波士頓市徵下屆桂冠詩人

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CALL FOR BOSTON’S NEXT POET LAUREATE Boston’s Poet Laureate creates a unique artistic legacy through public readings, civic events, and community engagement.

BOSTON - Tuesday, August 27, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture today announced the City of Boston is seeking applications and nominations for its next Poet Laureate. Established in 2008, the Boston Poet Laureate Program has been a cornerstone of Boston’s creative sector, drawing residents into the rich and transformative world of the literary arts. Poetry has the unique power to capture our history, illuminate the present, and spark hope and change for the future. Porsha Olayiwola currently holds this role. Building on the work she has done since becoming Poet Laureate in 2019, Olayiwola will be teaching in the English Department at Emerson College and opening a bookstore, justBook-ish, in Fields Corner. “One of the most unique and special roles in our City has opened,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The Poet Laureate is a very important role in our artistic community and beyond. I encourage all residents who have a passion for the literary arts to apply, and I look forward to seeing the ways in which the next Poet Laureate will serve the City through their passions and creativity.” Boston’s Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for the city’s literary and creative communities, working in tandem with these partners to elevate the role of poetry in the everyday lives of Bostonians, and inspire critical reflection through written and spoken word.  “Boston’s Poet Laureate is called upon not only to encourage a love of the literary arts in the city, but to create spaces for us to connect with and nurture our creativity,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts and Culture. “They challenge us to think differently and to have the courage to express ourselves in community. I am grateful to Porsha for using her gifts to illuminate the beauty and complexity of our city and excited to see how the next poet laureate will inspire us with their unique voice.” Since its inception, the role of Poet Laureate has been held by three individuals: Sam Cornish was Boston’s inaugural Poet Laureate, followed by Danielle Legros Georges, and currently Porsha Olayiwola holds this role. Porsha will be closing out her tenure with a workshop series this fall in conjunction with the Boston Public Library.  “Serving as the poet laureate for the city of Boston has been one of the greatest dreams of my work,” said Porsha Olayiwola. “I’ve become embedded into the rich literary tradition associated with the area. It is my only hope that I’ve, in turn, helped to propel the city’s literary scene and push the possibilities of poetry.”  The Poet Laureate is a ceremonial appointment with a term of four years. Some of the key responsibilities of the role include: Presenting works at civic events and attending official functions as a literary ambassador Developing public programming across the city, including workshops and showcasing events Enhancing current Boston Public Schools and Boston Public Library poetry programs through events, engagement, and outreach Acting as the juror for the Mayor’s Poetry Program at City Hall Serving as a resource for the City, the literary community, and Boston’s residents during National Poetry Month in April Participating in the Youth Poet Laureate application and selection process Mentoring the Youth Poet Laureate through regular meetings, public event preparation, published works, and holding relationships with Boston Public Schools and Boston Public Libraries To be considered for the role, applicants must be at least 21 years old, be a current resident of Boston who has lived in the city for at least two years prior to nomination, be active as a professional poet, and produce work that reflects the vibrancy and life of the City of Boston.  The position will be chosen by a Selection Panel, consisting of a distinguished group of literary professionals that will act as a search committee. The Selection Panel will evaluate all entries and hold interviews with the final candidates. The City will announce the new Poet Laureate in January 2025, with a term beginning on July 1, 2025 and ending on June 31, 2029. Interested candidates can join the current Poet Laureate, Porsha Olayiwola, and Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture staff for an information session and office hours to learn more. There will be an information session on September 6, 2024, at 1 pm, and a second session on September 12, 2024, at 6 pm. The deadline to apply is Monday, September 30, 2024 by 5 pm. Applications can be submitted online or by mail. Digital entries are encouraged but all entries will receive equal consideration.  Learn more and submit your application or nomination at boston.gov/callforpoets.

20 programs receiving funds to install clean energy systems, add safety improvements, and improve accessibility for kids and adults

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that 20 organizations across Massachusetts are being awarded $8.5 million in capital funding to renovate early education and out-of-school time program facilities that serve primarily low-income families. At East Boston Social Center, Education Secretary Tutwiler, Early Education and Care Commissioner Kershaw and Director of Outdoor Recreation Jahnige highlighted how this investment will support renovation projects to expand capacity and improve the indoor and outdoor quality and accessibility of learning environments for children, ensuring they have safe, healthy, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate spaces to learn, play, and grow. 

“Making early education and care more affordable and accessible is a top priority for our administration. Capital investments are an important part of that. These capital grants give our hardworking child care programs the financial resources they need to provide modern, healthy, and safe environments for our kids to learn and play. This funding also helps us make progress on our climate goals, which is essential for ensuring our kids have secure futures,” said Governor Maura Healey. 

“I am excited to see how this $8.5 million investment in capital projects for our local early education and child care programs will foster the kind of physical indoor and outdoor spaces our children deserve to learn and play in every day,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These funds improve programs’ energy efficiency, ventilation and water conservation, accessibility for families and educators, add new security measures, update outdoor play areas, and so much more.” 

As part of the Administration's whole-of-government approach to addressing climate change, and in collaboration with the Climate Office, projects were prioritized that focused on clean energy and decarbonization. Projects that included security enhancements to prevent and respond to potential threats, such as active shooters and installation of security cameras and access control systems, were also prioritized. Examples of eligible funding use includes modifications to improve indoor air quality, roof replacements, upgrading electrical or security systems, and physical environment modifications addressing accessibility or other upgrades for classrooms, outdoor areas, and more. 

“We are proud to be awarding $8.5 million in capital funding to 20 child care programs across the state, promoting accessible, safe, and inclusive spaces for children of all backgrounds and abilities to grow, learn, and play,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “It was great to be at East Boston Social Center today to learn how this grant will support their accessibility project to improve movement in and out of the center, especially for children and adults with limited mobility.” 

“Today’s announced grant awards are infusing funds into our local communities, like here in East Boston, to renovate, repair, and expand child care facilities, enabling our kids and educators to spend time in newer, greener and more accessible and safe high-quality learning environments. Capital investments like these are making Massachusetts a better place to live, go to school, work, raise a family, and build a better future,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. 

“Outdoor play and resilient facilities are fundamental for healthy childhood learning and development, but the impacts of climate change may threaten these essential features of early education,” said Director of Outdoor Recreation, Paul Jahnige. “These grant support resilient outdoor play spaces and low-carbon, resilient facilities. Improving the quality and accessibility our learning environments ensures that our youngest residents have healthy and safe spaces to play and grow.” 

The capital opportunities are administered by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) in partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund (CIF), an affiliate of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). This funding is available through the administration's FY24 - FY28 Capital Investment Plan Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) fund and from the Early Education & Care Provider Capital funding delivered in the fiscal year 2024 state budget. For the first time, for-profit child care centers and out-of-school time programs that serve at least 50% of children who receive public benefits were eligible. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate the immense, transformative impact of these grants. Massachusetts remains at the forefront of state investment in early education and care facilities, and this year is no exception, with 20 projects awarded funding," said Theresa Jordan, Director of the Children’s Investment Fund. 

"With this EEOST small project grant, East Boston Social Centers will make essential repairs and updates to our elevator, which was first installed in the 1990s. This will ensure disability or mobility challenges will never be a barrier to our Early Learners and Bright Minds School Age children accessing our high-quality programming that supports their joy, learning, and thriving.  By supporting investments to update and improve aging buildings and spaces, these grants ensure children learn in high-quality spaces, and ensure programs can invest our resources in the compensation our educators deserve and the programming materials our children need," said Justin Pasquariello, Executive Director of East Boston Social Center. 

Programs are eligible to receive $200,000 - $500,000 in funding per project. Awardees include: 

Angela's Preschool and Daycare (Peabody) - $500,000 

Funding supports improvements to the security system, replacement of windows and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) upgrades, as well as kitchen ventilation and upgraded bathroom fixtures. 

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke - $421,000 

Funding supports security upgrades including installation of keyless entry system, new fence and parking lot gate system, as well as installation of metal rolling shutters on room windows and main hallway. 

Bright Futures Early Learning Center (Springfield) - $500,000 

Funding will add a handwashing sink in 1 classroom, add bathrooms for 3 classrooms, create a lightwell in a classroom that has no access to natural light, build an enclosure at the entrance for kids waiting for transportation, build a shed for playground equipment, and purchase lockdown emergency kits. 

Child Care of the Berkshires (North Adams) - $483,000 

Funding supports new fencing, landscaping and play structure installation, as well as replace windows, flooring in two classrooms, the roof system and the steam boiler, adding a dual fuel burner and installing an air conditioning condenser.  

Children's Express Child Care (Dorchester) - $500,000 

Funding supports purchasing and installing a new all-electric hot water system and piping, a new fire and water tie-in to the street, and a temporary chiller and boiler during their larger HVAC system transformation. 

East Boston Social Centers - $246,000 

Funding supports updating the elevator controller, wiring, traveling cable, two door operators, four floors of door equipment, and electrical upgrades, as well as procuring evacuation chairs to aid individuals with limited mobility in exiting the building during emergencies.  

Greater Holyoke YMCA - $500,000 

Funding supports purchasing indoor and exterior security cameras, as well as create egress from the preschool classrooms and a new entrance and exit for the after school classrooms and program spaces.

Guild of St. Agnes (Webster) - $500,000 

Funding supports replacing the HVAC system, installing a new fire alarm and adding a new video surveillance system. 

Kid-Start (Lawrence) - $500,000 

Funding supports a new HVAC system with energy-efficient rooftop unit, replacing windows, and new exterior doors, intercom, alarm system, playground surfacing, climbing structures, and fence.  

L.P. College (Dartmouth Street, New Bedford) - $370,000; L.P. College (Acushnet Ave, New Bedford) - $500,000 

For both projects: funding supports replacing the HVAC systems, doors, and roofs, installing new security systems and adding new play structures and musical elements, as well as new rubber surfacing.  

Pathways for Children (Beverly) - $246,000 

Funding supports redesigning the playground to maximize natural play, accessibility, inclusiveness, cooperative engagement as well as learning and discovery.  

Rainbow Child Development Center (Worcester) - $500,000 

Funding supports replacing windows and the building’s front door and sidelights.   

South Boston Neighborhood House - $236,000 

Funding supports full replacement of the building siding, updating the bathrooms and flooring, and replacing the carpeting. 

South Shore Stars (Quincy) - $500,000 

Funding supports installing security, access control and intercom systems and replacing all entry doors with security doors and two HVAC rooftop units, as well as the existing roof system. 

The Community Group (Lawrence) - $272,000 

Funding supports updated play structure and rubber surfacing, installation of shed for storage of playground equipment, repaving the parking lot, installation of interior and exterior security cameras and an intercom system, as well as replace an exterior door and install interior dual-locking doorknobs.

 

The Learning Tree Daycare and Preschool (Medway) - $500,000 

Funding supports new woodchips and artificial turf, playground equipment including play structures, water tables, sand tables, and benches, new fencing, and new planting to incorporate natural features.  

Woburn Council of Social Concern - $500,000  

Funding supports replacing two play structures, doors, windows and installation of new kitchenettes, as well as updating bathrooms to include new wall tile, toilets, faucets, touchless soap dispensers and hand dryers and install new, sustainable floors in classrooms, hallway, and gym.   

YMCA of Central Massachusetts (Southbridge) - $495,000 

Funding supports installation of accessible play structures, new tables and a shade canopy, removing diseased trees and replacing a fence.  

YMCA of Greater Boston - $251,000 

Funding supports replacement of exterior doors and installation of video access control systems on the front door, directly connecting to six early education classrooms.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $6 Million in Grants to 61 Tourism Destinations Across Massachusetts

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $6 Million in Grants to 61 Tourism Destinations Across Massachusetts 

BOSTON—Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $5.9 million in grants to 61 cultural and tourism projects through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s Destination Development Capital (DDC) grant program, which supports projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. 

“Massachusetts is a world-class destination thanks to our rich culture and iconic landmarks,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With these grants, we are supporting small businesses, driving job creation, and investing in local and regional economies across the state. Many of the destinations we are supporting with these grants are tied to our revolutionary past and will have a critical role to play in our upcoming MA250 celebrations.” 

“Our state’s tourism industry remains an important part of our economic development strategy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants to Massachusetts’ unique cultural assets will help ensure the state remains premier destination for travelers around the globe, and we are proud to announce these investments.”  

This round of competitive grants is designed to strengthen the state’s economy by investing in tourism infrastructure and experiences. Grant recipients will use the funds to expand, construct, restore, or renovate their facilities and attractions. Projects funded in this round will preserve historic town halls, create interactive tourism experiences, and design multi-media exhibits. Approximately 15 percent of this year’s grants will support revitalization efforts in five Massachusetts Gateway Cities, an investment that will help transform these urban centers into vibrant destinations, boosting tourism statewide. 

“Tourism plays a vital role in the economic well-being of our state,” said Economic Development Secretary Hao. “These grants will support updates to our cultural, historic, natural, and community resources that are important to the visitor experience, and we are excited to see these projects come to life.” 

“We were thrilled by the enthusiastic response to this grant program this year, which saw a record high number of applications and funding requests,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. “The selected projects showcase our state’s strong commitment to growing the tourism industry and providing visitors and Massachusetts residents alike with unforgettable experiences.” 

"Tourism, the arts, and cultural institutions are important drivers of our economy here in Massachusetts, and perhaps nowhere more so than in the Berkshires and Western Massachusetts. The Destination Development Capital Grant program is an important partnership where state government is able to directly support the local institutions that grow jobs, provide educational experiences, and enhance the lives and vibrancy of our communities,” said Senator Paul Mark (D-Beckett). “I am grateful to the Healey Driscoll administration for their hard work ensuring that every part of our Commonwealth is receiving the support needed for our tourism economy to thrive." 

“Local tourism assets are anchors of our communities, fueling our commonwealth's tourism economy. I'm excited that the awards announced today provide necessary capital funds to a variety of institutions from every corner of the commonwealth,” said Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst). “Together these awards will surely support the economic development so closely connected to the tourism sector, promote further visitation, and encourage cross-commonwealth excursions." 

時信樓改建25層高酒店? 波士頓市府收到申請文件

時信樓。 (檔案照片，周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓華埠夏利臣街 (Harrison Ave.,) 15到25號的時信樓在丟空12年後，最近向波士頓計畫發展局 (BPDA) 再次遞交計畫。業主和土地發展商這次想蓋高25層樓高，有106個房間的狹窄酒店。

             
根據地契，業主陳新明 (譯音，Sing Ming Chan)在2014年以490萬元買下這塊地，2016年時已經打算蓋酒店，但礙於各種狀況，當年並未繼續。文件紀錄顯示，陳新明去年以這塊地向Newburyport銀行貸款400萬元。

              在遞交給波士頓市府的蓋樓計畫文件上，這是一名地方上的華裔美籍商人提出申請，並稱這種酒店在美國其他的市區華埠內十分普遍。

              去年，陳新明提出要在南波士頓D街上蓋一座9層樓高，有75個單位的住宅大樓，以取代該地塊上限有的低矮工業是樓宇。這一發展計畫波士頓市府仍在審核中。

              在華埠的這個酒店發展計畫，將佔地僅8萬平方英尺，會大幅超過區域規劃所允許的高度及容積率。該發展計畫並不打算蓋停車位。

              近年來，波士頓市府優先考慮在華埠建可負擔住宅。2015年時，有一家和Westbrook夥伴公司有關連的公司提議在Essex街73到79號蓋一座有225個房間的酒店，但該計畫也未推進。

以下為與時信樓有關的早年新聞:

https://www.bostonorange.com/2012/02/blog-post_5118.html

https://www.bostonorange.com/2012/02/blog-post_9281.html

https://www.bostonorange.com/2012/02/45.html

中華表演藝術基金會夏日音樂會系列落幕演出 - 謝開明攝影專輯

中華表演藝術基金會夏日音樂會系列落幕演出  - 謝開明攝影專輯

中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵 (右起)恭喜要佳林和水星交響樂團指揮余建寧演出成功。

要佳林贏得傅聰國際鋼琴協奏曲比賽冠軍，贏得和水星交響樂團同台演出機會，
演出後和水星交響樂團指揮余建寧合影。

中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵(右)感謝水星交響樂團指揮
余建寧為夏日系列音樂會做落幕演出。

 

波士頓慈濟七月吉祥辦無肉市集 8/24介紹醫療志業

波士頓慈濟七月祈福。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處8月18日在牛頓市會所為「七月祈福」，推出「無肉市集」，鼓勵人們茹素。

              慈濟人追隨佛教典故，以七月為吉祥、孝親月，以典禮儀式帶動正念，鼓勵人回饋社會，發揚愛心。

慈濟師兄列隊獻花。(周菊子攝)

8月18日這天，在李豐擔任司儀，陳裕逢擊鼓，慈濟師兄師姐分列會所兩旁，魚貫上台，頌唱祈福，放映上人開示影片後，敦請中醫師黃彧從中醫角度分享茹素優點。

黃彧透露，以前她吃鍋邊素，2010年到希臘旅遊時，竟一連做夢2次，夢境完全一樣，讓她體會到佛教心經中，”心定”就能面對整個世界的境界，從此開始認真吃素。

慈濟師姊列隊獻花。(周菊子攝)

黃彧指出，人的七情六欲和身體的五臟六腑，存在著牽連關係。五臟化五氣的中醫理論，有怒傷肝，喜傷心，憂傷脾，悲傷肺，恐傷腎的說法，而動物也是有血肉、情感的，因而動物在變成肉之前所帶有的焦慮情感，極有可能留存在肉裏。她認為這也是為什麼猶太人吃肉講究kosher (猶太潔食)，也就是要以最人道方式處理的原因。

也是因為這，她個人行醫用藥，都盡量不用動物性藥引。至於素菜，例如西方人愛吃的沙拉，趨於寒涼，吃時最好撒些薑沫來中和。

李豐(右)擔任司儀，黃彧分享吃素緣由。(周菊子攝)

黃彧還提醒人，吃素還要注意食另，吃當季的食物，才能配合大自然時令，得到最好的味道與營養。

在照顧營養均衡上，黃彧還建議吃全素的人補充

素食分享現場。(周菊子攝)

B12維生素。

波士頓慈濟師姐們這天在吉祥月儀式結束後，在會所地下室擺出無肉市集，介紹各種素食，包括各種豆腐製品，飯糰，素粽，藥膳薑泥，搭配好的蔬菜沙拉，甚至還有蔬食漢堡，鼓勵人們加入素食行列。

波士頓慈濟接下來將於8月24日的早上10點至下午2點，請來慈濟醫療基金會執行副董事長Steven Voon，在慈濟牛頓市會所講談「慈濟醫療志業現況與展望」。活動地點地址為15 Summer St., Newton, MA 02464。

金花師姊擺出豆腐攤位。(周菊子攝)

Governor Healey Nominates Heath Antonio to District Court and Sarah Hamilton to Superior Court

 Governor Healey Nominates Heath Antonio to District Court and Sarah Hamilton to Superior Court   

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today nominated Sarah Hamilton as Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court and Health Antonio to District Court. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“Both of these attorneys will make our court systems fairer and more just, and I am thrilled to nominate them,” said Governor Healey. “They’ve each demonstrated significant depth of knowledge of the Massachusetts justice system and have dedicated their careers to public service. We look forward to working with the Governor’s Council as they consider these two nominations.” 

“We’re thrilled to nominated Heath and Sarah to the Massachusetts Courts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Their individual careers speak for themselves. They’ve proven time and time again that they are dedicated to justice. We’re proud to submit their names for consideration by the Governor’s Council.”   

About the Nominees: 

Attorney Sarah Hamilton has almost 16 years of experience representing criminal defendants in the Superior and District Courts of Massachusetts. She has spent the entirety of her legal career with the Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, first as Staff Attorney in the Worcester and Fall River offices from 2008 to 2022 and as Senior Trial Counsel for the Western Region from 2022 until present. She has been certified to handle murder case assignments since 2018 and regularly teaches and mentors less experienced attorneys learning to handle complex criminal defense matters. Attorney Hamilton is a graduate of Northeastern University, where she received a B.A. in Political Science and English, and of the Northeastern University School of Law. She currently resides in Worcester.   

The Superior Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts and is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $50,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes. 

For more information about the Superior Court, visit its homepage.  

Attorney Heath Antonio began his 26-year career as an associate with Finneran, Byrne, Drechsler & O’Brien, an insurance defense firm.  He later moved to the Law Office of Anthony C. Savastano as a plaintiff’s litigator. In 2000, Attorney Antonio joined the Bristol County’s District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney in the Felony Trial Division of the New Bedford Superior Court. As an ADA, he prosecuted felony jury cases. In 2002, he was promoted to Chief of the Civil Rights Division, and two years later, he opened his private law office, with an emphasis on criminal defense and civil litigation. Since 2004, he has served in the Bristol County Bar Advocate Program and currently accepts murder case appointments. On a personal note, Attorney Antonio was born without a right ear canal, leaving him 50% deaf since birth and causing a speech impediment when young. He is a lifelong resident of Bristol County and has been deeply involved in youth sports and civic engagement in his community. He is also a past recipient of the First Justice’s Award for Pro Bono Public Excellence in the local housing, probate and family courts. He graduated magna cum laude from Stonehill College and graduated cum laude from Suffolk University Law School. He currently resides in New Bedford with his wife and two children. 

The District Court Department hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. In civil matters, the District Court hears cases in which the damages are not likely to be more than $50,000 and small claims cases up to $7,000. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the state. 

For more information about the District Court, visit its homepage. 

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈Moakley公園推出自行車城

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES OPENING OF CITY’S FIRST BIKE TOWN So far this year, the Streets Cabinet has helped 1,000 children and youth with their bike riding skills.

BOSTON - Thursday, August 22, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston today announced the grand opening of Bike Town at Moakley Park, a new, family-friendly space where kids can practice riding and rolling in a fun and safe environment. Bike towns are small-sized street networks, often with scaled-down traffic features, designed to teach children how to safely navigate urban street systems and increase their overall confidence in bike riding. This is a part of Mayor Wu’s Connect, Learn, & Explore initiative, her commitment to making Boston the best city in the country to raise a family, by ensuring all of Boston’s children learn how to ride a bike, swim, and connect with their communities through sports, gardening, and the arts. “We’re so excited to welcome Bike Town to Moakley Park,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This first of its kind space in Boston allows children the opportunity to play and connect while teaching bike riding skills and essential road safety practices.” Bike Town is located in a previously underutilized portion of Moakley Park where children can safely practice bike riding. Research shows that the majority of kids who participate in learn-to-ride bike programs are interested in continuing bike riding, but many families do not have access to safe places to ride. City staff heard from Boston residents that a lack of safe places for kids to ride bikes is one of the biggest barriers to providing bike education and programming for kids in Boston.  "Moakley Park has long been a place where families come to connect and enjoy South Boston’s waterfront,” said Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods. “We're proud to partner in creating Bike Town, an innovative space where children can gain confidence, learn essential road safety skills, and foster a lifelong love of biking.”  “We love that Bike Town at Moakley Park encourages kids to be active and outdoors and hope it will attract more families to this area of the park. The old street hockey court was one of the most underutilized spaces in the park and we are thrilled this area is now a more vibrant and family-friendly space. We are excited to use this space for future programming and look forward to continued collaboration with the City on future improvements to Moakley Park,” said Jaye Meakem, Community Engagement Manager at Boston Harbor Now. Bike Town was created as a partnership between the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics, the Mayor's Office of Early Childhood, and the Boston Parks Department. While bike towns are used in other parts of the country and world, this is the first in Boston.   “Learning to ride a bike as a kid ensures a lifetime of bike riding and Bike Town makes doing so that much easier,” said Shin-pei Tsay, Director of the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics. “Biking for kids also ushers in other benefits according to researchers, such as supporting motor and social development for young children, encouraging physical activity, and even enhancing self-esteem. We’re proud to have helped create one fun space that can weave all those things together for the families in Boston.” “Our goal is to make Boston the most family-friendly city. Bike towns create an opportunity for kids to make healthy connections to public spaces and provide an early introduction to an active lifestyle in a safe space for kids to ride and learn the rules of the road,” said Kristin McSwain, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Early Childhood. The City is planning to expand the program and bring bike towns to other Boston neighborhoods over the next year. Through a grant from Boston Children's Hospital, the Mayor’s Office of Early Childhood is collaborating with the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics, Parks Department, Boston Bikes, and Boston Public Schools to create two more bike towns in the next year. The city plans to work with a community partner to create a bike town at Ross Playground in Hyde Park and will work with the Parks Department and Boston Public Schools to identify the second location by the end of the year. Over the summer, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Early Childhood, Boston Bikes provided free bike programming for children and engaged them in building safe riding skills at seven locations around the City, including Moakley Park. Bike Town is located at Moakley Park across Day Boulevard from the Carson Beach Bath House, and offers an exciting way to build on the Summer Bike Program. The City will continue on-bike education in eight BPS schools this fall, and provide free bike repair workshops monthly in four different neighborhoods, including at the South Boston Library.  “South Boston Neighborhood House/The Ollie was thrilled to partner with the City of Boston to bring ‘Bike Town’ to Moakley Park this summer! In its 2nd summer and in partnership with Mayor Wu’s ‘Connect, Learn, Explore’ initiative, this program allowed our kids to learn and practice riding bikes in a safe, car-free space and was a huge hit throughout the community with dozens of children and families taking advantage of this free program,” said Kathy Lafferty, Executive Director, South Boston Neighborhood House. “We believe that learning to ride a bike allows our kids to stay active and have fun! Bike riding is a life skill that will encourage our kids to continue to explore their city in new ways. We look forward to partnering with the City and expanding the reach and impact of ‘Bike Town’ for many summers to come!” More on bike towns in Boston can be found here.

打破佣金6%慣例 房屋買賣雙方及經紀今後自行協商

波士頓亞裔房東會創辦人潘樹仁(左)、劉仲岳(右) 在網上主持座談。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 賣房子，買房子該付多少佣金給房屋經紀? 從2024年8月17日起，麻州房地產買賣將實施新做法，佣金數額或百分比由賣家、買家和經紀自行商量，而且必須簽寫書面協議。

波士頓亞裔房東會創辦人潘樹仁(中)和嘉樂建築老闆黃文(左)，會計師黃業托(右)
等人在房東座談後小聚。(周菊子攝)

              在美國買賣房屋，以前照慣例，賣家會付給買賣雙方經紀售屋金額的大約5~6%，作為佣金，也就是作為服務報酬。但法院裁決出爐後，房地產界將不再需要遵循這慣例。多重上市服務 (MLS)機構也不再是協商佣金的平台。

              美國房地產經紀協會 (NAR)的一系列新規定還包括禁止MLS機構規定賣家需付佣金給買家經紀，1並強烈建議買家經紀要和買家簽署書面協議。

                            這一裁決及和解協議，對麻州登記在案的4萬6千多名房地產經紀，以及有意賣屋買屋的人都有影響。

              2022年10月，在密蘇里州堪薩斯市的一起聯邦法院反壟斷集體訴訟案中，原告聲稱代表100多萬名房地產經紀的美國房地產經紀協會 (NAR)和大經紀公司合謀，人為的提高了賣家佣金。

              2023年10月，在這宗名稱為Burnett v. National Association of Realtors (NAR) et al.,的訟案中，法官的裁決對原告有利，同意NAR的規定支持著以經紀佣金，作為阻礙買家經紀展示某些房屋的方法。

              2024年3月，NAR同意支付1億4800萬元和解款，以解決指控。這協議包括房地產經紀界佣金如何處理的重大改變，同時也影響了全美的多重上市服務(MLS)政策。

              2024年5月時，這協議的初步流程開始，原告訂出2024年8月17日做為新規定的發佈通知日期。

              2024年8月17日，多重上市服務 (MLS)政策的改變及新規定正式生效。這些改變包括廢除賣家支付買家經紀佣金的要求。

              2024年9月16日，這天開始，獨立或部分獨立的多重上市服務 (MLS)公司也必須開始實施新政策。

              TD Cowen遠見公司估計，房地產界佣金會下跌25%到50%。今年3月這消息出爐時，Zillow 和Compass這2家房地產公司的股價下跌了不下13%，Redfin下跌5%。

              美國住宅的平均售價約為41萬7千元，賣家通常要付2萬5千多元的經紀佣金。這些費用一般都轉嫁到買家身上，因此提高了美國房屋價格。TD Cowen遠見的分析師認為，佣金費用可能下跌6簽到1萬2千元。

              波士頓亞裔房東協會創辦人潘樹仁日前特地針對這議題，舉辦網上講座，和房東們討論這宗訟案裁決的影響。他指出，今後MLS將不再規定賣家經紀付報酬給買家經紀，買家經紀可以自行和買家或賣家協商佣金。代表賣家發佈房屋上市消息的經紀，也不再需要付費給買家經紀。這些變動對房屋市場的影響，還有待觀察。 (更新版)