BPDA Board approves $244.7 million in development projects at May meeting

New Development Projects

One Newcomb Place approval to bring 23 rental units to Roxbury

Live: 23 housing units, 20 market-rate rental units, three affordable units
Work: 40 construction jobs, $8.5 million investment
Connect: $10K in community benefits toward Grant A.M.E. Church improvements, Pine Street Inn, and YouthBuild Boston funding
Project Size: 24,655 square feet

The One Newcomb Place project, to be located at 1 Newcomb Street in Roxbury, is currently an underutilized lot located three blocks west of the Boston Medical Center. As proposed, the project will be made up of 23 rental units, consisting of 20 market-rate units and three Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) units. There will be a mix of nine one-bedroom units, six two-bedroom units, six three-bedroom units and two three-bedroom duplex units.

As part of the project, the developer has chosen to donate $10,000 to local organizations, including:

• $5,000 to the Grant A. M. E. Church located at 1906 Washington Street
• $2,500 to the Pine Street Inn, Inc. located at 444 Harrison Avenue, and
• $2,500 to YouthBuild Boston, Inc. located at 27 Centre Street.

These community contributions will be made to the BPDA once building permits are issued by the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD). 
 

1785 Columbus Avenue to increase non-profit and social service providers in Jackson Square area

Live: 48K square foot expansion of school to include social service job center and new cafe space
Work: 150 construction jobs, focused job-site internships, $40 million investment
Connect: 42 bike storage spaces, building wifi, LEED certifiable
Project Size: 139,200 square feet

The 1785 Columbus Avenue project aims to increase non-profit and social service providers in the Jackson Square area, while also allowing Horizons for Homeless Children to expand on its existing space. The project site is comprised of three parcels and contains two existing buildings, including a vacant warehouse previously used for storage, an auto body shop which will be relocated, and a surface parking lot.

The project is a 139,200 square-foot building that will include approximately 48,000 square feet on the second and third floors to be used by Horizons for Homeless Children as child care and administration space. The building will consist of another 87,500 square feet of office space for social service programs and 1,500 square feet of ground floor retail space. The site will also include 157 parking spaces on two levels, with 25 of these spaces replacing the existing surface parking lot at the project site. Approximately 97 secure, covered bicycle parking spaces will be provided for employees, as well as public bicycle racks for visitors.

The 1785 Columbus Avenue will include numerous benefits to the City of Boston, including but not limited to:

• Renovation of the pocket park across the street from the project at the corner of Amory Street and Dimock Street.
• Expansion of a school serving homeless children including expansion to an additional 50 children currently on the waiting list.
• Generation of new property taxes and Development Impact Project (DIP) linkage contributions.
• Creation of a local, social service job center focusing on helping the local community such as teachers, social workers, and doctors.

2451 Washington Street project to provide quality homeownership opportunities to the Roxbury community

Live: Six affordable housing units, homeownership opportunities in the Dudley Square area
Work: 25 construction jobs, $9 million investment
Connect: Quarter mile to Dudley Station, LEED Silver certifiable
Project Size: 22,630 square feet

The 2451 Washington Street project site abuts a four story subsidized multifamily housing that MPDC co-owns. As proposed, the project includes the construction of a four story building that will contain 16 units, 14 off-street covered parking spaces, two off-street open parking spaces, and a loading space.

In terms of community benefits, the project will:

• Provide quality homeownership opportunities to the Roxbury community across a diverse demographic,
• Provide quality urban design at a prominent location,
• Place a prominent vacant lot into productive, active residential use,
• Promote Transit Oriented Development including car-free transit options for residents, as the project is near the Dudley Station Bus Terminal and MBTA Orange Line.

125 Sumner Street to revitalize East Boston BHA housing, include addition of mixed-income housing

Live: 36 affordable units, 1,000 square feet of community gathering space, outdoor community garden
Work: 3,400 square feet of retail space, 233 construction jobs, $29 million investment
Connect: 50 bike storage spaces, LEED Silver certifiable, new physical and visual connection to the Harborwalk
Project Size: 60,670 square feet

125 Sumner Street project will be situated on two parcels of land located in and around 125 Sumner Street in the East Boston neighborhood of Boston. The two parcels of land collectively make up about 46,330 square feet and are currently occupied by four two-story residential buildings containing 20 affordable housing units, owned and operated by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) as the Clippership Apartments.

The 125 Sumner Street project will replace the existing buildings with two three-story residential buildings containing 52 mixed-income residential units, commercial/retail space, a community gathering room, and approximately 17 off-street parking spaces. In total, both buildings will consist of approximately 60,670 gross square feet:

• Building 1 will contain 22 residential rental units, of which 20 will be direct BHA replacement units. These 22 residential rental units will consist of one one-bedroom unit, six two-bedroom units, 10 three-bedroom units, and five four-bedroom units. The same building will also offer approximately 3,400 square feet of commercial/retail space along Sumner Street, a 1,040 square foot community gathering room, a community patio, and publicly accessible secured storage for approximately 50 bicycles.
• Building 2 will contain 30 mixed-income residential homeownership units. The 30 residential homeownership units in Building 2 are anticipated to include six studio units, nine one-bedroom units, 12 two-bedroom units, and three three-bedroom units.

1457 Tremont to bring energy efficient residential building to Mission Hill

Live: Three green certifications, including: PassiveHaus, WELL, and LEED
Work: 26 construction jobs, new ground-floor retail spaces, Knights of Columbus community space
Connect: 500 feet to the Roxbury Crossing MBTA station, two resident-shared smart cars
Project Size: 36,444 square feet

The proposed 1457 Tremont project will be located on the corner of Tremont Street and Faxon Street and incorporates two parcels for a total lot size of 7,333 square feet. Currently, the front parcel contains an existing one-story building, home to the Roxbury Council Knights of Columbus, and the rear parcel is a vacant fenced in lot.

This project approval will yield a five-story, mixed-use building with 40 rental units, 5 IDP units, over 3,310 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, a 1,358 square-foot community space and private club space for the Knights of Columbus, and four parking spaces. As proposed, it is anticipated that the project will achieve PassiveHaus and LEED certifications, which strive to reach the highest level of energy efficiency and air-tightness of building envelope. The project will also seek certification from the International WELL Building Institute as part of their residential pilot program targeting occupant health and well-being.

The Residences at Walk Hill to bring residential, restaurant and retail floral businesses to Roslindale

Live: 12 on-site affordable units, $410K contribution towards affordable homeownership units in the area
Work: 89 construction jobs
Connect: Shuttle from the project site to the Forest Hills MBTA station, $50K contribution towards traffic calming, on-site bike storage and re-striping of bike lanes
Project Size: 87,631 square feet

The 289 Walk Hill Street project site is located at the corner of Walk Hill Street and Canterbury Street in Roslindale. The site is made up of four individual properties currently improved with retail floral businesses, a restaurant, and a residential structure.

The Residences at Walk Hill, LLC will consist of a 118,815 gross square foot, three and four story, 106 rental unit building with 126 parking spaces. The total development cost of the Proposed Project will be approximately $32 million, including approximately $7 million for land acquisition.

After working closely with the community, the proposed project original square footage, number of units, and height were decreased, and the setback along Walk Hill was increased.

Twelve units on-site will be affordable to households earning not more than 70 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). In addition, the Proponent will contribute to the Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) Special Revenue Fund for 2.05 units, or $410,000.

Public benefits from the project include, a shuttle from the Project Site to the Forest Hills MBTA Station, public way improvements along Walk Hill Street, signal timing adjustments on American Legion Highway intersections, beautifying the adjacent brook; and on-site bike storage and re-striping of the bicycle lanes on Walk Hill. A contribution of $50,000 to be used towards local Neighborhood Slow Streets or other street safety and calming measures, due in full within 30 days after the Proponent received a final Certificate of Occupancy from the Inspectional Services Department.

The Chandlery to bring 114 residential units to Dorchester Avenue

Live: 20 affordable housing units, 114 market-rate, new pedestrian plaza
Work: 6.5K square feet of retail space, rental and car sharing, $55 million investment
Connect: 50 bike storage spaces, LEED Silver certifiable, $15K contribution to Orton Field
Project Size: 87,631 square feet

The new six-story mixed-use building will include 114 residential units, 20 of which will be affordable. The unit mix consists of 20 studio units, 73 one-bedroom units and 21 two-bedroom units. Approximately 6,590 square feet of retail space will be constructed on the first two levels. This space will be occupied by Ultimate Self Defense Gym (currently located on the Project Site), a commercial automobile rental company, and a community-oriented use such as a restaurant. The community-oriented restaurant use and local business are consistent with the PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue’s goals to have more amenities and support local businesses in the neighborhood. The Proposed Project provides easy access to several MBTA subway stations and bus lines. Up to 120 parking spaces will be provided in a below-grade parking garage that will utilize an automated parking system. A portion of the parking will be reserved for Enterprise Car Rental and its car sharing program, which will be available to both residents of the Proposed Project and the public. The Proposed Project also includes approximately 12,400 square feet of multi-level private and public open space, with a sunny courtyard acting as the centerpiece. The Proposed Project will be designed, constructed, and managed to be LEED Silver certifiable. The total development cost for the Proposed Project is approximately $55,000,000.

The developer will contribute $15,000 to the City of Boston's Parks and Recreation Department Fund for Parks upon the issuance of the building permit for the Proposed Project to be used for landscaping, benches and maintenance of Orton Field in the South Boston neighborhood.

Fifteen of the 114 residential rental units will be to be made affordable to households earning not more than 70 percent of the AMI. In addition, under the PLAN: South Boston/Dorchester Avenue density bonus program, the Proponent has agreed to provide five additional units, to be made affordable to households earning not more than 120 percent of AMI.

17 Residential units coming to 5205 Washington Street in West Roxbury

Live: 17 residential units
Work: 17 construction jobs, 9 indirect jobs
Connect: 26 parking spaces
Project Size: 21,800 square feet

The project will construct a four-story, 21,800 gross square foot residential rental building containing 17 residential units and 26 parking spaces. The total development cost will be approximately $3,000,000. Presently, the parcel has a one-story building housing an automotive use, along with an adjacent parking lot. The proposed project does not require any zoning variances.

735 Truman Highway to renovate former nursing home, create 46 rental units

Live: 6 on-site affordable units, 46 unit restoration of the Parkwell Nursing Home
Work: 26 construction jobs,
Connect: Walking distance to Fairmont MBTA station
Project Size: 49,805 square feet

The project will renovate the former three story, 49,805 gross square foot assisted living and nursing home facility into a residential development with 46 rental units. The estimated total development cost is approximately $6,000,000. Six units within the project will be made affordable to households earning not more than 70 percent of the AMI.

The developer will work with car sharing companies to provide two shared car parking spaces within the proposed project. The project is located within walking distance from the Fairmont MBTA station.

Wentworth Multipurpose Academic Building to support engineering and innovations programs

Live: 2 new pedestrian plazas
Work: 200 construction jobs, 8 permanent jobs
Connect: 12 new scholarships, STEM program for girls, welding certification
Project Size: 69,000 square feet

The Wentworth Multipurpose Academic Building will replace the Center of Engineering and Technology at 555 Parker Street in Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Institutional Master Plan (IMP) which was approved by the BPDA Board in 2010. The new academic building with a height of approximately 64.5 feet and a size of approximately 69,000 gross square feet will be located on the Wentworth campus where tennis courts are currently located. The project will contain laboratories, student learning and group meeting space, offices, and support/storage space on floors two through four, and a first-floor maker space, manufacturing, and gathering space intended to invite the Wentworth community to experience first-hand a rotating presentation of Wentworth’s engineering capabilities and teachings. The project will accommodate Wentworth’s transition from providing engineering technology programs to engineering and innovation programs, such as a new biological engineering program.

The project will activate the street edge along Parker Street, create two pedestrian plaza areas on Parker Street and Pike frontages, widen the the entrance to the Pedestrian Pike and will be LEED Silver certifiable including green building technology.

In addition, the project will add eight new scholarships for Girls’ Summer Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program, expand the Boston Pipeline program to Madison Park High School, create four new scholarships for the welding certification program and add three new projects to the Wentworth sponsored Co+Build program.


About the Boston Planning & Development Agency
As the City of Boston’s urban planning and economic development agency, the BPDA works in partnership with the community to plan Boston's future while respecting its past. The agency’s passionate and knowledgeable staff guides physical, social, and economic change in Boston’s neighborhoods and its downtown to shape a more prosperous, resilient, and vibrant city for all. The BPDA also prepares residents for new opportunities through employment training, human services and job creation. Learn more at www.bostonplans.org, and follow us on Twitter @BostonPlans.

牛頓市台灣日慶十週年 風雨不減歡樂

             (Boston Orange 周菊子牛頓市報導) 波士頓僑教中心和牛頓海德社區中心，本地僑團合作，5月6日舉辦的第10屆”牛頓台灣日”，跨過風雨飄搖，迎來陽光普照，絡繹不絕的逾千名僑胞，一整個下午欣賞”當代樂坊”悠揚樂音，遊逛48個團體擺出的63個攤位，飽餐各色台灣小吃，寒暄問好不斷，開心非常。

波士頓經文處處長賴銘琪，雲雯蓁夫婦(右起)，中華公所主席陳家驊，
牛頓市議員約翰萊斯等人和出席者一起唱國歌，升旗。(周菊子攝)

今年是牛頓台灣日的十週年，波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉特地把僑委會派到北美做”台灣傳統週”巡演的”當代樂坊”，趕在同一天邀來波士頓表演，與中華藝術協會舞蹈團，中華民俗藝術工作坊一起為出席民眾獻上一個又一個的精彩節目。2名隨團臺灣民俗藝師洪新富及李永謀，也在現場示範摺紙及皮雕藝術。

牛頓台灣日下雨也遊行。(周菊子攝)

活動開場時，儘管天陰下雨，僑胞們卻熱情高昂，紛紛撐起雨傘，穿上雨衣，在波士頓榮光會領唱中，照樣唱國歌，國旗歌，舉行升旗典禮，繞街遊行，像小孩子玩水一樣，每個人臉上都漾滿開懷笑意。

            駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長賴銘琪，牛頓市議員約翰萊斯(John Rice)，紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊，波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬，波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉等人由司儀朱蘇珊，屠澤寬介紹後致詞。

            刻正競選牛頓市市長的馬惠美也上台向出席民眾致意。

中華民俗藝術工作坊的團員。

            麻州眾議員黃子安，陳德基到場後，送上了州議會的表揚狀。

經文處處長賴銘琪在致詞時指出，舉辦牛頓台灣日的主要目地是藉著大波士頓本地各僑團，公益組織的擺攤，呈現各色台灣美食，傳統技藝文化，既促進本地僑胞之間的交流，也在主流社會面前提升台灣的形象與知名度，能見度。

麻州牛頓元極舞健身會

各僑團擺出的小吃，是牛頓台灣日最吸引人的重點。紐英崙客家鄉親會一早就宣傳會做客家黑糖糕，還給長興豆腐捐贈的豆花配上特色佐料，端出古早味豆花，會長周一男，前會長曾秀梅，陳裕逢等人，全都慎重其事，一早就到會場搭棚，擺攤。旁邊的麻州元極舞聯誼會也由鄭玉春，曾正泉，曾建斗拿出自製的草仔粿，紅豆芋圓湯，新英格蘭台灣商會前會長許素馨率同事來為自己的公司”房必昇”打廣告，大波士頓中華文化協會有楊哲修，吳萍萍的夫妻檔賣炒米粉，滷蛋，紐英崙中華專業人員協會擺出了飯糰和蔣宗壬自家所種人參泡的茶，波士頓京劇協會有會長劉瑋珊做的肉夾餅，鍋貼，煎包，慈濟基金會的魚丸、甜不辣湯，全都讓人垂涎不已。

由於慶祝十週年，許多僑團製作的美食都額外增加了份量，卻因為下雨，沒全數售罄，但”牛頓台灣日”帶來的熱鬧，親切感，仍然讓僑胞們對下一次很期待。(圖片已於5月7日發表)

台灣媽媽團率子女同行。

波士頓榮光會有制服，最搶眼。

牛頓市議員約翰萊斯(左二)送上表揚狀給經文處處長賴銘琪(左一)。

劍橋合唱團團長陳立英，顏毓芬夫婦為豆腐功夫T續擺攤。

波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬(左)和紐英崙中華專業人員協會理事王子仁。

波士頓京劇協會的汪榮華(左)等人的衣服顏色對比強烈。

台灣媽媽擺攤，有台灣爸爸助陣招攬顧客。

麻州牛頓元極舞會長鄭玉春等人現場煮熱紅豆芋園湯。

波克來台灣商會理事陳玉瑛(右一)一家人最有準備，把台灣穿在身上亮相。

紐英崙客家鄉親會的

中華公所英文書記朱蘇珊(左)和余麗媖共用一把傘，雨中好開心。

許漱馨(右)和同事為"房必昇"打廣告。

慈濟師姐長金滿(右)和慈濟人一起擺攤。

當代樂坊與兩名藝師為波士頓台灣傳統週助陣

前排左起，波士頓華僑文教中心主任歐宏偉，璞石文化工作室會長李玉瑛，波士頓經文處處長夫人雲雯蓁，處長賴銘琪，當愛樂坊團長李建興，藝師洪新富(前右一)，李永謨(前右二)。(周菊子攝)

洪新富(左)展示他製作的紙雕書。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 僑委會為北美台灣傳統週巡演遴派的”當代樂坊”，5日晚抵達，6日馬上在”2017牛頓台灣日”中表演，拿出嗩吶、二胡、揚琴、大阮、中阮等傳統中樂器，一連唱奏15首曲子，博得川流不息觀眾頻頻喝采。

洪新富(右)教許淑芬(左)怎麼做紙雕心。

            由團長李建興帶隊的”’ 當代樂坊”，團員年紀都很輕，個個音樂造詣高深，其中不乏音樂系或音樂學院的高材，碩士生。6日下午，他們以”從故鄉的心弦想起”為主題，從”布袋幻想序曲”開始，”農村酒歌”，、台灣民謠”，到”莫札特小夜曲”，”世界經典組曲”，兼顧中西音樂，還有演奏布袋戲，歌仔戲的音樂，以及台語，國語老歌的演出，讓不同背景的人都聽得津津有味。

僑委會這次還派出兩名藝師，隨團巡演，增加台灣文化展演的豐富性。這兩名藝師，一為曾獲中華民國十大傑出青年榮譽，創作了不下十幾本立體書的紙雕藝術家洪新富，以及皮雕藝術家李永謨。當代樂坊於台上表演時，他們兩人就在台下示範。

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            “當代樂坊”此行訪美，波士頓是第一站，由璞石文化工作室接待，其他還去紐約、邁阿密、奧蘭多、華府、亞特蘭大、休士頓及加拿大蒙特婁、多倫多等12城市。(圖片已於5月6日發表)

昆市亞協服務中心宣佈新執行長莊健豪( Philp Chong)

(Boston Orange ) 起源於昆士市的亞協服務中心(QARI)今(11)日正式對外宣佈，莊健豪(Philp Chong)將出任該中心執行長。        亞協服務中心在位不下12年的執行主任約翰波德(John Brother)，2016年9月和亞協服務中心董事會同步發表聲明將轉換跑道之後，亞協積極尋覓接任人選，期間由該中心英語教學主任暫代其職。              今日的這份聲明指出，在與亞協熟稔的諮詢公司新英格蘭ESC提供人選下，該會董事會廣泛搜尋，最後才做決定。        亞協董事，日裔的Paul Shaw表示，該中心很高興在企業發展，溝通，亞裔醫療健保領域經驗豐富的Philp Chong將帶領亞協，一定能把亞協帶上為昆士市及南岸社區的令人興奮新篇章。                   亞協董事會是在無異議下，全票通過指派Philip Chong出任新職。             Philip Chong 原籍香港，中文流利，16歲時移民來美。他說自己也是移民，親身體會過許多少數族裔今日所面對的挑戰。他很幸運，來美後無論在個人生活或專業上，他遇到過許多貴人，得到許多幫助，是那些人的熱情讓他得以實現美國夢。加入亞協是他回饋社區和美國的方式之一。            根據亞協的書面介紹，Philip Chong獲有東北大學資訊系統碩士學位，曾擔任Keswick醫療服務公司執行長，麻州醫療國際公司營運長，以及西蒙斯學院的策略計畫主任。他相信自己在策略領導上的專長，能夠幫助亞協和潛在的策略聯盟夥伴合作，在多元化項目，擴展服務上更進一步的讓少數族裔掌握主動力。他有這領亞協成長的決心。

Meet our new CEO! QARI is pleased to introduce our new Chief Executive Officer, Philip Chong.  This announcement comes following an extensive search by the board of directors, facilitated by ESC of New England, a leading nonprofit consulting firm familiar with QARI. Paul Shaw of QARI’s Board of Directors said, “After an exhaustive search, the board is very pleased that Mr. Chong will be leading QARI. His extensive background in business development, communications, and Asian healthcare will propel QARI into its next exciting chapter in serving Quincy and the South Shore community. The board voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Chong to the position.” Mr. Chong said, “With the strong support of the city, the board members, and QARI’s key stakeholders, I am excited to lead such a mission-driven organization that has been dedicated to serving the community for many years.” Mr. Chong is a Hong Kong native, fluent in Chinese, who himself immigrated to the United States at the age of 16. “As an immigrant myself,” Mr. Chong said, “I have firsthand experience living through the challenges many minorities face day to day. I am fortunate enough to have come across many people in the U.S. who have helped and supported me personally and professionally. Their compassion has enabled me to live my American dream and I am forever grateful for that. Joining QARI is one of my ways to give back to the communities and the country.” Mr. Chong holds a master’s degree in information systems from Northeastern University. His professional career includes serving as CEO of Keswick Health, COO of Massachusetts Medical International Corporation, and Director of Strategic Initiatives at Simmons College. “My strategic leadership expertise can help advance QARI’s initiatives in diversifying programs, extending our services with potential strategic partnerships in empowering underserved minorities.  I might be seen as an outsider in the nonprofit world, but I am passionate about QARI’s mission and determined to lead and grow the organization,” said Mr. Chong. QARI, founded in 2001, is a growing community-based organization serving primarily Quincy’s large Asian and immigrant populations. QARI programs include youth development and mentoring, adult education, family literacy, Chinese language and cultural classes, civic engagement initiatives, and multilingual information and referral to community services.  QARI’s mission is to foster and improve the social, cultural, economic and civic lives of Asian Americans and their families to benefit Quincy and its neighboring communities through collaborations and partnerships. For further information, please contact press@quincyasianresources.org.

Baker-Polito Administration Releases Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Budget Plan

Baker-Polito Administration Releases Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Budget Plan

$2.26 billion plan focused on maintaining and modernizing existing assets, and making strategic and affordable investments across Massachusetts

CHELSEA – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced an $8 million investment for the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home for veterans as part of a $199 million project included in the Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) capital plan. The complete capital plan includes additional investments to maintain and modernize state assets and targeted funds for future growth. The plan will be funded with $2.26 billion of General Obligation Bonds.

The FY18 plan continues to make investments in housing, higher education, transportation infrastructure and information technology upgrades. Significant funding is also included for grants that promote economic development, enhance workforce skills, create affordable housing opportunities, support critical environmental infrastructure and reinforce the Baker-Polito Administration’s role as a strong partner to the Commonwealth’s cities and towns.

The $8 million investment for the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home will begin the process of constructing a new long-term care facility in conjunction with the federal government, pending final approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The facility is one of two state operated soldiers’ homes that provide both long-term care and domiciliary residential services. The long-term care facility in the Quigley Memorial Hospital opened in 1949 and offers long term care beds for veterans who served as far back as World War II. The current facility also provides independent living in the domiciliary for close to 200 veterans. 

“The Commonwealth’s capital plan is an important tool to fund critical state assets, like the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home which supports our veterans and their families,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration is pleased to release this plan to continue investments in affordable housing options, transportation infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives that will have positive impacts throughout cities and towns across the Commonwealth.”

“This capital plan provides reliable and substantial support for Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns,” said Lieutenant Karyn Governor Polito. “We are pleased to propose essential funding to our cities and towns for repairing local roads and bridges, upgrading IT infrastructure, improving ADA accessibility and restoring inland dams and seawalls.”

“The administration’s third capital budget plan remains focused on maintaining and modernizing our existing assets to ensure we are meeting the long-term needs of the Commonwealth,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore. “Our capital budget is a strategic and affordable plan that invests in every community in the Commonwealth.”

The $2.26 billion bond cap represents a $70 million (3.2%) increase over FY17, which is in line with the recommendations of the Debt Affordability Committee. The total capital investment for FY18, after accounting for non-bond cap funding sources, will total over $4.3 billion.

Link to the FY18 Capital Budget: www.mass.gov/capital

Projects in the FY18 Capital Plan will:

Maintain: 48% of projects in FY18 prioritize maintenance by repairing, reconstructing, or reconditioning existing assets to bring condition or performance to a safe and acceptable level.

Modernize: 28% of projects in FY18 renew existing assets to improve functionality, useful life or enhance service, capacity, or performance while limiting the expansion of the state’s asset footprint.

Target Growth: 24% of projects in FY18 address strategic objectives through creation of select new assets, or increase investment in priority areas to create value without expanding our state asset footprint.

Within the three strategic parameters that guided the development of this year’s plan, the projects funded focus on five major themes: 

Maintaining and Modernizing Existing State Assets

The administration recognizes that it is important to take care of our current capital assets, which decreases the liability of potential costly large-scale repairs in the future. To achieve this goal, the administration has prioritized deferred maintenance projects across state agencies.

·       $836 million in bond cap for maintaining and modernizing the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure.

·       $161 million for renovation projects at public higher education campuses.

·       $90 million to support maintenance at over 45,000 local housing authority units.

·       $47.1 million for energy renewal projects, leveraging additional $12.5 million of borrowing covered by projected energy savings.

·       $34.6 million for deferred maintenance for state facilities and systems.

·       $15 million to preserve affordability at private developments.

·       $11.4 million to help municipalities repair and improve inland dams and seawalls.

Enhancing Workforce Skills and Economic Vitality

Projects will support economic growth initiatives in communities as well as programs to better equip the Commonwealth’s workforce with the skills needed for jobs in today’s economy.

·       $80 million for MassWorks grants that foster economic growth and help communities deliver on their economic development priorities.

·       $56 million for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.

·       $15 million for high schools, community colleges, and non-profit organizations to purchase equipment that supports workforce development skills.

Engaging and Supporting Communities

A key priority of the Baker-Polito Administration is serving as a strong partner for our cities and towns. Since taking office, the administration has significantly increased local aid and Chapter 70 education funding in the operating budget, and provided critical capital funding to support local projects.

·       $200 million in Chapter 90 funding for local road and bridge repairs.

·       $47.4 million for community grant programs led by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs that support land protection, coastal resiliency, land use planning, and climate change adaptation efforts.

·       $11.5 million to support the Complete Streets and Municipal Small Bridge programs.

·       $2 million for Community Compact grants.

·       $1 million for municipalities to increase accessibility and comply with ADA regulations.

·       $350,000 for a bulletproof vest matching program for municipal police officers.

Optimizing the Value of Our Investments

The FY18 capital plan leverages significant outside funding sources from federal and local governments, and private sources, to maximize return on investments.

·       $343 million of state dollars paired with $579 million through the Federal Aid Highway Program will be used to maintain over 10,200 state lane miles.

·       $30 million in state capital funds ($75 million over the life of the project) for Boston Harbor dredging, which will be matched by $55 million from MassPort and $220 million from the federal government over the life of the project.

·       $8 million in state funding ($70 million over the life of the project) to build a new long-term care facility for veterans served at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home. The total project cost is estimated to be $199 million, of which 65% is expected to be reimbursed by the federal government, pending final approval by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Driving Government Performance

As part of its goal to more efficiently deliver services to constituents, the Baker-Polito Administration’s FY18 capital plan significantly funds projects that drive government performance.

·       $195 million for technology system upgrades across state government, including $44 million for technology modernization projects at the Registry of Motor Vehicles and $15 million in upgrades to the Commonwealth’s cyber security system.

·       $29.6 million to maintain and improve state-owned parks, campgrounds, pools, and rinks.

·       $13.1 million to replace 370 state police cruisers and associated data terminals.

·       $3.9 million for strategic plans across agencies.