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星期二, 4月 30, 2019

華人前進會籲波市府用IPOD、容積率保護華埠排屋

華人前進會主任陳秀珍說明該會呼籲保留華埠排屋緣由。
(周菊子攝)
            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)華人前進會和數十名華裔居民430日在尊尼閣(Johnny Court)9號旁舉牌,籲請波士頓市政府把華埠列入IPOD區,降低容積率(FAR)規定,以期華埠排屋(row house)及相關歷史得以保留,工薪移民可以繼續以華埠為家。
             波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn),米高法拉提(Michael Flaherty),波士頓市鄰里發展主任席拉狄倫(Sheila Dillon)都出席發言,支持華埠居民的呼籲。席拉狄倫表示,華埠一直都在波士頓市長馬丁華殊的心上,市府絕對會和華埠合作,一起找出解決問題辦法。她說,華埠是波士頓最重要的社區之一,我們必須保存它
  波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn,後左起),米高法拉提
(Michael Flaherty),波士頓市鄰里發展主任席拉狄倫
(Sheila Dillon)都出席發言,支持華埠居民的呼籲。
(周菊子攝)
             華人前進會行政主任陳秀珍指出,波士頓華埠是個已有150多年歷史的社區,最早稱為南灣區(South Cove Neighborhood),曾經是愛爾蘭人,德國人,猶太人,敘利亞人,黎巴嫩人,然後是華人的聚居地。在19501960年代,波士頓市實施都市更新計畫,拆了數以百計的低收入家庭房屋,後來為了建中央幹道,拓展麻州收費公路,又把尼倫街(Kneeland),乞臣街(Hudson),阿爾巴尼街(Albany)上的許多排屋拆了,然後塔芙茨大學和紐英崙醫療中心擴建,把幾乎佔華埠一半的住宅及商業用地,全拿走了,剩下來劉在華埠內的排屋,散落在屋街,尊尼閣,松街,乞臣街及泰勒街,總數不到一百。
             這些排屋的許多租客,近年來因業主出售、加租等不同理由,被迫搬遷,威脅了華埠設區的穩定性。
余麗馨表示,她12歲以前都住在波士頓華埠。(周菊子攝)
             2000年以來,波士頓華埠遭遇住宅大樓豪華化(gentrification)衝擊,不少業主把房屋高價賣給發展商,華埠之內的可負擔住宅越來越少,最近這兩年,Airb&b等短期出租開始流行,掀起了又一波的高價收購華埠房屋風潮。
             根據華人前進會資料,在泰勒街上就有一棟四層高排屋,2000年時售價375000元,2005年就漲到90萬元,2017年更以301萬的高價出售。
華埠穩定委員會高嘉亮發言。(周菊子攝)
             華人前進會的華埠穩定委員會(Chinatown Stabilization Committee)成員,還在大學唸三年級的高嘉亮表示,尊尼閣9號,是另一個例子。黃姓夫婦在1980年代買下的這房子,2016年出售時,市場估價約48萬元,但一位名叫Cai Tao的來自中國投資者,竟以約2倍價格的80萬元買下來,然後丟空兩年,再於今年三月獲得政府批准,可把兩單位的住宅樓改建成五個單位的共管公寓。
             高嘉亮指出,根據該委員會的調查,Cai Tao在麻州各地擁有許多物業,總值不下1800萬元。
             住在尊尼閣7號的伍惠勻,李超業夫婦則表示,從1968年起,他們夫婦倆就住在那兒,還和9號的鄰居共享一個後花園。Cai Tao的改建,顯然會影響到整條街的供水/下水道疏通,消防,加高的樓宇,也會遮住陽光,有礙通風。他們曾經試圖和新業主聯絡,卻一直得不到回應。
劉仲岳(左)也拿出全家福照片,說明他小時候住過華埠
排屋。(周菊子攝)
             黃美群以前也住在尊尼閣。她感嘆表示,早年租住時,房租900元,原屋主賣給新屋主後,房租漸次漲到1900元,她透過各種途徑爭取,都沒有結果,她實在負擔不起,最後只好搬遷。
             早年住在華埠的余麗馨,劉仲岳也分別拿著巨幅照片在現場述說,他們小時候住在華埠,親眼看到排屋逐漸消失,鄰居一一遷居的景象,沒想到多年以後,華埠又再面對類似威脅,如果讓這種情形持續下去,華埠將消弭於無形,大家必須攜手團結,保護華埠的存在。




右後方的樓宇就是尊尼閣9號。(周菊子攝)
尊尼閣7號的伍惠勻,李超業夫婦為新鄰居的改建計畫,
煩惱不已。(周菊子攝)
波士頓鄰里發展局主任席拉狄倫稱,市長心中有華埠。
(周菊子攝)

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $40 Million Energy Efficiency Partnership with MBTA, Eversource and National Grid

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $40 Million Energy Efficiency Partnership with MBTA, Eversource and National Grid
Energy Efficiency Upgrades at MBTA Facilities Will Reduce Energy Costs, Improve Rider Experience



BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a three-year, $40 million energy efficiency partnership with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Eversource and National Grid. This partnership will reduce energy consumption across dozens of MBTA stations and facilities, reduce MBTA operating costs, enhance rider experience through improved lighting and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The announcement was made by Governor Charlie Baker during a ceremony at the Charles-MGH station in Boston.
            
“Energy efficiency is the most effective way to save money on energy bills and we are proud it is a top priority for state government and the utility industry,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Through this partnership, the MBTA will implement energy efficiency measures across the transit system that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs while improving the quality of facilities for riders.”

“Our focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and costs has helped make Massachusetts a national leader in energy efficiency,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This public-private partnership will strengthen that leadership while also enhancing customer experience and safety with improved and increased lighting across dozens of MBTA stations.”

This initiative will reduce MBTA electricity use by seven percent or an estimated 30 million kWh annually, an amount equivalent to the electricity use of 3,947 Massachusetts homes. These projects are also estimated to annually reduce MBTA energy costs by $2.7 million and greenhouse gas emissions by 10,000 metric tons.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to partner with Eversource and National Grid to reduce energy consumption and operating costs for the MBTA,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton.  “Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in energy efficiency as we collaborate with public and private stakeholders in transportation, technology, and building sectors as well as energy providers to support our collective energy reduction goals.”

The MBTA will invest approximately $30 million in projects at dozens of MBTA properties including parking lots and garages, maintenance facilitates, bus yards and train stations. The energy efficiency projects will include LED lighting and lighting controls, upgrading HVAC equipment and building automation controls.

The Department Energy Resources’ (DOER) Leading by Example program will provide $3.5 million in funding to improve the cost-effectiveness of the MBTA’s energy efficiency projects. Eversource and National Grid  will provide additional incentives to the MBTA in the amount of $0.30 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved from the energy efficiency projects. Based on the targeted energy reductions, the utility incentives are estimated to total approximately $9 million.

“The Commonwealth is striving with a number of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases and conserve electricity and we are pleased that the MBTA is taking steps in that direction,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “These energy efficiency improvements are a prime example of how public agencies and utility companies can come together to collaborate and make infrastructure improvements which will lead to a sustainable future.”

“This partnership involving the MBTA, Department of Energy Resources, and our utilities partners, National Grid and Eversource, will result in a cleaner, more energy efficient T, and a more accessible experience for our customers,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak.“Thank you to DOER, National Grid, and Eversource for your substantial investments and incentives to upgrade and expand energy efficiency at more than 50 locations across the MBTA system.”

High-efficiency LED lighting has a much longer lifetime than bulbs currently in use by the MBTA, resulting in substantially reduced replacement costs and enabling the MBTA to use maintenance staff more efficiently. A more streamlined operation will result with the storage and management of fewer types of bulbs, also freeing up more space in MBTA storage locations. MBTA customers will also benefit from this initiative through better and increased lighting, enhancing the customer experience.

“DOER is proud to collaborate with state and utility partners through our Leading by Example Program to provide the funding and technical assistance to support these investments in energy efficiency and advanced technologies,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “These investments mean real savings – not only in emissions and energy use, but also in operational costs for years to come.”

“The partnership with DOER and MBTA takes a holistic, strategic approach to deliver year-after-year energy and cost savings to the MBTA,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency Tilak Subrahmanian. “It also ensures that the MBTA has the necessary resources and support – both technical and financial – to create a more sustainable transportation system, which will benefit the Commonwealth and beyond.”

“Today’s announcement is one example of how National Grid is expanding its focus to develop more strategic partnerships with our customers – in this case customers with a portfolio of buildings – to help them meet their broader energy and environmental goals,” said National Grid Vice President of Customer Solutions, John Isberg. “It’s exciting to think of the impact this partnership will have in reducing energy, which will result in lasting benefits for our community and environment.”

The Leading by Example (LBE) program is administered by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and works collaboratively with state agencies and public colleges and universities to advance clean energy and sustainable practices that reduce the environmental impacts of state government operations.

DOER’s funding for this initiative is available through proceeds from the Renewable Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as well as Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) paid by retail electric suppliers that do not meet their Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance obligations through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates. 

台灣美食巡迴講座 6月1、2兩日在波士頓

僑教中心主任歐宏偉(左五)和新英格蘭台灣商會會長
李以蕙(右二)拜訪佛光山波士頓三佛中心,商議合作。

(Boston Orange) 2019年僑務委員會「臺灣美食國際巡迴講座:臺灣美食 飄香寰宇」,將於61日及2 日在波士頓舉行,臺灣「度小月餐廳」行政總主廚潘盟仁及該餐廳店長主廚吳政璋兩位老師將前來為大家做示範教學。本地區今年主辦講座的僑團為新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會。

有鑑於講究「健康」、「環保」的素食人口愈來愈多,波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉提議若能趁此活動推廣「臺灣精緻素食」,不僅能迎合潮流,滿足僑界人士的需求,也可讓主流社會進一步了解臺灣美食的軟實力,因此特別商請「佛光山波士頓三佛中心」和「佛教慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處」兩個團體共襄盛舉,一起來辦理今年的講座。

佛光山波士頓三佛中心附設餐廳「滴水坊」,場地寬敞,佈置清雅,平日提供養生花茶及素點等,深受附近上班人士及哈佛等校師生的歡迎;慈濟波士頓聯絡處會所大廳常舉辦祈福會、音樂會等大型活動,地下室餐廳也有善於烹調的「香積組」師兄姐,常為參加活動者準備美味素食。

兩場示範教學講座的內容如下:

▉第一場,61日(週六)下午2:00-5:00在佛光山波士頓三佛中心舉行(地址:711 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138 電話: 617-547-6670),主打「臺灣味素食小吃」,教學品項包括:碗糕、滷味、素肉燥飯、素麵線糊、素蚵仔煎。
▉第二場,62日(週日)下午2:00-5:00在慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處舉行(地址:15 Summer St., Newton, MA  02464 電話: 617- 762-0569),主打「宴客素食」,教學品項包括: 素燒獅子頭、佛歡喜(素食佛跳牆)、糖醋餘、芋燒子排、古早味菜炸。

即日起接受報名。報名費:單場$25,兩場都報名者優待價$40(支票抬頭請寫:TCCNE。報名請洽李以蕙,電郵tccne2019@gmail.com;或親至佛光山波士頓三佛中心(地址:711 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138 電話: 617-547-6670, Email: boston@ibps.org)及波士頓僑教中心報名(地址:90 Licoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 02461,電話:617-9658801
(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心提供)


星期一, 4月 29, 2019

中華頤養院邀昆市長與亞裔社區餐敘 交流意見

昆士市長柯奇(Tom Koch,前中)與亞裔晤談。(周菊子攝)
中華頤養院榮譽主席陳秀英主持晤談會。
(周菊子攝)
              (Boston Orange 周菊子昆士市報導) 中華頤養院和華人醫務中心攜手,426日辦午餐會,邀昆士市長柯奇(Tom Koch)20名亞裔社區服務機構首長,志工座談,促請柯奇關注照顧老人機構面對經費挑戰等議題,並了解亞裔服務機構現況。
              昆士市長柯奇向座中亞裔社區代表簡報了昆市近來的建設概況,直言2020年的人口統計很重要,在地居住的人都算進統計數據了,地方政府才能爭取到相應的經費來為民眾服務。此外鼓勵居民登記成為選民也很重要,因為有選票才有聲音,當地方政府和聯邦政府協商時,也一樣是選票多,聲音才大。他同意將來不定期和亞裔社區座談。
昆士市長柯奇(Tom Koch,中)和活動主辦人合影。右起,
華人醫務中心行政主任衛優俊(Eugene Welch),中華頤養
院創辦人陳秀英,執行長Bill Graves,董事長雷偉志。
(周菊子攝)
              在匯報昆市近年建設概況時,柯奇指出,今年九月,昆士中心那兒就會新添712個停車位,市府與土地發展商合作的許多項目也仍在進行,將陸續會完成佔地約20萬平方英尺的醫療門診中心,約有140個單位的旅館酒店,以及大約110個工薪階級的住宅單位等。不過地鐵週邊的發展,可能要先等MBTA先完成了更新地鐵相關設施再說。這也是為什麼他支持增加昆市和波士頓市之間的渡輪服務,希望這一系列的城市改善有助於讓昆士市有更壯大的中產階層居民。
中華頤養院。(周菊子攝)
              柯奇還說,為增加市府建造可負擔住宅的能力,市府也正積極充實可負擔住宅信託基金。
              這場座談會由中華頤養院執行長Bill Graves,華人醫務中心行政主任衛優俊(Eugene Welch)做主要發言人,中華頤養院董事長雷偉志擔任主持,對話內容著重於昆士市的發展,以及如何照顧昆士市多元化市民的需求。
              Bill Graves指出,根據麻州耆英照顧協會(Massachusetts Senior Care Association)資料,麻州去年有20家耆英照顧機構關上大門,共失去大約1900張病床。今年估計還會有35家左右關門,都是因為在目前的政府補償機制下,這些耆英照顧機構每營運一天,就會為每一名所照顧者損失38元,平均一年要虧損90萬元。目前約有一半以上的耆英照顧機構都是在虧損狀況下經營。
              不過Bill Graves強調,中華頤養院的營運沒有問題。中華頤養院創辦人之一的陳秀英也透露,當初該院要從波士頓搬到昆士市時,許多人都表示不願意長途跋涉,現在大家看到了中華頤養院的設施有如五星級飯店,不但等候名單長到350人,還有人問,一樓大堂有那麼大的空間,怎麼不多加幾張病床。

              當天出席的昆士亞裔社區服務機構代表,除前述各人外,還包括昆士市長助理丘潔芳,亞美社會服務協會的羅天緯牧師,關靜儀主任;亞美社區發展協會董事長李保華;行政主任劉安琪,波士頓華埠社區中心行政主任李隆華,項目主任丘文蓉,華人醫務中心營運長Eric Tiberi,董事長廖國鵬,董事翁素梅,陳炯文,亞協服務中心(QARI)行政總裁莊建豪,彩虹成人護理中心主任和陳素貞,南岸老人服務處亞裔外展協調員潘鑑成等。(圖片已於4月26日發表)

亞美社區發展協會社區之心早餐會表揚余慕潔

亞美社區發展協會社區之心早餐會,主席李保華(左一),
行政主任劉安琪(右二)邀李威儀(左二)主講,頒陳耀庭獎
表揚邦克丘社區學院院長余慕潔(右一)。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)亞美社區發展協會(ACDC) 426在波士頓龍鳳酒樓舉辦社區之心點心早餐會,頒陳耀庭社區服務獎表揚邦克丘社區學院校長余慕潔,並邀李威儀分享環保服務心得,請波士頓市長馬丁華殊,聯邦眾議員凱薩琳克拉克致詞。
                亞美社區發展協會成立於1987年,迄今共建造了價值逾億,嶄新,供多種不同收入階層購置或租住的公寓單位,在昆士市的Martensen村,堡街(Port)6號,波士頓市華埠的綠茵苑(乞臣街66),天滿村,信義大廈(The Metroplitan),華信屋(Oak Terrace)等地,給了1000多人一個新家。綠茵苑第二期的乞臣街88號,也在最近陸續有51戶人家入住。
波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Marty Walsh,右)應邀出席致詞,
和中華儀養院榮譽主席陳秀英合影。(周菊子攝)
             亞美社區發展協會行政主任劉安琪指出,該會致力協助新移民安家落戶,迄今應仍是麻州唯一提供雙語首次購屋輔導班,認識財務課程的機構。該會還安排有青少年領袖培訓(A-VOYCE),華埠徒步游,社區計畫及組織,公民參語等服務項目。
             波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Marty Walsh)當天應邀致詞,先稱許當天的司儀伍沅媚(Janet Wu),在座的波士頓環球報專欄作者梁詩莉(Shirley Leung),再讚揚當天獲獎的余慕潔從他當選波士頓市長起就合作無間。李威儀更曾擔任他接任市長時的過渡小組委員會主席。他指出,波士頓市人口有28%在外國出生,有48%和他一樣是第一代移民的後代。不必管來自白宮的噪音,波士頓市就是個移民城市,因為移民而繁榮。
左起,李保華,李威儀,劉安琪,余慕潔,司儀伍沅媚,
聯邦眾議員凱薩琳克拉克(Katherine Marlea Clark)。(周菊子攝)
他要感謝亞美社區發展協會的致力建造,保留可負擔住宅。最近的171戶可負擔住宅,以及將來的發展12號地段,要包括波士頓華埠永久圖書館,都是和波士頓市府合作,計畫,多方參與的結果。這也源於計畫的重要性。波市府的計劃發展局(BPDA)現在就有16項研究計畫正在進行中,他們透過和亞美社區發展協會等社區組織的溝通,確保市府的未來發展方向正確。他鼓勵民眾週二晚到昆士小學參加一個討論會。
李保華(左)頒陳耀庭獎表揚邦克丘社區學院院長余慕潔
(右一)。(周菊子攝)
             轄區包括摩頓市的聯邦眾議員Katherine Clark也讚揚亞美社區發展協會,稱其致力幫助移民擁有自己的家,穩定工作與生活,對整體社會有很大貢獻。
             曾任匹茲堡河生(RiverLife)環保組織及波士頓海港協會執行長的李威儀,當天是早餐會主講人。亞美社區發展協會主席李保華稱許李威儀有熱情,策略,還堅持不懈,在土地發展利益上,可以指導社區如何在企業與居民之間取得平衡。他說,輔助民眾居者有其屋,繁榮社區也是ACDC的使命。
             李威儀坦言,自己投身環保工作,緣起於許多年前的一個地球日,她和高中同學憂慮若環境持續汙染,全世界的人可能都無法活過60歲,於是創辦了學生環保組織。她那來自香港及廣東的父母,為他們這些學生的環保行動對抗大機構,一度感到十分擔心。但她在這方面的專心致志,還讓她後來出任波士頓2014年的氣候行動計劃執行委員會主席,波士頓保護委員會主席。她參與的社會公益活動,在環保之外,還包括曾和當年的州長夫人蘇珊威爾德攜手擔任亞裔反家庭暴力小組主席。
亞美社區發展協會行政主任劉安琪。(周菊子攝)
李威儀在致詞中也點名指李保華,Rebecca Lee,范王柳娥,陳秀英,包傳芳,包姚光芝,蔡明昊,駱理德等等許多人在扶持社區上的貢獻。她強調,每一個人都參與,社區才會更美好。
邦克丘社區學院校長余慕潔的致詞,以飲水思源為重心。她透露,自己的祖輩來自廣東,但礙於排華法案,沒人來到美國。她的高祖父到了維多利亞島務農,曾祖父到了古巴,所以她有叔父分別在溫哥華,在邁阿密,她自己高中時一直都在打工,能用西班牙文把整份菜單唸給同學或鄰居聽。那也是她了解移民什麼是意思,移民的追求有個家,有個身分,人身與財務都安全的開始。她相信,人性才是美國夢的本質,亞美社區發展協會等機構從事的工作,就是這基礎架構的核心,沒有亞美社區發展協會就不會有包氏文藝中心,沒有那麼多的可負擔住宅,也可能沒有永久的華埠圖書館。她希望邦克丘社區學院會永遠是這社區的一部分,波士頓華埠也有如她的第二個家。(圖片已於4月26日發表)
亞美社區發展協會今年的"社區之心"早餐會,出席更踴躍。(周菊子攝)
昆士市議員梁秀婷(右)應邀出席。(周菊子攝)
左起,伍沅媚,陳秀英,李威儀,余慕潔。(奚珍提供)
陳綽敏(左),陳穎玉兩兄妹也支持ACDC"社區之心"早餐會。(周菊子攝)
伍沅媚和陳貽美。(周菊子攝)
曾任昆士小學校長的李素影(左)和波士頓鄰里發展局
局長Sheila A. Dillon。(周菊子攝)
紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊也是ACDC"社區之心"
早餐會支持者之一。(周菊子攝)

Baker-Polito Administration announces $30 million in capital grant funding to support life sciences sector

Baker-Polito Administration announces $30 million in capital grant funding to support life sciences sector

11 projects to receive funding to sustain the Commonwealth’s competitive edge in advancing human health and connecting communities across Massachusetts to the innovation economy
Waltham – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) announced $30.95 million in capital grant funding to support the state’s global leadership in the life sciences sector. In total, 11 projects across Massachusetts will receive funding through the MLSC’s Competitive Capital Program to support advances in human health, accelerate innovation in the areas of clinical and translational research, and expand the capacity of life sciences development and job growth across the Commonwealth.
“Our administration is dedicated to generating economic growth and supplying researchers with the tools they need to create new advancements in improving patient outcomes,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By investing in the Massachusetts innovation economy, we can work together with academic and industry partners to support game-changing technological research and create jobs across the state.”
“This capital funding further enhances our world-class talent pipeline, spurring additional educational and career opportunities throughout every region of the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration is pleased to make investments in educational and training programming to ensure that any resident pursuing a career in the life sciences can thrive, positioning Massachusetts to continue to lead the way in this field.”
The MLSC’s Competitive Capital Program invests capital dollars through a competitive process in high potential economic development projects that promise to make a significant contribution to the state’s life sciences ecosystem. Moreover, the competitive program aims to address funding gaps in capital dollars, industry support, and federal funding for educational institutions, incubators, research institutions, and workforce training programs, while also catalyzing private and philanthropic investment to match state investment and preparing the life sciences workforce of the future.
“These investments represent new opportunities for our life sciences ecosystem to support job growth, talent development, and entrepreneurial growth across the Commonwealth,” said MLSC President and CEO Travis McCready. “By continuing to expand regional access in education and hands-on training and supporting innovative, novel technologies, we are unlocking new potential in our understanding of human physiology to push toward medical advances for patients around the world.”
Leaders representing the awardee institutions shared how this investment will positively impact their work:
“We are grateful to the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for their generous support.  The Center for Translation Neurotrauma Imaging (CTNI) will spur high-tech job and industry growth, train the next generation research leaders and further consolidate the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a global leader in life science innovation,” said Karen Antman, MD, provost, Boston University Medical Campus and dean, School of Medicine.
“Mass Life Sciences Center’s support is helping the Massachusetts General Hospital explore new ways to transform clinical research in the neurosciences by providing the infrastructure to construct a new unit that will allow us to learn more from clinical research in neurological and psychiatric diseases  including Alzheimer’s disease,” says Bradley Hyman, MD, PhD, director of the Mass. Alzheimer Disease Research Center at MGH. “We plan a state of the art unit that combines recent advances in clinical trial technologies, advances in neuroimaging with MGH’s Martinos Center, and biomarker discovery all in a facility that will allow early phase clinical trials to proceed efficiently, gathering all the data together to facilitate learnings.  We are really grateful for the opportunity to grow this program, with the hope that we will translate these opportunities into future therapies for dementia and other diseases.”
“We are honored to receive this award, which will allow BATL to expand into training on biomanufacturing” said Dr. Jared Auclair, the director of Northeastern’s BATL and principle investigator and the lead researcher for the grant proposal. “This will allow BATL to provide end-to-end training on biologics and grow the field in Massachusetts.”
“GMGI/GBA is thrilled to be able to add a state-of-the-art cell culture room to our facility,” said GMGI Board Chair Michele May. “It will enable us to expand our program offerings and comprehensively train our students to meet the needs of the area’s life sciences companies.”
“This support will expand Baystate Health’s capacity to perform efficient and compliant clinical trials, speed medical advances, and make novel treatments available to our diverse patient populations,” said Dr. Peter Friedmann, Chief Research Officer for Baystate Health and Associate Dean for Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate. “We are grateful to MLSC, our legislators, the Governor and the citizens of the Commonwealth for this investment in the future of biomedical research in Western Massachusetts.”
“There is a real need in the industry for both qualified professionals graduating from programs like Quincy College’s Biotechnology and GMP program, and for customized incumbent worker training that we offer in our state-of-the-art biotechnology labs at Quincy College. This specialized and customized training pipeline supports the Commonwealth’s biopharma industry form the ground up. Quincy College is uniquely positioned to support skill development for all levels of professionals working in the Biotech industry.  Quincy College excels at addressing this real-world need head-on, providing a resource for continuing education as incumbent worker training and critical skill development for those just entering the biotechnology industry. With the generous Massachusetts Life Science Consortium Grant,  the Quincy College Biotechnology and Compliance program will be able to further the study of biotechnology and good manufacturing practice and implement ongoing positives changes initiated by the Quincy College leadership to make the College not only a wonderful work place but also a modern institution that provides the best possible education for students and workforce training for workers throughout the Commonwealth,” said Quincy College President Michael G. Bellotti.
“The research planned going forward with the establishment of this new resource at Brigham and Women’s Hospital will further expand the potential for benefiting our patients with precision therapy. The siting of the new resource, between the Harvard Medical School quadrangle and the Brigham, at the heart of the Longwood Medical Area, will surely inspire new programs to leverage unique intellectual and physical resources from different institutions to bring together programs that promise to become much more than the sum of each of their investments and contributions.” Paul J. Anderson, MD, PhD, Chief Academic Officer and Senior Vice-President of Research at the Brigham.
“We are so proud of the success of our MBI companies,” said Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) President & CEO Jon Weaver. “It’s truly amazing to witness the caliber of life and health science companies that are choosing to make their start in Central Massachusetts.  Our partnership with the Massachusetts Life Science Center will provide additional opportunities for these startups to seed, scale, and succeed in Central Massachusetts, and accommodate the high demand for laboratory space.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to create a Center for Therapeutics and Genomics Training at MassBay,” said MassBay President Dr. David Podell. “And we are extremely grateful to Mass Life Sciences for their support for this important initiative which will allow us to better prepare underrepresented students for careers in the life sciences.”
“We appreciate MLSC’s continued support and commitment in supporting NSIV to deliver on its mission to support and nurture early-stage life science companies in Boston North,” said North Shore InnoVentures CEO Chris Ilsley. “The commitment will allow us to not only support more companies currently here in Massachusetts, and continue to make us relevant in Boston North’s Life Science community; and will also attract and support international life science companies looking to make Massachusetts their home for the North American market.”
This is the sixth round of the competitive capital program administered by the MLSC. Applicants are academic organizations, research institutions, research hospitals, business incubators and other non-profit organizations. The MLSC recognizes that investment in capital projects and infrastructure is necessary to create and sustain the attributes that make Massachusetts attractive to innovation sectors such as life sciences. To date, the MLSC has awarded or committed more than $455 million to support capital projects across the state.
The MLSC’s infrastructure investments have contributed to the creation of more than 1.9 million square feet of new life sciences research and manufacturing space across the Commonwealth, while creating more than 5,800 jobs in the building trades and in the life sciences sector. The more than $30 million in capital funds in this most recent round of the competitive program will be distributed across 11 different projects, including six research institutions, three projects centered on workforce development efforts, and two incubators in Worcester and Beverly. Many of the projects are multi-partnered and leverage an additional $29.85 million in investments by partner institutions or the awardees themselves.
This past June, Governor Baker signed An Act providing continued investment in the life sciences industry in the Commonwealth to invest up to $623 million in bond authorization and tax credits over five years in education, research and development and workforce training. This legislation will serve to reinforce the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to ensuring Massachusetts’ leadership in the life sciences sector.

MLSC Competitive Capital Program award descriptions:

Baystate Medical Center – $3,949,912
The capital project will expand capacity to perform clinical trials in Western Massachusetts by building a clinical trials unit at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and a satellite unit at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, and enhancing training in clinical research in collaboration with local community colleges. This project will accelerate human testing of innovative digital health, biopharma, and medical devices developed in the Commonwealth. Moreover, for Baystate and its partners in Western Massachusetts, the project will increase access to innovative treatments for the patients and communities within the region, expand collaborations with academic and industry partners, and develop a workforce skilled in clinical research.
Boston Children’s Hospital – $1,545,050
The MLSC’s funding will support the launch of a multi-disciplinary initiative at Boston Children’s Hospital focused on advances in precision medicine in the treatment of cardiac disease. The Center for Accelerated Therapeutic Development (CAT-D) will bring an interdisciplinary team of cardiac biologists, bioengineers, and clinicians together under one roof to develop innovative human cell and tissue models of human disease. CAT-D will accelerate therapeutic development through the use of disease-relevant, human in vitro models, enabling “clinical trials in a dish” to identify patient groups most likely to respond to specific therapies or most at risk for adverse responses. The initiative will also serve as a collaborative hub for scientists in academia and biotechnology, seeding academic-industry partnerships and accelerating translation of basic discoveries. An initial focus of CAT-D will be inherited heart disease, but the same infrastructure and principles are equally applicable to other rare and inherited diseases.
Boston University Medical School – $4,991,000
The Center for Translation Neurotrauma Imaging at Boston University Medical School will establish a start‐of‐the‐art research facility to accelerate development of transformative brain imaging techniques, applications, protocols, and markers to detect and track subtle changes in the brain that result from neurotrauma and increase risk for neurodegenerative diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer’s disease. This type of imaging technology will fill an existing gap in detecting and tracking before emerging treatments can be successfully tested and deployed in humans.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital – $5,000,000
Brigham and Women’s Hospital will use MSLC funding to advance the rigor and efficiency of clinical trials and biomedical research with targeted therapeutics by providing information otherwise not available to drug companies, as well as enhancing basic research at Massachusetts academic institutions. The MLSC-funded instrument package will provide a unique resource in the United States by combining quantitative metabolomics and high-resolution spatial mass spectrometry imaging, including a high-resolution 15 Tesla mass spectrometer. This novel, state-of- the-art facility, which will be made available to the scientific community and biotechnology companies, will aim to transcend cancer research and accelerate the development of new medicines for infectious disease, cardiac medicine, and neurological disease states, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute – $174,383
The Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) will receive $174,383 to build out and equip a new, state-of-the-art cell culture laboratory. The lab will enhance student experience and training at GMGI’s Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, while also addressing an industry need for entry-level technicians with cell culturing experience and advance its genomics research goals. This funding builds upon previous MLSC support for the construction of the world-class genomics research institute on Cape Ann, made possible by a previous $2.7 million MLSC capital grant.
Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives – $3,494,256
Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), one of the first life sciences incubators in the Commonwealth, is currently home to more than 30 life sciences companies, having “graduated” another 95 companies, which employ approximately 825 people in the local life sciences cluster in central Massachusetts. With the support of the MLSC, MBI will redevelop 17 Briden Street within Worcester’s Gateway Park by establishing additional incubator space, which will include a “Stage II” incubator.  MBI will operate more than 20,000 square feet of a renovated facility to expand its business incubation operations, including 19 additional suites and supporting office space. Additionally, the inclusion of a “Stage II” incubator will provide MBI the ability to create 5-7 suites of around 1,000- 3,000 square feet for growing companies. This space will serve as a bridge for those companies to grow and sustain their business models and prevent the financial and logistical stress that can cause companies to struggle and fail, by leaving the incubator environment before they are ready.
Massachusetts General Hospital – $4,805,000
MLSC investment will support the launch of a “Big Data & Digital Health Hub”, administered by the Clinical and Translational Research Unit (CTRU) at Massachusetts General Hospital. The CTRU is focused on dramatically transforming clinical research to accelerate progress in the prevention, management and cure of complex brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, mood and anxiety disorders. The MLSC’s funding will support the purchase of a high-end computing system for analysis of diverse datasets and a data visualization room with a hyperwall (video wall that uses coordinated visualizations for interactive exploration of multidimensional data and data simulation) and virtual reality capability. Additionally, funding will support advanced multi-sensor clinical exam rooms, wearable and remote digital devices for patient monitoring, and dedicated mass spectrometry for large-scale measurements. This initiative will enable unprecedented analysis of individualized precision medicine data on brain health with an ultimate goal of developing new therapies.
MassBay Community College – $500,000
MLSC funding will be used to create a Center for Therapeutics and Genomics Training at MassBay Community College that aims to transform community college technical education by preparing underrepresented students for employment and research positions in the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem. The college will upgrade its biotechnology facilities, allowing for the development of an array of new, credit and non‐credit, courses in areas such as genomics, developmental biology, and biomanufacturing. In addition, MassBay Community College will provide laboratory space through summer programming for high school students, as well as, to small businesses for employee training.
North Shore InnoVentures – $1,650,000
Since 2012, North Shore InnoVentures (NSIV) and Endicott College have forged a successful partnership to deliver on the mission to foster and support regional life science startups. Today this collaboration continues as NSIV will now manage the expanding Endicott College incubator space to better support the increasing number and range of life sciences startups active in the North Shore region of the state. MLSC funding will expand infrastructure capacity at NSIV and obtain key instrumentation for both the NSIV and Endicott facilities that will serve as a catalyst for startups’ product development and facilitate training of a highly skilled workforce for the life sciences industry. The advanced instrumentation at NSIV and Endicott College will be used by startups, student interns from the region’s high schools, community college, and four-year colleges, in addition to, companies across Massachusetts more broadly. The economic impact of this project will include: helping to create and fill high-quality life-sciences jobs in Massachusetts; better preparing the workforce for those jobs; and affording early-stage life sciences companies in the region access to tools and services to enhance their potential for growth and success.
Northeastern University – $4,271,867
Northeastern University will utilize MLSC funding to establish a training program in biomanufacturing analysis and quality control, by providing hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities at its Burlington campus. The university plans to build out two additional laboratories: a mock GMP suite and a biomanufacturing suite, in addition to, purchasing training equipment, including a manufacturing scale bioreactor and purification system for the biomanufacturing suite, and instrumentation upgrades to the campus’ mass spectrometry laboratory.
Quincy College – $725,000
MLSC funding will enable Quincy College to continue its leadership in providing comprehensive workforce training and education in manufacturing. The college’s bio manufacturing certificate and associate degree programs have been at capacity enrollment consistently for the past seven years. Quincy College will utilize funding to upgrade existing equipment and enhance the student experience. This new funding will build upon $645,000 in previous MLSC funding to support Quincy College’s biotechnology and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) programming.
About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an economic development investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world.  Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics and digital health.  Since its creation in 2007, the MLSC has strategically deployed over $700 million in Massachusetts, through a combination of grants, loans, capital infrastructure investments, tax incentives and workforce programs.  These investments have created thousands of jobs and propelled the development of new therapies, devices and scientific advancements that are improving patient health and well-being in Massachusetts and beyond.

Governor Baker Announces New Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Governor Baker Announces New Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today announced the departure of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton, and introduced current EEA Undersecretary of Climate Change, Kathleen Theoharides, as incoming Secretary. Secretary Beaton will be the Senior Vice President of Renewable Energy and Emerging Technology at TRC Companies, Inc. Secretary Theoharides will officially be sworn in May 3, 2019.

“Matt hit the ground running on day one, and his tenacious approach to solving difficult problems helped our administration usher in major energy and environmental milestones that will benefit the Commonwealth's residents, businesses and communities for years to come,” said Governor Baker. “His leadership on the record-setting procurement of offshore wind and hydropower will allow Massachusetts to achieve carbon reduction goals and is making Massachusetts a hub for the wind industry. Matt’s dedication to conserving and protecting of our environmental resources will go a long way to ensuring future generations have access to pristine open spaces to hunt, fish and enjoy for years to come. We are incredibly grateful to Matt for his hands-on approach to public service, and we look forward to welcoming an experienced and thoughtful leader in Katie Theoharides to the cabinet.”

“Leading by example has been a hallmark of Matt’s career, and we feel fortunate to have had him at the helm of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs since the beginning of our administration,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “His passion for the outdoors and commitment to future generations guided Matt’s tireless work to prepare Massachusetts for the impact of climate change, promote the Commonwealth’s invaluable natural resources and ensure all residents had access to renewable energy and open spaces. Governor Baker and I wish Matt well in his future endeavors and are excited about working with Katie going forward.”

“Words cannot express my gratitude to Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for entrusting me with the tremendous opportunity to serve as Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs,” said Secretary Beaton. “Working closely with the team at EEA, members of the Legislature, community leaders, and passionate residents around the Commonwealth, I am proud of our collaborative approach that led to historic selections of projects to bring clean and renewable energy to the Commonwealth, nation-leading work on climate change, and providing wonderful opportunities for all residents to enjoy the outdoors. Katie is an experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate leader, and I am eager to watch her continue the Baker-Polio Administration’s commitment to developing new ideas and solutions to make the Commonwealth an even better place to live, raise a family, grow a business, and enjoy the great outdoors.”

“It has been a privilege to serve the Baker-Polito Administration and the Commonwealth as the Undersecretary of Climate Change under Secretary Beaton's leadership, and I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Secretary,” said incoming Secretary Theoharides. “Secretary Beaton leaves a strong legacy, and I look forward to working with residents, stakeholders, and communities to continue the Commonwealth’s national leadership on climate change and clean energy, building upon efforts to protect our most valuable environmental resources and expand access to open space, and sharing my lifelong passion for nature and the great outdoors.”

Under Secretary Beaton’s leadership, the Commonwealth achieved major milestones in the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, and upheld a strong commitment to environmental protection and preservation. Key accomplishments include:

                 Diversified the Commonwealth’s energy portfolio and stabilized electric rates through comprehensive energy diversification legislation, leading to the largest renewable energy procurements of hydropower and offshore wind in state history.

                 Led the country as the most energy efficient state, including nation-leading goals for energy savings, investing over $220 million in grid modernization technologies, and over $60 million in funding through the Green Communities program.

                 Crafted Executive Order 569 which lays out a comprehensive approach to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth. 

                 Launched the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program to provide funding to cities and towns to complete a community-driven process to identify hazards and develop strategies to improve resilience, and enrolled over half of Massachusetts’ communities in the initiative.

                 Created the first ever State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, a blueprint for Massachusetts’ efforts to prepare for natural hazards and adapt to the impacts of climate change over the next five years.

                 Invested over $609 million across Massachusetts to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.

                 Authored a $2.4 billion Environmental Bond Bill which authorized capital investments to safeguard residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, protect environmental resources, and improve recreational opportunities.

                 Ensured continued access to outdoor recreational opportunities through new programs like Summer Nights Initiative, allotting $488 million in funding for capital projects in state parks, and renovating numerous playgrounds, spray decks, and campgrounds.

                 Protected and restored nearly 17,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat and conservation land across the Commonwealth.

                 Coordinated the Commonwealth’s response to the natural gas explosions in Merrimack Valley, and ensured the timely and safe restoration of utility services to residents and businesses.

About Kathleen Theoharides:

In 2016, Katie Theoharides joined the Baker-Polito Administration as Director of Climate and Global Warming Solutions in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. As Director and later Assistant Secretary, Theoharides guided the development and implementation of the Administration’s efforts to safeguard Massachusetts from the impacts of climate change, support cities and towns, and coordinate efforts across state government to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.  She worked to implement Executive Order 569, led the development of the State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan and created the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, working to grow the program to reach 50 percent of cities and towns in the Commonwealth in less than 3 years. Theoharides was promoted to Undersecretary in 2019, and continued to lead the Commonwealth’s efforts on climate change, including working to strengthen regional and national coalitions focused on bipartisan state climate leadership including the United States Climate Alliance and the Transportation Climate Initiative.

Trained as a field biologist, Theoharides began her policy career working in Washington, D.C. at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and Defenders of Wildlife. During her time in DC, Theoharides worked on the federal farm bill and conservation policy, and helped establish a national program that partnered with federal and state agencies to incorporate climate change adaptation into policy, budgets, and planning. After returning to Massachusetts, Theoharides served as the Executive Director of the Hilltown Land Trust, and founded Theoharides Consulting which provided climate and environmental policy analysis, strategic planning, and facilitation to universities, government agencies and non-profits.

Theoharides received a B.A. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Dartmouth College and Masters of Science in Ecology and Environmental Biology from University of Massachusetts-Boston.

Originally from western Massachusetts, Theoharides lives with her husband, three young children, and dog in Arlington, Massachusetts.