaining and equal pay for equal work.
I thank you for your support and I will work hard to earn your vote on Tuesday, November 7th. I will listen to your concerns, be accessible, and work hard every day to deliver results for all of our neighborhoods. Sincerely, Ed Flynn
Artist Bobby Farrell Presents
The Aris (pronounced “Arishe”) duo of Diane Shannon and Michael Reynolds serenade the Simon of Cyrene Breakfast guests with Irish airs.
Young Korbyn, Sr. Peggy Youngclaus of the Simon of Cyrene Society, and State Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, who emceed the 2017 Simon of Cyrene Breakfast.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Washington Village Major South Boston Development in Progress continued from page 1 designing the buildings is Prellwitz Chilinski Associates, PCA, who are perhaps best known locally for transforming Northeastern University campus centers, and many landmark retail/restaurant designs in New England. Halvorson Design is hired for the landscaping, and they are perhaps better known by Bostonians for their design of the beautiful walking park at Atlantic Wharf, in Fort Point Channel. Nitsch Engineering, Inc., another prestigious Boston firm, is providing services in civil engineering, transportation, structural. engineering, green infrastructure, and planning. In other words, the plan is not only massive, but it has drawn some very heavy hitters. The buildings are largely residential, but include retail, and landscaped areas to create a village concept. The first structure is under construction, and most will have ground floor and second floor level retail, with residential units above. The design is meant to implant a new neighborhood to the area that would provide mixed use rental and condo housing, as well as significant new retail stores, underground parking, and landscaped private park areas- all up to certified LEED environmental standards. The projected cost of building this village is 400 million.
A complete community onto itself, Washington Village is planned with many amenities. Images courtesy of DJ Properties, PCA Architects, as submitted to the Boston Planning & Development Agency Let’s just say, even in the first phase, it is a rather massive project. This is listed as a project that is part of the mayor’s objective to create 53,000 new housing units in the city by 2030, and needless to say, it is an area of South Boston where some kind of planning couldn’t come soon enough. The eight buildings are named with the letters A-H, and are described in detail in the master plan submitted to the city which includes both apartments and co-ndominiums. Buildings C & D look are pretty high modern apartment houses that look out onto the small residences adjacent to them, with D being 22
living levels, and C being 18 living levels with 4 levels of parking. The configuration reminiscent of what one might see in Back Bay rather than in South Boston. The listing of the new retail spaces seems fanciful from the outset, but one has to keep in mind, the neighborhood will be importing well to do individuals- young professionals and wealthy empty nesters. The mention of everything from pool halls to department stores, to private clubs, breweries and wineries, drive in theatres, day care, an adult education center, hotels, art galleries seems to cast the net quite large when looking
at the actual floor plans. The developer is clearly leaving the door open for all kinds of enterprises. The design context will not be unfamiliar to South Bostonians who have seen this kind of architecture springing up all over the neighborhood, with architectural styles similar to apartment buildings lining Lawn D in the Seaport District. One might call the design, modern environmental, for while not terribly imaginative, the buildings look very efficient. Since there is nothing architecturally significant next to them for context, they seem to invent their own idea of continued on next page
The plan reveals multiple retail spaces, green spaces, and street modifications. Images courtesy of DJ Properties, PCA Architects, as submitted to the Boston Planning & Development Agency
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 the web site of young hipsters Washington Village on toasting beer glasses, the village will a village space- anchored by two high rise buildings that are from 18-22 stories. The whole concept does not seem too far removed from the look of a college campus. At first blush, it is designed to address the need for middle income housing in South Boston, a definition, not really defined by a monetary standard. One has to admire just how much density is in this design and its transformative ambition. Consider that the site will have over 4,000 square feet of new sidewalks, over a hundred trees, green grass, and 648 parking spaces. Keep in mind, until recent housing projects in this area of the city, growing green grass was illegalonly blacktop and concrete was allowed, and people who planted flowers were tortured in secret. All kidding aside, the parks and green spaces will be greatly appreciated. The designs walk the type rope of maximum profitability to the units and while still providing a sellable community, including such amenities as boutique retail, a farmer’s Market, and restaruantsall this steps away from the beach. The developers also mention that they will be providing space for a South Boston Historical Museum, and Health Center. Judging by the trendy multicultural videos
have plenty of amenities. It is anyone’s guess what two bedroom units will go for in this new village, but something tells me that very soon the MBTA will finally be paying careful attention the hygiene disgrace that is Andrew Square Station. Goodness Gracious, South Boston will never be the same.
First construction of a smaller building at Washington Village.
South Bostonians are familiar with this kind of industrial chic architecture. The scale for the lower buildings will hopefull create the village feeling. Images courtesy of DJ Properties, PCA Architects, as submitted to the Boston Planning & Development Agency
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Blue Cross Blue Shield Volunteers Help Save the Harbor and Get South Boston Ready For Fall On Wednesday, Sept 20, 55 volunteers from Blue Cross Blue Shield MA partnered with Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay, the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation and the South Boston Neighborhood House to clean up Carson Beach in South Boston and the South Boston Neighborhood House as a part of BCBSMA’s annual service day. Undeterred by the stormy remnants of Hurricane Jose, the “Blue Crew” began their day at the BCYF Curley Community Center singing songs of the sea led by Save the Harbor’s Vice President of Operations and Programs Chris Mancini and their staff before breaking into teams to tackle their assignments for the day. At the end of the day, the volunteers had cleaned up 2 miles of beach and parkway from City Point to the Murphy Skating Rink, including Moakley Park. They also painted classrooms, washed windows, and cleaned kitchens, playrooms and bathrooms at the
South Boston Neighborhood House. The BCBS volunteers also helped Save the Harbor launch a new initiative focusing on the health benefits of eating seafood twice a week, making fish prints to promote the program and sampling fresh scup and mackerel from Save the Harbor’s partners and
neighbors on Boston’s Fish Pier. “These beaches, the Ollie and the Curley are important assets for the residents of South Boston all year long,” Mancini said. “Thanks to our partners at Blue Cross Blue Shield, our program partners at South Boston Neighborhood House and the BCYF Curley and the terrific staff at DCR for helping to get them in shape for the fall.” Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is a non-profit, public interest harbor advocacy organization made up of
thousands of citizens as well as civic, corporate, cultural and community leaders and scientists. Our mission is to restore and protect Boston Harbor, Massachusetts Bay, and the marine environment and share them with the public for all to enjoy. To find out more about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, visit our website at savetheharbor. org and follow ‘savetheharbor’ on Facebook and Twitter.
The Annual Blessing of the Animals
All are welcome to the Annual Blessing of the Animals, in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals. This will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2017 outside of Gate of Heaven Church at 1PM, downstairs in the I Street Courtyard, near the Celtic Cross, following the 12 Noon Mass. Please have your pets on a leash or in a pet carrier.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
Marking a turning point in creating a 21st Century Port
Joining Governor Charlie Baker, Dan Kraft, President and CEO, International Forest Products Corporation and Colonel William Conde, Army Corps of Engineers aboard a dredge vessel in the harbor on September 15th
From cranberries to seafood, toys to wood products, more than 1,600 New England businesses rely on the Port of Boston to connect their products to the world. The Port of Boston is essential to the Massachusetts economy, contributing $4.6 billion every year. And with 7,000 jobs, it is Boston’s 6th largest employer. This year, Massport’s Conley Terminal set another record – for the third year in a row – by processing more than 256,000 containers.
The $350 million project includes funding from the Federal Government (The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Massport. These accomplishments require planning, strategy and a strong partnership and commitment from Massachusetts elected officials, the private sector, labor, and the entire Boston community. Thank you for helping us reach this important milestone. Colonel William Conde signs a boat propeller to commemorate the start of the dredging project.
The Port of Boston has rounded a critical turning point in its ambitious effort to create a Port that can successfully compete with other east coast ports to serve larger container ships that are the new standard in the industry. Now underway, the Boston Harbor Dredging Project will deepen the harbor to enable ships to continue delivering home heating oil, jet fuel, and salt to the Boston area -- and help get Conley Terminal “Big Ship Ready.”
brought to you by Governor Baker, Dan Kraft, Colonel William Conde, U.S. Senators Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch, Massachusetts State Senators Sal DiDomenico and Linda Dorcena-Forry, State Representatives Nick Collins and Lori Ehrlich and Boston City Councilor Michael Flaherty joined Massport board members Patricia Jacobs and John Nucci, Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn, and other officials to view the harbor dredging from Massport’s Boston Autoport in Charlestown which is home to nine maritime industrial companies with more than 500 employees. Last year, nearly 80,000 Subarus and other cars were processed at the Autoport.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Seaport Performing Arts Center: WS Development Adapting Plans for the Community By Richard Campbell
W
S Development filed plans for a revised, downsized performing arts center in the Seaport culturalcorridorthis month, revealing a modified view of the space with specific recommendations on size, pending further modifications. This design fills in parking lots between downtown access and the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, originally designed much larger complex, WS Developer’s scaled down the plan of SeaPAC in reaction to community concerns about green space, and in answer to the mayor’s study on the need for smaller arts spaces. The current version of the plan is to have a 500 seat theater, and one smaller, 150 seat black box theater. The Boston Development and Planning Agency, BDPA, has made recommendations throughout the re-design process, and State Representative Nick Collins recently requested a library instead a small to the performing arts center therer by eliminating the smallest
One of the early renderings of the SeaPAC concept. theater in the plan, but the Boston Public Library has not weighed in on the matter. Collins suggested in a Boston Globe interview that his request would make the SeaPAC project more community oriented, allowing a meeting space that has more of a public forum. Given the closeness of this space to downtown, and the Boston Public Libraries closing of the Kirstein Business Branch, (now housed in the basement of the main branch) perhaps the city should consider a business library at a location in the Seaport, but this project is slated for the performing arts. One thing is certain, there are more than a few small arts groups
for whom this project could become a destination, notably mentioned: the Boston Lyric Opera, the Landmark Orchestra, Boston Dance Alliance, and the Actors Shakespeare Project. In this area that is becoming flooded with young professionals in high technology companies, a dedicated venue that serves two or three arts organizations may have the best chance of succeeding by attracting a variety of local audiences. This writer believes winter in this area begs for public meeting spaces, which have yet to materialize. It must be emphasized that small established arts groups that have a track record like the ones mentioned above are preferable to having a space that is not dedicated
to particular companies or a general “community” theater, and frankly the city doesn’t have a spectacular record with developing or promoting performing arts venues. The first music or dance club in the Seaport is probably going to do a killer business, as there is very little after-hours entertainment besides dinning. I have advocated for one of these developers to come to the idea of creating an indoor botanical garden, that would be a public space for people who end up in the district during the fall and winter to go. Among WS Development’s numerous projects in the Seaport completed and under construction, the developer has also hired the Dutch architectural firm OMA to start construction on an innovative “cut in half ” building at 88 Seaport Blvd, which has 40,000 square feet of office space, and over 5,000 square feet of retail space. The vast number of luxury apartments, businesses, and condominiums in the area will definitely create a future audience for a well-developed performing arts venue. South Boston Onliine will try to keep tracking this project as it heads into the development stages.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
By Richard Campbell
I
When Movie Theaters Look Like Refrigerators
knew that the secret Bureau of Uglification (BOU) moved out of South Boston, as our neighborhood is being transformed by artsy upscale architects and landscape designers, but I didn’t know where they fled to. Now that the South Bay Shopping Center cineplex is nearing completion, I know where they went. No one is saying that the new AMC cinema should be a movie palace out of theater landmarks of America, but this ice cube doesn’t quite elevate the mall design. People derided the downtown Loews Cineplex as being too “mall like.” Well, from the outside, Loews on the Common is the Taj Mahal next to this boring concept. The theater opens around Christmas. Maybe we’ll get a present, and the interior will be so nice, that things will even out. Don’t hold your breath. One really shouldn’t complain, because it is a significant upgrade for this very busy strip mall. There are 12 screens planned for this monster! Many in the movie industry lament the old days when people used to go to the movies as a social function and sign of culture. Americans in general are not that picky about theater architecture but corporations are going to kill the industry if they keep putting up boring buildings to showcase cinematic art. I realize that most movies don’t reach the level of “art” and perhaps many Americans couldn’t tell the difference; but they do know when something
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The “innovative” new cube movie theater at South Bay. Ho-Hum. is just plain bland. I can still see film editor Aram Avakian’s face as he chomped on his cigar, when he told me: “Riche: a movie theater has to feel like a place of dreams.” Movie theaters are the last refuge of escape into some imaginary world- ah, just to escape from every day banality, or the reality that we might be blown to smithereens in a nuclear flash. I realize people watch movies on their devices now, but this miniature view of the world is ruining American culture. Unless you have an enormously expensive home cinema system, being transported doesn’t happen watching TV either. What is so disheartening about the trend of these Mallotron theaters is that in the midst of the American
The landscaping that connects the theater to mall and housing may look pretty nice when it is finished.
depression, movie palaces were such grand visions, and were much more affordable entertainment. Anyone who lived near a major urban area during that time will tell you how wonderful and enchanting it once was to attend the movies. Perhaps this writer is being too nostalgic, but I’ve noticed that not only are the new theater “showcases” ugly, the handling of the “automated” projection and sound is glaringly inhuman. For some reason, unless one goes to an art house, the sound is “accidentally” turned up so loud it is injurious to the health. People think the theaters are doing this to compensate for those who are going deaf from headphones. Not really. I suspect that theater owners know if they don’t blast the sound
at you, you will notice how bad the sound proofing is in house. Good theater design involves isolation of sound- walls that are actually thick enough so you aren’t listening to the sounds from the theater next to you. Good sound insulation costs money. Time will tell if the build on the inside of the South Bay movie theater meets the grade. One hopes that they haven’t adopted the really revolting idea that patrons should eat meals during movies. Is there anything more vulgar than hearing some slob chomping down on his greasy burger in the middle of a Keira Knightly love scene? Look, maybe Natalie Portman could standup to such vulgarity. The finite treats of popcorn, soda, and candy are quite enough. Have you noticed the weird phenomenon about the ever shrinking aisles between the rows? Is it so hard for contemporary architects to figure out the correct ratio so that people can actually get by without falling over each other? I know they are trying to pack them in, that there are market pressures to meet the demands of new releases, but is it so hard for designers to buy decent carpet? The final sin of the new Cineplex mindset is the over use of plastic. Does everything, from signs to chairs, and decorations have to be made out of plastic pretending to be something else? The world of the movie house has lost its magic, and modern architects have killed it.
The parking garage looks more interesting than the theater.