MAYOR WALSH RELEASES AMBITIOUS 2015-2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

MAYOR WALSH RELEASES AMBITIOUS 2015-2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Files 26 bills new to the City, Focused on Supporting Neighborhoods, Local Economy

BOSTON - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today released an ambitious 2015-2016 legislative agenda, focused on the Mayor’s continued commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and supporting the local economy. The Mayor’s agenda will create tools that will have an immediate impact on Boston, and support the growth and development of the City for the next generation.  

“After 17 years in the legislature and now as Mayor of Boston, I see the impact Boston has not only on the region but on the Commonwealth,” says Mayor Walsh. “I am committed to working with the State Legislature and our local partners from across the Commonwealth to pass legislation that is mutually beneficial to us all. In particular, I want to thank Boston’s state delegation for their support and collaboration on these important initiatives. I look forward to working with them as well as all of my colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives to ensure that we have a successful two year legislative session here in the City.”

Improving the Climate for Local Businesses, Supporting Workers

Filing 56 bills, 26 new to the City’s agenda, Mayor Walsh is proposing two innovative approaches to our business licensing process this legislative session. The first would provide municipalities with increased flexibility for the issuance of entertainment licenses and common victualler licenses, which are required for all food establishments. It would also eliminate the need for certain specialty licenses, reducing the administrative burden for our small and local businesses. This proposal also includes a local option to allow licensed establishments to stay open past 2 a.m. to complement the work of the Mayor’s Late Night Task Force. The second proposal would allow monetary fines to be levied against business owners for license violations. Current enforcement tools, including suspension and revocation of a license, not only hurts the establishment’s owner but also negatively impacts those who work in the service industry. Monetary fines would provide an additional tool to licensing authorities that would hold employees harmless. These changes reinforce and strengthen the Mayor’s efforts to streamline the regulatory process for the important small business community.

Supporting Access to Affordable Housing

As referenced in his State of the City Address, Mayor Walsh will file a local option for a modest property tax incentive for private developers of workforce housing. Through this legislation, the City will designate workforce housing special tax assessment zones in areas that present an opportunity for increased development of middle-income housing. It would be within those zones that property taxes are waived during the two-year construction phase and then phased in to 100% over a 3 year period. This will act as an incentive to maintain affordable rents while only creating a modest reduction in tax revenue for the City during development and stabilization of certain housing projects.

An Equitable Electoral Process

Fulfilling his promise to create a more equitable electoral process, Mayor Walsh is filing a new special act that modifies the nomination paper process for municipal elections in the City of Boston. As it stands now, voters in the City are only allowed to sign one nomination paper for candidates for mayor and district city councilor, and up to four nomination papers for city council at-large candidates. Mayor Walsh’s initiative will allow voters to sign nomination papers for as many candidates as they choose. This change would allow more candidates to meet the threshold required to seek elected office and would provide voters in the City of Boston broader choice when entering the voting booth.

Working to Lower Utility Costs

Mayor Walsh’s new proposals also include the establishment of a home heating commission to study opportunities to shift residents away from inefficient, costly and carbon-intensive heating systems toward cleaner and more affordable alternatives. As a result of rising energy costs, inefficient heating systems, and recent patterns of severe weather, a record number of Massachusetts households are in need of financial assistance to adequately heat their homes. To build upon his past advocacy for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Mayor Walsh is taking a leadership role in facilitating the state-level discussions around the long-term solutions to reducing home heating costs and promoting energy efficiency.

Supporting Veterans

To ensure that Massachusetts veterans receive the benefits their service warrants, Mayor Walsh will file legislation to provide additional financial assistance to military families who are not able to cover funeral and burial expenses for a veteran. The Mayor’s proposal will increase the caps currently in place on both the benefit level that municipalities are able to provide these families and the total allowable expenses, to keep pace with the cost of burials and services.

Increased Access to Recovery Services

As a long-time friend to and advocate for the recovery community, Mayor Walsh will continue to push for legislation, which he had sponsored as a State Representative in prior sessions, that would provide individuals facing first and second time non-violent, drug offenses an opportunity to be evaluated by a licensed addiction specialist. Those with a documented medical need would have access to addiction treatment before continuing with their judicial proceedings. Through his new Office of Recovery Services, this legislation is one part of the Mayor’s plan to ensure that the treatment and recovery systems are in place to support those battling addiction and their loved ones.

In the past legislative session, in partnership with his colleagues at the State House, Mayor Walsh secured a number of state policy changes to benefit the City of Boston. Additional liquor licenses were made available for the first time since 2006, particularly for underserved neighborhoods and Main Streets districts. Also, for the first time since 1906, appointment authority over the Boston Licensing Board was transferred back to the City. Significant changes strengthened our state gun laws, including more comprehensive background checks, and needed reforms to expand access to and the effectiveness of our substance abuse recovery system were made.

MAYOR WALSH APPOINTS INTERIM COMMISSIONER OF VETERANS’ SERVICES

MAYOR WALSH APPOINTS INTERIM COMMISSIONER OF VETERANS’ SERVICES

Will Lead Department to Deliver Services to Boston Heroes

BOSTON—Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today that he has selected Giselle Sterling as the City of Boston’s Veterans’ Services Interim Commissioner. Sterling joined the City as a Community Relations Specialist in March 2012.

“I want to continue to elevate the Veterans’ Community, and Giselle is an exceptional leader,” said Mayor Walsh. “She carries a wealth of experience, having enlisted in Marine Corps among other means of public service. She shares my commitment to both improving the quality of life for those who put their lives on the line for us, and I’m pleased she’ll be serving with us in this capacity.”

“I’m humbled at the opportunity to continue working with my fellow veterans,” said Sterling. “The men and women who have worn the uniform for our country deserve to come back to a community that values their commitment, recognizes their strengths and meets their needs. I look forward to my new responsibilities and in moving ahead with serving our veterans as honorably as they have served us. ”

Prior to her appointment, Sterling served in the United States Marine Corps. In 2000 she completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina and was soon after trained as a Field Radio Operator with deployments to Kandahar, Afghanistan; the Philippines; Guam; Diego Garcia and Okinawa, Japan. Giselle was honorably discharged in 2004 and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Sterling also previously worked as a Special Event Coordinator for El Mundo Newspaper, and as a Charitable Campaign Coordinator for Action For Boston Community Development, Inc.

The first daughter to be born in the United States to Dominican parents, Sterling was instilled with an appreciation for the arts along with a sense of generational responsibility.

Sterling is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Lowell with a Bachelor’s Degree in English (writing) and a Minor in studio art. She is currently a graduate student in the Sierra Nevada College MFA Low-Residency Creative Writing Program and resides in Boston’s historic North End.

BRA Board approves two new residential projects, athletics complex for Wentworth, and self-storage facility in West Roxbury last night

BRA Board approves two new residential projects, athletics complex for Wentworth, and self-storage facility in West Roxbury last night

BRA-owned building in Chinatown to be renovated for new tenant

BOSTON – In its first meeting of the new year, the Board of Directors for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved $55 million in new development projects that will create 230 construction jobs when they break ground. Of the four projects approved at last night’s meeting, two will create housing in Jamaica Plain and South Boston. Wentworth Institute of Technology received approval to construct a new athletics facility on the site of an existing parking lot that the school owns in Mission Hill. The Board also approved a new self-storage facility that will be constructed in West Roxbury.

In addition to the private developments that were allowed to move forward, the Board of Directors allocated approximately $638,000 in funds to renovate the BRA-owned China Trade Center in Downtown Boston. The BRA has operated the facility since 1993, and in recent years improvements have been made to create energy-efficient systems, redesign the lobby and elevators, and make restrooms accessible to people with disabilities. The latest round of renovations will prepare the second and third floors for a future tenant that the BRA is currently seeking.

New housing and retail slated for Washington Street in Jamaica Plain

Total Project Cost: $3,500,000

Total SF: 27,633

Construction Jobs: 15

An outdated single-story restaurant building at 3383-3389 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain will be redeveloped as a mixed-use residential and retail building under a plan approved last night. The project will create 21 units of rental housing and over 2,300 square feet of ground floor retail space along Washington Street. The building will include a residential storage area, fitness center, and dedicated roof terraces for the fourth-floor penthouse units.

The residences will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Four of the units will be designated as affordable in accordance with the City of Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy. The project includes 23 on-site ground level parking spaces.

The development team anticipates an 18-month construction schedule from the time they receive a building permit. The project is being developed by RTP Washington Street, LLC and was designed by Studio47 Architects.

New condominiums to be developed on L Street in South Boston

Total Project Cost: $7,100,000

Total SF: 20,130

Construction Jobs: 32

Moawed Properties, LLC will develop 13 condominium units at 57 L Street, between East Broadway and East Third Street, in South Boston. The $7 million project includes ten two-bedroom units, two three-bedroom units, and one studio. Two of the units will be restricted as affordable. Residents will be able to access convenient parking with 21 on-site and off-street spaces, as well as an enclosed bicycle rack.

The developer will make a $10,000 contribution to the City’s Fund for Parks to support the nearby Christopher Lee Playground as part of the community benefits for the project.

Construction is expected to commence this coming spring. The project was designed by Roche Christopher Architects.

Wentworth Institute of Technology set to move forward with state-of-the-art athletics facility in Mission Hill

Total Project Cost: $30,000,000

Total SF: 110,000

Construction Jobs: 125

Wentworth received approval last night to construct the new Sweeney Field Athletics Complex on their campus in Mission Hill. The 110,000 square foot project will include a state-of-the-art athletics playing field with seating for event attendees atop a single-story parking structure that will accommodate 330 vehicles. The NCAA Division III turf field will be used for varsity and intramural soccer, lacrosse, softball, and flag football.

When not in use by the college, the athletics field will be available for community programming. Wentworth’s Athletics Department will work with neighborhood organizations to coordinate these opportunities. A summer youth sports program will be developed in partnership with the Boston Centers for Youth & Families Tobin Community Center.

Two existing structures on the site that were once part of the Vienna Brewery and are designated as historic buildings will be rehabilitated for future use with oversight from the Boston Landmarks Commission.

Wentworth estimates that the construction period will last approximately 13 months. The college hopes to begin initial site work by the middle of this year so that the facility is ready for use during the fall 2016 athletic season. CDM Smith is the project architect.

CubeSmart to operate new self-storage facility in West Roxbury

Total Project Cost: $14,000,000

Total SF: 154,376

Construction Jobs: 58

Developer VLR-Roxbury, LLC received approval to construct a self-storage facility at 99 Rivermoor Street in West Roxbury off of VFW Parkway. CubeSmart, a self-storage operator that manages approximately 600 facilities nationwide, will run the new facility once constructed.

The project will significantly upgrade an existing industrial warehouse structure by improving the exterior façade and enhancing landscaping in the area, which abuts Millennium Park.

抗議者攔93號高速公路 州警斥危及車禍受害者生命

昨（十五）日一大早，麻州93號州際公路的南，北向道路，各有一撥人呼籲社會關注族裔壓抑，攔路抗議， 導致大塞車。

            警方不滿表示，此舉不但令他們大為驚訝，讓數以千計車輛塞在高速公路上，蜿蜒如蛇，更糟的是，還逼使送車禍傷者到波士頓醫院的一輛救護車改道。

            麻州警察主管Timothy Alben表示，抗議人士是早上七點四十分時，在麥德福（Medford）市神秘道（Mystic Ave.）附近的南向93號州際公路，以及七點半時在東米爾頓（Milton）廣場的北向93號公路，攔阻了道路。

            麻州州警表示，八點後沒多久，他們就架開了麥德福那兒的抗議人士。但他們是直到早上九點四十五分左右，才架開了那些在米爾頓，把自己連在很重桶子上的抗議者，他們總共逮捕了29人。

            抗議者發言人Shannon Leary表示，米爾頓的抗議者並不屬於任何一個特定組織，但和其他抗議者都一任，認為族裔關係應該改善。

            她說，騷動能讓人們從他們的特權及隔絕環境中清醒一點。

            麻州警察主管Timothy Alben表示，他尊重第一修正案給人們的抗議權力，但那些抗議者做得太過分了些。

        一名在伊斯頓（Easton）出車禍受傷，生命有危險的人，就因為抗議塞車，救護車在送他到波士頓創傷中心時，不得不改道。許多警察，消防及救護人員也因此被召到抗議地點，讓他們無法處理在其他地方發生的緊急事件。

            他勸抗議者要認識到他們的行動可能帶來意料之外後果，指那些抗議者的行動不單只是不成熟，不負責任，更是輕率，讓其他人的生命蒙上危險。

            州警發言人表示，抗議事件中無人受傷。有十八人在麥德福市被捕，十一人在米爾頓被捕。這些抗議者將面對擅闖，行為不檢，甚至拒捕等控罪。

Charlie Baker Appoints Quinn as Bristol County District Attorney

	Charlie Baker Appoints Quinn as Bristol County District Attorney Boston – Governor Charlie Baker today appointed Thomas M. Quinn III as District Attorney for Bristol County.  The district attorney is responsible for overseeing office operations and his appointment is effective immediately.  Quinn will serve his term until the next district attorney is elected in the next biennial election of November 2016. “Tom is an experienced manager with a solid record that fully qualifies him for the position of district attorney and I am pleased to announce his appointment to this important post,” said Governor Baker.  “Tom has loyally served the entire community and earned their support, demonstrating true professionalism and steady leadership throughout his career.  I am confident that he will continue to dutifully serve the citizens of Bristol County and our Commonwealth.” “I am glad to announce Tom’s appointment as District Attorney for Bristol County and have full confidence that he will continue his career of devoted service to support the people of Bristol County and our state,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “It is an honor to receive this appointment from Governor Baker and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Bristol County as the district attorney,” said Quinn. About Thomas M. Quinn III: Quinn first worked in the Bristol County DA’s office as an Assistant DA from 1988 to 1997.  He later worked in private practice in Fall River, representing clients through the Committee for Public Counsel Services.  Quinn recently served as First Assistant DA, supervising all prosecution in Superior Court cases in Bristol County Superior Court.  Quinn is deeply invested in his community, serving as a member of the Bishop Connolly High School Board of Trustees, Nativity Preparatory School Advisory Board and the Holy Name Parish Finance Council.  Quinn grew up in Dartmouth and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and Suffolk University Law School. He lives in Fall River with his wife, Sharon, and has three children.

Baker-Polito Administration Establishes Three-Month Regulatory Pause

Baker-Polito Administration Establishes Three-Month Regulatory Pause

Boston – Governor Charlie Baker today announced a 90-day pause on all new regulations to allow for the Administration’s long-term goal of streamlining unnecessarily burdensome regulations on the Commonwealth’s small businesses and job creators. The three month time frame will halt new regulations and those in the renewal process in order to enable the administration to implement new guidance that regulations going forward communicate a clear, desired and effective goal and focus on the development and implementation of the 2016 Fiscal Year Budget.

“If Massachusetts is to succeed in creating new jobs and making state government more efficient, we must tackle burdensome regulations,” said Governor Baker. “Regulations void of a clear and concise purpose increase the cost of doing business and make dealing with state government more difficult. This temporary freeze will allow us to review codes already on the books, ease the unnecessary amount of bureaucratic red tape and focus on crafting the next budget.”

The regulatory pause was outlined in a memo issued to all Cabinet Secretaries today by Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore, who in accordance with Executive Orders issued in prior administrations, has final approval before any regulation is filed.  The three-month period is effective until March 31^st.

“Massachusetts’ looming budget deficit is one of our utmost priorities in the coming months,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “As we begin the hard work of reducing costs and responsibly meeting the needs of the Commonwealth, today’s announcement will help ensure our small businesses are not left behind.” 

As outlined in a memo issued by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, any new regulation will be presumptively disapproved with limited exceptions for those mandated by statute to be implemented by a fixed date, those substantially reducing an existing regulatory burden, those essential to public health, safety, environment or welfare and those addressing unanticipated matters of importance to the Commonwealth.

The regulatory freeze follows the administration’s announcement on January 9^th to issue an immediate hiring freeze across state government, launch a 100-day agency review for efficiency and cost-savings, and to direct all cabinet Secretaries conduct reviews of all contract amendments made since September 1, 2014 and those currently in the procurement process to determine they are in the best interests of the Commonwealth.

于翔 1/17 於喬丹廳辦音樂會首演天際鴻音

梅紐因國際小提琴比賽首獎得主于翔及年青鋼琴家蔣晴，應中華表演藝術基金會之邀，將於元月十七日（週六）晚上八點，在新英格蘭音樂學院喬登廳 (Jordan Hall)，攜手舉辦音樂會。

青年作曲家徐可為于翔編寫的”天際鴻音“小提琴曲，當晚也將由于翔做世界首演。

中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵表示，于翔是音樂界當今公認的最有才華年輕小提琴家之一，不僅於2010年贏得梅紐因國際小提琴比賽首獎，還獲巴赫和觀眾獎，此後不斷受邀到世界各地演出，包括柏林，巴黎，北京，新加坡，上海，奧克蘭，芝加哥，匹茲堡和波士頓，他全都去過，還和許多知名管絃樂團合作演出。

美國的全國聯播“今天”節目，早前也因他是“傑出藝術家”，訪問了他。

在內蒙古出生的于翔，不到兩歲時，就能學唱電視上聽來的歌。分別從河南，四川下鄉到蒙古的于翔父母，發現兒子的音樂天賦，竭力培養，促成于翔十一歲考入上海音樂學院，師從鄭青，2012年取得新英格蘭音樂學院學士學位後，又於2014年獲藝術家文憑，現仍在該校研修碩士學位。

紐約時報譽為才能非凡的鋼琴家蔣晴，當晚將與于翔同台演出。

蔣晴生於鎮江，獲有茱莉亞音樂學院碩士。新英格蘭音樂學院博士等學位，曾在各大鋼琴大赛中獲獎，也曾在卡内基音樂廳，林肯音樂中心演出，合作過的演奏家包括著名的小提琴家帕爾曼、维勒思坦等。

他倆當晚將演出的曲目包括莫扎特的E大調慢板，K.261，C大調 Rondo，K.373，貝多芬的小提琴與鋼琴奏鳴曲 C小調第7號，Op.30二號，德布西的小提琴和鋼琴奏鳴曲 G小調，L 140，以及徐可的天際鴻音，拉威爾的茨岡。

音樂會票價$15-$50，中華表演基金會撥出一百張學生免費票，給十四歲以上學生，有意出席者，可上網索票。六歲以下兒童請勿入場。查詢可洽中華表演藝術基金會譚嘉陵，電話781-259-8195，上網購票網址為http://www.chineseperformingarts.net/tickets/index.htm。

MAYOR WALSH RELEASES COMPREHENSIVE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

MAYOR WALSH RELEASES COMPREHENSIVE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

BOSTON - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today released the Greenovate Boston 2014 Climate Action Plan Update, taking steps to prepare the City of Boston for the impacts of climate change and celebrating the City’s progress towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25 percent by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

"When we’re talking about the environment, we’re talking about economic development, social equity, public health and safety, and community engagement," said Mayor Walsh. "That’s why we bring an environmental mindset to everything we do. Everyone can help make Boston a greener city."   

The Mayor will formally present the Plan along with members of the Climate Action Plan Steering Committee and welcome incoming Chief of Environment Energy and Open Space, Austin Blackmon on Thursday evening at 6:15 p.m.at Artists of Humanity in South Boston. The event will conclude with a performance by the local band, Guster. Under Mayor Walsh's leadership, the 2014 plan lays out a more robust climate preparedness strategy, building on prior reports with an enhanced focus on social equity, public health and safety, economic development and community engagement, and superior data and performance measurement.

For the first time, the Walsh Administration report sets sector-specific GHG and program participation targets, giving Boston residents, businesses, institutions, and government a clear sense of what is needed to achieve Boston’s 25 percent by 2020 GHG reduction goal. The report also takes a first look at what it will take to reach Boston’s longer-term goal of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050, putting Boston on par with only a handful of cities around the world that are exploring such ambitious goals.

While the 2014 Plan sets ambitious community goals and targets, the City continues to lead by example. In 2014, the City announced it had reduced municipal GHG emissions by approximately 27%, meeting its 2020 goal of 25% seven years early. The City is now exploring a new 2020 goal. The Renew Boston Trust, which was announced in the Mayor’s Chamber of Commerce speech, will further help municipal buildings reduce energy consumption and cut costs.

"This is a bold climate action plan put forth by Mayor Walsh and the City which will require engagement by all of our citizens. The Steering Committee felt that, going forward, greater involvement by Bostonians was key in both the development and implementation of an aggressive climate action plan. All of us have a stake in the outcome, and all of us can make a difference", said Vivien Li, Co-Chair of the 2014 Climate Action Plan Steering Committee.

The City already has many initiatives underway to achieve its 2020 goals and targets, and is making significant progress. For example:

• Almost 36,000 home weatherizations, heating system replacements, and other home energy upgrades have been completed in Boston since 2009 and Boston will need another 36,000 by 2020 to reach the 8% Neighborhood sector GHG goal. The City is working with its partners to expand Renew Boston and other residential energy efficiency programs. For example, Renew Boston, in partnership with NSTAR and Mass Saves, recently launched a new website to connect Boston residents with home energy efficiency products, regardless of whether your rent or own, or the number of units in your building.

• Solar generation eclipsed 11 MW in Boston in 2014. In addition to the plummeting cost of solar installation, City programs such as the new solar map and Race to Solar, which was recently extended until March 2015, are helping Boston reach the 2014 Climate Action Plan’s target of installing another 10 MW of commercial solar by 2020.

• Co-generation, a means of local energy production that uses steam to generate both electricity and heat, is a key carbon reduction strategy within the Large Buildings and Institutions (LBI) section. The 2014 Plan sets a target of having 15% of energy use for the LBI sector come from co-generation. The City and Boston Medical Center were recently awarded a $3.6 million grant from the Commonwealth to build a new 2 MW co-generation plant that will provide local, clean energy for the hospital and help the hospital maintain its operations in the event of a power outage.

• The Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) is enabling the City to better understand commercial energy use and set specific energy targets along with better assistance and services to help business reduce their energy bills. The first year of reporting (2014) provided encouraging results, with a compliance rate of over 85% and initial data showing that Boston buildings have an average Energy Star score of 74, which is well above the national average. A full report with sector-level BERDO data will be release at the end of the month.

• Vehicle fuel economy improvements, which are largely the result of new federal standards, are leading the reduction of emissions from the transportation sector, despite more jobs and vehicle miles traveled in Boston. As part of Go Boston 2030, the City’s mobility visioning and planning process, the City will set a Boston-specific fuel economy target, as well as strategies to help achieve it.

The Plan’s Climate Preparedness section continues to emphasize the need for regional collaboration. The Regional Climate Preparedness Summit, hosted by UMass-Boston this spring, will help catalyze these efforts. Local efforts include the Living with Water design competition, which is currently underway, and citywide efforts to coordinate resiliency planning through the new Chief Resilience Officer.

The Mayor has declared January 15th Guster Day in Boston to honor Guster's local roots and commitment to the environment.