South Boston Today April 25 2024

SouthBoston House Of Representatives Debating Budget

This Week

Representatives have begun several days of deliberations about the spending plan. The House will appear inactive for most of that time while decisions are made behind closed doors on which of the 1,495 amendments will make it into the final package, but there’s still a lot at stake in those private talks.

The fiscal year 2025 spending plan that representatives will likely spend the rest of the week debating is slightly smaller than Gov. Maura Healey’s proposal from January, a result of dismal revenues and other challenges like the historically high cost of state-run family shelters.

House Ways and Means Chair Rep. Aaron Michlewtiz said this budget cycle has been “one of our more challenging” in recent years as revenues did not grow at the rate officials originally predicted.

“It has left us all scrambling a bit

Are The Late Night Drag Races Planning A Return?

They’re Baaaack…

Well not here in South Boston; at least not yet. We’re speaking of the illegal late night drag racing events that in past years; especially in the warmer months seem to materialize out of nowhere at predetermined locations in the dead of night and early morning hours around the city. The word of these events is of course spread through social media.

Several years ago, Day Blvd became the destination of choice where at times hundreds of spectators would show up at a designated time to watch dozens of jacked up cars; some of them stolen drag race. The organizers would arrive in advance, block off streets to traffic and the racers would go at it. These cars were fast – REAL fast leaving skid marks and clouds of smoke everywhere. And the noise was ear splitting and the possibility of innocent neighbors and even the participants themselves being injured was high. The first reported such event of this season recently took place on the streets of Boston’s

Back Bay at around 2:am and pretty much terrorized that neighborhood. Police were called and responded. But according to news reports, the intentionally blocked streets by organizers hindered police from at first, being able to break up the disturbance on arrival. And before the cops could move in, the crowds was able to pack up and disperse. Some reports stated that fireworks were fired at police as they moved in to put a stop to the commotion. If all goes as it did in previous years, this could be just the beginning as the summer approaches and other neighborhoods; including a return to the streets of Southie could be on the agenda.

Boston City Councilor Edward Flynn has sent a letter to Police Commissioner Michael Cox expressing his concern and the concerns of residents about the drag races and has asked Commissioner Cox to investigate and address this issue and take every precaution needed to make sure it doesn’t continue and spread as the weather warms up.

Without a doubt, drag racing is exciting not only for the participants but for spectators as well. But holding these illegal events on residential city streets is NOT the place to have them.

In addition to the noise and commotion and over all disturbing the peace they cause,

there is a clear danger to not only private and city owned property such as homes and other structures and other cars, but more importantly to people; whether they are participants, spectators or local residents themselves. In short, they shouldn’t be happening on city streets.

Residents are asked to notify police by calling 9-1-1 immediately if you see these races taking place in our neighborhood. Better still, call police if you see the organizers setting up the event to take place in order to head them off and stop them in advance.

IInformation Center The Another Example Of Why Elections Have Consequences

n Massachusetts, voters so often elect politicians who have no respect for the rule that requires that THEY work for the people. It’s almost as if the majority of voters - citizens in the Bay State want to be ignored, disrespected, penalized, taxed into oblivion and have their entire existence controlled by government regulations and mandates. For their part, some of those politicians seem like they are convinced that they are part of a monarchy or an all powerful dictatorship and that the masses (or obedient subjects referred to as peasants in the distant past) must obey or else.

Among many who act like they are the bosses of the people and to hell with what the voters want is Governor Maura Healy. And then of course there are most members of her party up at the State House who believe as she seems to that it makes no difference what the people want, THEY will decide what’s good for the public. One of numerous examples is how Healy has allowed and encouraged the massive invasion of illegal immigrants to overrun communities’ state wide. The overwhelming majority oppose it, she knows it, but is doing it anyway. She has forced neighborhoods to give up their recreation centers and even veterans’ accommodations to house the migrants against the wishes of the people – the wishes of the people apparently mean nothing. And as I stated in the above title, elections really do have consequences. Because when people ascend to the seats of power; like governors, they can appoint to positions, others who are just as radical, if not more so than the politicians themselves. Just look at who Healy has brought in as her Secretary of Transportation.

Enter one Monica Tibbits-Nutt. At an April 10th speech to a so called ‘Progressive’ special interest group, she went on a tirade against Massachusetts tax payers according to The Massachu-

setts Fiscal Alliance (MFA). The MFA which is a watch dog group that monitors and exposes those in positions of power when it comes to fiscal matters, reported at length with audio and video to prove it, just what Tibbits-Nutt had to say about her plans for taxpayers; particularly, but not limited to people who have the nerve to drive motor vehicles. Whether the people like it or not, and she knows they won’t but doesn’t care, she will work to increase the state excise tax on cars/pickups/SUV’s and she will seek to add toll booths at the state borders so that any Bay State driver who dares to cross Into another state or vice/versa pay additional tolls. That was quickly met with a response from New Hampshire’s governor Chris Sununu who said “It looks like Massachusetts has found yet another way to unnecessarily take your money”. Healy says she opposes that one – we shall see. Tibbits-Nutt doesn’t have just the excise tax hike and additional tolls as her agenda. Not even close, those two are just the tip of the iceberg. She wants to raise the payroll tax that the state can collect, raise fees for the packages we get delivered to our doors, add higher state fees if you take an Uber or Lyft and so much more. She openly admits that she will be using the New York playbook to get all the money she can out of taxpayers and acknowledges, but again doesn’t care that it will cause economic pain to the taxpayers. Just look at New York. There is a waiting list for U-Haul Trucks because of all the people who are fleeing that state do to the ever increasing taxes. In fact, Massachusetts is one of the 4 states in the country where people are moving out en mass of because it’s just too expensive. And so the Healy Administration brings in someone who wants to make it even more so. One of the most telling comments from the Tibbits-Nutt money grabbing tirade was when she said she

plans to use her position and policy decisions “as a weapon”. Yes she used those exact words. She then vowed to go after everyone who has money. These are actual comments from her even though she knew she was being recorded. She just didn’t care; her arrogance apparently has no limits. But at least she was being honest about what her plans and agenda are, unlike so many other politicians who say what they have to in order to get elected or the desired appointment then do whatever they feel like once they’re in.

So yes folks, to repeat once again: Elections sure do have consequences.

Certainly not all Massachusetts residents vote against what’s best for themselves and their families. But it’s unfortunate that in so many elections in the state a majority does. And when the results of what they voted for take their toll on the standard of living and even the freedom’s and liberties that every American should be enjoying, it’s too late to complain because the damage is done. But if people in Massachusetts are going to continue to vote for someone just because they have that ‘D’ after their name, things will never change. And then the new saying will be - will the last one out of Massachusetts please turn out the lights.

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

SOUTH BOSTON TODAY

John Ciccone

White Stadium Fight Continues

About a month after a judge denied their injunction attempt, advocates plan to announce the “next steps” in their lawsuit against the city of Boston for what they call an “unconstitutional plan for privatization” in the city’s White Stadium renovation proposal.

At a press conference today on stadium grounds, those advocates — 20 citizen plaintiffs and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, who together form a group dubbed the Franklin Park Defenders — are narrowing in on their argument that the existing proposal to renovate Franklin Park’s White Stadium privatizes a publicly used space. Dr. Jean McGuire, the first Black woman with a seat on the Bos-

MBTA

Implements

Commuter Rail, Subway, Bus, and Ferry Service Improvements

This Spring

Spring 2024 schedules on Commuter Rail will take effect on May 20; ferry schedules to take effect in April and May.

The MBTA is implementing a series of service enhancements across all modes this spring season. These improvements are designed to provide riders with more frequent, reliable, and convenient transportation options across

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.

ton School Committee and a known park advocate, will also be speaking to the impact of the stadium proposal on Franklin Park.

“Plaintiffs are available and want the media to understand where they’re coming from, the history, the laws, the processes that need to take place in order for this to happen,” a spokesperson for the Defenders told MASSterList. The plaintiffs filed their lawsuit in February seeking to stop the proposal, essentially questioning whether the city has the legal authority to even consider the project, which would serve as a home stadium for a National Women’s Soccer League franchise headed to Boston.

Defenders say the proposal — as it is drafted right now — will dis-

the MBTA’s service areas.

Commuter Rail: Spring service changes go into effect on Commuter Rail lines on May 20 with schedules available soon at mbta.com/CommuterRail.

• Fairmount Line Frequency Increase: With a commitment to improving equity and access in traditionally underserved communities across the Fairmount Line service area, the MBTA will increase the frequency of Fairmount Line trains to every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends, a significant improvement from the previous 45-minute intervals. The Readville lower platform will also reopen to riders, offering more transfer options for the Franklin, Foxboro, Providence, Stoughton, and Fairmount Lines.

• Reintroduction of Worcester Express Train: Through collaboration with the City of Worcester, the MBTA will reintroduce a weekday morning express train from Worcester, arriving at South Station in downtown Boston at 8:45 AM. The trip will also include stops at Framingham and Lansdowne.

place Boston Public Schools studentathletes and community members, fails to address “realistic” transportation for the more than 10,000 potential match attendees, and is missing “adequate” community participation in the decision-making process. While the lawsuit is still ongoing, Superior Court Judge Sarah Ellis said in her March decision not to pause the project with an injunction that Boston Unity Soccer Partners was the only entity that responded to the city’s request for proposals, and that the plaintiffs failed to show how the renovation would cause “irreparable harm.”

Fast forward a couple of weeks: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu sat down on GBH’s Boston Public Radio, explaining that the two BPS

• Resumed Service at South Attleboro Station: The MBTA will resume train service to and from South Attleboro with three morning inbound and three evening outbound trips. Commuter Rail service at South Attleboro was suspended in February 2021 due to significant deterioration of the pedestrian overpass, which passes over the station’s tracks. In October 2023, construction crews demolished the pedestrian overpass and surrounding infrastructure.

• 2024 CapeFLYER Service: The popular CapeFLYER, offering round-trip service between Boston and Cape Cod, will return for the season on Memorial Day weekend. The service runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Labor Day with some additional service during holiday weekends.

• Other Commuter Rail Service Updates: Various schedule adjustments and trip time reductions will be implemented on the Newburyport/Rockport, Lowell, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Franklin, and Providence Lines to improve performance,

teams who use White Stadium only use it for five games a season — and that while Boston is in the process of helping renovate other facilities to use, under the proposal, the finished stadium would have the functionality for many “end of season” games.

“The litigants have not expressed a specific concern about the types of issues that are related to the design or parking, transportation,” Wu added, arguing that the court decision also raised questions about the lawsuit’s future viability. A spokesperson for the Franklin Park Defenders said the plaintiffs “want the BPS students to have a renovated stadium” solely for their benefit, and to ensure community input is taken seriously.

continued on page 8

accommodate Amtrak schedule changes, and align with other service improvements.

Subway:

Spring service changes went into effect on subway lines on April 7 with more information available at mbta.com/ServiceChanges.

• Red Line: Weekday morning and evening peak period frequency has improved by about 30 seconds between Alewife and JFK/UMass and by one minute on the Ashmont and Braintree Branches due to faster travel times from improved track conditions, resulting in 24 additional daily trips.

• Orange Line: The weekday morning and evening peak period frequency has improved by about 30 seconds due to the addition of new trains available for service, resulting in 18 additional daily trips.

• Blue Line: Weekday evening frequency between 8 PM and 11:30 PM will improve from every 12-13 minutes to every 8-10 minutes due to increased demand, resulting in 22 additional daily trips.

continued on page 6

Drag racing, dirt bikes, and dangerous stunts in neighborhood streets

Dear Commissioner Cox and Superintendent Cullinane:

I’m writing in regards to the recent reports of drag racing in the Back Bay at 2am, and ask that the Boston Police Department thoroughly investigate this incident. With the weather getting warmer, it is critical to take measures to address this type of dangerous racing and gatherings in our neighborhood streets. As you are well aware, groups of dirt bikes, ATVs, motorcycles, and cars have at times occupied the streets to do stunts and racing, while endangering pedestrians, drivers, residents, and themselves.

This past weekend, there was a group of about 15 vehicles and 40 people in Back Bay who were using their cars to do donuts, driving the wrong way, and clogging traffic at 2am. This not only negatively impacted the quality of life of the residents in

Councilor Flynn to Hold Hearing on Boston Police Crime Lab this Friday at 10am

This Friday, Councilor Flynn will hold a hearing to discuss resources for the Boston Police Crime Laboratory on April 26 at 10am at the Iannella Chamber in Boston City Hall. Residents may watch the hearing live at boston.gov/ city-council-tv. To submit written testimony or request to testify at the hearing, neighbors can contact ron. cobb@boston.gov.

An annual report by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) has found that the Boston Police Crime Laboratory has been lagging behind in its handling of sexual assault kits testing for three years in a row.

The Boston Police Crime Lab is a critical arm of the Boston Police Department that focuses on processing, examining, and analyzing evidence - such as sexual assault kits - that are indispensable to investigating and solving crimes. In 2018, the State Legislature has mandated that sexual assault kits be tested within 30 days in order to swiftly process any evidence that will bring justice

the area, but it was also dangerous for pedestrians and other cars, and can cause damage to roads and injuries to bystanders.

This is not an isolated incident. Our city streets, and even highways, have seen drag racing, as well as dirt bikes and ATV traveling in groups at dangerous speeds and blocking traffic, especially during the summertime. Last year, there was a large gathering of cars near the Oxford Pappas property and South Boston Waterfront for some sort of rave at 3am. Residents in my district have long been concerned about dirt bikes, ATVs, and dangerous behavior with vehicles. As summer approaches, we need to be proactive in addressing these issues, perhaps keeping track of vehicles that are engaged in these illegal races, and seizing stolen vehicles that are engaged in these activities.

I hope that Boston Police will do all it can to address these issues. Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 617-635-3203, or at Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

Sincerely,

Ed Flynn Boston City Councilor, District 2

to sexual assault survivors.

However, the EOPSS has found that the testing of these kits has lagged behind at the Boston Police Crime Lab each year since 2021 due to staffing shortages, with the time lag in 2023 being the most concerning - half of the kits (93 out of 186 sexual assault kits) did not manage to get tested within 30 days. In comparison to the State Police Crime Lab, which tested 96% of the 714 tests it received in 2023, these statistics require immediate attention.

“It is critical that sexual assault kits and evidence are processed in a timely manner. We need to examine and address the underlying causes of staffing shortages at the Boston Police that have resulted in delays,” said Councilor Flynn. “We have to look into what the current barriers are to filling these positions, and the resources we will need to help the crime lab staff to perform their work more easily and efficiently.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

Debating Budget continued from front page

But even with the many poor fiscal indicators, Michlewitz said it is not all bad news in Massachusetts. He pointed to the first bond rating increase — which affects Massachusetts’ ability to borrow money — in more than a decade last year and the nearly $9 billion in the state’s rainy day fund, two factors that put “us in solid shape to weather any further storms going forward.”

Every month this fiscal year except March has seen lower-than-expected revenues, according to the Department of Revenue. The state collected just over $4 billion from residents last month, or 3.3% above projections set by the Healey administration. “This is a warning sign for us to be fiscally responsible and prudent when financial decisions are made,” Republican Rep. Todd Smola said. He also pointed to the $932 million tab Massachusetts

MBTA continued from page 4 to keep our budget stable through FY24. And while the March revenue numbers were a welcomed break in the nine-month storm we have been in, we still must proceed with caution, not knowing if the April numbers are going to bring more showers,” the North End Democrat said.

• Green Line: Weekday morning and evening peak period service frequency on all branches. Riders can expect to see improvements of 30 seconds to one minute due to successful hiring of additional Green Line operators and MBTA training school expansion. These changes will result in 82 additional daily trips, providing riders with more options to get to where they need to go; restore frequency decreases that took effect in fall 2022 and some early morning westbound/outbound D Branch service on weekdays and Saturdays; and improve Sunday frequency and weekend capacity on various branches due to more two-car trains in operation.

Bus: Spring service changes went into effect on bus routes on April 7 with more information available at mbta.com/ServiceChanges.

• Frequency Improvements: Due to historic increases in bus operator hiring, the frequency between buses will

is expected to pay this fiscal year and $915 million in the next for the emergency shelter system, which has found itself under enormous strain amid an influx of migrants.

“I think we all know that throwing money at this issue is not going to fix the problem and hopefully over the course of this debate, and as we look at other legislative vehicles in the future, we’re going to be able to tackle that and find a path moving forward to be effective,” he said. The overall budget includes “significant investments” in health and human services, including $552 million for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. As day turned to night on Beacon Hill, representatives started considering behind closed doors amendments related to public safety and the judiciary. The House is scheduled to return to session Thursday morning, the same day it plans to tie up business on a separate spending bill that includes dollars for the state-run shelter system and caps families’ stay in shelters at nine months. With all of this in mind, here are some of the key questions to watch as the House budget debate unfolds: Just how much more spending will Reps add? Speaker Ron Mariano

improve on Routes 7, 9, 21, 32, 47, 57, 111, 501, SL1, and SL3 during certain times on weekdays and weekends with increased Sunday service on Route 1.

• Schedule Adjustments: Routes 34 and 121 schedules have been updated to improve reliability and more accurately reflect the service that is operating so that riders can rely on published bus schedules. Overall service hours are largely the same, but some frequency has been reduced to offset longer travel times. The Route 116 Sunday morning trip has been replaced with a restructured Route 117 for better consistency, improved schedule legibility, and a better service pattern so that the very early morning trips (before the Blue Line begins operating) will be similar on weekdays and weekends. Departure times were adjusted for 59 bus routes to improve the time between buses and schedule reliability.

• Routing Changes: Routes 83 and 91 were adjusted due to construction in the Central Square area. Route 120 was adjusted to better align with the last Blue Line trains of the day. The

warned at the outset that “this fiscal year is not going to be like the last few,” when he and his counterparts oversaw a major increase in state spending. How much that message of fiscal discipline carries over to the earmark process remains to be seen. Representatives love to pack the budget bill with guaranteed funding for projects, organizations and needs in their districts, and depending on how much Mariano’s team allows, the budget’s bottom line could swell closer to the $58.1 billion Gov. Maura Healey proposed.

Will another push for shelter reforms gain traction? House Democrats proposed in their budget to steer $500 million toward the emergency assistance shelter system in fiscal 2025, and some reps are hoping to use the measure to reopen debate on how the program works. Republican Rep. Steven Xiarhos of Barnstable filed one amendment that would allow only U.S. citizens who live in Massachusetts to access the system, while Cambridge Democrat Rep. Marjorie Decker filed another calling for an ombudsperson to advocate on behalf of shelter applicants, among other reforms.

What’s the appetite for policy rid-

MBTA continues its aggressive hiring effort for more bus operators and plans to assign operators to areas experiencing high crowding.

Ferry:

As previously announced, spring service changes go into effect on ferry routes in April and May. Ferry schedules are available now at mbta.com/Ferry.

• Increased Service and Scheduling Improvements: The MBTA has planned several improvements to the Lynn, Winthrop/Quincy, and weekend Hingham/Hull ferry services, including additional weekend Lynn ferry trips, resulting in more options for ferry riders.

• Hingham/Hull Ferry Weekend Service: Schedule adjustments have been made this season to Hingham/ Hull weekend ferry service, which resumes May 25, to provide better service to riders, including a modification to eliminate an afternoon gap in weekend Hull service and efficiency improvements to the Saturday-only late-night trip from Boston to Hull, among other upgrades.

ers? As much as legislative leaders might want to pitch the budget as a spending-only bill, it’s long been used as a vehicle for various types of policy reforms. The current year’s budget, for example, included language allowing high school graduates without legal immigration status to access in-state tuition and financial aid at public colleges and universities. And sometimes, those big changes come not in the original draft but on the floor — two years ago, with the U.S. Supreme Court about to strike down Roe v. Wade, the Senate tacked on a budget rider aiming to protect reproductive and gender-affirming health care providers from legal action in other states. Keep an eye out for similarly big changes this time around.

Does anyone want to work Friday night? The House opted to start its budget proceedings Wednesday instead of earlier in the week in observance of the Passover holiday. It’s not uncommon for budget deliberations to stretch two or three nights, but in this instance, representatives might opt to stay in session longer Wednesday and Thursday to avert the chance of needing to take votes Friday evening.

• Lynn Ferry Weekday Service, New Weekend Service: Lynn ferry weekday service, which starts April 29, will have minor schedule adjustments to better manage ferry movements through the harbor, reduce possible delays due to congested waterways, and to allow for better utilization of dock space. With a commitment to enhancing transportation options to the Lynn community, 11 new weekend trips will also operate this season beginning on Saturday, May 25.

• Winthrop/Quincy Ferry Service Increases: Winthrop/Quincy ferry service begins on April 29 and will provide increased services between Quincy, Winthrop, and the Seaport. Quincy passengers will have an option of a direct Quincy-Boston trip, reducing what was an hour and five-minute trip last year to a 20-minute trip. There will be three additional trips between Winthrop and Boston compared to 2023.

• As previously announced, East Boston ferry services resumed for the season on April 1.

Virtual Public Meeting

Reserved Channel Development

MAY 08

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/49lusLF

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 161 811 4812

Project Proponent: Oxford Pappas (OXP)

Project Description:

The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting to discuss the recently filed Reserved Channel Development project in South Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the proposed Transportation Infrastructure and Site Wide Resiliency. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the Public. This meeting is the Second in a series of meetings to review the entirety of the proposed project.

Interpretation services in Spanish are being offered at this meeting in. To request interpretation, please contact Nick Carter at nick.carter@boston. gov no later than 48 hours ahead of the meeting.

Mail to: Nick Carter Boston Planning & Development Agency

One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201

Phone: 617.918.5305

Email: Nick.carter@boston.gov

Virtual Public Meeting

Reserved Channel Development

MAY 15

6:00 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3J1QyIu

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 160 247 7579

Project Proponent: Oxford Pappas (OXP)

Project Description:

The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting to discuss the recently filed Reserved Channel Development project in South Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the proposed Open Space Design and Built Form. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the Public. This meeting is the Third in a series of meetings to review the entirety of the proposed project.

Interpretation services in Spanish are being offered at this meeting in. To request interpretation, please contact Nick Carter at nick.carter@boston. gov no later than 48 hours ahead of the meeting.

Close of Public Comment Period: 5/29/2024

Website: bit.ly/reserved-channel

@BostonPlans BostonPlans.org

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

ATTENTION BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION CUSTOMERS

You may have noticed some changes in your most recent bill from Boston Water and Sewer Commission. As of April 1, 2024 BWSC customers will now see three separate line-item charges on their bill, for water, sewer, and stormwater. Now, paying for stormwater separately will lower the sewer rate while showing the charges attributed to stormwater activities for the property. This is a more equitable way to fund improvements for the stormwater system because everyone pays for the service they use. Here are key highlights of the bill:

• Stormwater charge will be $8.98 per month for each Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) attributed to the property.

• All property owners with more than 400 square feet of impervious area will be billed.

• 60% of residential households will see a reduction in their overall bill.

• The 30% discount extended to seniors and disabled residents will automatically apply to the new stormwater fee.

• Credits and grants are available for customers who implement green infrastructure measures on their property.

For more information, contact us at: stormwaterinfo@bwsc.org; website: bwsc.org/stormwater; or 1-800-442-1519

Guy The Wine Tastes of Spring

Though the calendar says it should be getting warmer, you know that the calendar isn’t always reliable here in New England. Nevertheless, I thought that this week was as good a time as any to start taking a look at lighter-bodied wines; those wines we typically associate with being outdoors, using the grille and enjoying spring evenings….

Arrowflite North Coast Chardonnay, 2021, ($17.99). Wine Enthusiast says,” this light- to medium-bodied Chard offers low-intensity aromatics and flavors set against a solid dose of acidity and a bitter phenolic grip. You’ll find notes of wet stone, river water, cut grass and cherry blossom.”. I think this one would be an ideal Spring wine- great for BBQ chicken-based items, as well as Madaket-style scallops.

Etna Bianco, Benanti , 2022, ($22.99). I love all of the Benanti wines. They are terroir-driven, robust and uniquely beautiful expressions of the Sicilian landscape and native grape varieties. If fruit forward whites are not your thing, this Carricante might hit the spot. This wine is driven by stony minerality and is saline. Hints of lemon are in the mix, but more so as an acidic complement than a fruity addition. Try pairing this with Swordfish Palermitano or Portuguese sardines in tomato sauce. Not all great Rose wines come from Provence; further south of that region lies the Iberian Peninsula, better known as Spain. The 2022 Bodegas Muga Rosado, Rioja DOCa, Spain, ($16.99) is from the Rioja Alta region, which is one of three sub-regions of Spain’s celebrated Rioja wine region. It occupies the

westernmost portion of the region, with the majority of its vineyards lying south of the Ebro River. This one is more complex, which is due in part to the grapes used in making it. The main grape is Tempranillo, which imparts a spicy character and Garnacha, providing a fullness which you won’t find in too many Rose wines. Delicious, nevertheless.

While sparkling wine alternatives to Champagne abound, there’s currently a great range of styles and price points in the North American market. Prosecco, which is both a place in Italy, as well as a type of sparkling wine, offers value for the money and great taste to boot. It comes in dry, semi-sweet and sweet styles, as well as white and rose hues. Zardetto Rose Prosecco Brut, ($16.99)is a pale and delicate pink with violet hues, obtained from short contact with Pinot Noir skins. It has a lively, elegant and persistent profile and it’s exuberant and fragrant on the palate. With refreshing acidity, this sparkling wine is an aperitif for discerning palates and a versatile companion to a variety of foods.

Schlink Haus Auslese, Nahe, Germany, ($17.99), is surprising in that, despite its light body, it’s a wine that delivers bold and crisp flavors of candied honeysuckle, lemon zest and mountain flowers, with a pleasant and long finish. Nahe, located in a region between the Rhine and Mosel valleys ,gets the warm night mist from the Nahe River and its tributaries, the Glan and the Alsenz; like the Pacific night mist that’s so beneficial to California vineyards, the night mist in Nahe helps the grapes to build their residual sugar, producing distinctly sweet, nearly syrupy juice. It’s great to have with game birds, Roast Pork Loin with a raspberry/pepper glaze or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, Roast Boar.

Cannabis At A Crossroads

Cannabis has become a major economic driver for Massachusetts, now with more than 300 recreational marijuana stores and more than 28,000 jobs created by the industry. The new sector generated over $240 million in state tax revenue in the year 2023 alone and over $40 million in local sales tax for municipalities with cannabis operations. The industry, however, has hit economic headwinds as plummeting cannabis prices and high operating regulatory costs have squeezed the profit margins of retailers. At least 16 cannabis retail licenses have been surrendered over the past year, resulting in lost jobs and disappearing investments. The economic challenges have been overshadowed by the leadership strife affecting the Cannabis Control Commission. Lawmakers are hearing from small operators and mult-license operators alike, sounding the alarm about an industry at a crossroads. So, what’s next for the industry and are there structural changes that can make an impact? Operators and others are offering an array of legislative proposals that they believe will bolster the industry while protecting operators, consumers and the tax revenue supplied by the industry. These proposals include providing funding to the Social Equity Trust Fund, raising the cap on the number of licenses that an entity or individual can hold, regulating the sale of intoxicating hemp, increasing purchase limits, and ending the vertical integration requirement for medical marijuana businesses. This week, legislators and other stakeholders are discussing their experiences and what steps are needed to expand the cannabis industry’s growth in an equitable way.

Wu fires landmarks chief amid feuds over City Hall, White Stadium

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has fired Boston Landmarks Commission Executive Director Rosanne Foley amid ongoing disputes over the handling of city assets including City Hall and White Stadium. According to Seth Daniel of the Dorchester Reporter, Foley was dismissed less than two weeks after the commission wrote a scathing letter to Wu complaining about her handling of issues involving the commission. The group said Wu had complicated their job of preserving significant sites by pressing forward with plans to allow private developers to renovate White Stadium in Franklin Park so it can host a professional soccer team.

Healey distances herself from border tolling idea

Gov. Maura Healey issued a statement Monday speaking against comments Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt made about potentially installing tolls along Massachusetts borders to fund the state’s transportation system. Healey said that the secretary’s comments “do not represent the views of this administration,” following heated responses from those in and out of the state about the idea.

South Boston Catholic Academy News

Third Grade News

The third graders in Mrs. Defelice and Ms. Sammarco’s class at South Boston Catho-

lic Academy had a successful Wax Museum! They each chose a person and read a biography about their

person. Then they presented it to their class and teachers. Finally, it was the day of the big Wax Museum. The students came dressed as their characters with the amazing props and posters they worked hard on! Their parents, other faculty and other students came and learned

many facts at the museum! It was a huge success! Outstanding work on your class project Grade 3A & 3B! New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

It’s time.

The 2024 NFL Draft is here, and the New England Patriots have the No. 3 overall pick.

If you listen to me, you already know what I want the Patriots to do. I want them to bring back Tom Brady, draft a quarterback, and have that quarterback sit on the bench behind Brady for a year or two.

Why do I keep bringing this up? Well, because Brady won’t let it go away.

Last week, Brady was on a podcast in which he was getting a haircut and having a conversation with his barber. The host/barber threw out a scenario to Brady, saying, and I’m paraphrasing, “What if a team called, would you pick up the phone?” The host mentioned the 49ers. Brady, interrupted him and said, “the Patriots.”

And then, Brady said, “I’m not opposed to it.”

So, just to clarify here for all those who keep telling me I’m living in a dream world when talking about a potential Brady comeback in New England, Brady clearly says that he’s not opposed to playing for the Patriots next year if they called him.

Imagine being Robert Kraft and hearing that? I’m hoping the first

thing he did was pick up the phone and call Brady.

Kraft is taking a beating lately with the reports that he was badmouthing Bill Belichick to the Atlanta Falcons during the Falcons’ interview process this offseason. And the “Dynasty” documentary on Apple+ didn’t make Kraft look very good, either.

So how do you save face? What better way than to bring Tom Brady back as the quarterback of the Patriots, while having a young quarterback from the Draft sit behind him for a year or two, a la Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Love.

The move almost makes too much sense for the Pats. And it also makes plenty of sense for Brady, who’s clearly in great shape after an instagram video he posted last week of him running sprints, shirtless, looking like he’s in the best shape of his life.

And do we really think Brady isn’t throwing a football during workouts? C’mon now. Of course he is.

Brady clearly wants to play again, or he would’ve quickly squashed that thought during his interview at the barbershop. If Brady truly was done, he would’ve said he was done when asked if he’d “pick up

This week, Danny shared his thoughts on the 2024 NFL Draft and what the New England Patriots should do:

the phone.” And not only did Brady say “I’m not opposed to it,” but he also went out of his way to mention “the Patriots” as a team that could come calling.

Perhaps the No. 1 reason we’re talking about this in the first place is Belichick’s absence in New England. The Patriots decided to fire the greatest coach of all-time at the end of the 2023 season. And if Brady is continuing to update his checklist of accomplishments — which you know he is — then you have to think that he just added a new potential accomplishment to that list a few months ago when Belichick got canned: “Win a SuperBowl with the Patriots, without Belichick.”

The only question now is, what are the Patriots going to do about this? Are they going to act like they’re not interested, and just move forward with “Tom Brady Day” at Gillette Stadium on June 12?

If you have a ticket to that event, you should be willing to gladly trade that ticket in for a full refund, in order to cancel the event and have Brady lining up in shotgun for the Patriots in Week 1 this September.

Whatever happens, I still think the Patriots have more reasons to draft

a quarterback than not, with the No. 3 overall pick, even though Marvin Harrison Jr. would look damn good catching passes from Brady. But because there’s not a deal signed with Brady (yet), you almost have to take either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye at No. 3 overall on Thursday night, whoever ends up being available after the Washington Commanders draft their quarterback of the future at No. 2 overall.

In a perfect world, conversations with Brady are already happening and an agreement is made in principle. Then, you draft Harrison Jr. at No. 3 overall. Then, you draft Bo Nix as your quarterback of the future in the second round.

But it’s not a perfect world, and maybe the Patriots are committed to Daniels or Maye at No. 3. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. I just think the Brady stuff definitely has some legs, and at the very least, Kraft and the Patriots should be setting up that meeting, if they haven’t already.

The Patriots lost me with Mac Jones. They have a chance to win me back by doing the right thing: signing Tom Brady.

Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.

WHAT TO WATCH

SPORTS TODAY

BUSH GETS 2005 HEISMAN REINSTATED

As the NFL Draft takes place this weekend, the football world saw some other news break this week.

And finally, Reggie Bush will have his 2005 Heisman Trophy reinstated by The Heisman Trophy Trust.

Bush was forced to forfeit his Heisman Trophy in 2010, after Bush was found to have received “improper” benefits from USC during his college football career from 2003 to 2005. Now, 14 years later, Bush will once again be recognized for the college football phenom that he was.

The reason? College athletes being able to now receive financial benefits as part of the NIL policy.

In a statement to ESPN, Bush said, “Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family. I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”

Bush received his new Heisman Trophy at a meeting on Wednesday in Florida. According to reports, there were 15 other Heisman winners in attendance.

Because of the new NIL policy, many former Heisman Trophy winners had spoken up about Bush’s Heisman ban. Now that he’s back in the Heis-

Tweet of the Week

man club, Bush’s peers are happy that the Trust did the right thing.

“Thank you to the @HeismanTrophy for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold,” said Heisman winner Johnny Manziel on X. “There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December @ ReggieBush you deserve it.”

Here’s the full statement from the Heisman website:

The Heisman Trophy Trust today announced the historic reinstatement of the 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy to Reggie Bush.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, President of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

A 2023 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame, Bush had a legendary career at the University of Southern California and an electrifying 2005 season, amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrim-

mage and scoring 18 touchdowns. He received 784 first-place votes during the 2005 Heisman Trophy campaign, the fifth-most in Heisman Trophy history, while leading USC to a national title berth.

As part of the announcement, the Heisman Trust has returned the Trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, starting with the 90th Heisman Trophy ceremony this fall.

The Trust’s decision to reinstate the Trophy follows a deliberative process in which it closely monitored the enormous changes in the college football landscape, including the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision, which questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to student athlete compensation; the ability of college football players to be paid for their name, image, and likeness (NIL); and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments. Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005.

NFL THURSDAY, APRIL 25

NFL Draft Round 1

8 P.M. ABC/ESPN

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

NFL Draft Rounds 2-3

7 P.M. ABC/ESPN

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

NFL Draft Rounds 4-7

NBA SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Gm 3: Boston at Miami

6 P.M. TNT

MONDAY, APRIL 29

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Gm 4: Boston at Miami TBD

NHL SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Eastern

TUESDAY,

The Trust is represented by Ted Wells and Joshua Hill of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Comerford said, “We thank attorneys Ted Wells and Josh Hill for their excellent work and counsel for the past two years in helping us come to this decision.” Bush is represented by Levi McCathern and Ty Sheaks of the McCathern firm and Ben Crump, who worked collaboratively with the Trust’s counsel.

About the Heisman Trophy Trust: The Heisman Trophy Trust’s mission is to grow the legacy and preserve the integrity of the Heisman Memorial Trophy, which is annually awarded to the outstanding college football player in the United States, whose performance epitomizes great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. Beyond awarding the trophy, the Trust has a charitable mission to support and fund both youth development programs in underserved communities and the Heisman high school scholarship program which recognizes communityminded scholar athletes. Additionally, the Trust annually presents the Heisman Humanitarian Award to outstanding individuals in the sports world who further the Heisman vision. Our goal is to harness the power of the Heisman Trophy’s legacy of athletic excellence to positively impact our nation’s youth and provide more equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

SBT Staff