Boston City Councilor's updates / Ed Flynn, Erin Murphy

It was great to be back for National Night Out with Mayor Wu, Representative Santiago, Boston Police Department and neighbors in South End and Chinatown. We discussed community policing, building relationships and trust, and safer neighborhoods for all. Dear neighbors,   I hope your September is off to a great start. Over the past month, with news of the Orange Line Shutdown, I attended many meetings with the MBTA. With infrastructural improvements now underway and schools starting, I will continue to work with the MBTA and city officials to ensure that families and students have the information they need to plan their journeys ahead and minimize disruptions. I have pushed the MBTA to provide improved communications from signages, flyers to announcements in multiple languages and I will continue to advocate for reliable alternative services, robust communication and outreach in the affected neighborhoods.  At the Council, I sponsored a hearing with Councilor Breadon and Councilor Murphy on pest control in early August. We discussed active measures that ISD is taking as well as longer term strategies that will reduce rat populations in our neighborhoods. I encourage residents to continue reporting pest control issues by calling 311 or through the 311 app so that the City can keep track of requests and problem areas. Lastly, the CDC has announced a new bivalent booster to combat the more recent strains of COVID-19. I have included more details below. I encourage everyone to complete their primary vaccination series and to stay up to date with the latest boosters. Take care, Ed City and District Updates BPDA Meetings 224 - 284 A Street Public Meeting Monday, September 12, 6:00 - 8:00pm PLAN: Newmarket Advisory Group Meeting Wednesday, September 14, 9:00 - 10:00am 330 C Street Public Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 6:00 - 7:30pm Abutters Meetings 140 D street Monday, September 12, 6pm 196-198 West Broadway Tuesday, September 13, 5:30pm 230 Silver Street Wednesday, September 14, 5:30pm 748-750 West Broadway Monday, September 19, 5:30pm 8 Peters Way #3 Tuesday, September 20, 5:30pm *New* COVID-19 Fall Boosters Bivalent vaccines, also known as updated boosters, are now available for people who have completed their primary vaccination series (two main doses). The bivalent vaccine will include an mRNA component of the original strain to provide immunity against COVID-19 and an mRNA component in common between the omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5 to provide better protection against the omicron variant.   Moderna Individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible for a single bivalent dose of the Moderna Vaccine if it has been at least two months since their primary vaccination (two doses) or since the first booster with any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.    Pfizer-BioNTech Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a single bivalent dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine if it has been at least two months since their primary vaccination (two doses) or since the first booster with any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.    For more information, the FDA provides an in-depth explanation of the new bivalent vaccine here: fda.gov/bivalent-vaccine   Free COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics are available in the City. Please visit boston.gov/covid19-vaccine to find a vaccine clinic. Do note that not all locations will carry vaccines for children ages 6 months to 11. You should contact the vaccine sites for more information.    If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a booster or which booster to get, the State website provides more information here: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine Monkeypox  Monkeypox cases are on the rise in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have reported over 18,000 infections nationally, and there are over 347 cases in Massachusetts. Monkeypox symptoms include fever, headache, rash, muscle aches, exhaustion, backache, and swollen lymph nodes. It is contagious until the rash and sores have healed, and can be spread through close skin-to-skin contact with a monkeypox rash, sores, scabs and bodily fluids. It can also be spread through contact with clothing, bedding and surfaces used by someone with monkeypox. The risk of monkeypox is not limited to people who are sexually active or men who have sex with men. You can learn more about monkeypox on the BPHC’s website. Community Preservation Funding for FY2023 Please note that the deadline to submit an eligibility form for the FY23 Community Preservation funding round is now closed. The application process will open on October 5th by invitation and close on November 9th. For more, please visit the CPA’s website: boston.gov/community-preservation Rental Relief Fund The Rental Relief Fund is still available for eligible residents who have difficulty paying their rent, utilities, and moving costs. The fund can provide up to $10,000 in assistance for eligible households for up to 18 months. To learn more, please go to: https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/office-housing-stability/rental-relief-fund Small Business Relief Fund The City is offering another round of Small Business Relief Fund with $5 million to help additional local, small businesses as Boston continues its recovery. For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.boston.gov/departments/economic-development/small-business-relief-fund#application. Metrolist Affordable housing is one of the biggest issues we face in the City of Boston, and a top concern for many of our working families, low income neighbors, communities of color, and immigrants. The City of Boston provides a resource called Metrolist that helps you find housing based on your income and provides the most recent affordable housing listings. Please take a look and consider filling out an application for an opportunity to access affordable home ownership. For more information, please go to:  https://www.boston.gov/metrolist Food Waste Collection Program The City just started a new Food Waste Collection program to reduce Boston’s reliance on landfills. This program will collect food waste on the same day as trash and recycling pick up and make it easier for Boston residents to sustainably dispose of food scraps that can be used to make compost. Any Boston resident who lives in a residential building with six units or less is eligible to enroll. If you are interested, please enroll at https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/curbside-food-waste-collection.  Summer Events in District 2 During the summer, the City hosts a series of events for residents. Listed below are planned activities for District 2.    Summer Fitness Series  Strength Training: A Street Park, South Boston  Now through October 1, Every Sunday, 9am  Zumba: Blackstone Square, South End  Now through October 1, Every Tuesday, 6:30pm  Strength and Conditioning: Elliot Norton Park, Chinatown Now through October 1, Every Wednesday, 9am  Frog Pond Yoga: Boston Common, Downtown (Near the Carousel)  Now through October 1, Every Thursday, 6pm  Council Hearings and Resolutions Order for a hearing to discuss safety concerns associated with Double-Decker Sightseeing Buses and the requirement of Double Decker Bus Public Safety Measures in the City Of Boston Double-Decker buses are known to present a set of safety challenges due to their size which creates instability due to a higher center of gravity and larger blind spots that limit the vision of bus operators to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Open-top double-decker buses also expose passengers to overhead safety risks from street signs, wires, poles, bridge structures, and falling objects. Resolution Recognizing National Purple Heart Day 2022 National Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7 to commemorate the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit. It is a day to honor the brave men and women who were wounded on the battlefield or paid the supreme sacrifice with their lives. The Purple Heart Foundation was founded in 1957 as a non-profit that raises funds to support our nation’s veterans and families to help rehabilitate, provide academic scholarships, counseling services, financial, occupational, and health edication to our veterans. Hearings recently held  Hearing to discuss pest control in the City of Boston In early August, I sponsored a hearing with Councilors Breadon and Murphy on pest control. Chaired by Councilor Bok, we discussed measures that the city can take to respond to the uptick in rodent activities, and long-term strategies that will reduce their populations in our neighborhoods. The ISD informed our panel that there are currently thirteen inspectors under ISD Environmental Services who are licensed pest control applicators and they are looking to hire a fourteenth member to improve the issue. The City has also purchased carbon monoxide machines to help curb the rat population, and there is a team that performs inspections on breaches in sewer lines. I continue to encourage residents to report pest control issues by calling 311 or using the 311 app so that the City can keep track of requests and problem areas more efficiently. In the Community In August, my Boston City Council colleagues and I welcomed the Latina Center MARIA and a group of women in business to the Council. We discussed the critical role women entrepreneurs play and the importance of providing professional development opportunities for women.  It was great to join South Boston neighbors, business and community leaders, and Councilor Murphy for Coffee With A Cop at Olga’s Kafe on West Broadway. Thank you to the outstanding Boston Police Department C-6 team for your dedication and professionalism to Boston residents. I had a wonderful time meeting residents and tourists with Councilor Louijeune and Councilor Coletta for the Tea & Tranquility Meet and Greet at the Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway. This is an engaging and beautiful section of the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy with the Labyrinth and Sculpture! Kristen and I had a fun evening at the 50th Anniversary celebration of Harbor Towers in August. I am proud to represent Harbor Towers and to join my Council colleagues and Mayor Wu in proclaiming Harbor Towers Day in Boston. Thank you to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England for sponsoring the 52nd Annual August Moon Festival. It was great to join my colleagues in government to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of Boston’s Chinese community. It was an honor to welcome and host the Boston Centers for Youth & Families Superteens from the Blackstone Community Center. The teens received a tour of the Boston Planning & Development Agency Map Room and the Boston City Council Chamber. We had a great lunch and discussion about education, leadership development and our City.

My Statement on the Boston Globe Article: Suffolk DA candidate Ricardo Arroyo was twice investigated in possible sexual assaults. He says he was never informed. Please reach out to our office with any questions or concerns. Scan the QR Code below to stay updated!  Erin J. Murphy  Boston City Councilor At-Large Erin.Murphy@Boston.gov 617-635-3115

Supporting our Boston Police Officers Love the Boston Police Cadet Program and this great group of cadets! I see them at all of the community events across the city engaging with residents. Cadets serve as an extension of our officers and gain valuable insight into our community policing, which is a model for other police departments across the country. Read here to learn more about the program. My statement on forced overtime for our police and the staffing shortage. National Night Out I was excited to celebrate the 39th Annual National Night Out (NNO) with the Boston Police Department Command Staff, Mayor Wu, United States Attorney Rollins, District Attorney Hayden, Suffolk County Sheriff Tompkins, Boston EMS Chief Hooley, Boston Fire Commissioner Burke and other elected officials and community leaders. NNO is a celebration that cultivates and strengthens partnerships between the community, youth, law enforcement, city and state agencies, community-based organizations, and Neighborhood Watch Groups. Over the two nights we celebrated in neighborhoods across the city and acknowledged the strength in collaboration between communities and the police department. Thank you to our police officers, and community leaders, who support our neighbors and keep us safe. Team Murphy appreciates all of you! Hyde Park, Iacono Playground Roslindale, Washington Beech St. Development Jamaica Plain, Mozart Park Roxbury, Horatrio Harris Park Mattapan, Almont Park East Boston, Lopresti Park Chinatown, Tai Tung Village South End, Peters Park  North End, Paul Revere Mall South Boston, Moakley Park Dorchester, Town Field Pest Control I was sorry I missed the first stop of the NNO tour in Brighton because I was in a Council Hearing, that lasted several hours, on Docket #0467. It was an order for a hearing to discuss pest control in the City of Boston that I sponsered with Councilor Flynn and Councilor Breadon. As your At-Large City Councilor, I know this is a critical public health issue facing all of our neighborhoods. I will continue to work with city officials, residents and business owners to enforce existing code and educate the proper way to dispose of trash and recycle. Outreach is key to combatting this rat issue.  Please reach out to our office with any questions or concerns. Scan the QR Code below to stay updated!  Erin J. Murphy  Boston City Councilor At-Large Erin.Murphy@Boston.gov 617-635-3115 DONATE

Dear neighbors, friends, and supporters, We hope you are enjoying the summer so far. In honor of Council President Flynn's birthday in August, we would like to cordially invite you to join him at his birthday reception on Tuesday, August 16th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Florian Hall. All are welcome to attend. If you wish to register your attendance, please do so here. Donations are not required, but if you are able and would like to, you can donate here or send a check to: The Friends of Ed Flynn 254 Gold Street Boston, MA 02127 We hope to see you there! Thank you, The Friends of Ed Flynn If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact info@edforboston.com ‌

Dear neighbors,   With the record-long heat emergency recently, and temperatures continuing in the 80s and 90s this week, I hope everyone is able to take measures to stay cool. As we face increasingly hot summers, longer heat waves, and more unpredictable weather extremes, it is imperative that we continue to support climate resiliency projects, as well as work together to address environmental issues in all neighborhoods. I will continue to work with city officials to install climate resilient and cooling infrastructure, plant more trees to reduce heat island effect, and work with our community partners to implement longer-term strategies for all.     At the Boston City Council this July, I was proud to join Councilor Louijeune on a resolution to support the 32BJ SEIU’s Security Office Campaign. Security officers have continued going into work during the pandemic and with rising costs and living, deserve to receive higher wages. I also joined Boston Starbucks Workers Unite at a recent rally in their fight for fair labor practices at work. As we move into August, I have included below a list of Summer events that the City of Boston has organized, from Movie Nights, Neighborhood Concerts to Fitness in the Parks. This will be a good opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with your families, friends, and neighbors.   I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the Summer.   Thank you, Ed City and District Updates BPDA Meetings 776 Summer Street - Phase 1, South Boston Public Meeting Wednesday, August 3rd, 6:00 to 7:30pm 7-9 Hamilton Place, Downtown Public Meeting  Monday, August 8th, 6:00 - 7:00pm 65 Wareham Street, South End Public Meeting Tuesday, August 9th, 6:00 - 8:00pm Parcel 6B, South Boston Waterfront Public Meeting Tuesday, August 9th, 6:00 - 8:00pm Abutters Meetings 4 Park Plaza, Downtown Wednesday, August 3rd at 5:00pm 596 East 7th Street, South Boston Wednesday, August 3rd, 7:00pm 201 West 8th Street, South Boston Monday, August 8th, 7:00pm 190 West 5th Street, South Boston Monday, August 22nd, 6:30pm 37 Jenkins Street, South Boston Tuesday, August 23rd, 5:30pm 702 East 5th Street, South Boston Tuesday, August 23rd, 6:30pm 690 East 8th Street, South Boston Monday, August 29th, 7:00pm 417 - 423 West Broadway #406, South Boston Wednesday, August 31st, 5:30pm Connect Downtown: Cambridge Street Meetings The Boston Transportation Department has some updates regarding their Connect Downtown: Cambridge Street project. Learn more here or drop by in-person at the intersection of Cambridge Street & Joy Street on: Tuesday, August 9: 3:30 to 6pm (Will be inside West End Library at 151 Cambridge Street in the event of rain) We are hiring! We are seeking an organized self-starter who is positive, hard-working, detail-oriented, and shares a commitment to public service to join our team full-time as the Administrative Director and Neighborhood Liaison. The role’s responsibilities include scheduling, community engagement and assisting with other duties. If interested, please contact Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov for more information. Please note Boston residency is required upon hire. Please share this with your contacts. City Census  Earlier this year, the Boston Election Department launched the City’s 2022 Annual Resident Census and a census form was mailed to every Boston residence. All residents age 17 and older should complete the census. You can complete this online or by mail. Failure to respond to the Annual Resident Census may result in removal from the active voting list and removal from the voter registration rolls. New Polling Locations Based on a precinct realignment completed last year, precincts across the City were redrawn to increase voter accessibility. Based on the redistribution, 20 new voting precincts were created for the upcoming fall elections. New voting locations will be added throughout Boston as a result of the new precincts. Here are the new locations in D2:    Back Bay Old South Church - 645 Boylston St (Ward 5) Beacon Hill Beacon House - 19 Myrtle St (Ward 3) Downtown St. Anthony Shrine - 100 Arch St (Ward 3) South Boston District Hall - 75 Northern Ave (Ward 6) Artists for Humanity - 100 West 2nd St (Ward 6) South End Boston Chinese Evangelical Church - 120 Shawmut Ave (Ward 3) Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama - 539 Tremont St (Ward 4 and 5) Monkeypox  Monkeypox cases are on the rise in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have reported over 3,000 infections nationally, and there are now over 100 confirmed cases in New England. Last week, I attended a Monkeypox Town Hall organized by the Boston Public Health Commission, Office of Equity and Inclusion and Fenway Health. I have since reached out to Community Health Centers to see how the Boston City Council can be helpful and how we can collaborate on the issue. Monkeypox symptoms include fever, headache, rash, muscle aches, exhaustion, backache, and swollen lymph nodes. It is contagious until the rash and sores have healed, and can be spread through close skin-to-skin contact with a monkeypox rash, sores, scabs and bodily fluids. It can also be spread through contact with clothing, bedding and surfaces used by someone with monkeypox. According to the Boston Public Health Commission, the risk of monkeypox is not limited to people who are sexually active or men who have sex with men. You can learn more about monkeypox on the BPHC’s website.  COVID-19 latest & testing According to the Boston Public Health Commission, COVID-19 positivity in the community is at 8.8%. If you are feeling unwell, please get tested and wear a mask. The BPHC provides free testing in the City. Please visit boston.gov/covid19-testing for available testing sites. I encourage those of you who are not vaccinated or boosted to receive your shots. Vaccines will reduce your risk of COVID-19 infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccine & Booster latest The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have now been approved for children as young as 6 months to 17 years of age. Children ages 6 months to 17 who completed their primary COVID-19 vaccination series for at least 1 month can also get a booster. Second boosters are also now available for those who are ages 50 or older and anyone immunocompromised from the age of 12 and upwards who received their first booster at least 4 months ago.    Free COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics are available in the City. Please visit boston.gov/covid19-vaccine to find a vaccine clinic. Do note that not all locations will carry vaccines for children ages 6 months to 11. You should contact the vaccine sites for more information.    If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a booster or which booster to get, the State website provides more information here: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine At-home test kits Residents can sign up to receive free COVID-19 at-home test kits. 4 kits are included per household and ships in 7 to 12 days. Sign up here: https://www.covidtests.gov/ Community Preservation Funding for FY2023 Please note Community Preservation funding for the financial year 2023 is now open. To apply for this funding round, visit CPA’s How to Apply Page and complete a Rolling Eligibility Form. Applications are due August 31, 2022.  There will be community engagement meetings and workshops, which includes going through the Community Preservation Act (CPA) process, the law, how to preserve your neighborhood, application requirements, and the decision-making process. Please see the list of engagement events below. Community Preservation Virtual Meet and Greet August 10: Virtual Meet and Greet 6:00 pm RSVP August 24: Virtual Meet and Greet 12:00 pm RSVP For more, please visit the CPA’s website: boston.gov/community-preservation 2022 SuccessLink Youth and Young Adult jobs Applications for 2022 Boston SuccessLink Summer Youth Jobs are now open. Every Summer, the City partners with 200 community-based organizations to employ Boston’s youth. This year, there are 6,000 summer job opportunities for Boston youth ages 14-18 to develop their skills and network. For more information and to apply, please visit: boston.gov/departments/youth-engagement-and-employment/successlink-jobs or contact successlink@boston.gov.  BCYF Lifeguard Applications Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) is hiring lifeguards. Apply at Boston.gov/Lifeguard-Jobs and keep swimmers safe this summer!  2022 Summer Eats Program The Boston Summer Eats program provides nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost to youth ages 18 and under. The Office of Food Justice is currently recruiting for organizations interested in becoming a meal site to distribute free meals. If your organization is interested, please submit a form here: https://bit.ly/3OLj7LI. For more information, contact Kibeh@ymcaboston.org Rental Relief Fund The Rental Relief Fund is still available for eligible residents who have difficulty paying their rent, utilities, and moving costs. The fund can provide up to $10,000 in assistance for eligible households for up to 18 months. To learn more, please go to: https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/office-housing-stability/rental-relief-fund Small Business Relief Fund The City of Boston is offering another round of Small Business Relief Fund with $5 million to help additional local, small businesses as Boston continues its recovery. For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.boston.gov/departments/economic-development/small-business-relief-fund#application Metrolist Affordable housing is one of the biggest issues we face in the City of Boston, and a top concern for many of our working families, low income neighbors, communities of color, and immigrants. The City of Boston provides a resource called Metrolist that helps you find housing based on your income and shows the most recent affordable housing listings. Please take a look and consider filling out an application for an opportunity to access affordable home ownership. For more information, please go to: https://www.boston.gov/metrolist Affordable Housing There is a new lottery for income-restricted affordable housing at 771 Har

From the Iannella Chamber NamaStay Sober The Gavin Foundation Newmarket Business Association The Pheonix YouthBuild St. Mary's Center for Women & Children Policy Update A Hearing to Ensure a Safe Environment in our Boston Public Schools City of Boston's 3.99 Billion Budget WATERGOAT CLEANUP Join Muddy Water Initiative on Sunday, July 31st from 10-11:30 am for their WATERGOAT cleanup! Our Team had a lot of fun last time! Don’t forget to wear your closed toed shoes, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! Get ready to #getmuddy with us again! Eileen's House Wonderful day for the ribbon cutting festivities for Eileen’s House in Dorchester with the Gavin Foundation, Governor Baker, Secretary Walsh, Councilor Baker, Councilor Flynn and State Representative Fluker-Oakley! It's their first substance abuse treatment facility exclusively for women. We need more organizations like The Gavin Foundation to battle the opioid crisis. We are in this together! City Cleanups Team Murphy shows up at cleanups in neighborhoods all across the City. It is a great way to meet new neighbors and make our City beautiful. We were recently at Brighton Main Streets and Moakley Park cleanups. Asian Community Development Corporation It's that time of the year!  Don't miss out on our 17th annual Films at the Gate, at the Chin Park on the Greenway. Downtown Boston Residents' Association  We go to community meetings and events every night of the week. It was great to join the Downtown RA at their monthly meeting. We talked about neighborhood safety, supporting businesses, traffic and bike lanes. Breathe Life Together Block Party Thank you to the Greenway Conservancy and co-curators Chez Vous/Boston Swerve and AfroDesia City for organizing such a fun Block Party on the Greenway! This free event featured a pop-up roller rink, free skate rentals, live music, performances, DJs, painting, and food trucks to celebrate and activate Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs’ mural Breathe Life Together. Rest in peace, sweet Frankie. Massachusetts State Police lost Frankie when he was fatally shot on the job in an attempt to capture a wanted fugitive. We are thinking of Frankie, and Frankie’s handler today. Dogs are family. #restinpeace #k9unit Fenway Gardens We joined gardeners at the Fenway Gardens to help weed and plant. Helping make our City beautiful one garden at a time! The Pheonix We had the pleasure of visiting our friends at The Pheonix. As a sober active community, they do incredible work and is supported by a fantastic volunteer system. They literally saves lives! Local Graffiti Artists Thank you Jeremy Harrison for organizing this event in Grove Hall to showcase local graffiti artists. The theme was "What is left?" meaning what am I leaving for my son or daughter on a land once ours? Back-To-School Backpacks Our Team helped out at the 11th Annual Back-to-School Distribution at the Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center. Happy Birthday Simon Bolivar We joined La Donna Musicale and RUMBARROCO to celebrate Simon Bolivar's birthday with music, Venezuelan treats, and the continuation of our humanitarian and educational campaign for Venezuela. SuperTeens Councilor Baker and I were honored to host the Leahy-Holloran Community Center SuperTeens for a field trip to City Hall. The BCYF SuperTeens Program is a six-week leadership program for 13 and 14 year olds. Youth gain a high-quality service learning and leadership experience during July and August. The SuperTeens Program will have the opportunity to: be mentored by BCYF staff throughout the summer participate in webinars and professional development workshops that will highlight employment skills participate in weekly in-person social and recreational activities, including field trips to museums and challenges that include design activities earn a stipend at the conclusion of the program, and engage in activities that encourage civic engagement and physical health and wellness. Fun day at the Independence Day Celebration at Columbus Park in the North End. Supporting Small Businesses Smitty’s Barbershop in Lower Mills is always friendly, and a neighborhood favorite! Smitty's is legendary and their service is incredible. Give them a visit the next time you need a trim! #smallbusinesssaturday #supportlocal

Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy Orders a Petition for Easier Voting Access to Deployed U.S. Military Personnel

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, City Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy, Committee Chair of Veterans, Military Families, and Military Affairs, motioned a Home Rule Petition for the authorization of an electronic application for an absentee ballot and allowing electronic transmission of ballots through email or fax for uniformed services voters who are deployed outside of their voting district.  According to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, those on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard (including reservists), Space Force, and Merchant Marine members, as well as their spouse or dependents have a guarantee right to vote in all elections.  “Today’s technology has the ability to improve efficiency in our municipal elections, especially for voters who are not able to return to their voting district during election season,” said Councilor Murphy. For federal elections, a ballot can be emailed, faxed, or mailed based on preference, and the voted ballot may be mailed back or electronically returned through email or fax. “This is a more modern approach for deployed uniformed services voters to participate in elections.” Councilor Murphy plans to continue her advocacy for veterans, especially improvements to housing, mental health services and recovery programs. Earlier this month, Councilor Murphy filed a resolution to declare May 21st, 2022 as African American Military Heritage Day to recognize the service and contributions of African American Veterans. The Councilor also rallied all of her colleagues to support President Flynn and Commissioner Santiago on the "Honoring Our Pact Act of 2021". This Act ensures our veterans, who are exposed to military toxic exposures while serving overseas, are provided the necessary and overdue veteran disability and health care benefits. Jumping into the Memorial Day Weekend, Councilor Murphy plans to remember and honor Boston veterans by attending events around the city like the Annual Memorial Day Service at the Thomas J. Fitzgerald Post, the Puerto Rican Veterans’ Memorial Park Wreath Laying, and Memorial Day Vigil in the Back Bay Fens. This weekend hits home for the Councilor as her father proudly served in the Navy and step-father served in the Marines.

Please reach out to our office if there is anything you need. Email us at erin.murphy@boston.gov or call our office at 617-635-3115.

 

Dear neighbors,   Happy May! This is a particularly busy time of year in the City Council as we proceed with ongoing hearings regarding the FY2023 Budget. As we hear from City Officials regarding their budgetary plans, please note that there are still opportunities to provide feedback through testifying at the Council’s budget hearings.   In light of the recent string of violent incidents in the Downtown and Chinatown neighborhoods, I met with Boston Police A-1 Captain Ciccolo, Downtown, Chinatown and Leather District residents to address the immediate concerns and needs of the areas. The Boston Police are increasing police and bike Patrols in both neighborhoods, and I am working with the City to explore installing additional surveillance cameras in certain blocks. It is important to note that despite these unsettling incidents, overall, violent crime in the area is down 21% from 2021 and down 29% from the 5 year average. I will continue to work closely with Mayor Wu to ensure that our streets are safe and that Downtown and Chinatown - which are still recovering from the pandemic - get both the full support and attention that they deserve.   In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases in the City have started to trend upward. Community positivity has climbed to 10.7% after being as low as 2.2% in early March. I continue to encourage everyone to get tested, as well as to get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines are still the most effective way to combat COVID-19 and prevent serious health complications, hospitalizations and death. I have included more information on testing and vaccines below.   May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. As we continue to fight against anti-Asian racism and hate in our City, let’s recommit ourselves and stand in solidarity with our AAPI neighbors through supporting their work, businesses and their communities as our diversity is our strength.   Thank you, Ed City and District Updates BPDA Meetings 475–511 Dorchester Avenue, On the Dot Tuesday, May 17th, 6:00-7:30 pm BPDA: Parcel X, 310 Northern Ave Virtual Public Meeting Thursday, May 19th, 6:00-8:00pm Cannabis Meeting Herbal Power Cannabis Community Meeting: 329 Columbus Ave Monday, May 16th at 6:00 pm COVID-19 Vaccine & Booster Update According to the Boston Public Health Commission, there has been a 21.2% increase in COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks and community positivity has climbed to 10.7%. If you are feeling unwell, please wear a mask and get tested. The BPHC provides free testing in the City, you can visit boston.gov/covid19-testing for available testing sites. I encourage those of you who are not vaccinated or boosted to receive your shots. Vaccines will reduce your risk of COVID-19 infection, while helping to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.  Free COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics are also available in the City. Visit boston.gov/covid19-vaccine to find a vaccine clinic. Do note that not all locations will carry vaccines for children ages 5 to 11. You should contact the vaccine sites for more information.  If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a booster or which booster to get, the State website provides more information here: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on boosters can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-booster-frequently-asked-questions At-home test kits Residents can sign up to receive free COVID-19 at-home test kits. 4 kits are included per household and ships in 7 to 12 days. Sign up here: https://www.covidtests.gov/ COVID-19 Resources for Businesses The Office of Economic Development host weekly calls for small business owners and provides information and resources on reopening guidance and support services. Their weekly calls are on Tuesdays at 3pm and you can pre-register here to join: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B12DiEy2QZK0e3LjC71yQQ For more information, please visit: https://www.boston.gov/news/covid-19-resources-businesses BPS Exam School Entrance Test Opportunities Please note all non-BPS students in Grades 5, 7 and 8 who wish to be considered for an Exam School for the 2023-24 school year must register for the MAP Growth assessment by Friday, May 13th. You can register here: https://bit.ly/3w34pZr. For more information, please email exam@bostonpublicschools.org and visit: https://bit.ly/39aSqzJ. Community Preservation Funds for FY2023 Please note Community Preservation funding for the financial year 2023 is now open. To apply for this funding round, visit CPA’s How to Apply Page and complete a Rolling Eligibility Form.  There will be Community Engagement Meetings and Workshops upcoming in May, which includes going through the Community Preservation Act (CPA) process, the law, how to preserve your neighborhood, application requirements, and the decision-making process. Please see the list of engagement events below. Community Preservation Virtual Meet and Greet Wednesday, May 18th at 12:00 pm-1:3o pm RSVP Wednesday, June 22nd at 6:00 pm-7:3o pm RSVP Community Preservation Act Virtual Workshops Open Space and Recreation Workshop: Wednesday, June 8th at 12:00 pm-2:00 pm RSVP For more, please visit the CPA’s website: boston.gov/community-preservation 2022 Love Your Block Mini-Grants Applications for the City’s Love Your Block Mini-grants are now open. If you have an idea for a project to improve your neighborhood, such as to create open and green space, planting trees, repairing facilities, etc, you can submit a proposal for a community project for the potential to receive $3,500 in grant funding and supplemental City services. The mini-grant application deadline is Friday, June 10th, 2022, at 5:00 pm. For more information, please visit: boston.gov/civic-engagement/love-your-block/love-your-block-mini-grants# 2022 SuccessLink Youth and Young adult jobs Applications for 2022 Boston SuccessLink Summer Youth Jobs are now open. Every Summer, the City partners with 200 community-based organizations to employ Boston’s youth. This year, there are 6,000 summer job opportunities for Boston youth ages 14-18 to develop their skills and network. For more information and to apply, please visit: boston.gov/departments/youth-engagement-and-employment/successlink-jobs or contact successlink@boston.gov. BCYF Lifeguard Applications Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) is hiring lifeguards. There are over 25 positions available. Apply at Boston.gov/Lifeguard-Jobs and keep swimmers safe this summer! 2022 Summer Eats Program The Boston Summer Eats program provides nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost to youth ages 18 and under. The Office of Food Justice is currently recruiting for organizations interested in becoming a meal site to distribute free meals. If your organization is interested, please submit a form here: https://bit.ly/3OLj7LI. For more information, contact Kibeh@ymcaboston.org. 2022 Greenway Food Truck Program Since April 1st, food trucks are now back on the Greenway. Thank you to the Greenway for this program to support our small businesses. As the weather warms up, I encourage residents, families, and children to visit the Greenway and support our food trucks. There will be a Greenway Food Truck Festival on Saturday, May 7th from 11:00 to 3:00 pm. Rental Relief Fund The Rental Relief Fund is still available for eligible residents who have difficulty paying their rent, utilities, and moving costs. The fund can provide up to $17,000 in assistance for eligible households for up to 18 months. To learn more, please go to: https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/office-housing-stability/rental-relief-fund Small Business Relief Fund The City is offering another round of Small Business Relief Fund with $5 million to help additional local, small businesses as Boston continues its recovery. For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.boston.gov/departments/economic-development/small-business-relief-fund#application. Metrolist Affordable housing is one of the biggest issues we face in the City of Boston, and a top concern for many of our working families, low income neighbors, communities of color, and immigrants. The City of Boston provides a resource called Metrolist that helps you find housing based on your income and provides the most recent affordable housing listings. Please take a look and consider filling out an application for an opportunity to access affordable home ownership. For more information, please go to:  https://www.boston.gov/metrolist   Council Hearings and Resolutions Order for a hearing to discuss pest control in the City of Boston There has been a noted rise in rodent and pest activities in our neighborhoods in the past few years, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that the city continues to have adequate measures in place to deal with the increase in rodent activities, such as more inspections, public awareness campaigns and public outreach. This hearing is co-sponsored by Councilor Liz Breadon and Councilor Erin Murphy. Order for a hearing to discuss Increasing Access to Swimming Lessons and Awareness of Water Safety It is vital for our young people to have basic water safety awareness and to learn how to swim. Last year, a 19-year-old drowned while swimming in Hyde Park Pond while another 19-year-old drowned swimming near Castle Island in South Boston. Drownings are particularly likely to affect Black and low-income families. It is reported that Black children are almost six times more likely to die from drowning than white children, and 79 percent of children in families that bring in less than $50,000 in annual income have little or no swimming ability. As a City surrounded by water, it is imperative that ensure all residents - regardless of race and income - have the basic skills to be safe around water. I look forward to this hearing with Councilor Kendra Lara to discuss and explore measures to provide free and low-cost swimming resources to Boston residents. Resolution Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Paralyzed Veterans Of America I was honored to join my Boston City Council colleagues in recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). PVA is a leading advocate for quality health care, spinal cord research and education, veterans benefits and civil rights for veterans and all people with disabilities. Resolution recognizing the Bicentenary of the incorporation of the City of Boston. I am proud to join Counci My Team and I have been hard at work, in the neighborhoods, at community meetings, visiting City departments, supporting organizations, and meeting residents where they are! We have been busy in City Hall also filing orders to advocate for more mental health supports across the City and a stronger commitment to athletics and arts for our children. We are in the middle of budget season, holding hearings everyday to hear from each department across the City. You can follow along on Boston City Council TV. Mother's Walk for Peace Proud to support the 26th Annual Mother's Day Walk for Peace. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is working tirelessly to help end generational trauma and support homicide victim survivors. Visit to K2B Thank you to Mrs. Costello for inviting me back to my elementary school, and into your amazing class! I had so much fun reading a story and answering the kids questions about the things they need on their streets and neighborhood. Keep up the great work kindergarteners! Kicked off Asian American Pacific Islander Month with a community run at Carson Beach. Boston Road Runners sponsored the AAPI 5K and I joined the NOVA Team. Learn more about NOVA (Networking Organization for Vietnamese Americans) and the Little Saigon Business District. Moon Island BFD Training Site Visit I visited the Boston Fire recruits on Moon Island with Commissioner Dempsey. This is the largest class, and paid for by a federal grant the department was awarded. This class of 90 includes 22 recruits of color, and those who speak Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Spanish, and Cape Verdean Creole.  Boston Police Headquarters The dispatchers at 911 are very professional and have an extremely stressful job. They are very understaffed and are often forced to work overtime. I appreciate the important job they do and will continue to advocate for them. I learned a lot from my visit to the Bureau of Intelligence and Analysis. They manage the overarching process of coordinating the flow of information across all bureaus of the department and across all levels and sectors of government and private industry. The Bureau mission is to improve the ability to prevent criminal activity and safeguard our homeland.  City of Boston Time Capsule We buried the Time Capsule on City Hall Plaza. The seven-acre plaza is one of the City’s largest civic spaces. For the last 50 years, it has hosted events ranging from sports celebrations and political rallies to seasonal cultural festivals. The goal is to move toward a more accessible, sustainable, and comfortable shared space for all Bostonians and visitors. Follow the progress here. Small Businesses We have more than 40,000 small businesses across the City and I enjoy visiting them in every neighborhood. I meet the owners and employees, and have great conversations with the customers. I made sure to buy enough cannolis at Mike's Pastry in the North End so I could share with colleagues. Quinn Scholarship Congratulations to Madison Rodriguez & Quinlan O’Brien, the recipients of the 53rd Annual Lt. Michael P Quinn Scholarship at the Bunker Hill Knights of Columbus.  The winners will receive $12,000 for the first year of college and $6,000 the second year. Visit the website for information on how to apply. Gorilla Grove at Franklin Park Zoo Little Joe, Kitombe, his mate Kiki and their three offspring — Kambiri, Azize, and Pablo — have a new home in Gorilla Grove, the outdoor gorilla habitat at the Franklin Park Zoo! I had fun joining the ribbon cutting. Visit the zoo! Love working with the Office of Neighborhood Services, and bumping into the liaisons at events across the City. Our office works closely with them to help deliver the best constituent service to everyone. Thank you ONS and 311! Best Buddies Supporting Team Sunshine and Best Buddies at their Kentucky Derby Party. They offer One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Phoenix Spent some time at The Pheonix, which is a free sober active community where the only membership fee is 48 hours of sobriety. They are passionate about helping individuals create vibrant lives in sobriety. Office Visits Love when we have visitors at City Hall, especially our youngest constituents! Please stop by, or reach out to our office at 617-635-3115. CHALLENGER BASEBALL It was opening Day for Challenger Baseball at Garvey Park. They foster sportsmanship and friendship and are invested in inclusive sports.They believe that sports-based programs can strengthen young people’s social development, no matter their physical or cognitive capacities. It was great to see everyone back on the baseball field! East Boston School Visits Thank you Dr. Tommy Welch, Region 1 School Superintendent, for the tour of the P.J. Kennedy, Otis, Umana, Bradley and East Boston High. The students, teachers and administrators were all so welcoming. I was able to see students engaged in math, art, reading and English classes. Keep up all the great work! Museum of Science Stars of STEM is the Museum’s signature annual fundraising event. Since its inception in 2015, the event has raised over 3 million dollars for critical annual operating funds for the Museum. It was a fun night, under the stars, and enjoying the museum and supporting STEM education.