South Boston Today June 17 2021

SouthBoston TODAY Online • On Your Mobile • At Your Door

June 17, 2021: Vol.9 Issue 23

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

WWW.SOUTHBOSTONTODAY.COM

hB

S o ut

ay

T

he Winn Companies filed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) for the first phase of the redevelopment Mary Ellen McCormack Public Housing Community in

oston T

od

Spectacular Views of Dorchester Bay, Boston And The Blue Hills If You Qualify

@SBostonToday

ads@southbostontoday.com

@SBostonToday

CONTINUED ON page 12

“ONE OF THE BEST RATES AROUND!” Home Equity Line of Credit

1.75%

APR* 1st 6 months then prime minus .75% for life

2.50%

Got Plans?

APR*

current fully-indexed rate

Apply Online, By Phone or By Appointment.

massbaycu.org

(617) 269-2700

SOUTH BOSTON – EVERETT – QUINCY – SEAPORT *APR= Annual Percentage Rate. 1.75% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is an introductory rate for the first six months. After the introductory period, rate on the outstanding balances will revert to Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the calendar month minus (-) 0.75%. Prime rate as of 4/1/2021 is 3.25%. The APR may vary monthly. Minimum rate 2.50% and maximum rate 18.00%. 10 year draw period. 15 year repayment period. Minimum $10,000 draw at closing and $1,000 advances thereafter. 80% combined LTV to $200,000 (</=70% LTV $300,000). Proof of adequate property insurance required and Flood Insurance may also be required. Subject to credit approval. Other terms and restrictions apply including 620 minimum credit score. Offer subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #615913

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

2

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

June 17, 2021

EDITORIAL Defund and Reform Police Rhetoric Causing a Rise in Violent Crime

T

here are probably very few neighborhoods anywhere in the country or even in the world for that matter that are totally crime free. Human nature dictates that some among the masses have criminal intent and will act on it, especially if they feel they can get away with it. In the City of Boston, we all know that there are sections that have more crime than others.

This is a fact. It always has been and a look at police statistics will easily back that up.

South Boston has been fortunate over much of our history. Though crime, including violent crime, does exist here and always has, the level has mostly been far lower than in most other sections of the city. This is also a fact that police data can

back up. But lately, residents have a growing concern about the rise in violence in every Boston neighborhood, because it appears Southie has been experiencing a rise as well.

We are all aware of the shootings and stabbings that have been reported within our borders in recent months. It has happened at one of our parks, within a public housing development, at the beach and outside a private home. And no, we won’t cover it up for the purpose of not causing a cooling of the hot real estate market.

South Bostonians are not stupid.

In fact, our residents are savvy about things that people from many other locations may not be. Call it ‘street smarts’ if you like. And we know this: When irresponsible

people in positions of power, who should know better, are publicizing their political campaigns by calling for the defunding of police or phony, feel good ‘police reform’ it has an effect on the mindset of criminals just as when elected officials like Suffolk County DA Rachael Rollins announces a list of crimes she will refuse to prosecute has as well.

It’s irresponsible and dangerous and sends a signal to the area’s crooked element that committing their crimes will be easier now, especially since police levels are below what they should be and the officers themselves are not given the amount of support and back up from some courts that is required to protect the public safety. All com-

bined, makes criminals more cocky and brazen than ever.

This newspaper has been asked by some why we are so out front in our ‘Back the Blue’ support.

Our response to that is that we are proud of the stand we take and will continue to take in support of our men and women in blue because by their hard work and dedication, they have earned the support of everyone and also because they are that thin blue line that is determined to keep people safe.

“To succeed in life you need three things: A wish bone, a backbone and a funny bone” - Reba McEntire

SANTIAGO CALLS FOR PROMOTING RACIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE IN CANNABIS INDUSTRY Santiago calls for the creation of a Cannabis Community Empowerment Fund

S

tate Representative Jon Santiago (D-Boston) testified before the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy on H178, An Act to ensure the equitable empowerment of minority-owned businesses within communities dispropor-

Publisher

tionately Impacted by the failed war on drugs. “The War on Drugs has had long-lasting and harmful impacts on our communities of color. Impacts that are still felt in our neighborhoods today,” said Santiago. “I filed this bill to provide support and healing to

John Ciccone

our communities of color by increasing access to an industry that has so far shut out many Black and Latino businesses. We have an opportunity to advance racial and economic justice in this industry and I believe we should be using every tool to accomplish that.” The bill aims at increasing equity in the cannabis industry by creating an annual $10 million Community Empowerment Fund dedicated to minority-owned businesses. The fund would offer low or no-interest loans to support Black and Latino owned cannabis establishments throughout the city.

info@southbostontoday.com PO Box 491 South Boston, MA 02127

Advertising Office 617.268.4032

Mobile 617.840.1355

email ads@southbostontoday.com

Press Copy - Monday at 6:00pm • Advertisements Space Reservations - Friday at 6:00pm • Ad Material - Monday at 4:00pm • Camera Ready Ads - Tuesday at 6:00pm South Boston Today is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. All South Boston Today produced artwork, design, and layout remain the sole property of South Boston Today. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly forbidden. South Boston Today reserves the right to cut, edit or reject any copy without notice.

South Boston Today is a Series of the Today Publications Series LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company

917 East Broadway • 617.268.4032 • Office hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am - 2:00pm

3

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

June 17, 2021

Information Center The

How the Sight of Old Glory Triggers Some SOUTH BOSTON TODAY John Ciccone

“I

f flying the American Flag in America triggers and offends you, you are in the wrong country” This quote by Kevin Sorbo, one of the few actors in Hollywood who loves this country, leads us into this week’s column.

Last Monday was Flag Day. As most Americans are aware, it’s a day set aside to celebrate that magnificent banner that is one of the great symbols of our nation. It is said to be the most recognized national flag in the world, because of the influence the United States has cultivated worldwide by its power, its influence and its generosity.

Most Americans are proud of our flag.

This is a fact that is obvious everyday but especially over the recent Memorial Day and Flag Day celebrations.

Old Glory was visible even more than usual as Americans flew it proudly everywhere you looked.

As current circumstances have it, because of all the added attention that the ‘Stars and Stripes’ was getting over the last few weeks, it also brought attention to those who are not only NOT proud of and are in fact offended by what that flag represents, but also seem to have a hatred and loathing of it.

Of course, we see the usual dregs of society burning and stomping on the flag during left wing demonstrations and riots. It’s what those people do.

To display their hatred of anything American and patriotic is what these frustrated, warped minded anarchists live for. It’s expected of them, and they are dismissed as not representing anything positive. But it has also been suspected for quite some time that also harboring a deep hatred of our country and its flag are members of the news media whose contempt for the US they don’t even try to hide anymore. The most blatant case in point is the recent outburst of New

Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com

York Times columnist and MSNBC TV contributor Mara Gay. Ms. Gay made a pleasure trip to Long Island, New York recently but pleasure was not what she got while there. Why? Because everywhere she turned, she saw American flags.

They were being flown on homes, in fields, on shirts and hats and horror or all horrors, huge ones on the backs of pickup trucks all over the place. Some of these trucks were even flying (gasp) Trump Flags. Now Ms. Gay stated in her writing how disturbed she was to see all of these American flags and how it ‘triggered’ her. But she went even further with her complaints. She believes that proudly flying American flags is akin to ‘Whiteness’, never mentioning how many of those flying flags on Long Island were non-whites as well.

Leaving out certain details makes for a more interesting story, as far as many media types are concerned.

Now of course, Ms. Gay’s bosses at the NYT came out to defend her.

No surprise. Do they not hold pretty much the same views? And she also got support from the crazies on MSNBC TV; in particular Mika Brzezinski who could be heard in the background agreeing with everything that Ms. Gay was saying. Brzezinski by the way would never be considered one of the world’s deep thinkers. Just view her show one time and you’ll see why.

But what Mara Gay’s statements about the trauma from seeing so many flags on Long Island highlights, is how totally out of touch she, Brzezinski and most of the rest of the country’s liberal news media actually are with the American public. In their small, sheltered world, where they associate with mostly people who share the same views, disliking the United States of America is trendy and ‘IN’. Yet, when she ventured out

for a pleasant day in what is often considered as part of their limited narrow-minded world – Long Island, New York, where she thought that she would only encounter likeminded people – elites as they consider themselves, the surprise of seeing so many people proudly displaying flags was just too much for her. Not that she would, but if she and others like her were ever to venture out into the REAL world, into REAL America, where REAL people live, the American pride, the number of flying flags and the love of country just might cause to her a level of shock that

would make her head explode.

Because I am so concerned with the well being of these fragile liberals and progressives and because of my wish for them to avoid being traumatized to the point of no recovery, I suggest that they consider staying at home or find a secure and sheltered ‘Safe Space’ during the July 4th Independence Day celebrations which will be upon us soon. Because if the sight of too much Red, White and Blue on Flag Day and Memorial Day was too much for their hearts to take, this Independence Day could be the final blow that gets them fitted for strait jackets.

Let Our Family Help Your Family

CASPER

Funeral & Cremations Services Established in 1930

Serving Families with Dignity and Respect through the toughest of times for over 80 years Home of Personal Service Pre-Planning Specialists Casper’s specializes in Massachusetts Cremation Services & Veteran Services Please visit our website for information you may find helpful during a time of need www.casperfuneralservices.com

Casper Funeral Home 187 Dorchester Street South Boston, MA 02127

617-269-1930

David Casper Funeral Directors: Joe, Dave & Ken Casper

4

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Window Into The State House

Window Into The State House provides our readers a synopsis of important issues of interest, past and current, that are being proposed, debated or acted upon by the Massachusetts Legislature. Many issues that are not related to local city government services are acted upon and have a direct impact on daily life. They are tax policy, transportation infrastructure, judicial appointments, social services and health, as well as higher education.

We will excerpt reports from the gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions by news sources focused on this important aspect of our lives.

These sources include a look ahead at the coming week in state government and summaries and analyses of the past week, re-caps of a range of state government activity, as well as links to other news.

How was your ‘State of Emergency Ends Eve’?

Massachusetts residents aren’t waking up hungover from celebrating New Year’s Eve, rather they’re waking up after ‘State of Emergency Ends Eve,’ which shuttles the state into what Gov. Charlie Baker likes to call “the new normal.”

Or plainer terms: Tuesday marks the beginning of post-COVID-restriction in Massachusetts. But there is still a lot to sort out today. The Legislature is looking to come to an agreement on which pandemic-era policies will continue into the future.

Things like expanded outdoor dining, certain eviction protections, and remote public meetings are all included in a revised bill the House gave initial approval to Monday morning, as SHNS’s Katie Lannan

reports. The Senate passed a slightly different version last week and now the two branches will have to come to an agreement on extending some measures that technically expired at 12:01 a.m. today.

The House meets for a formal session at 11 a.m. and the Senate is back later this afternoon, but even if the Legislature passes the bill, Gov. Charlie Baker would need to sign it into law. He told reporters Monday afternoon that he hoped the two branches would send him something before Monday at midnight but a bill is more likely to hit his desk as early as this afternoon. Jon Chesto of the Boston Globe has another writeup on time running for legislative leaders to hand Baker legislation extending pandemic-era rules and relief measures. And the Bos-

ton Globe’s Hanna Krueger takes a look at how residents spent the finals days of the state of emergency with details on how exactly the state made its way to this point.

Suit alleges Boston cops used excessive force during May 2020 protest A group of four individuals filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Monday, alleging several Boston cops used excessive force and physically attacked them during a May 2020 protest in response to the death of George Floyd, reports the Associated Press’ Boston Bureau. From the AP: “The lawsuit alleges police used ‘excessive and unnecessary force’ on peaceful protesters who went to the demonstration at the Boston Common on May 31, 2020. The pro-

June 17, 2021

testers are suing three officers and the city of Boston.”

Legislative committee takes aim at structural racism A new state legislative committee tasked with reviewing bills related to racial equity, civil rights, and inclusion used their first meeting Monday to create a lengthy to-do list aimed at “confronting centuries of structural racism ingrained in nearly every facet of public life,” reports SHNS’s Chris Lisinski. Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz, who is considering a bid for governor, said structural racism and exclusion “are marbled throughout the different institutions and existing policies of our commonwealth,” Lisinski reports.

Hannah Gree, writing for the Boston Business Journal, reports that Black Economic Council of Massachusetts President Segun Idowu pushed legislators to support a bill establishing a $10 million grant program for minority- and women-owned businesses in public construction, among other things. continued on page 12

Governor Baker Urged To Protect Small Landlords From Excessive Eviction Restrictions

Asks for a Return to Pre-COVID Eviction Rules as the State of Emergency Ends

T

he Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) today called on Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker to reject several provisions of Senate Bill No. 2475, which was sent to him today by the State Legislature. These provisions would restrict evictions for Covid-related non-payment until April 1, 2022, fully 10 months from now, with the impact falling especially hard on small “mom and pop” landlords, especially in lowerincome areas of the state.

As SPOA points out, when this extension of eviction restrictions for 10 additional months is combined with the eviction moratorium that was enacted in March 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 Declared State of Emergency, the result would effectively impose as much as 25 months – over two years – of small landlords being unable to collect

rent from tenants who claim any loss of income that is in any way “Covid-related.”

The original eviction moratorium was supposed to sunset once the COVID-19 State of Emergency ends on June 15 of this year (today).

The bill facing the Governor now includes five ways that tenants can stop their eviction, including judicial “continuances” – delays of any duration – for eviction proceedings against tenants who are not paying some or all of their rent. Consequently, the bill effectively removes the last resort for property owners who have already been denied rental income—in some cases, for as many as 15 months so far. “Any continuation of these eviction restrictions would be catastrophic for many small owners,” said Amir Shahsavari, SPOA vice president.

“Small rental property own-

ers are small businesses—many are literally mom-and-pop operations—who have suffered through the pandemic like many other small businesses. Now that the State of Emergency has lifted, how can the Commonwealth justify continuing these emergency restrictions for what amounts to full two years?” asked SPOA executive director Skip Schloming.

“No one becomes a rental housing provider wanting to evict our tenants. We are in the business of providing affordable housing to families and individuals. But as in every other business, there are times when we need the courts to enforce our rights. Extending these pandemic rules is not fair or logical,” stated Shahsavari.

“Over that extended time, many small landlords will be forced out of business and abandon their properties, a tragic loss for everyone – owners, tenants, and the housing itself,” said Schloming. He points out that evictions are costly, the last resort, and the least desirable option for a rental property owner to take to remedy non-payment. The provisions extended by the legislature only exacerbate an already difficult situation.

In its letter to Governor Baker, SPOA asked only that they be allowed to return to pre-Covid rules and procedures for evictions, the normal course of running their businesses. It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting rental assistance funding and other programs designed to help tenants through difficult times.

June 17, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

5

SENATOR COLLINS CALLS FOR STATEWIDE FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION

Bill Honors Victims of 2014 Back Bay Fire

State Senator Nick Collins, as its sponsor, testified on Senate Bill 1554, An Act implementing the Recommendations of the WalshKennedy Commission Report, before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee hearing. Sen. Collins filed the legislation after chairing the Commission that developed the recommendation through public hearings, victim testimony, public comments, and stakeholder input.

The bill would implement those recommendations from the special commission created and named in the wake of a horrific tragedy that occurred on March 26, 2014, in Boston in which an unpermitted welding operation caused a fire which ultimately led to the tragic death of two Boston Firefighters,

Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh, and Firefighter Michael Kennedy, as well as injuries to 18 others. The bill will now be reviewed by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

The language would increase fines and penalties for failing to follow regulations like pulling permits. S. 1554 also creates a standard certification program for those seeking to perform hot work, including an electronic database to check certification status of an employee, certification cards that can be requested as proof of certification, and continued education. Finally, the bill directs the Department of Fire Safety to establish a public notification system so that consumers and insurance agencies can check

the safety records of those performing hot works.

“Some of the things that I think, beyond the fines, that we really need to think about and some other states do have that we don’t, is defining criminal negligence and creating a pathway to hold violators criminally liable for their actions,” said Senator Nick Collins. “I support this bill in an effort to increase public safety in the Commonwealth, protect our first responders, and hold individuals and organizations accountable for knowingly endangering the lives and property of others.”

Boston Fire Department Commissioner John Dempsey said “The fines are so minimal that smaller companies, if they roll the dice, the fine is so little, if they get

Massport Asks Drone Operators to Fly Safely

A

s more people are out and about in the warm weather, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police, is renewing efforts to educate the public about the safe use of drones and ensure drone operators follow the recently updated rules and regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“Safety and security is our number one priority. For the safety of all who use the airspace, we want the public to fully understand the rules on drones before they take them out of the box or put them into operation,” said Massport Chief Security Officer Hank Shaw. “Failure to adhere to FAA regulations is no excuse. We recognize there are significant benefits to the use and safe integration of drones into the airspace, but they also pose a significant risk if they’re not operated responsibly. We urge people to know the rules before you fly.”

Federal regulations require all drones over .55 lbs. to be registered with the FAA and must be marked

with the registration number. Operators must also carry proof of registration. Other FAA regulations include the following: • Flying drones in controlled airspace, around and above airports, is prohibited without prior FAA approval; • Violators will be subject to penalties for breaking the law; • Never fly drones near any aircraft; • Keep your drone in sight at all times and fly lower than 400 feet; • Register your drone before your first flight; and • Comply with Remote ID rules.

Additionally, the FAA has developed the free mobile application, B4UFLY, which shows an interactive map to help recreational drone operators know where they can and cannot fly. Using a mobile device’s location, the app also features a status indicator that informs the operator whether it is safe to fly, and provides critical information, including controlled and restricted airspace.

Massport recently put out an ad campaign in various community

newspapers and on social media to encourage drone operators to “Know the Rules before your Fly.” The ads feature a QR code linked to the FAA’s “Drone Zone” website. The campaign, which began in late April, targets the communities around Boston Logan International Airport, Laurence G. Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional Airport, as well as communities along the flight paths to and from these airports.

Since 2016, Massport has installed approximately 200 “No Drone Zone” signs in over 50 parks

caught it’s cheaper to pay the fine than it is to hire a firewatch or maybe even pull permits. So, I believe by increasing the fines, this will get their attention.” Michael O’Reilly, legislative agent for Boston Firefighters Local 718, said “As long as it’s cheaper to pay the fine than it is to do the right thing, we have potential to see tragedies like this happen again.”

and other locations around Boston Logan International Airport, as well as signage at other Massport sites, and surrounding state, city and town properties. The locations include Piers Park, Bremen Street Park, Festa Field, and the Neptune Road Buffer in Easton Boston. Signs have also been posted at the Maritime Park and Cruiseport Harborwalk in South Boston. Massport continues to work with neighboring communities to install additional signage, specifically within areas of increased drone activity and along critical flight paths to and from our airports.

For more information, visit FAADroneZone.FAA.gov.

6

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

June 17, 2021

Weekend Service Returns to All Commuter Rail Lines July 3 Expanded service hours to provide a new weekend transit option for shift workers

T

he MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the agency’s operating partner for Commuter Rail, are reminding passengers that weekend service will resume on all Commuter Rail lines effective Saturday, July 3.

Schedules are now available to view on mbta.com/commuterrail.

Rail service on Saturdays and Sundays will return to the Fitchburg, Franklin, Greenbush, Haverhill, Kingston, Lowell, and Needham lines. Saturday and Sunday service will be identical across all lines.

“The resumption of weekend service represents a major milestone in the MBTA’s aggressive plans to restore service to meet rider demand,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “With the public’s health and safety of paramount importance, we remind our customers that face coverings are still required while using all MBTA services. As we navigate the ‘new normal,’ we are designing

our service schedules to best serve riders who have used the system throughout the pandemic as well as returning and new customers.”

In January, the MBTA initiated plans to match service with lower ridership levels resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring access for essential workers and transit-critical communities.

As a result of these plans, weekend service was suspended on all lines except the Newburyport/Rockport, Framingham/Worcester, Fairmount, Providence, and Middleborough lines.

New Saturday and Sunday schedules will take effect on all lines, including those that have continued to operate on weekends since January. Passengers should visit mbta. com/commuterrail to view timetables and plan their trips. New schedules will represent an increase in the overall number of weekend trains operating with new, earlier options that match the needs of

shift workers like essential employees in the healthcare industry.

“We believe weekend service across all lines will contribute to the steady growth in ridership seen on Commuter Rail during the pandemic recovery,” said John Killeen, Acting CEO and General Manager of Keolis. “Shift workers who previously worked Saturdays and Sundays early in the morning will now find they have more convenient options that better align with their schedules.”

Ridership on weekends has recovered with more than 50% of pre-pandemic ridership returning to Commuter Rail routes that have maintained weekend service.

Passengers are reminded that face coverings are required when riding any MBTA service or when in stations, to stay home if they are feeling unwell, and to wash their hands frequently. In addition to regular

cleaning, trains are sanitized every 24 hours and many as frequently as every 12 hours. For additional information, please visit mbta.com/ ridesafer or mass.gov/COVID19.

Passengers are also reminded that $10 weekend tickets are available for purchase on mTicket, on board with cash or a credit card, or in ticket offices located at Boston’s Back Bay, North, and South Stations. Tickets are valid for unlimited travel across all lines for one weekend, from the first scheduled train Saturday morning until the last Sunday evening.

For service updates passengers are reminded to sign up for TAlerts at MBTA.com, follow @ MBTA_CR on Twitter or call 617222-3200. For more information, please visit mbta.com, or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, on Facebook /TheMBTA, or on Instagram @theMBTA.

MassDOT and MBTA Launch Survey to Understand Travel Needs of Region

reflect the travel needs of the region.

Through the survey, MassDOT and the MBTA hope to hear from riders to confirm the data is reflective of their travel experience. The survey is focused on answering two fundamental questions: • Does the MBTA take you to the places that you need or want to go?

• Is riding the MBTA a good option for you when you need to get somewhere?

The results from the survey will directly inform the design and evaluation of the new redesigned bus network.

The survey is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and is also available in a fully accessible format. MassDOT and the MBTA are also partnering with the MBTA’s Office of System-

wide Accessibility, Mass Senior Action Council, and other local community-based organizations to plan for targeted outreach to seniors and people with disabilities. The survey will remain open until July 30, 2021, and is available at here on the MBTA website.

More Information: An initiative of the Better Bus Project, the MBTA and MassDOT’s Bus Network Redesign project is a complete re-imagining of the MBTA’s bus network to reflect the travel needs of the region and create a better experience for current and future riders.

The redesign reflects rider feedback collected during one of the early phases of the Better Bus Project. It builds on the work already accomplished through the 2019 route changes, and guides recommenda-

tions for an improved bus network that aims to create a more equitable network, simplify a complicated network, maximize access to opportunities, and make transit a competitive alternative to driving. This project prioritizes riders in transitcritical communities and is a oncein-a-generation attempt to make bold, foundational improvements to the bus network for the people who depend on it most.

For more information, please visit mbta.com, or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, on Facebook / TheMBTA, or on Instagram @ theMBTA.

M

assDOT and the MBTA launched an online survey in support of Bus Network Redesign, which is a datadriven process that uses LocationBased Services data to understand how the bus network can better

June 17, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

7

MAYOR JANEY’s NEW TASK FROG POND SPRAY POOL FORCE FOR MODERNIZING REOPENS JUNE 24 PILOT PROGRAM ayor Kim Janey, Boscation organization that serves COMMUNITY BENEFITS ton Parks Commisas the voice of local dairy farm-

M

ayor Kim Janey announced the City of Boston will be creating and launching a Task Force to revisit and modernize the current voluntary Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) payment program for Boston’s charitable institutions. Its initial charge will be to improve and strengthen the Community Benefits component of the PILOT program.

The City of Boston has one of the nation’s leading PILOT programs, which seeks cash contributions from academic, medical and cultural institutions that own real estate otherwise exempt from property taxes. This program offers tax-exempt institutions an opportunity to voluntarily support basic City services and other important programs in acknowledgement of the unique relationship between the City and its major nonprofits.

PILOT contributions go into the City’s general fund, the source for City expenditures, including education, snow removal, street repair, fire, and police. The PILOT program includes potential credits for Community Benefits, which allow institutions to offset a portion of their cash payment by demonstrating and documenting ways they support the City and its residents through their charitable missions. The City currently caps the Community Benefits credit to reflect the City’s operational needs for vital City services to all residents.

“I am launching the 2021 PILOT Task Force as part of my commitment to lead an equitable recovery in the City of Boston,” said Mayor Janey.

“New voices and new frameworks create new opportunities to make our city stronger. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the importance of City partnerships with community organizations and institutions to serve residents and ensure a recovery and renewal that includes all of our communities.”

The 2021 PILOT Task Force will include institutional partners, elected officials, community advocates, labor leaders, and residents. As a collective, the City of Boston and the Task Force will be charged with revisiting the existing program, and developing ideas to address the shared needs of Boston residents, incorporate community voices, strengthen partnerships between the City and its institutions, and examine the Community Benefits credit. The City of Boston will formally launch and convene the Task Force in the summer of 2021 with anticipated meetings through the fall and winter.

Under the framework established by the 2010 PILOT Task Force, Community Benefits must be within the following parameters to qualify: • Directly benefit City of Boston residents.

• Support the City’s mission and priorities with the idea in mind that the City would support such an initiative in its budget if the institution did not provide it.

• Emphasize ways in which the City and the institution can collaborate to address shared goals.

• Services should be quantifiable.

• The City must be consistent and transparent in its approach so that institutions can plan appropriately.

In FY20, 37 institutions submitted PILOT Community Benefits reports totalling $153.2 million and received $52.9 million in Community Benefits credit. Institutions partnered with over 530 local organizations to implement these programs citywide. To learn more about the FY20 PILOT Community Benefits, a summary of the program can be found here.

M

sioner Ryan Woods, and The Skating Club of Boston are pleased to welcome children and guests to kick off the 2021 summer season as the Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool reopens on Thursday, June 24.

The day will include a fun and exciting celebration at 11 a.m. followed by the opening of the spray pool.

In addition to activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. residents can enjoy tasty Hood Ice Cream Sandwiches provided by in-kind sponsor HP Hood LLC and a Mobile Dairy Bar provided by the New England Dairy Council.

Limited giveaways while supplies last. Media support provided by Magic 106.7 and Mix 104.1. Lead sponsor is Highland Partners Charitable Fund.

The celebration will feature a special visit from the official mascot Frog Pond Freddie. Come visit LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston’s table to meet their Master Model Builder and build fun LEGO® creations.

Plus, take your photo with a life size football, basketball, hockey and baseball Championship trophies… all made of LEGO! New England Dairy, a non-profit edu-

ers, will be on site to celebrate all things dairy – farming, food, nutrition, and wellness.

Families will also be able to enjoy a ride on the Boston Common Carousel. The Carousel is handicapped accessible and has height requirements: anyone 42” or taller can ride alone; anyone under 42” requires the presence of an adult. Admission for the ride is $3 with 10-ride cards available for $25. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

A year-round recreational facility, the Frog Pond offers ice skating in the winter, a spray pool and supervised wading for youth in the summer, and the Carousel from spring through fall. Information on additional activities offered at the Frog Pond can be found by visiting www.bostonfrogpond.com<http://www. bostonfrogpond.com>.

The Frog Pond spray pool is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Labor Day. The facility is managed by The Skating Club of Boston and staffed by youth workers from the Boston Youth Fund. For further information, please call the Frog Pond at (617) 635-2120.

8

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

The

Wine Guy

What’s Not To Like?

E

very once in a while, you come across a wine with a low price and you think, “It can’t be very good if it’s priced that low.”. If you see any of the following, think again…..

The unoaked 2019 Taymor Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, ($6.99), begins with a very pleasing aroma of peach, tropical fruit, melon, apple and more.

Taking a sip reveals a tasty and

Letter to the Editor

Protect Vulnerable Patients In Surprise Medical Billing Rulemaking

E

ach time I see patients struggle with a medical bill, my heart sinks. Americans have wrestled with the financial uncertainty of the pandemic for more than a year, and they should not have to worry about taking on more debt just for seeking the emergency care they need and deserve following a car accident, heart attack, or COVID. Luckily, we are finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Last year, Congress passed the No Surprises Act to protect patients by ending surprise medical bills that are no fault of their own.

June 17, 2021

fresh wine with a smooth, unctuous mouthfeel. I love that it doesn’t have any oak as it really lets the fruit shine through. And this full-bodied wine is all about the fruit with all the flavors from the nose making an appearance in the mouth.

It ends dry, tart and long. This is really quite tasty. There’s nothing not to like here, especially at this price!

Over the years, I’ve found a number of great value wines from California’s Lodi region and the 2019 Avalon Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon, ($8.99) is absolutely one of my favorites.

Located 100 miles east of San Francisco, Lodi’s classic Mediterranean climate featuring warm days and cool evenings makes it a perfect growing region for Cabernet Sauvignon. Avalon Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for a minimum of eight months in French and American oak barrels for a delicious, fruit-forward wine balanced with toasty oak and a touch of vanilla. This kind of aging and the results are usually only found in wines costing much more.

You can do a lot of hunting around before you’ll find a delicious White Burgundy for under $20.00. But you don’t have to (it’s too hot, anyway.). Macon Lugny, “Les Charmes”, Burgundy, France, ($13.99), is everything that’s great about this fabled region at a true bargain price. Fresh and crisp in the mouth, it has floral and fruity aromas with lemony nuances.

Rich, full-bodied, almost unctuous dry white wine features a greenishgold robe and its unoaked style will have you going back for more.

The 2019 O’Dwyer’s Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, ($17.99), is a single estate-grown wine, from New Zea-

land’s world-renowned Marlborough region, that expresses the iconic nature of this cool climate varietal with distinctive fruit flavors. The Nose is filled with vibrant fruits and a juicy centre. Tropical and pawpaw notes with a grassy edge. You’ll find a Palate full of citrus flavors giving a finish that has a good length and balance with lingering notes of orange peel in the mouthfeel.

All of these wines are terrific with any number of grilled items and the whites are especially good with Oyster, Scallops and Lobster.So, the next time you see any of these at your favorite place to buy wine, do yourself a favor and grab a couple of bottles. I think you’ll be glad you did!

The bill is built around an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process for insurers and healthcare providers to resolve billing disputes in a fair and equitable manner.

Seeking care for a health emergency can be a matter of life and death, and the No Surprises Act ensures frontline healthcare workers are compensated for their work without penalizing patients for seeking the care they need.

However, the future of this legislation is at risk. Even after posting record profits during the pandemic and breaking promises to provide coverage for life-saving COVID treatments, large insurance companies are determined to protect their profits. Their army of lobbyists are working behind the scenes to influence the rulemaking process so insurers can continue to profit off of vulnerable patients.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is beginning the rulemaking process for the No Surprises Act. This process is critical for patients and frontline physicians, and any interference from

large insurers would be detrimental to the legislation’s ability to end surprise medical bills. If HHS builds considerations into the IDR process that protect insurers’ profits, emergency room physicians will face even more burdensome financial pressures, creating doctor shortages and hospital closures in vulnerable communities. Safety-net healthcare providers and facilities are facing immense financial pressure.

Now is not the time to weaken heroic frontline providers who are still reeling from the damage of the COVID-19 pandemic. 1.4 million healthcare jobs were lost in April of 2020 and patient volumes are still well below normal levels. Doctors, nurses, and other providers risked their lives and safety during the pandemic, but those in rural communities will not be capable of continuing to do so without the compensation they deserve. Policymakers must prioritize vulnerable Americans and their providers, ensuring that hospitals receive fair compensation for the critical and lifesaving care they provide.

Americans have undergone far too many financial pressures over the last year. They deserve to seek appropriate emergency treatments for their health without worrying about taking on thousands of dollars in debt. As profit-hungry insurers lobby against the interests of vulnerable patients and their providers, it is critical that HHS go through the full rulemaking process and hear from all concerned stakeholders to ensure that the best policy is implemented.

Respectfully, Judith Hershberg Judith Hershberg: PT, DPT, MS, owns and operates the Boston Center for Physical Therapy Dr. Hershberg and her licensed physical therapy staff have been serving the Greater Boston Community for more than 30 years.

Her physical therapy staff have advanced degrees and training in musculoskeletal and neurological pathologies and dysfunction.

The staff continue to upgrade their knowledge through continuing education courses.

9

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

June 17, 2021

Recent South Boston Real Estate Sales Property/Type

9 West Broadway UNIT 305

Price

Sale Date

Rooms Baths

Sq Ft

$1,000,000

4/30/2021

4

2

1,282

$1,000,000

4/30/2021

4

2

1,036

Family Owned & Operated Since 1929

Condo 258 West Third St UNIT PH3A Condo 14 West Broadway UNIT 6A

$999,000

4/23/2021

5

2

1,475

$995,000

4/15/2021

5

1.5

1,361

$919,000

4/15/2021

1

2

1,239

$905,000

4/30/2021

4

2

1,337

$900,000

4/28/2021

4

1

853

$885,000

4/2/2021

4

2

1,324

$880,000

4/23/2021

4

2

1,111

$865,000

4/11/2021

5

2

1,135

$860,900

4/26/2021

2

1

520

$855,000

4/29/2021

4

2

1,099

Condo 559 East Second St UNIT 1

617-268-4662

 Automatic Delivery Quality Fuel Oil Service Contracts Budgets Discounts Expert Oil Burner Service Complete Heating Service Boiler and Furnace Installations Oil Tank Protection Plans ORDER OIL ONLINE

MetroEnergyBoston.com

Condo 637 East Fist St UNIT 105

641 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127

Condo 520- 526 Dorchester Ave UNIT 3 Condo 75 West Broadway Unit 301

The Evolution of Oil heat

Condo 520-526 Dorchester Ave UNIT 2

Virtual Public Meeting

Condo 360 West Socond St UNIT Condo 610 East Eighth St UNIT 2 Condo 135 Seaport Blvd UNIT 1510

601 Congress Street Wednesday, June 30 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Condo 410 West Broadway UNIT 304

Zoom Link: bit.ly/2SSHNcY Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 507 5360

Project Proponent: Biomed Realty LLC.

Condo 10 Wendeller St UNIT1

$829,900

4/2/2021

3

2

1,279

$825,000

4/14/2021

5

2

1,172

$820,000

4/20/2021

4

2

934

$804,000

4/30/2021

4

2

1,023

$790,000

4/15/2021

5

1

1,185

$785,000

4/30/2021

4

1

948

Condo 205 West Eighth St UNIT 1 Condo 345 D St UNIT 7 Condo 49 Rogers St UNIT 5 Condo 721 East Fifth St UNIT 2 Condo 53 F St UNIT 4 Condo

Project Description: This is a reschedule of the original Virtual Public Meeting for the 601 Congress St. project from 6/21 due to a conflict with an observed City Holiday. This will be a virtual meeting to discuss the Project Notification Form (PNF) proposed at 601 Congress Street. The Proponent has proposed a change from office to lab space, additional mechanicals to support the change and minor changes to the public realm. No other changes are proposed. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) has postponed all in-person BPDA-held public meetings regarding Article 80 development projects and planning initiatives. View more information on the BPDA’s COVID-19 response. mail to:

phone: email:

Nick Carter Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.5303 nick.carter@boston.gov

SOUTHIE AUTO SERVICE

175 Old Colony Avenue • South Boston, MA 02127 Tel./Fax • 617-268-2772 • TONY • HUBIE

7/7/2021

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

EXPERT AUTO BODY REPAIRS

Insurance Work Our Specialty Free Estimates Complete Automobile Service 24 Hour Towing

Close of Comment Period:

www.mcmproperties.com

CM M Properties 917 East Broadway, South Boston

617-268-5181

10

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

June 17, 2021

Congratulations To South Boston’s Scholars and Artists 2021!

T

he tradition of the South Boston Citizens Association continues and holds true to the theme of Evacuation Day. We have a great group of children, pre-teens and teens here in South Boston who continue to learn the

history of their hometown and Tommy McGrath, President of the Citz Association and the Board recognize these young South Bostonians annually. These scholars and artists were excited and finally able to be present at their long awaited

Middle School Essays 1st - Ian Rosher SBCA 2nd - Arianna Shepherd SBCA 3rd - Sean Finalen SBCA 3rd - Jaelynn McClure SBCA 3rd – Morgan White BLS Poster Winners 1st - Andrew Missett SBCA 2nd - Will Reidy SBCA 3rd - Brendan Banks SBCA 3rd - Henry DiNatale. SBCA 3 - Emma Halpin SBCA 3rd - Mary Cunningham St Peter Academy 3rd - Mairead Kelly St Peter Academy High School 1st – Thomas White (senior) BLS

Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. The event was held at the Broadway and the winners along with their families were treated to pizza, chicken fingers and fries. Each of the winners received a scholarship and citations

from Congressman Lynch’s Office, Senator Collin’s Office. State Rep. David Biele’s Office and Councilors Flynn and Flaherty’s offices.

Thanks for making the town proud and thank you to the South Boston Citizens Association.

June 17, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

11

12

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

Mary Ellen McCormack continued from front page

South Boston. Proposed in partnership with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and the Mary Ellen McCormack Task Force, the LOI details the first half of the 31-acre redevelopment. This initial phase, which comprises 18 acres, will include the construction of eight new residential buildings and the renovation of an existing boiler plant as a “Community of Opportunity” center. Recognition should be given to the time and energy that the tenant task force members put into this laborious process.

Details on the Letter of Intent (LOI) filed by the Winn Companies to redevelop MaryEllen McCormack Housing are outlined herein but of future interest is the design of and opportunity to live in Building G someday. Building G will be located along Logan Way and Kemp Street in between Wendeller Street and Gavin Way, will be approximately 19 stories tall, and will include approximately 375 units of which approximately 75 will be replacement units and the remaining approximately 300 will be market rate units. Building G will include approximately 12,000 square feet of retail space. Middleincome housing will be sought for this building should funding be made available.

The proposed Phase One work would create approximately 1,370 apartments, including 572 new deeply subsidized affordable housing units for current Mary Ellen McCormack households, 200 middle-income units (as funding is made available) and 600 market rate units. All residential buildings would include a set-aside of at least 20% affordable apartments, which would be evenly distributed throughout each building.

All apartments in any given building will have identical finishes, regardless of resident income. Importantly, all affordable units that are razed will be replaced one for one at the time of completion of the first phase. In addition, more than 2.3 acres of publicly accessible open space would be created and 3.7 acres of public realm improvements, including new streetscapes, sidewalks, and plazas, would be constructed during Phase One. The project would include new pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular connections through a new street grid that will better integrate the Mary Ellen McCormack community with the Window continued from page 4

US asks Supreme Court to reinstate marathon bomber death sentence The Department of Justice is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate the death penalty sentence for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev that an appeal court had tossed out -- even though the Biden administration has said it opposes

broader Andrews Square and South Boston neighborhoods. It would raise grades for new and improved infrastructure, making the site more resilient to future storm surges and sea level rise. It would make site and all buildings accessible for mobility impaired persons.

Lastly, purposeful connections to the future re-imagined Moakley Park will be included within the site plan design.

Once all approvals are secured, the construction of Phase One is expected to take eight to 10 years. Approvals for Phase Two of the master planned redevelopment will be sought following the start of work on Phase One. The second phase will include the one-for-one replacement of the 491 public housing units not replaced during the first phase. As in the proposed Phase One, the second phase will include the construction of new mixed-income residential buildings, ground-floor community and retail spaces, as well as robust open space and new roadway infrastructure.

The Letter of Intent filed by the development entity Transform Mary Ellen McCormack LLC kicks off the BPDA’s formal review and approval process, known as Article 80. “After three years of listening to and engaging with residents and stakeholders, we have finally reached this kick-off to a process that will not only deliver modern, safe, high quality homes to the families of Mary Ellen McCormack but also end its long isolation from the rest of the Boston community,” said WinnCompanies CEO Gilbert Winn. “We’re excited to get to work on the construction of an economically, socially and racially diverse and inclusive neighborhood that provides opportunities for all.”

Built 83 years ago as the first public housing project in Massachusetts, Mary Ellen McCormack fronts on Old Colony Avenue facing Moakley Park and Carson Beach, between the JFK and Andrews Square stops on the MBTA Red Line. The BHA selected WinnDevelopment in August 2017 to reinvent the site into a vibrant mixed-income community with a thoughtful design that embraces the existing residents and connects with the surrounding neighborhood, while reducing the need for city subsidy through the inclusion of new market-rate revenue streams.

capital punishment. John Kruzel of The Hill reports the DOJ filed a 48page brief urging the high court to restore the original jury decision.

Radio jock vs. Somerville mayor Who wins? Well, in this case, the state’s highest court ruled that Kirk Minihane did not violate state law when he recorded a phone interview with Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone

June 17, 2021

“Mary Ellen McCormack has been part of the fabric of the South Boston neighborhood for more than 80 years and, in that time, the need for affordable housing in Boston has only grown,” said BHA Administrator Kate Bennett.

“This announcement takes us one step closer to securing quality, modern, affordable homes at Mary Ellen McCormack for generations to come.” Carol Sullivan, executive director of the tenant task force, added: “We couldn’t be more excited to have this project finally commence.

There is a real urgency to redeveloping this site and creating a much better and long-lasting quality of life here for the residents who have waited so long already.”

The first phase includes the adaptive reuse of the existing boiler plant on the site to create a Community of Opportunity Center, featuring up to 25,000-square feet of space dedicated to serving all Mary Ellen McCormack residents and the surrounding neighborhood by offering programs and services focusing on health and wellness, education, employment, economic mobility, housing stability, and community engagement. WinnCompanies, through its property management arm, WinnResidential, has surveyed residents and engaged with more than 30 non-profit community groups to plan a menu of service offerings for the community.

WinnDevelopment, the company’s development arm, and its financing partner, AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT), will work together to secure full financing for the project.

“This visionary project is a model for the nation,” said Chang Suh, CEO of HIT. “Affordable housing is an investment in infrastructure. With a city, a private developer, and labor working together, we improve people’s lives and their communities, creating affordable housing and good-paying jobs and careers in construction.”

Once complete, the master plan for the site envisions the new development of approximately 18 new buildings, the vast majority of which will be significant scale, mixed-income structures with ground floor retail and service options. Construction for the full project is expected to take place over a period of 10 to 15 years.

An estimated 15,000 construction jobs will be created by the work, along with 400 permanent jobs once the project is completed.

even though the former WEEI talk show host misrepresented his identity but obtained consent to record the call. The Somerville Mayor filed suit against the former radio host in June 2019 (Boston.com), saying Minihane “secretly” taped a phone interview -later posted on Barstool Sports’ website -- where he falsely identified himself as Boston Globe Columnist Kevin Cullen, according to court documents.

The Supreme Judicial Court ruled Monday that Minihane did not “secretly” record Curtatone and upheld a lower court ruling dismissing the case. Here’s the Boston Globe writeup from Travis Anderson, who notes that state law requires the recording party to clearly say the conversation is being taped. Universal Hub’s Adam Gaffin and Boston Business Journal’s Jessica Bartlett have more on the ruling.

13

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

June 17, 2021

sdfg sdfgsdfg sdfgdsfgsdfgdsd

This week, Danny reacted to the latest drama in Major League Baseball:

S

ometimes I really do think that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is bat-bleep crazy. The latest example comes in the form of his new obsession with checking pitchers for foreign substances during games.

The league announced this week that any pitcher caught using a foreign substance will be ejected from that game and suspended for 10 games with pay. Yes, you read that right; they will still be paid.

But under these new guidelines, every pitcher that touches the mound will be subject to at least one mandatory check by the umpires, regardless of whether or not an opposing team’s manager makes a request.

Starting pitchers will have more than one mandatory check per game, while relief pitchers will be checked at the end of the inning that they entered the game or whenever they are taken out of the game. These inspections will take place between innings or during pitching changes.

In a statement, Manfred said, “After an extensive process of repeated warnings without effect, gathering information from current and former players and others across the sport, two months of comprehensive data collection, listening to our fans

and thoughtful deliberation, I have determined that new enforcement of foreign substances is needed to level the playing field. I understand there’s a history of foreign substances being used on the ball, but what we are seeing today is objectively far different, with much tackier substances being used more frequently than ever before. It has become clear that the use of foreign substance has generally morphed from trying to get a better grip on the ball into something else — an unfair competitive advantage that is creating a lack of action and an uneven playing field.

“This is not about any individual player or club, or placing blame,” added Manfred in the statement. “It is about a collective shift that has changed the game and needs to be addressed. We have a responsibility to our fans and the generational talent competing on the field to eliminate these substances and improve the game.”

At least one pitcher will already tell you that this obsession with mandatory in-game foreign-substance checks is bad news. That pitcher is Tampa Bay Rays ace Tyler Glasnow, who’s blaming this new imminent crackdown for the elbow injury he suffered this week.

Glasnow tore his UCL on Monday night. He will try to avoid Tommy John surgery for now, but it’s more likely than not that he will eventually have the surgery and miss the rest of the season and playoffs.

He said that because of the crackdown on “foreign substances,” he was forced to grip the ball much harder than he’s typically used to, therefore putting more strain on his arm. Now, says Glasnow, he can no longer hold the ball “like an egg.”

Glasnow — and other pitchers — aren’t necessarily opposed to some type of punishment for foreign substances. They just don’t think that sunscreen and rosin is the same as a paste-like substance like “Spider Tack,” which is the substance that recently got MLB’s full attention.

These pitchers also don’t like that MLB made this adjustment in the middle of the season. I agree with these pitchers.

And let’s be honest, this is all a result of the sign-stealing drama that’s gone down the last few years. Like I wrote in my exclusive sign-stealing feature in January of 2020 (which is still pinned to the top of my website, dannypicard.com), hitters justify sign stealing by accusing pitchers of using foreign substances. Pitchers

justify the use of foreign substances by accusing hitters of sign stealing.

It’s the eye-for-an-eye mentality.

So I guess MLB is also using that mentality when it comes to “evening the playing field.” Now that they’ve attempted the crackdown on sign stealing, they feel the need to go after the pitchers.

Where I disagree right now with MLB is the idea of “mandatory” checks for every pitcher in a game.

This is going to lead to a whole lot of unnecessary drama, because the fact is, most pitchers use something to get a better grip on the baseball.

In fact, most hitters prefer the pitchers to have a better grip, so that the ball is flying up near their chin every at-bat. They just don’t want pitchers getting too nuts with it and making the ball unhittable.

If MLB wants to eliminate the more outrageous foreign substances like “Spider Tack,” then it should be on a “see-something say-something” approach. But to have mandatory checks on every pitcher that enters the game is just asking for a headache and more negative publicity surrounding a sport that seemingly gets less popular by the day.

Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @DannyPicard.

“Don’t lose that parking spot!” Take a walk down before or af ter the beach and enjoy the famous Shamrock steak tips. Great food and something for everyone. Don’t forget Fish Frydays.

Open - Thursday - Sunday 10am to 12 Midnight - Friday & Saturday 10am to 1:00am

Closed July 3rd 4th - Happy Birthday USA!

The Shamr ck PUB & GRILL www.shamrockpubboston.com

The Shamrock Pub & Grill - 501 East Eighth Street - South Boston - 617-268-0007

14

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

SPORTS TODAY

RASK TO Tweet UNDERGO HIP of the SURGERY, Week HOPES TO RETURN TO BRUINS

T

SBT Staff

he spotlight is once again on Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask after the B’s were eliminated by the New York Islanders in six games of their second round playoff series.

Rask, 34, was yanked for the third period of a critical Game 5 loss at the TD Garden after giving up four goals on 16 shots. While the change in goal was considered to be injuryrelated, Rask got the start on the road in a must-win Game 6, and allowed four goals in the 6-2 loss that ended Boston’s season.

Two days after the loss, Rask opened up about the injury that forced him out of Game 5, acknowledging that he had been playing with a torn labrum in his

hip. He is set to have surgery this offseason, which will put him out of action until January of 2022.

But offseason surgery isn’t Rask’s only concern. He also needs a new contract.

Rask is now an unrestricted free agent. He signed an eight-year, $56 million deal with the Bruins in the summer of 2013.

In an exit interview with the media over the weekend, Rask not only said that he wants to re-sign with the Bruins, but that he also won’t play for anyone else other than the Bruins.

“I’m not going to play for anyone else than the Bruins,” said Rask.

“This is our home. At this point of my life and my career, I don’t see any reason to go anywhere else, especially with the health I’m looking at now and a recovery time of five or six months. Hopefully it works

June 17, 2021

WHATTOWATCH

A

s the New England Patriots conducted their annual summer minicamp this week at Gillette Stadium, a familiar face was not present.

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was a no-show for the three-day “mandatory” session. As a result of skipping

minicamp, Gilmore will reportedly have to pay just over $93,000 in fines.

The Pro-Bowl corner is rehabbing a partially torn quad, but according to reports, he is also seeking a new contract. So, his absence can’t be considered strictly a health issue.

Gilmore, 30, is entering the final

NHL SATURDAY, JUNE 19 Stanley Cup Semifinals Gm 4: Tampa Bay at NY Islanders 8 P.M. USA MLB FRIDAY, JUNE 18 Boston at Kansas City 8:10 P.M. NESN SATURDAY, JUNE 19 Boston at Kansas City 4:10 P.M. NESN SUNDAY, JUNE 20 Boston at Kansas City 2:10 P.M. NESN GOLF THURS, JUNE 17 - SUN, JUNE 20 U.S. Open 11 A.M. GOLFC/NBC

out that I recover well and we can talk about contracts when the time is right for that.”

Rask is one of three notable unrestricted free agents for the Bruins this summer. The other two are forwards David Krejci and Taylor Hall.

Krejci, 35, signed a six-year, $43.5 million deal just before the 201415 season, making $7.25 million annually. He had nine points in 11 playoff games in the Bruins’ two playoff series this year. Krejci has spent all of his 14-plus NHL seasons with the Bruins. He’ll most likely have to accept a deal that pays him less than $7.25 million if he wants to stay in Boston.

Hall, 29, was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Bruins at this year’s trade deadline. In 16 regular-season games with Boston, Hall had 14 points on eight goals and six assists.

GILMORE MISSING FROM PATRIOTS MINICAMP SBT Staff

NBA THURSDAY, JUNE 17 Eastern Conference Semifinals Gm 6: (2) Brooklyn at (3) Milwaukee 8:30 P.M. ESPN

year of his deal with the Patriots.

He signed a five-year, $65 million contract in 2017, with $40 million guaranteed. His cap hit for this upcoming season is $16.2 million, but his base salary is just $7 million.

That $7 million salary ranks 24th among NFL cornerbacks.

He had just two goals in 37 games with the Sabres before the trade.

In this year’s playoffs, Hall had three goals and two assists in 11 games against the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders.

Hall played this season on a oneyear, $8 million deal. He has been vocal about wanting to stay with the Bruins on a long-term deal. The issue for Boston would be what type of player are they going to get as Hall turns 30 in November.

In his last three seasons, Hall hasn’t scored more than 16 goals in a single season. But in 2017-18, Hall won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP while with the New Jersey Devils when he had 93 points on 39 goals and 54 assists in 76 games.

Hall was drafted No. 1 overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2010 NHL Draft.