波士頓市長吳弭“咖啡時間”報告市政佳績 今年預算難仍竭力維持服務

 

市長咖啡時間的中獎市民（右四）和政要合影。（周菊子攝）

(Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）順利連任後的第一個年度“鄰里咖啡時間”，終於第一場就來“華埠”，而且還選在慶祝亞裔傳統月的五月份，彰顯了她的華人、亞裔身份。

波士頓市長吳弭高興的告訴市民，波士頓市的債信是全美最好的七個城市之一。
（周菊子攝）

吳弭市長強調，這個鄰里咖啡時間，不只是和市民親切晤談，更是為了走入社區，把市政府各個部門帶到市民面前，讓人們可以直接提問，了解市政府的政策與服務。

在Elliot Norton 公園，為波士頓華埠和灣村（Bay Village）舉辦的這場“鄰里咖啡時間”，有消防、警察、急救（EMS）、住房、規劃、社區參與、學校等市府部門在現場擺攤，展示資料，回答民眾提問。

麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威 （Aaron Michlewitz) 笑指波士頓市年度預算小。
（周菊子攝）

吳弭市長利用機會，向市民簡報，波士頓市近況，包括波士頓市公校學生畢業率創歷史新高（達81.3%，比之前一年高1.6%），犯罪率比去年還低，繼續保持波士頓是全美最安全大城市之一的地位。在經濟上，波士頓市也表現極佳，被評為全美外國投資首選之一，信用評等更是甚至比州政府還好的連續第13年拿到AAA最高評級，忝為全美達到這種等級的僅有七個城市之一。

麻州眾議員麥Aaron Michlewitz（右一) 和波士頓市長吳弭（左一），開玩笑PK年度預算。
（周菊子攝）

在財政預算上，受到聯邦政府刪減經費與整體大環境影響。吳弭市長說，今年的確困難，為收支平衡，市政府必須做出取捨，儘量維持人力與服務水準，以及教育和住房上的投資，但有些補助計劃，就不得不做削減。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn。（周菊子攝）

            吳弭市長表示，她已交出新年度預算案，現在等市議會在6月10日前修訂，然後她會在6月17日前回應市議會的修訂案。希望市民持續參與預算案的討論。

波士頓市議員Erin Murphy。（周菊子攝）

轄區包括波士頓華埠的麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz）聽見吳弭市長說，市府財政甚至比州政府還好時，打趣說，作為麻州眾議會財政委員會主席，他“覺得被冒犯了”，得辯解一下，何況波士頓市年度預算只有很可愛的4.9億美元而已，言下之意那和州政府的總體預算相比，微不足道。不過他接著話風一轉，讚許吳弭市長真的做得很好，能夠連年保持AAA信用評等。

這天到現場致詞的，還有波士頓市議員Erin Murphy，愛德華廢連（Ed Flynn），以及即將於6月1日接任波士頓市公園與遊樂局局長的Diana Fernandez Bibeau，和走馬上任剛3個月多的波士頓市華埠及皮革區聯絡員林天祺（Katrina Lin）。

波士頓市華埠聯絡員林天祺（左）。（周菊子攝）

親至現場，但未上台發言的還有波士頓市計劃長沈其樂（kairo Shen），波士頓市警察局社區總監陳孔恩（James Chin），耆英局（Age Strong  Commission）局長Emily Shea等人。

Diana Fernandez Bibeau預訂6月1日出任波士頓市公園局局長。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，中文書記張青梅，中華總會會長余麗媖，紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳秀珍，溯源公所顧問鄺元傑，華人前進會名譽主席李素影，波士頓華埠社區中心（BCNC）執行長Ben Hire，“重連華埠 （Reconnecting Chinatown）”專員林志琰等，這天也有不少社區僑團首長在場。

至孝篤親公所透露， 陳定良升任波士頓市警察局副總監。（周菊子攝）

這天最特別的則是，紐約詩畫琴棋會由會長梅振才率領10人訪問團，慕吳弭市長之名，專程趕來，送上2幅巨大的吳弭市長肖像畫，各人自備的詩書等紀念品，和吳弭市長合影，向他們眼中的“華人之光”，表達喜愛心意。

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝（右起），中華總會會長余麗媖，紐英崙婦女新運會
會長張青梅今天都出席了市長的鄰里咖啡時間。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華埠社區中心執行長Ben Hire（左）和波士頓市計劃長沈其樂（右）打招呼。
（周菊子攝）

紐約詩畫琴棋會由會長梅振才（左六）率團拜會吳弭市長，送上2幅巨大肖像。（周菊子攝）

紐約詩畫琴棋會由會長梅振才（中）送給吳弭市長（右）一幅大肖像。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市耆英局局長Emily Shea(左二）和同事Sophia Wong(右二）在現場回答市民提問。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓市交通局計劃專員王文正（左）和林志琰（右）在現場提醒市民，
六月六日下午一至四點，在昆士高中禮堂，有“重連華埠”社區開放日活動。
（周菊子攝）

Healey-Driscoll Administration Reminds Massachusetts of Hot Weather Safety Tips for First Heat Advisory of the Year

Healey-Driscoll Administration Reminds Massachusetts of Hot Weather Safety Tips for First Heat Advisory of the Year  

BOSTON – Due to the high temperatures expected Tuesday through Wednesday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration urges Massachusetts residents and visitors to plan ahead and practice extreme heat safety.    

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for most of the state from 11 a.m. on Tuesday through 8 p.m. on Wednesday, except for the Berkshires, the South Coast, and Cape Cod and the Islands. Hot temperatures and a moderate degree of humidity — with little relief Tuesday night — may cause heat illnesses. Early-season heat can be especially dangerous because people may not yet be acclimated to higher temperatures, making it important to prepare, stay hydrated, and check on others before and during hot weather. 

“As we approach the summer months, we want to make sure Massachusetts residents are informed about rising heat early and have time to take the proper precautions to stay safe in hot weather – that means keeping hydrated, limiting strenuous activity and finding a cool place to stay indoors if possible,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We encourage residents and visitors alike to cool off at one of the 14 splash pads that DCR has opened ahead of schedule to offer early heat relief or at a nearby cooling center.”  

To reduce the risks of heat-related illness, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, residents should:   

Minimize time spent outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day.   

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of cool water every 15-20 minutes and avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.  

Seek out air-conditioned buildings like libraries and community centers to spend time in. Call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.   

Never leave children or pets in the car alone – the temperatures will rise to unhealthy levels within minutes.   

Check in on neighbors who may need assistance making a plan, including the homebound, elderly, or disabled.     

Dress for the heat by wearing a hat, light-colored, loose fitting, and breathable clothing  

As always, call 9-1-1 in an emergency.   

Check the Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast for a 7-day heat outlook, and review summer heat and weather safety tips before attending outdoor events, traveling, or spending time outside. 

“With a Heat Advisory impacting much of the state, we urge everyone to take precautions. If possible, during the hottest part of the day stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, limit strenuous activity and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. For those who must be outside, stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade, and wear lightweight clothing,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Dawn Brantley. “Extreme heat can be dangerous - even deadly - especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and individuals without access to cooling or shelter. Don’t underestimate how quickly high temperatures can affect your health.”   

Residents and visitors can cool off at 14 of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) splash pads that have opened early because of this week’s extreme heat. The full list of open spray decks can be found on DCR’s swimming schedule webpage.       

“With the first significant heat event of the year arriving this week, DCR has opened 14 splash pads early so residents and visitors have safe accessible, places to cool down” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Our state parks and public spaces play an important role during hot weather, and we’re committed to helping communities across Massachusetts find relief and enjoy the outdoors safely.” 

Check DCR’s Park Alerts site for the most up-to-date information on any DCR facility closures or changes in park hours, and the Beach Water Quality Dashboard before heading out to find the latest water quality information for public and semi-public beaches across Massachusetts. 

MBTA riders should consult the Extreme Weather guide, subscribe to T-Alerts and follow @MBTA and @MBTA_CR on social media for updates on weather-related service impacts. Additionally, riders are strongly encouraged to let MBTA staff know if there is an air conditioning issue on a bus or train. Tell an operator, let a station official know, call 617-222-3200, send us a message, or message the MBTA on X @MBTA. Be sure to include your bus or train number. 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division District Directors will be having conversations with employees who work outside about limiting responsibilities on extreme heat days and about taking frequent breaks to hydrate. The Highway Division will be monitoring the operation of some of the state’s bridges, such as drawbridges, which can sometimes have extreme heat impacts on the equipment used to raise and lower bridges. 

Travelers are advised to check their vehicles before leaving on trips to ensure radiators have sufficient coolant and that other fluid levels are keeping with safe operation. Anyone driving is also advised to plan trips during the cooler times of the day, in the early morning or late afternoon hours. Drivers should plan to pack water in addition to other items packed for a trip. 

Residents working outdoors should remember these words: “Water. Rest. Shade.” Additional resources at OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention, DLS’s MASSsafetyWorks! resources and DIA’s The Workplace Safety Grant. For employers concerned about the hazards of heat in the workplace, DLS offers free consultation services that can assist in protecting employees from heat and other hazards. Massachusetts residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information. For the latest updates, follow the National Weather Service Boston/Norton and MEMA on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.  

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM WHALE WATCH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BOSTON HARBOR CITY CRUISES RETURNS TO BOSTON HARBOR FOR 2026 SEASON

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM WHALE WATCH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BOSTON HARBOR CITY CRUISES RETURNS TO BOSTON HARBOR FOR 2026 SEASON

Photo Credit: Naturalist, Sydney Cicero

Boston’s Beloved Whale Watching Experience Returns May 18 as Boston Prepares for a Landmark Summer on the Waterfront

Boston, MA (May 18, 2026) – The New England Aquarium Whale Watch in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises (BHCC) will launch its 2026 season today, May 18, 2026, welcoming guests back to Boston Harbor for another unforgettable season of whale watching and marine wildlife encounters just off the coast of Massachusetts.

This year’s opening arrives as Boston prepares for one of its most exciting summers on the water in recent memory, with Sail Boston® and other major waterfront celebrations expected to bring visitors from around the world to the city’s historic harbor.

Departing daily from Central Wharf, the New England Aquarium Whale Watch transports passengers to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a globally recognized feeding ground for humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life. Throughout each cruise, Aquarium naturalists provide live educational narration and insight into whale behaviors, conservation, and the marine ecosystem of New England waters.

“There’s nothing like the first whale watch departure of the season in Boston,” said Bob Lawler, General Manager and Regional Vice President of Boston Harbor City Cruises. “As we head into an incredibly vibrant summer on the waterfront with Sail Boston® and so much excitement surrounding Boston Harbor, we’re thrilled to once again partner with the New England Aquarium to provide an experience that is inspiring, educational, and uniquely Boston.”

The cruises run approximately three to four hours aboard high-speed catamarans featuring expansive outdoor viewing decks, climate-controlled indoor cabins with large windows, and onboard food and beverage service including a full bar and light snacks available for purchase.

“This is always a special time of year, when passengers are once again setting sail for an up-close look at the incredible marine life off our shores,” said Vikki N. Spruill, President and CEO of the New England Aquarium. “We look forward to welcoming locals and tourists alike to deepen their understanding of the ocean and the importance of ocean conservation—how our daily choices affect marine ecosystems and what we can do to help protect them—during a particularly exciting year for the City of Boston.”

From May through November, New England Aquarium naturalists sail aboard every trip helping guests identify species, interpret animal behavior, and understand the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

“Each whale watch season is different, offering new experiences and insights,” said Linnea Mayfield Kaplan, BHCC Naturalist Manager. “Aquarium naturalists are eager to get back out on the water and share the wonder of these animals with passengers of all ages. Whether it’s someone’s first whale sighting or their fiftieth, those moments never lose their magic.”

Furthering its ongoing commitment to sustainability, BHCC continues efforts to reduce single-use plastics onboard whale watch vessels, including compostable food containers and the removal of plastic water bottles from onboard menus.

Multiple whale watch departures will be offered daily throughout the season. To view schedules and learn more, visit CityExperiences.com.

BHCC will be running multiple whale watch cruises a day. To see the schedule and learn more, visit the New England Aquarium Whale Watch on CityExperiences.com: New England Aquarium Whale Watch in Partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises

Governor Healey Further Limits Growth of Health Care Deductibles and Co-Pays

 Governor Healey Further Limits Growth of Health Care Deductibles and Co-Pays 

Under new action, Massachusetts will have tightest limits on out-of-pocket costs in the country, saving patients $232 per year 

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey is announcing that her administration has taken further action to limit growth in health care deductibles, co-pays and other out-of-pocket costs for patients in 2027. Under guidance issued by the Division of Insurance, health insurance companies will be required to limit increases in patient cost-sharing to 3.6 percent for plans sold in the merged market beginning in January 2027, down from 4.8 percent. 

With this new action, Massachusetts will have the tightest limits on these out-of-pocket costs in the country, saving patients an estimated average of $232 per year. This comes after Governor Healey capped deductibles, co-pays and other out-of-pocket costs for the first time in state history last year. 

“We know that families across Massachusetts are struggling to afford health care, and unpredictable out-of-pocket costs are a major driver of that,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Last year, I was proud to become the first governor in Massachusetts history to cap co-pays and deductibles, and now we’re lowering that cap even further. These will be the tightest limits in the country to make sure the people of Massachusetts can afford to get the care they need.” 

“The quality of health care in Massachusetts is unmatched, but often becomes a financial burden for our residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “With this latest cap on deductibles and co-pays, we're limiting the amount of money that comes directly out of the pockets of patients and families.” 

“Health care cost pressures are front and center, and this action protects families at a time when they need our assistance more than ever,” said Commissioner of Insurance Michael Caljouw. 

The Division of Insurance’s merged market guidance requires insurers to demonstrate that average member cost sharing across these products will not increase by more than 3.6 percent, as reflected in the five-year average change in inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index for the Boston region. This action is the result of legislation signed by Governor Healey in 2025 that increased the Insurance Commissioner’s consideration of affordability during his monitoring of the merged market. 

This action builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to lower health care costs, including two bills signed by Governor Healey in 2025 to cap prescription drug costs at $25 and improve access to primary care and increase oversight of the health care industry to protect patients and providers. Governor Healey has also eliminated prior authorization for many routine and essential services and created a Health Care Affordability Working Group charged with advancing additional proposals to reduce costs for people and businesses across the state.

Massachusetts Senate to Take Up Bill Targeting Potholes, Failing Bridges, and Aging Transit

 Massachusetts Senate to Take Up Bill Targeting Potholes, Failing Bridges, and Aging Transit Regionally equitable approach includes funding for public transit and housing development support 

(BOSTON—5/18/2026) The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today reported a $2.737 billion bond bill to help fix local roads and bridges, invest in public transit infrastructure, and support housing development statewide. 

The bill—H.5375, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges—addresses local repairs from pesky potholes to bridges requiring maintenance with a total of $300 million to support municipal road and bridge repairs.  

Support is included for all cities and towns through a $200 million bond authorization for the traditional Chapter 90 program, while an additional $100 million would boost rural areas through distribution based on communities’ road mileage. 

In addition to Chapter 90 funding, the bond bill will support high-priority repair projects with $500 million in borrowing for MassDOT’s Lifecycle Asset Management Program, which fast-tracks repairs for pavement and bridges considered to be in the worst condition. 

The plan pairs traditional road and bridge construction with long-term planning and improvements, such as $200 million aimed at spurring new housing construction with capital projects such as stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure. 

The legislation would boost the Department of Conservation and Recreation with $200 million in borrowing to repair and modernize transportation infrastructure under the department’s care. It also supports the MBTA with $200 million to implement rail improvements, vehicle modernization, and new vehicle procurements at the public transit agency. 

The Senate plans to take up the bill during a session this week. Full details are available in a fact sheet in the Senate press room. 

The House of Representatives passed the bill in April, based on legislation originally filed in January by Governor Maura Healey. The Joint Committee on Transportation had recommended a new draft in March after seeking feedback at a public hearing, following which the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing in April and favorably reported the bill. 

All committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $535,000 in Summer Child Nutrition Grants

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $535,000 in Summer Child Nutrition Grants

Funding supports 55 organizations hosting Summer Eats meal sites to help feed kids over the summer months

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that they have awarded a total of $535,000 in state funding to 55 organizations that sponsor and operate Summer Eats meal sites across Massachusetts. This funding follows the administration’s call for additional organizations to sponsor Summer Eats meal sites and supports additional meal sites and expanded food access for children.

Summer Eats provides children 18 years of age and younger with free, healthy meals over the summer months when they do not have access to school meals. Meal sites include schools and other community locations, from parks to summer camps.

“We are making sure that no child in Massachusetts goes hungry during the summer months,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As families face rising grocery costs and federal cuts to food assistance, programs like Summer Eats are more important than ever. These grants will help expand access to free, healthy meals so kids can stay nourished, active and ready to learn all summer long. We’re grateful to the organizations across Massachusetts stepping up to make sure kids have access to healthy meals all summer long.”

“Summer Eats works because of the local partners who show up for kids and families in every corner of our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding helps more communities open sites, reach more children and make sure families know where to turn for free, healthy meals during the summer.”

Summer Eats, formally known as the Summer Food Service Food Program, is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Massachusetts, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administers the Summer Food Service Program and provides sponsors with technical support. Project Bread’s Child Nutrition Outreach Program provides outreach assistance. 

The administration has been focused on expanding access to healthy, local food for families and children, including making universal free school meals permanent and creating an Anti-Hunger Task Force. In collaboration with the task force, the administration recently released recommendations that included strengthening nutrition programs, including increasing Summer Eats participation in communities most impacted by the federal government’s cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“We know that families’ grocery bills increase in the summer when kids do not have access to school meals. With federal cuts to SNAP benefits and rising food insecurity, access to programs like Summer Eats has never been more important. I am pleased we are able to offer this funding, helping expand healthy food access for kids during summer months across the state,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike.

“Hunger does not take a break in the summer,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Our commitment to supporting children and families includes healthy meals so that students can keep growing and learning in the summer months.”

Many Summer Eats programs will open before July 4 and will continue serving meals through the end of August. For more information on Summer Eats, including how to become a site sponsor, call Project Bread at 617-723-5000. During the summer, families can find meal sites through Project Bread’s website. 

Last summer, an average of 59,000 kids received a meal daily at a Summer Eats site, and 2.5 million meals were served. 

“Providing free access to breakfast and lunch every day at all public schools in Massachusetts is one of my proudest achievements from my time in the legislature,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Summer Eats is a critical program to ensure children continue to have reliable and nutritious meals when school is out of session.”

“The Legislature and the Administration have worked hard to ensure students across the Commonwealth have access to universal school meals,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I’m proud that we are now extending this essential support through the summer months, helping ensure no child goes hungry when school is out.”

“Project Bread partners with new and returning Summer Eats providers to ensure that this critical program continues to support families statewide while kids are home during the summer months,” said Erin McAleer, president and CEO of Project Bread. “Summer Eats is a vital program for the 37 percent of Massachusetts households with children currently struggling to afford enough to eat. We are proud to partner with the Healey-Driscoll administration and DESE on the program to strengthen and boost participation so children across the Commonwealth can have free healthy meals all summer long.”  

“On behalf of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, we applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration and DESE for the investment in the Summer Eats program,” said Dr. Mary M. Bourque, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. “Access to nutritious meals during the summer months is essential to supporting the health, well-being, and readiness of children across the Commonwealth. These grants will help communities strengthen critical supports for students and families when school is not in session.”

“At YMCAs across Massachusetts, we see firsthand how critical reliable access to healthy meals is for children and families during the summer months,” said Kate-Marie Roycroft, CEO of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs. “These Summer Eats grants help ensure that kids can continue to grow, learn, and thrive even when school is out of session. We’re grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for prioritizing child nutrition and supporting community-based organizations that are working every day to combat food insecurity and strengthen family well-being across the Commonwealth.”  

“The Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their continued commitment to ensuring children across the Commonwealth have access to healthy meals during the summer months,” said Jennifer Aldworth, executive director of the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. “Programs like Summer Eats are critical for families facing rising food costs and help ensure young people remain healthy, active, and ready to learn. Boys & Girls Clubs across Massachusetts are proud to partner in this important effort and serve as trusted community spaces where youth can access nutritious meals, supportive relationships, and enriching summer experiences.”

The grant awardees are:

Belchertown Public Schools: $8,895

Blackstone-Millville Public Schools: $2,225

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill: $2,225

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell : $8,895

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield: $11,120

Boys & Girls Club of Lynn: $11,120

Boys & Girls Club of Metro South: $10,705

Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham: $6,670

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston: $15,520

Brockton Public Schools: $13,340

Cape Cod YMCA: $11,120

Chicopee Public Schools: $13,340

Church of the Holy Spirit: $15,560

City of Cambridge: $15,560

Clarksburg School District: $4,445

Crossroads for Kids: $11,120

Dedham Public Schools: $11,120

Fitchburg Public Schools: $8,070

Friendly House, Inc.: $9,835

Gill-Montague Regional School District: $7,410

Girls Incorporated of Lynn: $6,665

Greater Fall River Re-creation: $15,560

Hockomock Area YMCA: $8,895

Lee Public Schools: $6,670

Lowell Public Schools: $17,400

Merrimack Valley Food Bank: $2,515

Merrimack Valley YMCA: $890

MetroWest YMCA: $11,115

Millbury Public Schools: $6,160

Monson Public Schools: $2,445

Mystic Valley YMCA: $8,705

New Bedford Recreation Department: $8,895

New Bedford Public Schools: $17,785

Newton Public Schools: $4,445

North Adams Public Schools: $12,170

North Attleborough Public Schools: $6,670

Northampton Public Schools: $3,320

Old Colony YMCA: $8,515

Oxford Public Schools: $1,945

Pittsfield Public Schools: $11,605

Ralph C. Mahar Regional School (in Orange): $4,445

Reading Public Schools: $8,895

Revere Public Schools: $15,560

Rockland Public Schools: $13,340

Salem Public Schools: $13,340

Shaloh House Oholei Torah: $8,895

Southbridge Public Schools: $6,670

Spanish American Center, Inc.: $8,895

Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District: $7,585

Springfield Public Schools: $20,010

Triton Regional School District: $11,120

Waltham Boys & Girls Clubs: $13,335

Worcester Public Schools: $13,340

YMCA of Greater Boston: $20,010

YMCA of Metro North: $8,895

昆市商會和亞美會攜手辦講座談租金管制

亞美聯誼會新任會長宋思亮（左一）和昆市商會董事謝樂兒（右一）與主講人
Connor Yunits（右二）。（周菊子攝）

   （Boston Orange綜合報導）昆市商會與 Housing for Massachusetts（麻州住房倡議團體）合作，日前攜手亞美聯誼會(AAAB)在 Alba 餐廳舉辦「租金管制」講座，向社區說明租金管制議題，以及麻州住房市場可能受到的影響。

主辦單位提供。

      “租金管制（Rent Control）”並不是新議題，但在Homes for All Massachusetts （麻州居者有其屋）等團體倡議下，麻州州務卿辦公室網站，已有編號為 25-21，正式名稱為「一項旨在透過限制租金上漲來保護租戶的倡議請願（An Initiative Petition to Protect Tenants by Limiting Rent Increases）」的公投提案，要將大多數住宅出租單位的年度租金漲幅限制在“消費者物價指數（ CPI）” 年增幅或 5% 之中的較低者。

該法案條文包括，自住型且四戶或以下的建物、受公共機關規範的單位、少於14天的短租、教育與宗教用途設施、非營利用途設施，以及取得首次使用執照的新建住宅 在前10 年內可豁免租金漲幅限制規定。

提案也要求，若違反相關規定，將被視為麻州 chapter 93A 下的不公平或欺騙性行為，州檢察長可依法提起訴訟。

主辦單位提供。

在 5 月 6 日的講座中，代表Housing for Massachusetts（麻州住房倡議團體）的“議題管理集團（Issue Management Group）”執行副總裁Conor Yunits以簡報片，向大約75名出席者，說明租金管制雖然看似能在短期內減緩部分租客的租金壓力，但長期來說可能影響住房供給、房屋維修投資與地方稅基。他們指出，若房東出租房屋得到的回報受限，可能降低新建與翻修意願，進一步影響市面上供出租單位數量。他們反對租金管制，認為這並不能從根本解決住房短缺問題，真正需要做的是增加住宅供應量與維持市場投資動能。

主辦單位提供。

在租金管制議題上，支持方主張，在租金快速上漲、住房供給不足的情況下，租金管制可保護，幫助現有租客維持居住穩定，避免被市場排擠。對許多中低收入家庭而言，穩定的租金與可預期的居住成本，是保住生活安全感的重要條件。

主辦單位提供。

租金管制公投案目前已完成第一輪連署門檻。支持方已送交約 88,000 份有效簽名，超過法定要求的 74,574 份；若州議會未在5月底通過，支持者還需要在7月1日以前，再補交約 12,429 份符合要求的簽名，才有機會列印在 11 月大選的選票上。

        公開資訊顯示，波士頓市長 吳弭（Michelle Wu ）支持租金管制，麻州州長奚莉（ Maura Healey ）則持反對立場。這議題是今年麻州大選的一大議題。

紐約古根漢美術館「從藝術學習」計劃展出 200件小學生作品

（Boston Orange摘譯）紐約古根漢美術館長期駐館教育計畫 「從藝術學習（Learning Through Art（LTA））」推出「與孩子們的一年2026（A Year with Children 2026）」，即日起至6月7日展出來自紐約市五大行政區公立學校 2 至 6 年級學生的200多件作品。

展覽作品涵蓋拼貼、繪畫、版畫、攝影與雕塑等形式，呈現學生在身份、社群、敘事與創作探索上的成果。作品源自2025至2026學年度的LTA駐校課程，課程由教學藝術家與教師合作進行，歷時約20週，並結合館內參觀，引導學生從館內藝術家作品汲取靈感，再轉化為自己的創作。

學生參考的藝術家包括羅伯特・勞森伯格（Robert Rauschenberg）、加布里埃爾・明特（Gabriele Münter）、娜塔莉亞・岡察洛娃（Natalia Goncharova）、拉希德・約翰遜（Rashid Johnson）與卡羅爾・波維（Carol Bove）等人。古根漢學習部主任希特拉・拉馬林甘（Chitra Ramalingam）表示，LTA讓孩子在教室、社區與日常生活中被看見，並把他們的作品帶進美術館與其他藝術家並列展出。

LTA創立於1970年，至今已服務超過15萬名紐約市學生。古根漢方面指出，這項計畫旨在補足公校藝術教育資源，並透過展覽擴大學生創作的公共能見度。展覽獲Lavazza Group、紐約市文化事務局及多個基金會與企業支持。。

Guggenheim Arts Education Program, Learning Through Art, Presents A Year with Children 2026

(NEW YORK, NY—May 8, 2026) The Guggenheim New York’s long-standing artist-in-residence education program, Learning Through Art (LTA), presents A Year with Children 2026. On view today through June 7, 2026, the exhibition features more than 200 imaginative artworks—including collages, drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures—by students in grades two through six from New York City public schools across the five boroughs.   

During LTA classroom residencies in the 2025–26 academic year, educators and teaching artists explored themes of identity, community building, experimentation, storytelling, and agency. Students had the opportunity to engage an array of practices and techniques, drawing inspiration from artists on view at the Guggenheim New York, including Robert Rauschenberg in  Robert Rauschenberg: Life Can’t Be Stopped, Gabriele Münter in Gabriele Münter: Contours of a World, and Natalia Goncharova in Modern European Currents. Over the past year, students also examined the sculptural works of Rashid Johnson and Carol Bove through both artists’ major rotunda surveys. 

“Learning Through Art meets young people where they are—in their classrooms, their communities, and their everyday lives. We bring their work into our galleries, alongside the other artists on view, to celebrate their creativity. Come by and be inspired!” says Chitra Ramalingam, Director of Learning. 

「伊底帕斯王」上演日期展延至6月14日

演員Juan Arturo 和 Melisa Pereyra 

 （Boston Orange波士頓訊）波士頓知名劇場機構亨廷頓劇院（The Huntington）刻正在南端藝術中心Calderwood Pavilion演出的「伊底帕斯王（ㄏ）」，原訂演出日期為5月7日至6月7日，現展延一週至6月14日。

藝術總監洛蕾塔・葛雷柯（Loretta Greco）

「伊底帕斯王（Oedipus El Rey）」是美國劇作家路易斯・阿爾法羅（Luis Alfaro）改編自索福克勒斯（Sophocles）的代表作，由藝術總監洛蕾塔・葛雷柯（Loretta Greco）執導，結合古希臘經典與當代美國社會議題，自公佈以來就受到劇場界高度關注。

改編版故事背景轉移至洛杉磯拉丁裔社群。劇情講述一名年輕男子試圖掙脫命運與制度束縛、重寫人生，但最終仍不得不面對宿命的殘酷。作品透過監獄體系、家庭關係與社會階級等議題，探討「命運」與「體制」之間的界線。

該劇自2010年於舊金山Magic Theatre首演後，便廣受好評，2017年於紐約公共劇院（The Public Theater）的外百老匯製作亦引發劇評熱議。《San Francisco Chronicle》曾形容該劇為「神話與現代的強力融合」，而《TheatreMania》則稱其為「既迫切又歷久彌新的作品」。不少觀眾回饋指出，劇中對美國司法與監禁制度的批判「令人不安卻無法忽視」，同時也因幽默與街頭語言的運用，使沉重主題更具親近感。

劇作家路易斯・阿爾法羅（Luis Alfaro）

在波士頓演出的版本，採用「三面舞台（thrust stage）」設計，強調觀眾與演員之間的近距離互動，提升戲劇張力。導演葛雷柯表示，阿爾法羅的作品橫跨詩歌、戲劇與社會行動，「能跨越文化與世代產生共鳴」，她期待將這部兼具人性深度與當代語感的作品帶給波士頓觀眾。

劇作家阿爾法羅則指出，這部作品關注的核心問題——「我們的社會究竟是由命運還是制度所塑造」——在當今美國仍然高度相關。他特別提到，美國對監獄體系的依賴持續加深，使得該劇的現實意義不減反增。

本次演出卡司包括Juan Arturo飾演主角Oedipus，Gabe Martínez飾演Laius，Melisa Soledad Pereyra一人分飾Jocasta與神秘角色Sphinx等，集結多位活躍於百老匯與全美劇場的重要演員。製作團隊則由多位長期與亨廷頓合作的設計師組成，涵蓋舞台、燈光、服裝與原創音樂等領域。

值得一提的是，阿爾法羅過去作品較少在波士頓上演，此次製作也被視為他與該城市劇場觀眾的一次「重要重逢」。劇院方面表示，票價自29美元起，並提供學生與青年觀眾優惠，希望吸引更多不同背景的觀眾走進劇場。

隨著美國社會對種族、司法與社會正義議題的持續討論，《Oedipus El Rey》此次在波士頓的上演，被視為一部結合古典與現實、藝術與政治的重量級作品，預計將在當地文化圈引發新一波討論熱潮。

波士頓國民黨訂6月5日晚辦僑宴歡迎黨主席鄭麗文

鄭麗文，維基百科圖片。

（Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）國民黨（KMT）主席鄭麗文將訪問波士頓，本地國民黨已定6月5日晚在華埠龍鳳舉辦僑宴，另籌備為黨員及社區大眾分別舉辦兩場座談會的消息，近日在坊間傳得沸沸揚揚，已有超過200人搶訂僑宴席券。

鄭麗文在今年4月底時透露，將訪問美國舊金山、洛杉磯、波士頓、紐約、華府等五個城市。原有行程並不包括波士頓，但是MIT、哈佛都拋出重量級晤談邀約，因此在重新規劃了行程安排。最近甚至考慮赴德州一行。

波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭表示，大波士頓僑胞非常關切鄭麗文的到訪，查問電話不斷，但因鄭麗文未落實所有行程，波士頓黨部只確定了6月5日晚僑宴，其他的2場座談會，日期、時間及地點，還要看鄭麗文等一行10人訪問團最後敲定MIT和哈佛等的交流行程，才能做最後安排。

過去這兩星期以來，關於鄭麗文訪美的相關報導，層出不窮。鄭麗文在最近流傳坊間的一段視頻直言，過去台灣常被視為第一島鏈的戰略前線，但是東亞地區如今已發展成爲全球經濟與科技重鎮，應朝「和平繁榮」方向重新定位。她這次訪美，主要是要向美方傳達台海應「避戰、促和、創造和平繁榮」的訊息，並主張台灣不應被視為戰爭前線，而應轉化為區域和平與繁榮的連結點。

鄭麗文指出，她和中共總書記習近平會面時，彼此都展現了希望兩岸和平穩定的善意與誠意，要進一步促進和平，降低敵意、避免戰爭。她也強調，要達成這目標，美國的態度與支持至關重要，台海局勢若能朝和平發展，不僅有利兩岸，也符合美國及整個區域的利益。

鄭麗文訪美的具體行程，目前仍在安排中，哈佛大學與 MIT 也未正式公布是否將舉行公開活動或閉門晤談。

麻州第25區眾議員選舉5/28有場候選人論壇

 (Boston Orange編譯) 劍橋透明與問責委員會 (CCTA) 等團體訂 5 月 28 日晚間 7 時，在聖詹姆斯教堂大廳 (St. James Church Hall) 舉辦第 25 米德爾塞克斯區（Middlesex）候選人論壇，邀請麻州眾議員馬喬里·德克 (Marjorie Decker) 與挑戰者埃文·麥凱 (Evan MacKay) 辯論州議會問責議題。

這是2名候選人首次在公開論壇正面交鋒。雙方曾於 2024 年競選同一席位，但並未舉辦過公開辯論，選舉結果是德克 (Marjorie Decker) 以 41 票之差勝出。

透明化與問責制已成為近期選民關注的重點。2024 年州審計案以超過 70% 的支持率通過，但在落實時面臨阻礙。此外，本屆議會正處理兩項已達簽署門檻的選民倡議：津貼改革 (stipend reform) 與公共紀錄 (public records)。

這次的候選人論壇由麻州行動 (Act on Mass)、州議會改革聯盟 (Committee to Reform Our Legislature) 及劍橋透明與問責委員會 (Cambridge Committee for Transparency and Accountability) 共同主辦。上述團體長期致力於推動法案改革，提升州議會運作的透明度與效能。

麻州文化委員會撥發867萬元資助97機構修繕設施

Old Colony Historical Society, Taunton的修繕計劃。

(Boston Orange編譯) 麻州文化委員會（Mass Cultural Council）與麻州發展局（MassDevelopment）5 月 15 日宣布，撥發8,676,600 美元文化設施基金（CFF），資助麻州 97 家非營利及市政文化機構修繕與擴建設施。

這次撥款主要分為三類：75 家機構獲得總計 8,165,000 美元的資本補助金（Capital grants），用於建築收購、設計及翻修工程；16 家機構獲得 463,600 美元的可行性與技術援助建議（Feasibility & technical assistance grants）；另有 6 家機構獲撥 48,000 美元，用於制定系統更換計劃（Systems replacement plan grants）。

根據公告，本輪獲資助機構中，有 38 家為首次獲得該基金撥款，其中 24 家為初次申請者。代表性項目包括位於牙買加平原（Jamaica Plain）的多元文化課後藝術計畫（Multicultural After School Arts Program），獲得 200,000 美元用於塞奇威克街（Sedgwick Street）新校舍的首期裝修；老殖民地歷史學會（Old Colony Historical Society）得169,100 美元，將用在湯頓（Taunton）建停車場及開發戶外花園展區。

所有獲選項目均須遵守 1:1 的配對資金要求。麻州文化委員會代理執行主任大衛·斯萊特里（David T. Slatery）與麻州發展局總裁納維特·巴爾（Navjeet Bal）強調，這筆是支持當地創意經濟與公共空間的實質投入。

文化設施基金由麻州議會於 2006 年設立，資金來源於州長資本支出計劃。2026 財政年度，麻州政府投入 1,000 萬美元。自 2007 年至今，該基金已累計撥款超過 1.89 億美元。麻州政府在 2026 年經濟發展債券法案《麻州獲勝法案（Mass Wins Act）》中提議，將進一步擴大該基金的適用範圍，以納入更多市政設施。下一輪資助申請預計於 2026 年秋季開放。

在97個獲得資助的機構中，至少有3家以亞裔為主要服務對象。

波士頓音協十載紅樓夢音樂會 200人演繹詩朗誦器樂演奏與合唱

波士頓中國音樂家協會《紅樓雅韻 夢聆十載》全曲音樂會謝幕。（周菊子攝）

 (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 波士頓中國音樂家協會（BCMA）5月9日在阿靈頓高中演出兩場《紅樓雅韻 夢聆十載》全曲音樂會。甄若矛和胡陳喆鈞指揮近200人，演繹王立平作曲、張列改編的1987版電視連續劇《紅樓夢》經典配樂，深情回望該會的10年前首演。

後排左二起，曾燕琴，黃少堅，張正山，林湛濤，甄若矛，
胡陳喆鈞，傅東東等主辦人員和樂團合影。（周菊子攝）

這次的《紅樓夢》演出，籌備歷時半年，邀得聲樂家和獨唱者8人和音協麾下的中西樂團，合唱團，絲竹樂團，青少年樂團，室內合唱團等5大樂團合作，結合獨唱、合唱、器樂合奏和王曉梅詩詞朗誦的完整演繹了15首《紅樓夢》經典組曲。音協也藉這次演出，向去年辭世的前指揮郭天生致敬。

謝幕大合照，合唱團成員散得太快，沒入鏡。（周菊子攝）

節目由音協副會長暨主持人曉梅以故事串聯全場，先由中西樂團合奏《鳳陽花鼓》、《茉莉花》等民樂揭幕，隨後以男中音秦丕曄蒼勁深沉的《好了歌》破題，再藉由廉艷領唱的《紅樓夢序曲》，瞬間將觀眾帶入那段「滿紙荒唐言」的悲劇長卷。

原本是教授的音協會長林湛濤（左）和指揮甄若矛夫婦。（周菊子攝）

整場演出的內容編排層次井然，細膩勾勒出賈府的興衰與群像人物的命運，也讓觀眾更深入感受到王曉梅抑揚頓挫的朗誦，聲樂家們讓人讚歎的曼妙歌聲。

器樂與合唱的《悲歌秦可卿——大出殯》展現了賈府表面繁華實則腐朽的氣勢；《劉姥姥》則透過民族樂器的詼諧節奏，生動刻畫民間小人物的幽默與樸實；男聲合唱《聰明累》更以獨特的諷刺感詮釋了王熙鳳的末世心機。

當天演出的聲樂家，各有特色。

音協會長林湛濤和2名指揮，甄若矛、胡陳喆鈞謝幕。（周菊子攝）

花腔女高音廉艷曾和MassOpera簽約演出莫札特經典歌劇《魔笛》中“夜之女王”一角。她以能夠從西洋歌劇到中國民族組曲跨界演繹的實力，擔任這次全場靈魂曲目《紅樓夢序曲》、《枉凝眉》及壓軸《葬花吟》的領唱。

花腔女高音葉芸茜專攻歌劇與美聲，獲有新英格蘭音樂學院碩士學位，這次獨唱《秋窗風雨夕》。

部分合唱團員在大禮堂加入合照，陣容太過龐大，沒能把每個人都納入。（周菊子攝）

男高音杜源也是新英格蘭音樂學院碩士，曾獲德國愛樂音樂大賽銀獎及澳門國際藝術公開賽金獎，這次獨唱《紫菱洲歌》。

女高音孫瑜若在波士頓伯克利音樂學院聲樂表演系就讀，有豐富的西方歌劇演出經驗，這次獨唱《分骨肉》，詮釋探春遠嫁家國破碎的戲劇張力。

大合照的中景。（周菊子攝）

其他的獨唱者，除了前述的秦丕曄演唱《好了歌》，還有顧蓉演唱展現林黛玉對賈寶玉深藏不露深情的《題帕三絕》，傅東東獨唱勾勒香菱命運多舛、出污泥而不染悲劇色彩的《嘆香菱》，以及王慶和楊娟攜手演繹賈寶玉心中無法言說深情的《紅豆曲》。

表演者謝幕。（周菊子攝）

這場音樂會的2名指揮也實力雄厚。指揮甄若矛為音協創辦人之一，曾師從王範地、劉德海及顧嘉輝大師，具備深厚的民族音樂與編曲底蘊；攜手指揮的胡陳喆鈞則是畢業於新英格蘭音樂學院的年輕人。

廉艷壓軸演唱“葬花吟”。（周菊子攝）

波士頓中國音樂家協會在會長林湛濤與團長張正山領軍下，從2012年創立迄今，已成長為有5個樂團，近兩百名音樂人的大文化家庭，曾成功演出過《紅樓夢》，《劉三姐》，《阿詩瑪》等組曲音樂會，以及《化蝶》，《閩台風情》音樂會。5月9日的盛大演出，再次展現該會在大波士頓華人音樂圈中影響力。

波士頓中國音樂家協會麾下多個樂團，刻正招募新人，有意加入者可上網https://bcmaus.org。

廉艷壓軸演唱“葬花吟”。（周菊子攝）

顧蓉演唱“題帕三絕”。（周菊子攝）

王慶（又）和楊娟合唱”紅豆曲“。周菊子攝）

葉芸茜演唱“秋窗風雨夕”。（周菊子攝）

葉芸茜演唱“秋窗風雨夕”。（周菊子攝）

王曉梅為每段演唱朗誦故事。（周菊子攝）

杜源演唱“紫菱洲歌”。（周菊子攝）

傅東東演唱“嘆香菱”。（周菊子攝）

合唱團女生合唱“晴雯歌”。（周菊子攝）

合唱團男生合唱“聰明累”。（周菊子攝）

音協新任指揮甄若矛指揮樂團演奏。（周菊子攝）

2名指揮，胡陳喆鈞和甄若矛聯袂指揮樂團大合唱。（周菊子攝）

PLANNING ADVANCES SIGN CODE UPDATES, NEW CHINATOWN ZONING, MORE THAN 430 HOMES CONVERTED FROM VACANT OFFICE SPACE

PLANNING ADVANCES SIGN CODE UPDATES, NEW CHINATOWN ZONING, MORE THAN 430 HOMES CONVERTED FROM VACANT OFFICE SPACE

BOSTON – Thursday, May 14, 2026 – The Planning Department this month recommended approval of a new sign code, updated Chinatown zoning, and the tentative designation of development teams to redevelop public sites for middle-income housing. In addition, staff recommended approval of six new development projects representing approximately 742,090 square feet (SF). Four of those projects are office-to-residential conversions. All were approved. The newly approved development proposals will create 611 new homes, including 214 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 689 construction jobs and 68 permanent jobs. The projects advanced today will help make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city.

Planning & Zoning

Planning advances updated zoning and design guidelines for Chinatown 

Staff advanced new zoning for Chinatown which will make it easier for people to open small businesses, protect the historical row houses in the neighborhood, and improve the climate resilience of the neighborhood. This updated zoning is informed by the feedback staff heard over the last couple of years about the cultural identity of Chinatown and how best to preserve it, including Chinatown’s ability to support new immigrants, and to provide affordable housing and commercial spaces. Zoning in the commercial heart of Chinatown will make it easier for small businesses to open and to renovate, as well as continue to allow for much-needed housing in the area. In the area of the neighborhood with the historic row houses, the zoning will be more restrictive to discourage redevelopment. The zoning also includes new citywide districts for institutional uses, mapped to cover Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center. The rezoning process for Chinatown is part of the larger comprehensive strategy for PLAN: Downtown, which was adopted in September of 2025. These updates will now need to be approved by the Boston Zoning Commission. 

Staff also advanced new Design Guidelines for the neighborhood through an amendment to PLAN: Downtown, which emphasize ways for new projects to help enhance Chinatown’s rich cultural character, including continuing the scale of vibrant storefronts and facades in the neighborhood and the role of family associations as cultural anchors. The guidelines also include recommendations for improving community spaces, public art, and green space across the neighborhood. 

Planning advances updates to the City’s sign code

For the first time in over 50 years, Planning advanced comprehensive new zoning for signs in the City of Boston. This new zoning will make the process for small businesses to put up more simple signage by setting clear rules for signs, streamlining the process and eliminating unnecessary review wait times. Currently, every individual sign in the city must go through a design review process with Planning Department staff, which contributes to significant wait times. These proposed zoning updates will allow most signs to be permitted without review, with the exception of special, larger signs that could have large, visual impacts to the public realm. The new process will save small businesses time and money. These updates will go into effect once approved by the Boston Zoning Commission. 

Urban Design

Planning advances new ‘Color Flows’ activations in Downtown and Chinatown

The Board authorized temporary use of Winter Street in Downtown Crossing and of Liberty Tree Plaza and Chinatown for multi-week events this summer and fall known as ‘Color Flows.’  The location on Winter Street will repeat the event from last fall, transforming the street with colorful art installations, food trucks, interactive events, and cultural programming. The event on Liberty Tree Plaza will create a welcoming, public space by reinterpreting the site’s legacy of civic gathering through contemporary art and cultural programming in Chinatown. 

‘Color Flows’ is part of the City of Boston’s broader effort to reimagine how our streets and pedestrian zones can be safer, more engaging, and enjoyable for all. These activations build off of recommendations in the Boston Design Vision, which lays out a five-year roadmap to guide future design strategies and recommendations intended to inform how the built environment is shaped to uplift identity and elevate quality design. The roadmap identified a series of projects, policies, and processes that could be leveraged to advance the Design Vision, including ways to activate pedestrian spaces like these. ‘Color Flows on Winter Street’ will take place daily from 11am-6pm from June-October, and ‘Color Flows on Liberty Tree Plaza’ will take place daily from 10am-5pm from June-August.

Real Estate

Planning recommends tentative designation of four parcels for Welcome Home, Boston Phase 3

Planning advanced the tentative designation of four development teams to redevelop four publicly owned sites in Roxbury into new homes. The sites are located at: 19 Laurel Street, 11-13 Catawba Street, 14 Catawba Street, and 100 Ruthven Street. Combined with five other publicly owned parcels in Dorchester and Hyde Park that are part of the Mayor’s Office of Housing’s catalogue of land, these parcels will make up Phase Three of Welcome Home, Boston. Phase Three of this program will be income-restricted to prospective middle-income homebuyers making between 120 percent and 135 percent of the Area Median Income. This effort is in response to the lack of middle income-housing options throughout the City and region. The majority of these homes will be two-bedroom units, with some one- and three-bedroom units mixed in, and they will be a mix of ground-up new construction, as well as modular. These sites were identified as underutilized through the Citywide land audit announced by Mayor Wu in January 2022.

Development Projects

Project to create new West End Library with housing above moves forward

Housing: 119 income-restricted homes 

Jobs: Approximately 174 construction jobs, approximately 26 permanent jobs

Community: Brand new branch of the BPL, close proximity to public transportation, groceries, and healthcare facilities

Sustainability: LEED Gold, Passive House compliant

This project will demolish the current West End branch of the Boston Public Library and build an entirely new, two-story branch with 12 stories of income-restricted housing above it. The 119 new homes will be a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. This new development will improve the area with a new public plaza and shared community amenities for library visitors and residents. It is also in close proximity to public transportation, groceries, and healthcare facilities. In 2018, the Mayor’s Office of Housing started the Housing With Public Assets program to evaluate existing municipal facilities for housing production opportunities. This process identified the West End Library as an ideal location for mixed-used redevelopment to preserve and improve library services and also introduce new housing.

Bartlett Place Lot C project to create new homeownership opportunities in Roxbury

Housing: 61 homeownership units, 12 income-restricted units

Jobs: Approximately 99 construction jobs

Community: Artist live/work units, new publicly accessible pedestrian connection

Sustainability: LEED Gold

This project will build new housing in Nubian Square that will be for a mix of incomes. Of the 61 homeownership units, 12 will be income-restricted, and four will be artist live/work units. The building will also feature a variety of residential amenities, including bike parking, lounge and gallery space for artists, a dog washing room, and courtyard. The project will also improve the public realm by creating a new connection from Bartlett Street to Bartlett Station Drive.

Offices at 419 Boylston Street to be converted to housing in Back Bay

Housing: 44 units, seven income-restricted

Jobs: Approximately 44 construction jobs, approximately 15 permanent jobs

Community: New residents living Downtown

Sustainability: Adaptive re-use and preservation of existing building, all-electric 

Located in Back Bay, this project will convert what is currently an eight-story office building into 44 new homes, seven of which will be income-restricted. The existing retail tenants on the first and second floors will remain. As this is located in the Back Bay Architectural District, any possible exterior alterations to the building would need to be reviewed by the Back Bay Architectural Commission. This project is one of 26 applicants to Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to convert 31 buildings and 1.5M SF of former office space into 1,785 new homes.

Office space at 50 Congress Street Downtown to be converted housing

Housing: 169 units, 34 income-restricted units

Jobs: Retention of existing retail tenant, approximately 192 construction jobs, approximately 11 permanent jobs

Community: New residents living Downtown

Sustainability: Adaptive re-use and preservation of existing building, LEED Silver, compliant with Stretch Energy Code

This project will convert the existing ten-story building into 169 new homes, including 34 that will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. Due to updated zoning regulations Downtown, the project will not require zoning relief, allowing these new homes to be completed more quickly. This project is one of 26 applicants to Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to convert 31 buildings and 1.5M SF of former office space into 1,785 new homes.

1 State Street project to convert offices to housing

Housing: 76 residential units, 13 income-restricted units

Jobs: Retention of existing retail tenant, approximately 59 construction jobs, approximately five permanent jobs

Community: New residents living Downtown

Sustainability: Adaptive re-use and preservation of existing building, all-electric, LEED Gold

This project will convert the existing 14-story office building into 76 new homes, including 13 that will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, and one-bedroom apartments. Due to updated zoning regulations Downtown, the project will not require zoning relief, allowing these new homes to be completed more quickly. This project is one of 26 applicants to Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to convert 31 buildings and 1.5M SF of former office space into 1,785 new homes.

Former Fort Point office and warehouse space at 320 Summer Street to be converted to homes

Housing: 145 units, 29 income-restricted units

Jobs: Ground floor retail, approximately 121 construction jobs, approximately 11 permanent jobs

Community: Amenity space, roof deck

Sustainability: Adaptive re-use and preservation of existing building

Located in Fort Point, this project will convert what is currently two combined brick and beam buildings that were formerly warehouses and office space into housing. The building will include 145 new units, of which 29 will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. The project continues the evolution of the Fort Point neighborhood from industrial and commercial use toward a vibrant, mixed-use residential district, while honoring the architectural legacy that defines its identity. This project is one of 26 applicants to Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to convert 31 buildings and 1.5M SF of former office space into 1,785 new homes.

In addition to these projects, the Board approved:

An update to a previously approved project at 90 Braintree Street to reorient the parking on the site, which will shuffle the orientation of floor plans and green space.