星期六, 3月 30, 2024

麻州有400多座橋 結構有缺陷

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 根據麻州和聯邦政府資料,麻州內有400多座橋樑,包括新英格蘭地區最大的那個,都狀況不佳,需要大規模維修,或更換新橋,彰顯了麻州面對基礎設施老化的挑戰。

              在聯邦高速公路行政局 (FHA)追蹤的5280多座橋樑中,有450座,或曰8.5%,被評定為狀況不佳,或瀕臨使用壽命上限。麻州數據顯示,總共有676座橋樑被認為結構有缺陷,意味著至少有一個主要組成部份有嚴重問題,需要維修或更換。

              在巴爾的摩 (Baltimore)Francis Scott Key橋被一艘貨船撞斷橋柱,導致橋樑崩塌,有6名建築工人已被認定死亡後,麻州及各地的政府官員都開始評估基礎設施及安全協定。

              麻州面對的挑戰還更特別。根據麻州高速公路官員說法,麻州的橋樑系統是全美最老的。截至2022年,麻州在全國高速公路系統中的橋樑狀況不佳排名榜上,名列第四。

              麻州預算及政策中心代理董事長,也是一份2022年報告共同作者的Phineas Baxandall說,麻州有那麼多橋是50多年前建造的。那份報告稱,一名典型麻州居民,在距離住處不到2英里的地方,就有一座狀況不佳橋樑。

              以全國來說,全美高速公系統的橋樑有144歲。在麻州,平均年齡是56歲,那些結構有缺陷的,那份報告發現的平均年齡是73歲。

              目前的麻州預算指定把所謂百萬富翁稅中的5000萬元,交給高速公路橋樑保存,儘管那是奚莉政府在預算提案中所要求的一半。

              自從2009年,在明尼蘇達州有一座橋樑倒塌,造成13人死亡後,麻州橋樑狀況就已成為人們關注重點。麻州經由所謂的「提升橋樑計畫 (Accelerated Bridge Program)」,指定撥款30億元來追趕積壓的維修工作。

              該項目實施後,到2015年時,在麻州結構有缺陷的橋樑數目就從613座降到了446座。目前麻州有676座橋,約全州橋樑的12% 結構有缺陷。

星期五, 3月 29, 2024

中華表演藝術基金會廖國瑋鋼琴獨奏會訂4/13舉行

廖國瑋。(中華表演藝術基金提供)

          (Boston Orange) 中華表演藝術基金會第35屆音樂季的第4場音樂會,將邀鋼琴家家 廖國瑋於4月13日(週六)晚八點,在紐英崙音樂學院喬登廳 (Jordan Hall) 舉行,演奏舒曼的作品:兒童場景(Kinderszenen)、克莱斯勒 (Kreisleriana) 和幻想曲 (Fantasie ) 等。

廖國瑋曾獲著名的艾弗里·費舍爾職業獎 (Avery Fisher Career Grant),費城音樂基金協會職業發展獎。

從柯蒂斯 (Curtis) 音樂學院,和耶魯大學畢業後,廖國瑋應安德拉斯·席夫爵士 (Sir András Schiff) 之邀,在歐洲參加了許多他的大師班,並應里昂·弗萊舍 (Leon Fleisher) 之邀,參加了紐約州北部 Caramoor 的新星指導計劃。他在世界各地與頂級音樂家以及室內樂音樂家合作和演出,例如 Kim Kashkashian, Pamela Frank、林昭亮、黃心芸以及茱莉亞、多佛 (Dover) 和愛默森 (Emerson) 弦樂四重奏等合作。

溫哥華太陽報 (The Vancouver Sun) 稱讚鋼琴家廖國瑋為“音樂家中的音樂家” 。而《紐約時報》(The New York Times)則稱其演奏“細膩動人”。受到高度關注。波士頓音樂情報 (The Boston Musical Intelligener) 稱讚廖國瑋在中華表演藝術基金會2022年夏日系列音樂會8 月15 日NEC威廉姆斯 (Williams Hall) 音樂廳的表現為: “這是音樂中罕見的超凡時刻之一,將觀眾帶入了不同的境界。廖國瑋的三首古典曲目, 以壓倒性的美感讓我們著迷。” 該音樂會的視頻已放在中華表演藝術基金會 YouTube 上. 免費供大家欣賞。

                         這場音樂會的票價為 $20 (7- 13歲)、$40、$60。主辦方為14歲以上學生提供免費票,及非學生贈送票,唯需事前預訂。主辦方籲請觀眾不要帶6歲以下兒童進場。線上售票將於4月13日下午2時關閉。現場門票售價為10美元,僅限現金支付。查詢音樂會詳情,可上中華表演藝術基金會的官網. http://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/season/20240413/index.html

哈佛法學院學生組織要求哈佛從資助非法佔領及屠殺巴勒斯坦的企業撤資

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 哈佛大學法學院學生會今 (29) 日以123,棄權4的投票結果,通過R. 207-001決議案,要求哈佛大學管理公司 (Harvard Management Corporation) 從資助持續非法佔領並種族屠殺巴勒斯坦人的武器製造商,公司、學術項目或企業,完全撤離。

             在對外發出的新聞稿中,哈佛大學法學院學生會的一名召集人說,世界正看著種族滅絕在加薩發生,每一天都有新的恐怖震嚇我們的良心,促使我們行動。沒人可以迴避制止我們的政府、企業及學術機構參與同謀的道德責任。即使不足夠,撤資法案是很重要的第一步。

             自從以色列和哈瑪斯 (Hamas)2023107日在加薩開戰以來,美國境內各地及麻州劍橋市各校的人們,就一直處於意見分裂狀態,上任未滿一年的哈佛大學前校長Claudine Gay,也因為她在國會聽證會中的發言,拒絕把呼籲種族屠殺以色列的描述視為違反哈佛行為準則,以及其後被人指控論文瞟竊而辭職。

             該新聞稿稱,哈佛學生們在今年春季這一學期,重新推出"哈佛撤出以被佔領的巴勒斯坦 (HOOP)運動,要求哈佛大學撤離其在佔領區的金融及學術投資。哈佛法學院的撤資法是加入了全美各地大專院校近來朝向要求撤資的行列。

             哈佛大學這學生組織指出,撤資行動是社會正義運動豐富傳統中的一部分。哈佛大學在1986年就曾經從種族隔離的南非撤離,2021年,在氣候行動主義發生經年後,哈佛宣佈會中止對石化業的投資,聲援巴勒斯坦人從以色列撤資是這傳統的一部份。巴勒斯坦民間社會在加薩屠殺的發生20年前的2005年,就發表過要求從這些企業撤資的正式呼籲。

             哈佛大學的發言人則在一份聲明中表示,該校領導曾明確表示,反對抵制以色列及其學術機構政策的呼籲。該校前校長Bacow2022年的一份校報深紅社論中曾說過,因為和其政府所追求的政策意見不同就針對某一特定團體的支持杯葛、撤資,制裁行動,是和我們 (哈佛) 作為大學的立場背道而馳,而杯葛學術則是絕對不見容於哈佛

麻州參議會通過S2713公平收債法案

               (Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州參議會328日無異議通過S2713,公平收債法 (The Debt Collection Fairness Act)旨在促使收債做法更公平,保護薪資,並明白列出無人會因債務入獄,幫助消費者免於因債務被告後,陷入財務深淵。 

                該法將保護全州,包括許多有色社區的數以千計家庭,把消費者債務判決的利率從12%降到3%。這通常是舊債被收債公司以幾美分抵一元的價格收買的債務。 

            這法案也保護因為債務,工資被判扣押的人,每週工資至少可留975美元,並確保在麻州,無人會因為未能支付消費者債務而入獄。目前可以不受扣押的工資,額度只有每週750元。這法案也將把一家公司可以為收債而提起訴訟的時間,從6年降到5年。 

            麻州參議會議長Karen E. SpilkaD-Ashland)表示,沒有一個已經深陷債務的家庭,應該要在把食物放到桌上和支付收債公司收取的過高費用之間做選擇,或者恐懼會入獄。她很驕傲參議會採取了行動,並感謝Michael J. RodriguesPaul FeeneyJamie Eldridge等參議員在此案上的努力。           

              這是第三次麻州議會通過這法案的一個版本,現在將交由麻州眾議會討論。

麻州參議會通過S1485法案 要加強保護從事高溫工作者的安全

        (Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州參議會今 (328) 日無異議通過S1485法案,要求州政府設立違反消防條例的公共數據庫,提醒人們注意違規行為的公眾通知系統,以加強從事高溫工作,包括焊接、等離子切割,以及產生火花的建築工作等工作人員的安全。

             10年前,後灣區焊工在鄰近的鐵欄杆上打鐵,造成9級火災,2名消防員死亡的悲慘事件,促使麻州參議會希望藉由促進麻州消防員安全優先,宣傳透明度來防範這樣的悲劇,也因此通過了S1485,這一項關於違反高問作業流程法規的法案。

             這法案是由轄區包括波士頓華埠的麻州參議員Nick  Collins 提出,參議會議長Karem Spika,參議會財政委員會主席Michael J. Rodrigues,公安及國土安全聯席委員會主席Walter F. Timilty分別發言支持此法。

             這法案在參議會通過後,將送往麻州眾議會討論。

星期四, 3月 28, 2024

3項目獲准加入麻州經濟發展激勵計畫 共可得138萬元抵稅優惠

Massachusetts’ Economic Assistance Coordinating Council Approves Three Additional Projects for the Economic Development Incentive Program


Projects are Expected to Create 137 New Jobs, Retain 63 Jobs, and Leverage Approximately $57M in Private Investment  

BOSTON, MA –  Today, the Massachusetts’ Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved three projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), a program that seeks to create new jobs and help businesses grow by offering credits to lower taxes in exchange for job creation.   

The projects are expected to create 137 net new jobs and retain 63 jobs throughout Massachusetts, receive $1,380,000 in state tax credits, and leverage approximately $57 million in private investment. Of the applicants this quarter, one is a manufacturer and two are located in Gateway Cities. The EACC also approved one new Vacant Storefront Districts and one new Vacant Storefront Project that will receive refundable tax credits of $10,000.   

In the Governor’s recently filed Mass Leads Act, the administration has proposed several programmatic changes to EDIP, including an increase to refundable credits and various process improvements, in order to increase uptake and streamline the program for businesses.   

Additional details on the projects are below:  

EDIP Certified Project:

ERD Metal Inc. (Westfield) 
ERD Metal was established in 2015 as a warehousing, distribution, and sales office located in Avon MA. The company purchases aluminum extrusion profiles from Turkey, and sells nationwide in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Since then, the company has grown rapidly and has become the largest aluminum profile importer and the largest aluminum profile sales company in New England. In 2023, the company sold their 51,000 sq. ft. Avon warehouse and purchased a 229,000 sq. ft. facility in Westfield, MA, with the intention of creating an aluminum extrusion manufacturing center. ERD Metal will create 92 new jobs, retain 13 jobs and make an investment of $52,500,000. The EACC Board approved $1,380,000 in EDIPC state tax credits. 

Local-Only Tax Increment Financing (TIF or STA) Projects

J and J Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. (Dracut) 
J and J Heating and Air Conditioning began business in 1971 with four employees and a 1,500 sq. ft. shop. Today, it is a family-owned business built with the help of three generations of family members. The company has outgrown its current 7,000 sq. ft. space and would like to build a new 20,000 sq. ft. facility next to its existing facility. Once they are in the new building, the company plans to demo the existing building and construct three additional bays. The company will create 20 new jobs, retain 50 jobs and make a private investment of $4,100,000. The Town of Dracut approved a 10-year TIF estimated to be valued at $141,696.   

Chambers Restaurant Group, LLC (Salem) 
A new restaurant project, Bernadette, will blend French inspiration with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant project will convert and build-out of a 3,212 sq. ft. gray shell commercial space within the Brix Condominium, located at 65 Washington Street in downtown Salem, MA. It encompasses the installation of flooring, walls, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC units, and all other elements necessary for a fully operational restaurant. The company is expected to create 25 new jobs, make a $500,000 private investment and the City of Salem approved a 5-year TIF valued at $31,234. 

Vacant Storefront Program: 
The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program helps municipalities revitalize their downtowns and commercial areas. Municipalities may apply to the EACC to designate a defined downtown or other commercial area as a Certified Vacant Storefront District. After such a designation, a business may secure a commitment of local matching funds in order to apply to the EACC for refundable EDIP tax credits for leasing and occupying a vacant storefront in that district.   

Vacant Storefront Project:  

Diamond Hearts Art Studio (Gardner) 
Diamond Hearts Art Studio in specializes in pour art creation. Currently, the company is selling art online, through social media and at fairs and events throughout the state. The company is planning to rent a new space at 112 Main Street in Gardner, MA to hold classes of up to 20 students. This new space will also have artwork for sale, and host events to promote arts in the community. The City of Gardner has approved $10,000 in grant funding from ARPA funds, and the state has approved $10,000 in refundable tax credits.  

Vacant Storefront District: 

Town of Oxford 
The town of Oxford has approved three specific districts along their Main Street Corridor as Vacant Storefront Districts. The Oxford Board of Selectman has identified filling vacant storefronts as a strategic priority. The town has set aside $50,000 from the general municipal budget to fund this initiative. Interested business applicants will be limited to $10,000 in total. These funds are intended to reimburse exterior façade improvements, new signs and awnings, outdoor dining fixtures, and capital improvements to promote ADA accessibility. 

About the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council  
The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) is a state board comprised of public and private sector officials that review and approve Economic Development Incentive Program projects and tax credit incentives. The EACC also approves all local Tax Increment Financing and Special Tax Assessment agreements for municipal property tax relief. The EACC’s is part of theMassachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) in the Executive Office of Economic Development, which assists businesses expanding in and relocating to Massachusetts, with specific attention paid to projects that create and retain jobs and invest capital. The MOBD team provides a highly responsive, central point of contact that facilitates access to resources, expertise, and incentive programs for businesses.

波士頓市長吳弭出席急救員結業典禮 慶祝西洛士百利急救站及培訓中心開幕

波士頓市長吳弭為急救局新急救站暨培訓學校啟用剪綵。
(波士頓市府提供)
             Boston Orange 摘譯)波士頓市急救局 (EMS)位於西洛士百利 (West Roxbury)的雙倉救護站,今 (325)日落成啟用。波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu) 應邀剪綵,並頒發結業證書給12名學員。

EMS的新急救站。(波士頓市府提供)
         座落在西洛士百利Rivermoor201號的這急救站,是波士頓市急救局最新,擁有最先進設備的教育大樓,用於培訓急救技術員 (EMT)及護理人員,加強對居民的緊急醫療涵蓋面,並縮短對危及生命緊急醫療事件的因應時間。

         波士頓急救局是新英格蘭地區最忙碌的一個地方政府急救局,每年處理138000多宗緊急醫療事故。2023年,單只是在西洛士百利,波士頓急救局就處理了3639宗事故。

          28日這天,除了新大樓落成剪綵,波士頓急救局還為20年來的第一批學員,舉行了結業式,發出證書給12人。這學員項目 (Cadet program) 是波士頓急救局因應人手短缺所推出的招募人員做法。過去9個月來,波士頓急救局聘用了90人,如今全局身穿制服的急救人員總數有428人。

波士頓市長吳弭和12名EMS學員合影。(波士頓市府提供)

          波士頓急救局學員項目是一個為期5個月的有薪訓練,接著再接受6個月有薪的急救技術人員學校訓練,才能取得EMT臂章。

           12名學員將是新培訓場所第一屆學苑課程的一部分。

             波士頓市長吳弭,波士頓公共衛生局執行主任暨波士頓公共衛生專員Bisola Ojikutu博士,波士頓急救長James Hooley,公共設施主任Kerrie Griffin。物業管理專員Eamon Shelton,波士頓市第6區市議員Benjamin Weber這天都到場誌盛。

12名EMS學院中有2名亞裔。(波士頓市府提供)
           波士頓急救局表示,該局仍在積極招募人員,。增加急救車,以因應服務需求。該局和波士頓市工人賦權內閣合作,為有興趣上急救技術人員課程的人,提供數以百計的獎學金。該局也有晚上上課,一年2次在週末上課的班。下一次的新人畢業典禮預定於412日舉行。

           波士頓市急救人員的起薪為每小時33元。查詢詳情可上網boston.gov/ems













MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW EMS AMBULANCE STATION AND TRAINING FACILITY OPENED IN WEST ROXBURY 

 

12 Cadets recognized for completing the Boston EMS Cadet program and starting the EMS Recruit Academy, bolstering workforce of EMTs 

BOSTON – Thursday, March 28, 2024 – Mayor Michelle Wu today joined Boston EMS, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Public Facilities Department, and the Property Management Department for a Cadet completion ceremony and ribbon-cutting to officially open the newly renovated Boston EMS Training Center, which includes the addition of a two-bay ambulance station at 201 Rivermoor Street in West Roxbury. This new, state-of-the-art educational complex will allow Boston EMS to continue to recruit and develop highly-trained EMTs and Paramedics. The new station will also enhance emergency medical coverage for residents and improve response times to life-threatening medical emergencies. 

 

“I am grateful to be here today to highlight the critical role that Boston EMS serves in our city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our EMTs and paramedics provide the highest quality care to people in their time of need, and I’m proud that we can better deliver that to our communities in these neighborhoods.” 

 

Boston EMS is one of the busiest municipal EMS providers in New England, responding to more than 138,000 emergency medical incidents annually. In 2023, Boston EMS responded to 3,639 incidents in West Roxbury.  

 

“Boston EMS are the front lines of medical emergencies,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “This new EMS station in West Roxbury will help ambulances reach people faster, and our new training facility will attract top talent and further develop the skills and capabilities of our EMTs and paramedics.” 

 

As part of today’s event, 12 Cadets were recognized for completing the Boston EMS Cadet program, the first cohort in two decades. The Cadet program is one of the many ways Boston EMS is actively recruiting to address a shortage of EMTs. Over the last nine months, Boston EMS has successfully hired more than 90 members to join its team of now 428 uniformed personnel. The Cadet program is a five-month paid training, and cadets go on to six months of paid EMT-Recruit Academy training before they are officially badged as EMTs. These 12 Cadets will be part of the first Academy class at the new training facility. 

 

“Today marks a major milestone for our Boston EMS family as we celebrate the Cadets and the opening of the Boston EMS Training Center and station,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “We are grateful to Mayor Wu and our city partners for their support and investment in this much-needed training facility and ambulance station in West Roxbury.”  

 

"We are thrilled to open this state-of-the-art training and education facility,” said Kerrie Griffin, Director of Public Facilities. “The dedicated professionals of EMS deserve a space that meets their current and future operational needs. We are grateful for all of our partners whose collaboration and efforts will allow us to best serve City of Boston residents."


The new Boston EMS Training Center includes field simulation and advanced skills labs, a training bay, large multimedia classrooms, a gymnasium, and administrative space. The previous training facility was at Boston EMS headquarters in the Miranda Creamer Building in South Boston. 


“We would like to welcome EMS and its Training Center to this already dynamic facility that houses the City's Archives, Boston Public Library, and Archeology Center,” remarked Eamon Shelton, Commissioner of Property Management. “Their addition gives the community of West Roxbury and the City at large expanded access to essential services and will not only provide employment and training opportunities but can serve as an incredible resource. EMS workers are perfectly situated to connect medical care with social and community services, and we look forward to supporting them as they carry out their important work.”

 

“I am thrilled that West Roxbury will be the location where our city’s aspiring EMTs and paramedics will be trained,” said District 6 City Councilor Benjamin Weber. “I welcome all cadets who will be going through this facility, which will provide them with the tools necessary to work in a well-paying and rewarding career that will assist our residents who are the most in need.” 

  

Boston EMS is actively recruiting to expand the department, add frontline ambulances, and better meet the rising demand for service. In partnership with the City of Boston Worker Empowerment Cabinet, Boston EMS offers hundreds of scholarships for EMT courses for people interested in a career with the department. In addition to the Cadet program, there is also an EMT training that takes place on evenings and weekends twice a year. Everyone who completes either tract will then go through the EMT-Recruit Academy training before becoming a Boston EMS EMT. The next Recruit Academy graduation is on April 12.  

 

Starting pay for newly hired EMTs is $33 an hour. Those interested in a rewarding career at Boston EMS can visit boston.gov/ems to learn more and sign up for training and employment notices. Boston EMS expects to be hiring EMTs and Cadets again this summer.

波士頓市長吳弭向州政府提家規法 盼保護市民避免物業稅上漲

MAYOR WU PROPOSES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNERS FROM INCREASE IN TAXES CAUSED BY DECLINING COMMERCIAL VALUES


Legislation would give City option to shift more of tax levy to commercial and industrial property owners only if commercial values decrease; sunset after four years

BOSTON - Thursday, March 28, 2024 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced she will file a home rule petition that would protect residential property owners from a potentially dramatic increase in their property taxes due to declining commercial property values. The proposal would allow the City to lessen increases in residential property tax bills caused by declining commercial values by temporarily shifting more of the property tax levy onto owners of commercial and industrial properties. Under the present statutory system, a significant decline in commercial property assessments will result in residential property owners paying higher taxes through a higher tax rate in order to maintain funding for critical City services, rather than an overall revenue decline. The proposal is revenue-neutral and does not increase the total amount of revenue the City is able to collect through property taxes. 


“As Boston invests in revitalizing our Downtown and commercial corridors in response to shifting market trends, we are working with all stakeholders to protect residents and homeowners against sudden and dramatic tax increases,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “For our seniors on fixed incomes, for families with children, for frontline workers and all our community members, we must have the tools to address rising housing costs and keep residents in their homes.” 


“The City has been closely monitoring and planning for the impacts of declining commercial real estate values on the City’s tax base,” said Chief Financial Officer Ashley Groffenberger. “By taking this proactive step, we are ensuring that we have the tools necessary to safeguard basic City services and create stability for all taxpayers.” 


“The pandemic changed the way we work, and that has had a rather sudden and significant impact on commercial tax bases,” said Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. “In affected communities, one potential outcome is crushing property tax increases for homeowners, while commercial properties see a reduction. Already tightly constrained by the limits of Proposition 2½, affected cities and towns may want to pursue thoughtful, measured approaches like Mayor Wu’s proposal to avoid making the region’s housing cost crisis even worse.”


State law allows the City, in conjunction with the City Council, to create two separate property tax rates, and by doing so, shift a portion of the property tax levy to commercial property. The present maximum shift allowed is up to 175 percent of what the commercial share would have otherwise been.


The current proposal gives the City the option to modify these parameters in a thoughtful and controlled manner. For the first year of implementation, the City would have the ability to increase the classification shift to 200 percent, at the discretion of the Mayor and the City Council, if a significant drop in commercial assessments occurs. During the subsequent three years the allowable classification shift would gradually decrease and return to the currently allowed 175 percent in year five. 


Initial implementation of the current proposal, if passed, could occur during any of the next three fiscal years, at the City’s election. This flexibility would allow the City the ability to initiate the alternative rate schedules only when absolutely needed.


“This is a measured proposal that will deliver relief as the City adapts to the unprecedented changes to its existing tax base,” said WinnCompanies CEO Gilbert Winn. “Ensuring that Boston is on stable, financial footing is vital for the thousands who live and work in the City, and rely on critical services like housing, education, public safety and health care. Preserving these vital services will allow Boston to continue its growth as a hub for culture, innovation, and education; a City that is welcoming to all.”


“As a resident of Boston and a member of the business community, I support the City of Boston’s tax classification proposal,” said Tom O’Brien, managing partner and CEO of HYM Investment Group. “I applaud the Mayor for using all the tools in her toolbox to alleviate the financial pressures of homeowners. It is my continued hope that this proposal might soon be paired with initiatives that will encourage new growth in our city. “


“Boston is experiencing a significant housing crisis, driven by both a lack of sufficient affordable housing to meet our need and rising costs to build and operate this housing,” said Emilio Dorcely, CEO of Urban Edge. “Because continuing to increase the supply of affordable housing supported by city services is critical to the region’s overall economic success, it is imperative that Boston maintain steady revenue streams. The Wu administration’s proposal presents the opportunity to maintain a level of revenue needed to support such important work while not overburdening homeowners, affordable housing projects, and other residential buildings.”


The proposal would help stabilize housing costs for Boston residents over this period of five years. An increase in residential property taxes would impact all residential property: single family homes, multi family homes, apartment buildings, and residential condominium units. Left alone, the dramatic tax increase would lead to higher costs for residents through higher tax bills for homeowners or a rent increase for renters should their landlords pass the increased costs onto them. 


"The mission of Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA) is to help low and moderate-income households to buy and maintain the dream of homeownership," said Symone Crawford, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance. “Given the high home prices, interest rates, insurance premiums, and general housing costs, it is especially important that we act quickly to stabilize real estate taxes for our families. Homeownership provides a sense of permanence and pride, laying down a solid foundation upon which individuals and families can build their lives with certainty and confidence.”


The proposal is similar to one enacted in 2004, when Boston faced a comparable dynamic. According to a 2003 report from the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, the average single-family tax bill would have increased by over 35 percent while the tax for a commercial property could decrease by 15-20 percent. Boston successfully sought similar legislation that allowed municipalities to temporarily increase the classification shift to 200 percent and step down over four years, before returning to the original maximum of 175 percent. At this level, the average residential tax bill still increased by 15 to 18 percent, with commercial taxes decreasing by five to eight percent. The legislation the City is pursuing today builds on this precedent.


"As a senior with a fixed income, a large increase in my property taxes would be devastating,” said Shirley Jones, president of the Meetinghouse Hill Civic Association. “I am so grateful that the mayor is being proactive and taking action to protect residents like me across the city from these potential increases." 


“It's difficult to keep residents in Boston because of the high cost of living,” said Tom Cunha, Chair of the Charlestown Neighborhood Council. “I don't want my neighbors to have to move out because of an increase in their property taxes. This temporary measure is fair and allows us to evaluate over the next 60 months."


The home rule petition will be filed with the City Council, where it must be approved before being signed by the Mayor and then sent to the Massachusetts Legislature and the Governor for approval.