Governor Healey Nominates Paul Anthony and Shelly-Ann Sankar to District Court

 Governor Healey Nominates Paul Anthony and Shelly-Ann Sankar to District Court  

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today nominated Paul Anthony and Shelly-Ann Sankar to serve as Associate Justices of the District Court. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“These two nominees will bring decades of legal experience to the bench, which will be crucial in informing their approach to these roles,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am confident, if confirmed, that they will serve with fairness and integrity and will be strong additions to the District Court.” 

“I am excited to work with the Governor’s Council to advance both of these nominees, who bring strong judgment and proven experience to the bench,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.  

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. 

Governor Healey has already nominated 30 attorneys to the District Court: Heath Antonio,  Patrick Burke, Tonomey Coleman, Lisa Core, Frances Dallmeyer, Frederick DeCubellis, Brian Doxtader, Mark Fabiano, Leo Fama,  Lauren Greene, Stuart Hurowitz, Edward Kacasinas, Francis V. Kenneally, Sarah Kennedy, Edward Jr. Krippendorf, Cara Krysil, Courtney C. Linnehan, Hilary McCamic, Suzanne McDonough, Becky Michaels, Craig Mulcahey, Jerry Parisella, Polly Phillips, William Powers, Joanna Rodriguez,  Gegory Teran, Marjorie P. Tynes, Amanda Ward, Liza Williamson,and Hector Zumbado.  

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

 

About the Nominees: 

 

Paul J. Anthony is an experienced trial lawyer who has run a solo practice in Stoneham for nearly thirty years. His practice has focused on criminal defense, and he has represented clients in matters involving a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges in both the District and Superior Courts. He also has experience litigating civil matters, including contract disputes and real estate transactions. Attorney Anthony has devoted a significant portion of his practice to the representation of clients on a pro bono basis and has been a member of the Suffolk Lawyers for Justice program since 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Salem State University and a Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law. 

 

Shelly-Ann Sankar is currently the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Springfield District Court where she is responsible for assisting in the ministerial and magisterial administration of the Court.  In this role, Attorney Sankar presides over small claims matters and show cause hearings, conducts administrative and motor vehicle appeals, and reviews search warrants and applications for complaints.  She previously served as the Assistant Clerk in Charge of Jury at the Springfield District Court, and she is cross-designated to handle matters in the Housing and Juvenile Courts. Previously, Attorney Sankar served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office where she prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases in the Juvenile, District and Superior Courts. While attending law school she served as a Victim Witness Advocate in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Westfield State University and a Juris Doctor from Western New England University. 

Governor Healey Announces More Than 1,200 ADUs Approved in First Year with More to Come

Governor Healey Announces More Than 1,200 ADUs Approved in First Year with More to Come 

Design Challenge, technical support and financing will help build on early momentum and accelerate production 

BOSTON – One year after Governor Maura Healey’s Affordable Homes Act allowed accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be built by right across Massachusetts, cities and towns have permitted or approved 1,224 ADUs to date in 217 communities — an early snapshot of progress as communities implement the new statewide standard and homeowners begin moving projects forward. Governor Healey recently announced several new initiatives to build on this progress and accelerate the production of ADUs to help lower costs statewide. 

“ADUs are one of the most practical ways to add homes and lower costs. They allow older adults to age near their loved ones and young adults to live independently while starting their careers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This first-year data shows homeowners are already starting to take advantage of our new law, and we’re going to keep making it easier and cheaper to build ADUs so we can bring down housing costs for everyone.” 

“It's great to see so many people across Massachusetts signing up to build ADUs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By setting clear rules statewide and backing them up with real support, we’re giving families more options while helping cities and towns grow housing.”  

“The first-year data shows the Affordable Homes Act is working as intended by making ADUs simpler to permit across Massachusetts,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “Now we’re capitalizing on that momentum with designs, technical assistance and affordable financing to accelerate ADU production and help relieve our housing shortage.”   

An updated interactive map tracking ADU applications and approvals can be found at Mass.gov/ADUtracker. The top 10 communities for ADU approvals in 2025 are: 

 

Community   (excluding Boston)	Number of Approved ADUs
Plymouth	34
Lawrence	32
Nantucket	27
Lowell	26
Milton	24
Somerville	24
Worcester	23
Methuen	21
Medford	19
Fairhaven	18

 

Because the statewide by-right standard is still new and municipal reporting is ongoing, these figures represent an initial snapshot and are expected to grow over time. Updated progress can be found at mass.gov/ADU.  

To build on early progress and reduce the cost and complexity of building ADUs, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is advancing three tools to help homeowners design, finance and build ADUs: 

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) launched the ADU Design Challenge on December 15, inviting designers, architects and other design professionals to submit replicable, high-quality ADU designs that can be adapted by homeowners and local builders. The Design Challenge reduces predevelopment costs by making strong designs publicly available, streamline permitting by encouraging compliant designs and promote innovation, including sustainable materials, climate-resilient design and accessible layouts that support the needs of aging residents and families. The Design Challenge is sponsored by Eastern Bank Foundation, The Boston Foundation, AIA Massachusetts and Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), with roughly $60,000 to $70,000 in sponsor commitments to support the challenge, prizes and outreach. Design winners will be announced in late April 2026 and final designs will be available for download on mass.gov. 

Backed by $10 million over two years from the Governor’s fiscal 2026-2030 Capital Investment Plan, MHP is also developing a statewide ADU Incentive Program to promote ADU construction and support homeowners through the predevelopment and construction process. The program will also identify and address remaining barriers to ADU development beyond zoning, providing insight for future statewide policy and program design. MHP anticipates this initiative will support the creation of hundreds of ADUs in its first two years and inform the next phase of policy and investment. MHP plans to launch the full program in spring 2026. 

Lastly, to address financing barriers that can prevent homeowners from constructing an ADU, MassHousing is developing a new ADU construction loan program. MassHousing authorized up to $20 million for mission-oriented homeownership activities, a portion of which will support the ADU loan program. The program is expected to provide low-cost subordinate mortgage loans designed to finance ADU construction, targeted toward low- and moderate-income homeowners who may not be able to access home equity financing. This financial support is anticipated to be available in spring 2026. 

A clearer standard 

Before the Affordable Homes Act, Massachusetts had no statewide standard for ADU zoning and permitting. A patchwork of requirements — including owner-occupancy rules, small size limits, subjective design reviews and discretionary local approvals — often made ADUs difficult or illegal to build. 

Now, ADUs up to 900 square feet or less than 50% of the square foot living space of the main home can be built by right in single-family zoning districts statewide, creating a simpler, more consistent pathway for homeowners to add a small home on their property while supporting housing production in a way that fits existing neighborhoods. 

Since taking office, Governor Healey has focused on increasing housing production and lowering costs. To build more homes, she has taken action to speed up the permitting process, turn state land into thousands of new homes, convert downtown commercial space into apartments, create a first-in-the-nation fund to finance mixed-income development in a time of high interest rates, and legalize Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This year, her administration will be offering low-cost financing and free designs for anyone who wants to add an ADU to their home. To help people afford their mortgages and rents right now, she banned mandatory renter-paid broker fees, gave seniors up to $2,800 a year to help with housing costs, and expanded home inspection protections.  

麻州政府撥款1000萬元 助地方市鎮及非營利組織爭取FIFA商機

            （Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府2月4日宣佈斥資1000萬元，鼓勵市鎮及非營利組織為FIFA今年在麻州舉行的7場世界杯足球賽，籌辦爭取觀光等促進經濟機會的活動。申請經費網站「體育與娛樂活動基金補助計畫（Sports and Entertainment Events Fund）」3月4日截止收件。

              麻州旅遊局長 Kate Fox 強調，州政府撥出這筆經費，是要讓整個麻州的社區都能享受到世界盃帶來的經濟紅利。州政府將於 2 月 11 日上午 10:00 舉行線上說明會提供詳細指導。

            麻州旅遊局（MOTT）指出，今年 6 月 13 日至 7 月 9 日 ，FIFA將在麻州的吉列球場（Gillette Stadium）等地舉辦包括 32 強賽與半準決賽的共 7 場世界盃賽事。波士頓諮詢集團（BCG）及大波士頓會展旅遊局（Meet Boston）估計，全球將有 45 萬名遊客來麻州、波士頓觀賽，若加上同年夏季的麻州慶祝建國 250 週年，高桅帆船（Sail Boston）巡迴展等大活動，麻州的2026 年國際訪客總數有望突破 300 萬人次。

麻州政府為協助地方市鎮及非營利組織分擔因賽事湧入人潮所衍生的公共安全維護、交通接駁規劃，以及各類社區觀賽派對（Watch Parties）與慶祝活動的營運成本，並把握商機，創造經濟發展機會，特地撥備1000萬元，將藉由單一實體獲補助額度不得超過總預算一半，申請單位必須展現高度參與意願等條件，保障公平性，提供與補助金額對等或更高的匹配資金。

評選委員會將優先考量能提升麻州國際形象、創造長期觀光價值及 job creation（創造就業）的企劃案。

所有申請案件須在 3 月 4 日下午 3:00 前，透過官方入口網站（https://www.visitma.com/）提交。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program

$10 Million Available to Support FIFA World Cup–Related Events and Watch Parties 

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), announced the opening of the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program application portal. This competitive grant program will support major sports and entertainment events that drive tourism and economic activity across the Commonwealth. 

The program was authorized through the Fiscal Year 2025 Supplemental Budget, which allocates $10 million to support costs associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including public safety, transportation, and celebrations. Massachusetts will host seven World Cup matches, including a Round of 32 and a quarterfinal, between June 13 and July 9, 2026. 

“Massachusetts has a long history of hosting world-class sporting and cultural events, and this new fund positions us to lead the next chapter,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By creating this program, we are making a clear commitment to attract and support marquee events like the FIFA World Cup and the community experiences that surround them. This investment allows us to showcase Massachusetts’ sportsmanship, creativity, and vibrant communities to a global audience, while bringing people together, strengthening our economy, and welcoming the world to our state.” 

“Bringing major events to Massachusetts, from this summer’s FIFA World Cup to last year’s International World Figure Skating Championships, requires strong coordination across state agencies, municipalities, and private partners,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This fund helps ensure communities have the infrastructure, communications, and operational support needed to successfully host and elevate events of this scale. By working collaboratively, we can deliver seamless experiences for visitors and ensure communities across Massachusetts share in the lasting benefits of hosting large-scale events.” 

The program will evaluate applications based on return on investment, economic impact to the tourism sector, potential to promote Massachusetts nationally and internationally, and geographic equity across the state. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipalities. No single entity may receive more than half of the total funds available. Grantees must provide matching funds equal to or greater than the grant amount awarded. 

“Sports and entertainment events are catalysts for broad economic growth,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “This new fund gives Massachusetts a strategic, competitive tool to attract and support high-impact events that drive job creation, visitor spending, and long-term value for local businesses across the state. By making targeted investments like this, we are strengthening Massachusetts’ ability to compete on a global stage while delivering measurable economic benefits to communities statewide. We thank the Legislature for their support” 

“Sports tourism introduces visitors to Massachusetts in a uniquely personal way, whether they are attending a global tournament, a community watch party, or a regional championship,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “This fund helps us welcome visitors, elevate local destinations, and share the stories of the people and places that make Massachusetts special. These events create lasting connections and help raise the profile of communities across the state as destinations worth exploring.” 

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00pm. Applicants can visit MOTT’s online application portal to review program guidelines and eligibility requirements, and to submit an application. An optional, informational webinar for potential applicants will be held on Wednesday, February 11 at 10:00am. Register here.  

助耆英維生計 波士頓市二、三月將辦7場節約門診

（Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）與老人服務局（Age Strong Commission）2 月 4 日宣佈，將於2月及3月內，在全市各地為波士頓市55歲以上長者舉辦7場「省錢諮詢診所」（Cost-Saving Clinics），以協助長者申請各項福利與補助，確保資源落實到有需要的家庭。

這7場活動都有專業人員在場協助居民做資格，補助範圍，關鍵開支等多項查核，包括生活補助方面的 SNAP（糧食券）、燃油補助（Fuel Assistance），醫療與稅務方面的醫療護理（Medicare） 節省計畫，以及長者抵稅優惠（Circuit Breaker Tax Credit）方面的物業稅減免或延期支付，公用事業方面的水電費與排污費折扣等。

所有活動都免費，但需事先預約，撥打老人服務局專線 617-635-4366 來預約時段。查詢更多資訊可上波士頓市府官網 www.boston.gov/cost-savings 。

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活動時間表與地點（2月至3月）

日期	時間	地點
2月9日 - 10日	10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	東波士頓: BCYF Paris Street Community Center (112 Paris St.)
2月11日	1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.	牙買加平原（Jamaica Plain）: BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center (20 South St.)
2月12日 - 13日	10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	同上 (BCYF Curtis Hall)
2月23日 - 27日	10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	羅森岱爾（Roslindale）: BCYF Roslindale (6 Cumins Hwy)
3月2日	10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	布萊頓（Brighton）: Veronica B. Smith Senior Center (20 Chestnut Hill Ave.)
3月5日 - 6日	10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	洛士百利（Roxbury）: Shaw-Roxbury Branch Library (149 Dudley St.)
3月9日 - 13日	10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	多徹斯特（Dorchester）: All Saints Episcopal Church (209 Ashmont St.)
3月23日 - 27日	10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	城中區（Downtown）: Boston City Hall (1 City Hall Square)

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND AGE STRONG COMMISSION TO HOST COST-SAVING CLINICS ACROSS BOSTON NEIGHBORHOODS TO HELP OLDER RESIDENTS MAKE ENDS MEET

BOSTON – Wednesday, February 4, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston’s Age Strong Commission today launched a series of in-person cost-savings clinics for Boston’s older adult residents ages 55 and up. Age Strong advocates and partners will meet with and screen older residents for eligibility on potential cost-savings opportunities including SNAP, fuel assistance, Medicare Savings Program, Water/Sewer Discount, Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, property tax savings and deferrals, and more. 

 

“As the cost of living continues to rise for our residents, we’re doing all we can to ensure our older residents are connected to services and resources," said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These in-person clinics hosted across the city by Age Strong will ensure our older adults are connected to every possible resource and aware of every possible way to save money. I encourage all eligible older adults to get connected by signing up for a clinic now through the end of March.” 

 

“Every little bit can help,” said Age Strong Commissioner Emily K. Shea. “Some folks don’t know what programs are out there. At our cost-savings clinics, we’ll help folks save in every way possible.”

 

The free cost-savings clinics will take place across Boston neighborhoods through March. Residents should make their in-person appointment by calling Age Strong at 617-635-4366. More details are available by visiting www.boston.gov/cost-savings.  

 

February 9 - 10, 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

BCYF Paris Street Community Center, 112 Paris Street, East Boston

 

February 11, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. & February 12 - 13, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South Street, Jamaica Plain

 

February 23 - 27, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

BCYF Roslindale, 6 Cumins Hwy, Roslindale

 

March 2, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Veronica B. Smith Senior Center, 20 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brighton

 

March 5 - 6, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Shaw-Roxbury Branch Library, 149 Dudley Street, Roxbury

 

March 9 - 13, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.The All Saints Episcopal Church, 209 Ashmont Street, Dorchester

 

March 23 - March 27, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Square, Boston

 

City of Boston cost-savings clinics’ city partners include Assessing, Boston Home Center, Civic Organizing, Environment, Veterans Services, Water/Sewer Commission, and Worker Empowerment. Additional partners include ABCD, Eversource, and National Grid.