South Boston Today October 19 2023

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October 19, 2023: Vol.11 Issue 42

Gov. Healey Housing Bond Bill Includes Kitchen Sink; Mayor Wu Also Chimes In

SERVING SOUTH BOSTONIANS AROUND THE GLOBE

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he $4.12 billion housing bond bill filed by Gov. Maura Healey Wednesday is, according to the Governor, a way for Massachusetts to “meet the moment” during a widespread housing crisis. Healey officially announced the bill — which includes 28 new policy proposals, two tax credits and three executive orders aimed at creating and preserving housing in Massachusetts — during an event in Chelsea on Wednesday morning.

During the event, she emphasized that the state has, until now, failed to do everything needed to keep housing affordable for residents.

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PUBLIC NOTICE: OPEN DISCUSSION ON MCCA CYPHER STREET REMEDIATION PROJECT On Thursday, November 2 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority will host a community discussion at CRISPR Therapeutics regarding an upcoming soil remediation project on Cypher Street.

MCCA officials will be presenting and available to answer questions.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

October 19, 2023

EDITORIAL Getting In, Out And Around Southie: Still A Mess And Getting Worse

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ith the calls, letters, emails and texts coming into this newspaper and reading the posts on South Boston’s local social media pages and blogs, the message we hear is unmistakable: Trying to drive in, drive out and just driving around our community has been one big cluster – (you fill in the blank). For more than 5 months our streets have been torn up and littered with debris and clogged with heavy equipment accompanied by detour signs, Caution Tape barriers and detailed police officers doing the near impossible – directing you to the quick-

est way to go two blocks in under 20 minutes. Some streets resembled and some still do look like an earth quake split the pavement.

The pounding of jack hammers often makes it impossible for people in the area who works a night shift to get any sleep. Welcome to South Boston in 2023.

But, if we thought it was bad trying to navigate the area in our vehicles for the last several months, well, as we are all aware, it has been compounded and doubled down on with what just might be a craving by people in positions of power to make it even more

difficult to own a vehicle in this town. Bright white markings and lines have now popped up along Summer Street, on Old Colony Blvd and don’t forget the one’s already present along Day Blvd and the Seaport area that serve the purpose of strangling the flow of traffic by funneling it into a single lane, causing massive backups and jams that are now sometimes lasting an hour or more.

Bike lanes that are hardly being used are everywhere. And no matter what planning officials and other ‘geniuses’ say, relatively few bikes are

in use. Local people have seen enough doctored numbers and altered data to know what’s what and there are many who suspect this very thing. If the actual goal was to make the flow of vehicle traffic in this city more convenient, with less tie ups and inconvenience, the verdict has come in loud and clear from the people most affected – they blew it. But if the goal was to make driving around the city worse than ever and totally miserable for everyone, that goal has been exceeded and with flying colors.

Mission accomplished

South Boston Today has been emphatic on the issue of neighborhood input when it comes to policy and major changes that will alter the quality of life for residents who live, work and bring up their families here – there isn’t enough of it. Calling community meetings because its required by law to inform and seek the ideas of the taxpayers and then ignoring the will of the people and doing what was planned behind closed doors anyway is not acceptable. If residents continue to sit back and take being disrespected and ignored, we have only ourselves to blame.

Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes News All are welcome to come for Coffee and Refreshments Sunday, October 22nd after the 10:30 a.m. Mass In the Downstairs Hall at St. Brigid Church

“You cannot negotiate with people who want to kill you” - Golda Meir

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October 19, 2023

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Information Center The

Is An ‘America Last’ Mob Running Our Country?

John Ciccone

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f some of you still think that we are living during anything but an ‘AMERICA LAST’ administration in Washington DC., I say again, you might need to start paying more attention. As it’s now well known, despite attempts to hide it from the public, the Biden Regime has allowed millions of illegal immigrants to flood into our country, and then sets them up with perks, freebees, and benefits that most American citizens can’t get.

Biden, or whoever pulls his strings has recently said he wants to sign them up for Social Security. Homeless vets are living on the streets and many of those who were living in shelters for veterans have been evicted to make room for illegals. Tens of Billions of our tax dollars are being funneled to Ukraine; not just for military supplies, but also to benefit Ukrainian civilians affected by that war, while the American citizens on the Hawaiian Island of Maui who lost everything in a very suspicious wildfire, got a mere $700 dollars in government aide. But now, to add insult to injury, American citizens stranded in the Israeli war zone have been told, before ‘our’ government will come to the rescue and fly them out, those American citizens stranded there must sign a document that legally mandates that they will reimburse the government before they get transportation out of that country.

Again I remind you, these are not just some conspiracy theories or my opinions, these are facts. This is the reality that is taking place in our country. Biden’s ridiculous press secretary can go to her podium and try to spin it all she wants but she doesn’t even try to actually deny any of this is taking place. They are doing this to the American public and they don’t even seem to care who knows it anymore. Lying is no longer needed, they just blatantly don’t care if we know

SOUTH BOSTON TODAY

it. And that folks is why that entire administration needs to go and be replaced by real Americans – patriotic Americans. Because those running the country are definitely not.

As millions of illegal’s pour into the country and go on to government assistance and tens of billions of our tax dollars flow out to Ukraine and to countries that hate us, America is going broke. More Americans than ever are now convinced that what’s happening to our country isn’t incompetence at all – it’s deliberate.

The government is printing money we don’t have which increases our national debt by trillions which causes inflation to skyrocket. We’ve all been hurt by the price of groceries and other necessities and it’s going to get worse. Remember that ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ that the Biden Regime bragged about? It didn’t work.

It made matters worse and it was a bunch of bs to begin with.

Yes, there are still some who hate Trump. Some will always hate him.

There is no cure for severe cases of TDS. But if they haven’t figured out yet that while he was in office, there were no wars, the border was secure, the economy was booming, businesses were returning and prices of virtually everything were within reach for average American families, well, living in denial because of hatred for one man is no way to go through life.

And yet, there are positive signs.

Different states around the country are stepping up and starting the process to un do some of the damage that liberals in high places have caused. Governor Sarah Huchabee, Republican from Arkansas, has just signed a passed by that stat’s legislature bill that has not only put a stop to hostile countries like Communist run China and Russia from buying up hundreds of acres of farmland

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

in that state, but the land that they already own will be taken away.

Governor Kristi Noam, Republican from South Dakota is doing the same thing. It’s funny how these countries are so interested in buying land near American military bases.

Other states around the country are expanding the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens in their states. The threat of terrorism do to a wide open border and rising crime rates nationally is not the time to prevent Americans from possessing the means to defend their homes, their families and yes, our country too. Most states understand

this even if places like Massachusetts and California do not.

While many believe that all people in elected office are corrupt and just out for themselves, and with the current administration in DC and in many cities around the country, who can blame people for thinking that, there are some who are sincere in wanting to work hard to protect America and return it to greatness.

It’s those people; the patriots who love our country, voters should work hard to elect. We’ve now seen the problems the wrong people in positions of power in our country can cause. We can’t let it continue.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

October 19, 2023

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.

GUN LAW CONTROVERSY Detractors of Rep. Mike Day’s firearm bill at a public hearing last week said top lawmakers hadn’t been listening to their apprehensions about the gun reform package. But Day has heard out at least a few critics, if you take a look at his campaign checkbook.

The House’s point-person on the Judiciary Committee, Day was anointed last year by Speaker Mariano as the chosen author of a House firearms package. After some pushback to the initial proposal this summer, Mariano pressed pause until the autumn, and Day returned with a rewritten version last week. That’s queued up for a floor vote this afternoon in the House.

And well before the marathon gun reform hearing last week, Day seems to have been listening. The Stoneham Democrat’s political finance records this year have been littered with references to gun policy development — from expensing a half dozen meals with staff and fellow legislators after stops on his “listening tour” that led up to the controversial bill’s release in June, to a trio of latesummer gatherings to discuss others’ unease with the proposal.

Day reported spending a total of $168 in campaign funds in late August for a dinner and two lunches — one meal to talk with a constituent about “gun dealer concerns” over the bill and another to speak with a campaign donor about their con-

cerns, and another for a “colleague to discuss [their] concerns over firearm safety bill.” In June there were over $400 in tabs from various Beacon Hill area establishments for meetings with lawmakers involving the bill.

For all of his meetings with colleagues, a number of them still think there’s room for improvement with the bill. After a Tuesday deadline, state reps had filed 49 amendments — the majority of them (36) coming from Day’s Democrat peers. Read ‘em here: https://malegislature.gov/ Bills/193/H4135/Amendments/ House. Who knows, maybe some of them could actually spur a real debate today in the often-quiet chamber.

Breaking: Healey backs transfer taxes, accessory dwellings in $4.1B housing bill “The Healey administration wants to give cities and towns like Boston the power to impose a new fee on high-price real estate transactions and steer the revenue into affordable housing development, pitching a localoption transfer tax alongside more than two dozen other measures in a sweeping new housing legislation.”

Speaker wants to keep his gavel House Speaker Ron Mariano announced Tuesday that he plans to seek re-election from his Quincy constituents next year and reappointment as speaker from his fellow Democratic legislators. He has held the seat since 2020. Mariano

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turns 77 years old on Halloween, and thanks to recent moves by lawmakers will not face any pesky term limits for legislative roles. He told reporters he might not serve out a term if re-elected.

Advocates say most Uber, Lyft drivers making less than minimum wage A report by a coalition of groups that want state lawmakers to make it easy for Uber and Lyft workers to unionize states that most such drivers in Massachusetts make less than the state-mandated minimum wage of $15 per hour. The median take-home pay, according to the report, is $12.82 per hour. A spokesman for a group representing ride-share and teach workers said the report was engineered to produce the low figures.

MBTA floating idea of new Red, Blue Line connections The MBTA is holding hearings on a proposal to build a connection for the Red and Blue subway lines at the Charles/MGH station.

Linking the two lines there would reduce congestion at other downtown transfer stations riders use to make the two-stop hop between the two lines. The project would involve closing the Bowdoin Blue Line station and would take about five years to complete at a cost of about $850 million. The public comment period ends Oct. 31.

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Lawmakers want to shift to taxpayer-funded early childhood education Lawmakers want the state to spend hundreds of millions of dollars a year in taxpayer funds to expand and build early childhood education and relieve most families of paying for it, the State House News Service reports. A measure that would bring the change about is called the Common Start bill. The state already helps families with well below the median household income pay for child care.

Starbucks threatens union with legal action after pro-Hamas posts Starbucks is warning a union representing 8,000 of its workers nationwide that it will take legal action if it doesn’t stop using the company’s name and logo in its communications. The shot comes after the union made since-deleted social media posts widely condemned for being pro-Hamas.

Worcester council decides against regulating anti-abortion clinics After more than a year of work and months of debate, the Worcester City Council decided against creating rules regulating clinics that claim to offer abortion services but actually try to direct women to alternatives. The 7-4 vote to end consideration of the ordinance came after the city’s lawyer recommended against passing it.

mcmproperties.com

October 19, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

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Jim Brett Receives Inaugural Brian J. Donnelly Award

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he Inaugural Brian J. Donnelly Award was recently presented to President of The New England Council and former State Legislator Jim Brett at the Omni Parker House in Downtown Boston.

This fitting award honors Brian J. Donnelly who, as United States Representative from the then 11th Congressional District and serving from 1979 to 1993 was responsible for the Donnelly Visa Program.

This program resulted in 26,000 undocumented Irish to obtain their green card.

“Brian J. Donnelly, United States Congressman from Boston and former United States Ambassador to Trinidad/Tobago was an advocate for his district, fighting relentlessly for his constituents and for causes he believed in. His commitment to public service spanned his entire career.

“One of his most passionate projects was creating the Donnelly Visa, which helped many in Ireland to emigrate to the United States to follow the American dream. This program extended to other nations and has had a profound impact on tens of thousands of families who now proudly call America home.

“To honor his legacy, the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston is proud to announce The Inaugural Brian J. Donnelly Award for Leadership in Public Service.

“During this annual event, we honored Brian J. Donnelly for all of his outstanding contributions to the lives of Irish people in the United States and will celebrate one remarkable individual who, like Brian J. Donnelly, has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and compassion in their public service endeavors. This award will acknowledge this individual’s remarkable achievements and inspire others to follow in the legacy of public service demonstrated by Brian J. Donnelly.”

Below is additional information that our readers may find insightful.

This was an excerpt from his obituary and captures the dedicated life he lived and all he accomplished

for his constituents: “Brian J. Donnelly was born on March 2, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts. Brian grew up in Dorchester in a strong, hard-working, IrishAmerican family. He was the son of the late Lawrence P. Donnelly and Louise P. Donnelly. He received a Bachelor of Science from Boston University in 1970 and was a teacher and coach in Boston Public Schools after his graduation.

“Donnelly served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1973 to 1978, where he quickly rose to prominence due to his dedication to public service and his commitment to his community.

He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1979, where he represented Massachusetts’ 11th congressional district for 14 years. In 1994 he was named United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and served honorably in that role until 1997.

“During his time in Congress, Donnelly was a passionate advocate for his district, fighting relentlessly for his constituents and for causes he believed in. He was known for his bipartisan approach to legislating and was well-respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Brian was especially proud of his work in creating the Donnelly Visa, which helped many in Ireland to emigrate to the United States and start a new life.

“Brian was a devoted family man who always put his children first.

He is survived by his wife Virginia, his two children, Lauren Donohoe and her husband Tom, and Brian, as well as his dear sister Louise Lydon. He adored his three grandchildren, Charlie, Billy, and James, and treasured every moment he spent with them. He was predeceased by his brothers Lawrence P. Donnelly, Jr. and Paul J. Donnelly. Brian retired on Cape Cod and spent many summers by the pool with his family soaking up the sun. Brian had a contagious personality that drew people to him. He had a unique sense of humor that could make light of the most serious situations.

He would light up a room and had

a way of making people feel valued and important.

“Brian J. Donnelly will be remembered as a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to serving others, while always putting his family first. He was truly one of a kind, and his presence will be felt forever. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.”

In recognition of Donnelly’s accomplishments, the ICC is “delighted to announce the inaugural ‘Brian J. Donnelly Award for Leadership in Public Service’ be awarded to the Honorable James T. Brett.”

Jim’s list of accomplishments are many as his curriculum vitae indicates: James T. Brett is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The New England Council, the nation’s oldest regional business association. Prior to joining the Council, Mr. Brett served for 15 years as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. During that time, he served as a Chairman of several of the most influential committees in the Massachusetts legislature, including the Committee on Banking, the Committee on

Taxation, and the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting. As a State Representative, Mr. Brett’s legislative priorities included providing tax relief for key Massachusetts industries, creating high-wage jobs, developing and retaining a skilled workforce, and fostering an overall business climate that supports economic growth and prosperity for all residents.

Mr. Brett has been a lifelong champion for people with disabilities. In May 2022, President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as the Chair of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) and reappointed him as Chairman in 2023. He previously served on PCPID under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, including a term as Chairman from 2011–2013.

Mr. Brett has been named to the Boston Business Journal’s “50 Most Influential Bostonians” list on several occasions in recent years.

He has also been recognized with honorary degrees from a number of institutions, including Anna Maria College, Bridgewater State University, New England College, Saint Anselm College, Suffolk University, and Westfield State University.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

I Was Just Thinking…

by Kevin Devlin

“Mankind must put an end to war, before war puts an end to mankind.”

(John F. Kennedy)

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don’t think the time Man has walked on this earth that he (or she) has been at peace with his neighbor.

Sadly, and undeniably, War has defined us throughout the ages.

Pick an age, pick a leader, name a war.

In the last century, Man ramped up the violence and cruelty naming them world wars, as millions died in World War I and World War II. The only manner to solve our differences was by bloodshed as diplomacy failed. Man could not, would not, still does not listen to reason. He doesn’t give the voices of peace and tolerance which are harbored somewhere within him a chance to make the world a better place for everyone to live in peace and harmony.

In the modern world, there are seemingly many reasons why nations go to war against each other. Unaccountability can be a factor when a society or its leader(s) are not responsible for the consequences of their actions. Ideology can play a part when the beliefs and values of society and

the political ruling class or leader hide behind them to justify violence or aggression. Uncertainty concerning the intentions and capabilities of others, or their own actions, cannot be denied as an influence. Economic and territorial gain by exploitation, religion, nationalism and revenge always rears its ugly face. And bias, when a society or its leaders are driven by prejudice which distorts their world views.

Ever since being told by a teacher in elementary school we needed to hide under our desks to protect ourselves if the Russians decided to drop the bomb, we have witnessed man’s inhumanity to man.

We just can’t seem to live in peace.

We can’t even find common ground to allow rational and peaceful differences of political, religious, and personal views the opportunity to survive and prosper.

To live alongside other viewpoints.

October 19, 2023

Our irrationality is a killer.

Our lack of compassion is blinded by hatred and senseless acts of violence.

And repeats itself without remorse.

The latest violence has reared its monstrous head in the Middle East, with Israel locked in battle with Hamas.

Who suffers?

Innocent men, women, and children do.

Nations do.

Humanity does.

So, we need Justice, Compassion, and Reason to prevail because as Albert Einstein said, “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”

Otherwise, this latest despicable chapter of death and despair may escalate out of control, plunging the world into an unimaginable nightmare, and deciding the fate of humanity, a scenario we may not survive.

Hi, my name is Kevin Devlin and I’d like to tell you about my latest self-publication, entitled Freedom Park.

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reedom Park is a dystopian novella in which freedom of thought, speech, and free choice is challenged.

In the story, the main character and narrator, Sean, a young man, lives in a Citizen Enrichment Opportunity Community, aka “the Co-op”, an isolated, gated community located in the middle of nowhere. Life is good. Sean and other Associates have everything they need to live happily. But something doesn’t feel right, and Sean begins to question why

everyone must blindly obey and not question the dictates of the Keepers and Supreme Council.

When allowed to explore the landscape outside the Co-op, Sean and several fellow Associates are surprised at what they see and who they meet.

And when Sean discovers a sinister plot, he must lead several fellow Associates in a risky undertaking so they can finally be free.

Freedom Park is available to purchase on Amazon.com.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

restoration of Dorchester Heights More information on the Dorchesa Dorchester Heights Monument National Open House on October 26 at 6:30 Monument on September 15. Funded ter Heights Monument restoration and photos are available online. p.m. at the Joseph P. Tynan Elemen- by the Great American Outdoors Act Parks of (GAOA), rehabilitation work will be www.nps.gov tary School, 650 E. Fourth Street, About the National Parks of Boston complete by March 17, 2026, EvacuBoston. The meeting is free and Boston The National Parks of Boston is a ation Day, during the nation’s 250th open to the public.

The program features an overview birthday year. The Monument and its collection of three National Park Sersurrounding area remain closed to the vice sites – Boston National HistoriParks of Boston’s Hosts Public ofplanstheforNational public during the restoration. cal Park, Boston African American the 250th anniversary of the National Historic Site, and Boston The GAOA funds will be used to Revolution by SuperintenMeeting on American Harbor Islands National and State dent Michael Creasey, a talk about the restore the iconic 1902 Dorchester Park. Established by individual legrestoration from HistoriHeights Monument tower and surRestoration Monument’s islation and for designated purposes, cal Architect Lance Kasparian, and rounding area known as Thomas the three units have come together Park. The rehabilitation work will about the landscape treatment of Dorchester details include structural upgrades, masonry under a unified organizational umplan by James Mealey, Landscape brella to collaborate in ways that restoration, and improvement of the Architect at the Olmsted Center for Heights celebrate our cultural heritage, reconmonument’s foundation, superstrucLandscape Preservation. The meeting concludes with a Q&A with park staff. ture, exterior enclosure, roof, interior nect people to history and nature, and Monument Neighbors and community members stairs, HVAC, plumbing, and electri- provide outdoor recreation opportu-

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he National Parks of Boston and the South Boston Citizens’ Association will host

will learn more about the project, including the scope and timeline.

The National Parks of Boston began the more than $30 million

cal systems. The grounds, lighting, and signage updates will vastly improve the site experience for visitors and members of the community.

nities on land and on the water. For more information, visit: www. nps.gov/bost, www.nps.gov/boaf, and www.bostonharborislands.org.

Photo Credit: Tom Zion

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

October 19, 2023

Archdiocese of Boston to Sell Beloved Pocket Park

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he Archdiocese of Boston has announced plans to sell the iconic Sister Mary Veronica Park located in South Boston on West 8th St. (190-198 West Eighth St), a move which has aroused deep concerns among local residents. The park, a cherished neighborhood hub for over half a century, represents more than just green space; it stands as a beacon of community spirit, heritage, and the abiding impact of one of South Boston’s own, Sister Mary Veronica.

Why this matters: • A Rich Tapestry of History and Community: First dedicated on November 23, 1968, the park stands as a tribute to Sister Mary Veronica, a South Boston native who dedicated her life to the service of God and her community.

• A Testament to Community Care: Maintaining the park has always been a collective endeavor.

From taking out trash to shoveling snow, residents have upheld the

spirit of the park, showcasing the closely-knit essence of the South Boston community.

• A Haven for Young and Old: For 55 years, the park has served as a place to play for children and a sanctuary for adults. Be it the echoing laughter of children, the crack of a baseball bat, or an elder reminiscing on a park bench.

• An Ecological Oasis: Nestled within the park are five mature trees, invaluable not just for shade but also improving air quality.

As South Boston is a neighborhood that has one of the lowest canopy covers in Greater Boston (and, more recently, the Boston Tree Equity Map), the park is an irreplaceable asset.

In response to the sale and potential development of the park, neighbors of the park have swiftly mobilized, forming “The Committee to Save Sister Mary Veronica Park”. This proactive group has initiated a petition on change.org, urging the community and beyond

to show their support to keep the space as a park. Moreover, a standout event is scheduled for October 28th at 1pm at the park. All are invited to join, proudly support, and echo the sentiment of saving this invaluable community asset.

The sale of Sister Mary Veronica Park isn’t merely a sale of property, it represents a potential severance of community ties, loss of history, loss of open space, and a negative ecological impact.

We urge media outlets, community leaders, and every concerned individual to come together. Let’s shield our green heritage, history, and the undying legacy of Sister Mary Veronica.

For more information, to support the cause, or to attend the event, please sign our petition or contact us at SaveSMVPark@ gmail.com.

About Sister Mary Veronica Park: Centrally located in South Boston on West 8th St., between Grimes St. and F St., Sister Mary

Veronica Park has been a radiant symbol of community spirit since 1968. Named to honor Sister Mary Veronica of the Sisters of Notre Dame Order, the park came about through the relentless efforts of several South Boston Neighborhood groups, residents, and land donated by the Archdiocese. For 50+ years, the community has been maintaining, cleaning, shoveling and generally caring for the park sometimes with help from the city but mostly on their own.

Press Contact: SaveSMVPark@ gmail.com, The Committee to Save Sister Mary Veronica Park Referenced Links: • Petition: https://www.change. org/save-sister-mary-veronicapark-in-south-boston • Tree Canopy Assessment: https://www.boston.gov/sites/ default/files/file/2020/09/Changeassessment_w_MJW-letter.pdf • Boston Tree Equity Map: https://treeboston.org/tree-equity/

October 19, 2023

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

MBTA Announces New Green Line Car Exterior Paint Design

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iders were invited to select one of three exterior paint designs for the new cars through an online survey that was available from October 2 to October 13. MBTA employees were also asked to provide

their feedback.

More than 16,300 responses were received to the MBTA’s survey with the winning design receiving 9,566 votes.

The MBTA today announced the exterior paint design of the

new Green Line Type 10 “supercars,” which was selected by a majority of respondents to an online survey hosted by the MBTA. Riders were invited to select one of three exterior paint designs for the new cars through the survey,

which was available from October 2 to October 13, 2023. MBTA employees were also asked to provide their feedback. More than 16,300 responses were received with the winning design receiving 9,566 votes.

Virtual Public Meeting

6 Elkins Street

MCM Properties

mcmproperties.com

OC TOBER

30

6:00 PM -8: 00 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/498MIJs

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 461 0865

Project Description: The BPDA is hosting a Public Meeting for the proposed 6 Elkins Street in South Boston. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A. The Proposed Project will include the construction of a new approximately 97,000 gross square foot research laboratory development, including office, laboratory, research and development uses, along with approximately 4,400 square feet of publicly accessible retail/restaurant space and approximately 8,250 square feet of incubator lab space. The proposal also includes approximately 48 parking spaces in a one-level below grade garage.

Please use the following link to register for the meeting: bit.ly/498MIJs Webinar ID: 161 461 0865 Toll-Free Call-in Number: 833.568.8864 mail to: Ebony DaRosa Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4419 email: ebony.darosa@boston.gov

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

October 19, 2023

about safety, how it is very impor- dren’s behavior and answers to their South Boston Catholic Academy News lot tant to know their address, who they questions. A Special Thank you to all

A Special Thank you to the Boston Police and Sheriff’s Department!

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he First Graders at South Boston Catholic Academy learned so much from our special visitors, the Boston Police Officers from the C6 Boston Po-

lice Department in the Community Service Program during Boston Faith and Blue Week, along with officers from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. The students learned a

can go to if they need help, calling 911, yelling and running from strangers! They really liked it when they had to identify the police officer who left the scene and be aware of what is going on around them. They got free coloring books, crayons, badges, stickers, pencils and enjoyed the pizza and ice cream, too. The police officers were impressed by the chil-

the officers who come to SBCA from the C6 Boston Police Department in the Community Service Program during Boston Faith and Blue Week, and the officers from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

October 19, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

St. Peter Academy

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Fire Prevention Week and Student Council Elections

ast week was National Fire Prevention Week. Thank you to the Boston Fire Department for inviting us to tour the D Street Fire House. Toddlers through Grade 3 walked to the Fire House. It was

so much fun to explore the firehouse, fire trucks, equipment and try on all their heavy gear. We learned so much and are so grateful to the Boston Fire Department for keeping our city safe!

Student Council Elections were

held on Friday. Congratulations to all the elected students. We are looking forward to all the exciting ideas you have for the new school year ahead.

We know you will do great things!

St. Peter Academy is accepting applications for the current school year. St. Peter Academy is an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15 months through grade 6.

SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program

11 (beginning at age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K (School Year and Full Year Programs), Kindergarten and grades 1-6. Financial Aid Available. Two Scholarships will be offered this year for applicants for Grades 1 through 6. You may request scholarship information from the Front Office (spa@ stpeteracademy.com). Appointments for individual virtual tours can be made by contacting Maria Blasi, at 617-268-0750 or by emailing spa@StPeterAcademy.com.

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

October 19, 2023

Gov Healey continued from front page

“For over three decades, housing production has not kept pace with our population, and we have a severe housing shortage in Massachusetts,” Healey said. “There aren’t enough homes to go around, and prices have gone up. I don’t want people leaving. I don’t want to see people struggling. We don’t want our economy to stop growing and thriving.”

The five-year bond bill, which more than doubles the previous housing bond bill filed in 2018 by then-Gov. Charlie Baker, is expected to lead to the creation of 40,000 new housing units.

Funding included in the bill is spread between a variety of programs meant to promote new construction as well as preservation, improve local infrastructure to support new housing, provide new homeownership opportunities and more.

The largest single section of funding, however, is $1.6 billion that will go toward preserving, updating and modernizing the 43,000 public housing units in the state, three times the appropriation in the 2018 bill, including $150 million for decarbonization.

Nicole Beckles, a board member of the Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants, said this funding is incredibly important, as public housing has been neglected in the past. She also praised a policy proposal which would give protections to public housing tenants when buildings are redeveloped, to ensure they are included in the process.

“Many of us live with deplorable, unsafe conditions, including leaks, mold, asbestos and more,” Beckles said. “Many residents are losing hope that things will change.

But today, we are grateful to the Healey administration for taking a huge step with this investment, for listening to the tenants.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Michelle Wu is ‘pulling every lever’ in pursuit of pushing for more affordable housing. Her message is that Boston working to address an affordable housing crisis that threatens to drive seniors from their homes and forecloses on the dream of

home ownership for too many families — but it can’t do it alone.

This was her testimony recently to a joint state House and Senate panel, pressing for legislative authorization of a new citywide fee on real estate transactions of $2 million or more, which she filed as a home rule petition that was voted on by the Boston City Council. Because the city’s request is a home rule petition, it needs the approval of the Legislature and a signature from Gov. Maura Healey Wu told the Joint Committee on Revenue that had it been on the books in 2021, the 2% fee, impacting a little more than 700 transactions, would have raised more than $100 million that could have put toward easing the city’s affordable housing crisis.

“We’re doing everything we can at the city level, overhauling our zoning code for more housing and more affordability; restructuring our planning department to ensure we’re using every bit of land possible; providing tax incentives for converting offices into residential buildings, and providing downpay-

ment assistance and interest rate subsidies to homebuyers to accelerate wherever we can,” Wu told lawmakers. “But the one powerful tool that remains out of reach without legislative and regulatory approval is the transfer fee.”

Several of the other policy proposals in the Housing Bill are action items that have been pushed by housing advocates for a long time, such as a local option for a real estate transfer fee on highpriced sales to fund affordable housing and allowing additional dwelling units, or ADUs, by right in all single-family zoning districts across Massachusetts. Healey said the proposal to allow ADUs was a proven way to push more production. “This step is going to unblock one of the most well-established, organic and, importantly, community-centric forms of housing access,” she said.

One policy which was not included in the bill is rent control, which has been a topic of discussion for months after Boston passed a home rule petition to reinstate it in the city and multi-

ple Beacon Hill legislators filed bills to bring it back as a local option. A ballot question for 2024 has also been proposed that would give cities and towns the opportunity to enact rent control legislation.

When asked about the omission, Healey said municipalities should be able to do what they think is best for their community. Housing advocates and other stakeholders at the event praised the bill as a huge step forward. “Housing is the single best investment that we can make to secure the future that we all want and deserve,” said Rachel Heller, CEO of Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association. “We need 200,000 new homes in the next decade to stabilize home prices and rents. Now, stabilizing prices and rents that are too high for too many means that we need to be intentional about affordability ... The housing bond bill filed today provides the funding and policies for that intentionality, so that we can be intentional about affordability, about equity and about choice.”

October 19, 2023

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SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

This week, Danny shared his thoughts on the state of the New England Patriots:

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ook what they’ve become.

The “silver lining” Patriots.

Football fans in New England have pulled out their microscopes and are dissecting every little positive outcome during Patriots losses, as a way to cope with having one of the worst teams in the NFL. Right now, it’s all about the small victories in Foxboro. And that’s a vibe I can’t side with. Sorry.

Last week, I posted a video clip from my latest podcast, on YouTube, which is titled, “Bill Belichick is done with Mac Jones.” In the clip, I discussed what I believe to be the Patriots’ biggest issue: their quarterback.

Keep in mind, I never once said that their quarterback is the “only” issue. Clearly that’s not the case. But the brainwashing that’s taken place when it comes to Jones as New England’s quarterback has seemingly put words in my mouth. Just look at the comment section on that post.

The Patriots are 1-5. They’ve lost three straight. They currently would have the No. 6 overall pick in the Draft, if the season ended today. If you see that and think to yourself, “Hopefully the Patri-

ots use that pick to draft an elite offensive lineman,” then you’re probably one of those who’ve been searching for all the small victories in the team’s losses this season, while refusing to really criticize the quarterback.

Since Sunday’s loss to the Raiders in Las Vegas, you’ve probably been shouting, “Mac put it right in DeVante Parker’s hands!” And you’re right. He did. And Parker dropped it. But the very next play pretty much summed up Jones’ entire NFL existence the last two seasons, as he got sacked for a game-ending safety in his own end zone by Maxx Crosby on 3rd-and-15.

There’s no denying the horrible effort by New England’s offensive line on that play. But there’s also no denying that, trailing by two with a little less than two minutes to play, it’s four-down territory, and so, the one thing you cannot do as a quarterback in that situation is to get sacked in your own end zone.

Knowing that, the smart play under pressure would’ve been to dump the ball off over the middle to a wide open Rhamondre Stevenson on 3rd-and-15, which

would’ve realistically resulted in a 4th-and-6-ish situation from somewhere in between their own 10 and 15-yard line. That type of decision would’ve given the Patriots a chance.

Instead, Jones didn’t even see Stevenson wide open over the middle, and was laser-focused on his deep options, which led to the sack and the safety on third down.

Again, Jones isn’t the only problem right now. But there are some who want to use the other problems as a way of making Jones a victim of a bad football team, instead of asking him to step up and make some plays in the face of adversity.

After Sunday’s loss to the Raiders, Jones was asked if he was confident he was the right quarterback to turn things around in New England. I mean, what do you expect him to say?

Obviously he feels he’s the right guy for the job. If he didn’t, then there would be an even bigger problem.

“I’m confident,” said Jones. “I think that comes from years of experience and earning respect from people. I think I’ve done

that. But once again, I’m trying to win every game that I play in and I’m not doing it. I just really want to focus on how I can bring these guys with me, how we can clean up the little things.

“It takes all 11 and that’s important. And to be the leader of that 11 is a lot of stress, but that’s why I play this game. And I really want to win. I’m doing a lot of things to do that during the week, but for whatever reason it’s just not happening on Sunday.”

He’s right. it does take “all 11.”

But in any successful winning environment in the NFL, it’s the quarterback that needs to pull his team out of a hole. And that definitely starts with the little things.

Like not throwing a brutal interception at the end of the first half that led to three points for the Raiders. Like not getting sacked in your own end zone to end the game with a down still in your pocket. Like not turning the ball over seven times in your last three games.

I’m not a Mac Jones guy, clearly. But I’m begging for him to do something to prove me wrong.

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

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SPORTS TODAY PATRIOTS LOSE THREE STRAIGHT, HOST BUFFALO IN WEEK 7

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SBT Staff

n what was supposed to be one of the more winnable games on New England’s schedule through the first six weeks, the Patriots went into Las Vegas and dropped the ball, literally, en route to a 21-17 loss to the Raiders.

With a little less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, trailing by two points, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones threw a 2nd-and-11 deep bomb down the left sideline that would’ve given New England great field position had DeVante Parker caught the ball that dropped right into his hands. Instead, Parker dropped the perfectly-thrown pass, and on the very next play, Maxx

Tweet of the Week

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NFL THURSDAY, OCT. 19 WEEK 7 Jacksonville at New Orleans (-3) 8:15 P.M. PRIME SUNDAY, OCT. 22 Buffalo at New England (+8.5) 1 P.M. CBS LA Chargers at Kansas City (-6) 4:25 P.M. CBS Miami at Philadelphia (-2.5) 8:20 P.M. NBC MONDAY, OCT. 23 San Francisco at Minnesota (+6.5) 8:15 P.M. ABC/ESPN NCAAF SATURDAY, OCT. 21 WEEK 8 #7 Penn State at #3 Ohio State (-4.5) 12 P.M. FOX #17 Tennessee at #11 Alabama (-8.5) 3:30 P.M. CBS #16 Duke at #4 Florida State (-13.5) 7:30 P.M. ABC

Crosby sacked Jones in his own end zone for a game-ending safety.

The safety sealed the deal on the Patriots’ third-straight loss. They are now 1-5 and in last place in the AFC East. If the NFL Draft was today, New England would have the No. 6 overall pick.

“We just couldn’t quite make enough plays here tonight,” said Patriots coach Bill Belichick in his postgame press conference on Sunday in Las Vegas. “We had opportunities and we need to do a better job here, really just better in every area, just any number of things could have made a difference. We need to be able to coach it better, play better, and execute a little bit better.”

Prior to the game, the Patriots announced the signing of quarterback/ receiver Malik Cunningham from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Cunningham served as Jones’ backup on Sunday in Las Vegas, while Bailey Zappe was the team’s No. 3 emergency quarterback.

When asked why he signed Cunningham and made him the backup quarterback, Belichick simply responded, “There’s a lot of people that are hurt.”

Cunningham was on the field for several plays in Sunday’s loss to the Raiders. He didn’t throw the ball and was sacked once for a loss of five yards.

Jones finished the game 24-of-33 for 200 pass yards, with zero touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked three times.

“Definitely frustrating,” said Jones after the loss. “But just have to watch it all and learn, and watch it with truthful eyes. That’s all you can do and it just wasn’t clean enough across the board. There’s penalties and all

San Antonio Spurs.

VAN GUNDY JOINS CELTICS ORGANIZATION theAfter his time with the Knicks,

s the Boston Celtics prepare to begin the regular season on Wednesday night in New York against the Knicks, some frontoffice news trickled out this week.

Former NBA head coach and longtime ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy has been hired by the Celtics as a senior consultant to basketball operations.

October 19, 2023

Van Gundy was most recently part of ESPN’s No. 1 broadcast team with Mike Breen and Mark Jackson, but he was let go by the company over the summer.

Prior to his 16 years at ESPN, Van Gundy coached the Knicks for seven seasons, from 1995-2002. In 1998-99, Van Gundy’s Knicks made it to the NBA Finals, but lost in five games to

Van Gundy then coached the Houston Rockets for four seasons, from 2003-2007.

With the Celtics, Van Gundy will reportedly be working with the front office and the coaching staff.

“Anytime you can add high-character, high-level, professional people, I think it’s a no-brainer,” Celtics coach

sorts of things we need to clean up.

It’s hard to win like that, and I’m definitely frustrated for sure.”

The Patriots trailed 13-3 at the half.

Jones threw an interception in the final minutes of the second quarter that led to a Raiders field goal that gave Las Vegas the 10-point halftime lead.

New England scored two touchdowns in the second half. Both were rushing touchdowns, by Ezekiel Elliott and Rhamondre Stevenson. But it wasn’t enough.

Now, the Pats return home to host the 4-2 Bills on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo is coming off a hard-fought win over the New York Giants on Sunday night.

The Bills have won four straight games against the Patriots, and six of the last seven. New England is an 8.5-point underdog at home. The over-under is 41.5.

Joe Mazzulla told reporters.

“It’s good to get a guy who hasn’t been here before that can kind of have an unbiased opinion as to where things are and where they need to go,” added Mazzulla. “He’s kind of a fresh set of eyes, because he’s not around all the time, and he’s looking at it from an unbiased position, which kind of gives us an advantage because you kind of see it from a different perspective.”

October 19, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONTODAY • www.southbostontoday.com

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