MAYOR WALSH ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO STAY SAFE DURING HOT WEATHER

MAYOR WALSH ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO STAY SAFE DURING HOT WEATHER

BOSTON - Sunday, June 17, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh is reminding residents to take precautions during the very hot and humid weather that is forecasted for Monday, with the highest temperatures expected in the afternoon and early evening. Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat and by following @CityofBoston on Twitter. Mayor Walsh has not declared a Heat Emergency, but can do so if temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher for three or more consecutive days. At this time, temperatures are expected to be lower for the remainder of the week. The City of Boston's two outdoor pools, the  BCYF Clougherty Pool in Charlestown and the  BCYF Mirabella Pool in the North End opened for the season on Saturday, June 16th. The City's "Family Friendly Beach" at the  BCYF Curley Community Center in South Boston also opened on Saturday, June 16th. The beach is open seven days a week and offers families access to an enclosed stretch of beach on Boston Harbor, restrooms with changing tables, picnic tables with umbrellas, outdoor showers, beach game equipment, and wifi. Please check with your  local BCYF center for all hours of operation.   Residents can sign up for Alert Boston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email or text. Sign up online here. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available city services. Heat Safety: Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-15 or higher and wear protective, loose fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats. The elderly, young children and those with chronic medical conditions are more susceptible to the effects of heat. Always check in on family or neighbors who may be at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke as temperatures climb. Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of times. If you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint, stop all activity and immediately find shade or a cool area to rest. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately. Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's UV radiation is strongest. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. Homeless individuals can become dehydrated rapidly due to a lack of access to water or shelter from the heat. If you observe someone who appears in distress, call 911 immediately. If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six. Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications.   Playground Safety:   Children should always wear shoes on playgrounds because surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even splash pads and spray decks.   Outdoor Fires and Grilling: No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas and bonfires. Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave unattended. When done, dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out. Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home. Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area.   Mosquitoes and Ticks: If you are in a grassy or wooded area, apply a DEET containing repellent that will protect against mosquitoes AND ticks. Always check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after returning indoors and remove attached ticks immediately using tweezers. Mosquito bites can spread West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), while attached ticks can spread Lyme disease. Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks to prevent mosquito bites. Limit your time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and apply an approved mosquito repellent.

波市長簽短期出租法 明年一月生效

MAYOR WALSH SIGNS SHORT-TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE INTO EFFECT

Ordinance will help regulate short-term rentals in the City of Boston

BOSTON - Friday, June 15, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today signed a citywide ordinance establishing guidelines and regulations to better track and regulate short-term rentals in the City of Boston. This ordinance will go into effect on January 1, 2019 with a provision allowing current lease holders operating short term rentals the opportunity to continue operating until September 1, 2019. The proposal was originally filed by the Mayor in January, resubmitted by the Mayor in May, with further amendments contributed in collaboration with the Boston City Council and conversations with residents, advocates, and public and private stakeholders, all following two years of careful study and consideration by the Walsh Administration. The ordinance being signed today reflects the shared goal of providing economic opportunities for residents and temporary accommodations for visitors, while preserving Boston's housing stock. "My goal in regulating short-term rentals has always been to responsibly incorporate the growth of the home-share industry into our work to create affordable housing for all by striking a fair balance between preserving housing while still allowing Bostonians to benefit from this new industry," said Mayor Walsh. "I am proud to sign this ordinance today and I am committed to monitoring the impacts to ensure it serves its intended purpose in our neighborhoods." The regulations allow for the growth of Boston's home-sharing industry, while including deterrents to prevent operators from monopolizing Boston's housing market with short-term rentals. In addition, the regulations provide a standardized framework for regulating these units that meets the needs of the evolving industry provides protections for occupants, and minimizes the impact on surrounding neighbors of these units. These regulations only apply to property owners registered with the City to operate a short term rental in their unit. Non-owner occupants are not permitted to operate short term rentals in their leased units. The ordinance takes a three-tiered approach to classifying short-term rental units: Limited Share Unit: consists of a private bedroom or shared space in the owner-operator's primary residence, in which the operator is present during the rental. The fee associated with this classification is $25 per year. Home Share Unit: consists of a whole unit available for a short-term rental at the primary residence of the owner-operator (unit in which operator resides for at least nine months out of a 12 month period). The fee associated with this classification is $200 per year. Owner-Adjacent Unit: consists of an owner-occupied two- or three-family building, in which the owner lists a single secondary unit as a short-term rental. The fee associated with this classification is $200 per year. The regulations also provide protections for the occupants of the short-term rental unit by prohibiting any property with outstanding housing, sanitary, building, fire or zoning-code violations from being listed. In addition, the operator is required to provide notice to abutters of a short-term rental unit within 30 days of approved registration. The regulations require the unit to register with the City of Boston each year to verify compliance with the provisions of the ordinance, and pay an annual license fee. Penalties will be incurred to any person who offers an ineligible unit as a short-term rental, fails to register, or fails to comply with a notice of violation. To assist with the enforcement of regulations, booking platforms will be required to provide the City with monthly data and information relative to the short-term rental listings that detail the location and occupancy numbers. In January, the City released a Request for Information (RFI) to identify software solutions that will enable operators to register and renew short-term rental units online, and facilitate the enforcement of the conditions of allowable short-term rental use. Today's announcement builds on Mayor Walsh's commitment to addressing the housing demands in Boston. To date, the Walsh Administration has committed more than $100 million in funding to the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Today's announcement builds on the City's preservation and anti-displacement goals, outlined in Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030, Mayor Walsh's housing plan, and the housing goals laid out in Imagine Boston 2030, Boston's first citywide plan in 50 years. As part of both plans, Boston has prioritized increasing the overall housing supply, with a focus on creating and preserving affordable housing. In addition, a new source of funding for affordable housing, historic preservation, open space and public recreation was established through passage of the Community Preservation Act in November 2016. Since the launch of the housing plan, 24,454 new units have been permitted. When complete, these developments will be enough to house 48,600 new residents, and begin to relieve pressure on rents in existing housing.  Of these, 4,649 new income-restricted units have been permitted, of which 2,234 are targeted to low income households. There are an additional 4,240 deed-restricted units in the City's development pipeline. Data shows that the availability of short-term rental units has a direct correlation to housing costs. A 2016 study by UMass Boston found a 0.4% increase in rent prices due to increases in AirBNB listings, and a nationwide UCLA student also found a 0.42% increase. In addition to rent increases, the commercialization of short-term rentals in residential dwellings and residential neighborhoods has the potential to reduce availability of long-term housing for owners and tenants alike, and is contrary to the Administration's goal of adding 53,000 units of housing across a variety of income levels by 2030. In addition to creating new housing, the Walsh Administration is focused on protecting the tenancies of Boston's residents, launching the nation's first Office of Housing Stability in 2016.  In addition, Mayor Walsh has strengthened tenants' access to information by creating the city's first online guide to the eviction process.

昆市華男在奧斯頓經營妓院 被捕

QUINCY MAN ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICKING MULTIPLE WOMEN FOR SEX AT ALLSTON BROTHEL, STONEHAM “MASSAGE PARLOR”

BOSTON – A Quincy man has been arrested and arraigned for trafficking multiple women at a residential brothel in Allston and at a so-called “massage parlor” in Stoneham, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. 

Geekin Ng, age 59, of Quincy, was arrested on Wednesday without incident in Allston by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office and the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking and Special Investigation Units and District 14. Ng was charged with Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude and Keeping House of Ill Fame and was arraigned today in Brighton District Court.

At the arraignment, Ng pleaded not guilty to the charges and bail was set at $250,000 cash with the conditions of release that he surrender his passport and be subject to GPS monitoring. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for June 27.

This arrest is the result of a months-long joint investigation by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office and the Boston Police Department

During the course of the investigation, authorities developed evidence indicating that Ng ran a profitable and organized criminal enterprise through a residential brothel in Allston and Lucky Star Body Work in Stoneham, which were set up as fronts for human trafficking.

At these locations, Ng allegedly offered sexual activity between women and buyers in exchange for a fee. He delivered food and other supplies to the locations and advertised sexual services to buyers. Ng allegedly received the majority of the profits from these sexual encounters.

AG Healey’s Victim Services Division is working with victim service organizations to ensure victims have the assistance and services they need.

The investigation remains ongoing. These charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

AG Healey has a dedicated Human Trafficking Division that focuses on policy, prevention and prosecution and includes a team of specialized prosecutors, victim advocates and Massachusetts State Police troopers who handle high impact, multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigations and prosecutions across the state. Through the Human Trafficking Division, the AG’s Office has charged more than 40 individuals in connection with human trafficking since the law was passed.

As part of her commitment to reduce the demand for illegal sex and raise awareness about sex trafficking, AG Healey joined Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the business community in May to announce that 23 businesses adopted zero-tolerance policies on sex buying for their workplaces as part of a new initiative called Employers Against Sex Trafficking (EAST).

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief of the AG’s Human Trafficking Division Jennifer Snook and Assistant Attorney General Thomas Caldwell, with assistance from Victim Witness Advocates Rebecca Quigley and Megan Murphy and Financial Investigator Kit Metoyer. The investigation was handled by the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab, and the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking and Special Investigation Units and District 14, with assistance from the Stoneham Police Department. 

麻州長簽法案 將投資約5億元拓展生醫業

Baker-Polito Administration Signs Life Sciences Initiative

Invests $473 million in capital authorization, extends and expands job-creating state tax credit to $150 million over five years

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker signed An Act providing continued investment in the life sciences industry in the Commonwealth to invest up to $623 million in bond authorization and tax credits over five years in education, research and development, and workforce training. This legislation will serve to reinforce the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to leadership in the life sciences sector. The funding will continue to be managed by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), which is co-chaired by Administration and Finance Secretary Michael Heffernan and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash.

The bill was signed into law at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), which has received grants to help establish a new biotechnology program, internship placements at 30 life sciences companies and training for low-income adults to pursue biomedical careers.

“Reauthorizing the Mass Life Sciences Initiative will facilitate stronger public-private partnerships and strategic investments to train our workforce starting the classrooms and attract world-class companies to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “In partnership with the Legislature, our administration remains dedicated to generating economic growth and supplying researchers with the tools they need to create new advancements in medical care.”  

Governor Charlie Baker was joined by Administration and Finance Secretary Michael Heffernan, legislative leaders, BHCC President Pam Y. Eddinger, PhD, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council Robert Coughlin, President of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, Executive Vice President and Head of Sanofi Genzyme Bill Sibold and other life sciences stakeholders.

“Massachusetts is home to a world-class talent pool and this legislation will ensure more educational and career opportunities for residents throughout every region of the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration has made strategic workforce investments to educate, train and employ those interested in a career in the life sciences, empowering the Commonwealth to continue to lead the way in this field.”

“Our state’s decision ten years ago to invest in life sciences research made Massachusetts a global leader in an industry that is inventing the future, and this legislation recommits us to that leadership,” said Senator Eric P. Lesser, Senate Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “This legislation also spreads out the growth we have seen in the biotech industry across the state, to regions that have manufacturing capacity but need targeted investments to gain access to these high-paying jobs. We want the next vaccine breakthrough, the next big discovery, the next lifesaving drug, to be developed here in Massachusetts. These investments in research and workforce training in the life sciences make that possible.”

“This bill demonstrates the legislature’s commitment to economic development and workforce training by providing the tools and resources to allow for the continued investment in our people, our infrastructure, and our Massachusetts-based companies,” said Representative Joseph F. Wagner, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

“This legislation builds upon strategic investments made by the Baker-Polito Administration and is line with our overall economic development strategy,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash. “Our public investments have enabled life sciences to evolve from an emerging sector to an established global leader. By continuing to invest, we will maintain the vitality and competiveness of an industry that continues to create great jobs for our people and positively impact society.”

“As the leading global hub for life sciences innovation and advancement, our financial commitment and steadfast stewardship of public investment will ensure that we continue to hold on to that distinction,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “We’re investing in programs that will attract innovative companies seeking to start or expand in Massachusetts and fuel the robust pipeline of the best-trained life sciences talent in the nation.”

The five-year, $473 million bond authorization in the proposal provides capital funding that will enable the state to strengthen the ecosystem through collaborations that maximize third-party investments and sharpen the Commonwealth’s competitive edge.

The funding will continue to be managed by the MLSC with a focus on regional investments that spur workforce and economic development and enrich learning and experiential opportunities for young people in Massachusetts. Since its inception, $350 million in public investments have supported R&D infrastructure and facilities that are available for partnership with industry. For every public dollar invested in these facilities, the life sciences industry has invested $1.67 alongside. This infrastructure creates space for new partnerships, seeds startups, and supports new translational research capacities.

“We are grateful for the continued leadership of Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito and the collaborative effort with the Legislature to usher in the next generation of our vibrant life sciences ecosystem,” said Massachusetts Life Sciences Center President and CEO Travis McCready. “This spirit of partnership has allowed our Commonwealth to experience a near-decade of public-private partnerships in action with statewide impact that has positioned Massachusetts as the world’s leading life sciences hub. We know the entire biotech world is watching Massachusetts and today sends the strong message that together, we here in the Commonwealth have every intention to remain the number one center of life sciences innovation in the world.”

“The reason Massachusetts is the best place in the world for life sciences is because government is a true partner. MassBio and our members applaud Governor Baker, his Administration, and the Legislature for looking carefully at the results of the first life sciences initiative and concluding that the state can make a real difference – to our economy, to employees, and to patients around the world,” said MassBio President and CEO Robert K. Coughlin. “We are committed to working with the Administration and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to ensure this new life sciences initiative keeps Massachusetts on top, benefits workers at all levels, and brings new opportunities across the state.”

Strategic priorities for the initiative include strengthening investments in human capital to fortify the state’s skilled workforce pipeline, expanding opportunities for companies to access both private investment capital and dynamic public infrastructure resources, developing new scientific innovations that deliver higher outcome, affordable therapies to patients, and leading the convergence revolution in digital health, biopharma, medical devices and engineering.

In addition to new capital authorization for the MLSC, the legislation extends and expands the authorization of a key state tax credit that fuels job growth. The proposal permits the MLSC to extend the tax credit to December 31st, 2028 and increases the MLSC’s current annual statutory cap up to $30 million on tax credit awards, totaling $150 million over five years.

The tax incentive program provides a cost-effective way of attracting new and relocating companies to the Commonwealth while also ensuring that the state retains current commercial activity and captures investments from future growth. To date, 207 awards have been authorized under this program, representing $181 million in incentives in creating more than 8,800 net new jobs across the Commonwealth and maintaining them over a 5-year period. The program’s track record shows that once incentives anchor job creation, companies will exceed their growth projections by larger margins, further leveraging the state’s incentive awards.

“We are committed to supporting students pursuing education and training in the life sciences,” said Bunker Hill Community College President Pam Eddinger. “We are grateful for the support from Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, proud of our students and graduates participating in the biomedical and biotechnology fields, and pleased that the state will continue its substantial support, translating into a more vibrant life sciences sector.”

“This bill ensures continued growth in our economy and advances biomedical research while affirming Massachusetts strong commitment to life sciences. Importantly, it continues funding for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center which is critical to our work at Dana-Farber. Working together, we are truly pushing the pace of progress in cancer science,” said Laurie H. Glimcher, president and chief executive officer of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“Sanofi Genzyme has deep roots in Massachusetts and today we are the largest life-science employer in the Commonwealth,” said Bill Sibold, head of Sanofi Genzyme. “We have seen this innovative ecosystem grow from the earliest days to become the global center of our industry. Simply put there is no better place in the world for a life science company to locate, grow and thrive than Massachusetts.  This legislation invests in the success we’ve had and will signal to the world that Massachusetts will continue to be the center of the life science industry.”

“As a company that has grown up in Massachusetts’ world-class innovation ecosystem, Vertex is proof that meaningful investments in the future of our industry will result in life-changing medical advancements,” said Dr. Jeffrey Leiden, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Vertex. “Governor Baker’s Administration has been a true champion for the life sciences, and with this continued support, I have no doubt that Massachusetts will continue to lead the world in biomedical innovation.”

“As a result of the state’s generous investment, the Massachusetts scientific community has access to a new multi-institutional facility in which to study how drugs are evaluated and speed the introduction of safe and effective new medicines,” said Peter Sorger, professor of systems pharmacology and director of the MLSC-supported Lab of Systems Pharmacology. “We deeply appreciate the Baker-Polito Administration's making the key investment needed for an innovative new alliance among physician-scientists, BioPharma and patient advocates aimed at advancing precision medicine, strengthening the state's human and intellectual capital and benefiting patients across the globe.”

波士頓將添252個新住宅 40個可負擔

BPDA Board approves 252 new residential units at June meeting

Approved projects move City towards Mayor Walsh's goal of increasing affordable housing to support strong middle class
 

Boston – Friday, June 15, 2018 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors approved four development projects and three Notices of Project Changes at the June meeting. The projects will generate a total of 252 residential units, 40 of which will be affordable. In addition, the projects will create over 1,900 jobs upon their completion. 

The BPDA continues to make progress towards Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s goal of increasing affordable housing to support a strong middle-class. Since the start of 2018, 2,908 new housing units have been approved, with 585 affordable units for low or middle-income residents.

In addition, the Board approved a new Smart Utilities Policy ensuring that new large developments are taking steps to create a more resilient city, and an eight percent increase to linkage fees paid by developers, as part of continuing efforts to increase funding for affordable housing and job training.  The linkage increase must also be approved by the Boston Zoning Commission.

Development Projects

603 Dorchester Avenue to bring 24 residential units, retail and restaurant space to South Boston

Live: 24 housing units with 20 market-rate and four affordable units, two accessible units
Work: 45 construction jobs, restaurant jobs, commercial space, $7 million in investments
Connect: $10,000 in community benefits toward Moakley Park improvements and a neighborhood restaurant
Size: 26,227 square feet

Located at 603 Dorchester Avenue in South Boston’s Andrew Square, the project site is approximately 4,074 square feet of land, currently occupied by a two-story building and parking lot. The new building will be constructed as a six-story, mixed-use building with 24 residential units, four of which will be Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) units. There will be a mix of 22 one-bedroom units and two studio units. The ground floor will consist of 2,012 square feet of commercial retail space for new restaurant use and the project will also include a communal space for residents that is approximately 800 square feet. 

Willet Street Extension approval will yield 29 single-family homes in West Roxbury

Live: 29 single family homes, two will be affordable
Work: 100 construction jobs
Connect: New street and associated infrastructure, public access to open space
Size: 75,400 square feet

This proposal includes the construction of 29 single-family homes on the extension of Willet Street in West Roxbury, with a new street and new associated infrastructure. The proposed project totals 75,400 gross square feet with the average size of each home averaging 2,600 square feet. Each individual home lot will occupy a minimum of 6,000 square feet. Each of the 29 homes will be family-sized residences with multiple bedrooms and off-street parking. Vehicular access to and from the project site will be provided via a connection between the new street and the existing Willet Street. Additionally, a partial pedestrian connection to Washington Street will be available from the eastern corner of the site.  

As proposed, the project will result in a number of public benefits for the West Roxbury neighborhood and the City of Boston as a whole. These benefits include public realm and infrastructure installments including trees, landscaping, sidewalks, and streetscape amenities, as well as mitigation valued at $80K in collaboration with City agencies, toward the construction of public and pedestrian connections and the design of a minimum of four traffic calming measures on streets neighboring the project site.

1950 Washington Street to bring 31 homeownership units to Roxbury and improvements at Ramsay Park

Live: 31 residential units, four income-restricted
Work: 20 retail jobs
Connect: Direct access to the MBTA’s Silver Line and Ramsay Park
Size: 48,552 square feet

1950 Washington Street will renovate the existing structure into a six-story structure containing 31 residential homeownership units, four of which will be income-restricted. The site is located on the corner of Washington and Thorndike Streets in Roxbury, directly across from Ramsay Park, and is served by the MBTA’s Silver Line. 

The project will include 4,500 square feet of ground floor commercial space, 800 square feet of office space, 21 ground-level parking spaces and storage for 31 bicycles. The project will contribute $25,000 for improvements at Ramsay Park. 

5 Washington Street to bring transit-oriented residential units, affordable retail space to Brighton

Live: 108 residential units, 18 affordable
Work: 12,500 square feet of retail space
Connect: Bike storage and repair station, open space for community use
Size: 131,500 square feet

5 Washington Street will bring a five-story residential building with 108 rental units and 12,500 square feet of ground floor retail to Brighton. In response to community feedback, the project increased the proposed number of affordable units. Eighteen units will be income-restricted, represented 16.4 percent of the total project. The project will set aside 1,000 square feet of retail for a local business  at a discounted rate. 

The project will include 104 parking spaces, secured storage for 110 bicycles for residential use, four spaces for retail use, and outdoor spaces for visitor use. 5 Washington Street is adjacent to several public transportation opportunities, including the MBTA’s #65 bus line, as well as the B and C Green Lines. 

In addition to further activating a busy intersection in Brighton, the project will provide an improved streetscape and lighting, a new outdoor space with benches and landscape that is open to the community. 

Notices of Project Change

Hub on Causeway continues to move forward with updated office designs

Live: $4.5M in housing linkage fees
Work: Over 2,500 jobs
Connect: $3M investment in public realm improvements  
Size: 651,500 square feet

Phase III of Hub on Causeway, previously known as the Boston Garden Project, is moving forward with a Notice of Project Change (NPC) that will update the office design, responding to a new generation of office and workforce needs. The updates include the flexibility to accommodate future changes of the building’s tenants. 

The project, located on 80 Causeway,  was originally approved in 2013 and is currently under construction at the former site of the Boston Garden, adjacent to TD North and North Station. 

The approved changes include: higher floor to floor heights, floors with increased ceiling heights, enclosed two story balconies in certain portions of the office tower, outdoor terraces on specific levels of the office tower, a  higher occupiable floor above the project’s podium and larger maximum floor plates and office height tower from grade. 

63 Melcher Street approval increases office, cultural and community space for development and Fort Point

Work: 3,543 square feet of office space
Connect: Preservation of community use space

This approval for the 63 Melcher project marked the third amendment to the second amended and restated development plan. As proposed to the Board, the only change under this amendment from the second amendment is to acknowledge an additional 848 square feet of the 63 Melcher Street basement space as gross floor area for office, cultural, and/or community use. This update brings the total gross square footage for these uses up to 3,543 from the currently permitted 2,695 square feet under the second amendment. 

This will result in an increase in the overall office/cultural/community area and a reduction of overall residential area, but not residential units. As under the second amendment, the remainder of the 63 Melcher Street basement space will be absorbed into utility, entry, and lobby areas for primary residential use of the building.

E+ Mission Hill development, 77 Terrace Street, to bring 60 residential units to neighborhood

Live: 20% of units will be affordable, exceeding 13% requirement; public community space, roof garden
Work: 11 retail jobs, three new commercial spaces, live/work designs
Connect: 82 bike storage units, energy positive, LEED Platinum Certified
Size: 49,534 square feet

In April 2018 a Notice of Project Change was submitted to the BPDA to revise the originally approved project. The following changes were proposed to and approved by the BPDA Board:

• The addition of 16 residential units, bringing the total to 60.
• The addition of two income restricted units, bringing the total to 12.
• The addition of three off-street parking spaces, bringing the total to 33.
• An increase of approximately 1,264 square feet of residential gross floor area, bringing the total to 43,844 square feet.
• An increase of approximately 1,566 square feet to the ground floor commercial space, bringing the total to 5,690 square feet.

As a result of these proposed changes, the development will now consist of the construction of a three-story mixed-use building, including the above. Additionally, the project will be energy positive in its design with a projected energy surplus of 21 percent. This will be achieved through sustainable design of the building including geothermal heating systems, water filtration systems and 14,500 square foot solar farm on the roof.

風扇、Wifi，太陽能 三青少年項目贏波市府100萬元預算

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES WINNING PROJECTS OF YOUTH-FOCUSED PARTICIPATORY BUDGET VOTE

Fifth year of youth participation serves as a national model

BOSTON - Friday, June 15, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the three winning projects of the Youth Lead the Change vote, a participatory budgeting process where young Bostonians ages 12-25 decide how to allocate $1 million of the City's Capital Plan. This vote is the fifth time that the City has engaged young Boston residents in the budgetary process, and is the first initiative of its kind in the nation.  "Youth Lead the Change creates a process to engage young people all over Boston in the City's budgeting decisions," said Mayor Walsh. "Young people are working together, polling their peers, and addressing the issues that matter most to them. In addition to empowering young people today, we are cultivating a generation of Boston youth who are not only passionate, but also have the tools and knowledge to shape the future." "Empowering youth to bring about tangible change is essential to building up our communities," said Chief of Health and Human Services, Marty Martinez. "Through this participatory budgeting process, young people evaluate the needs of their community and collectively decide on allocating critical resources that create positive change for themselves and for the city." The Mayor's Youth Council partnered with youth organizations to write the rules and oversee the implementation of the process. Voting polls were stationed at local train stations, youth centers and school buildings for the city-wide vote and votes could be submitted online. 3,461 eligible votes came in from Boston's youngest populations. This year, young people conducted extra outreach to engage LGBTQ youth, homeless youth, undocumented residents, and court or gang involved youth. The winning Youth Lead the Change projects for 2018 are: First Place: Fans In SchoolsInstall fans in schools that lack central air conditioning to provide a more comfortable learning environment in the summer. Second Place: Youth WiFi LoungeCreate an accessible youth WiFi lounge in Boston City Hall for students to be able to connect with other students, collaborate on youth initiatives and projects, gain access to city agencies, and apply for youth jobs. This space will have access to Wicked Free WiFi, laptops, desktops, and meeting space. Third Place: Add Solar Panels To BuildingsPlace solar panels on city-owned property to help save money in the long term as we combat climate change and lose oil and fossil fuel reserves. "Participating in YLC gives young people a voice in government and the opportunity to connect with their neighborhood and select capital projects that can help make Boston a better and safer city," said Vikiana Petit-Homme, age 16, Youth Director of Youth Lead the Change. Vikiana recently shared the success of Youth Lead the Change with Mayors around the country at the US Conference of Mayors Boston gathering. Past projects selected for funding have included expanding Wicked Free WiFi, installing water bottle refilling stations at parks and placing newer trash cans and recycling bins in select neighborhoods. Youth Lead the Change (YLC) is managed by Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) Division of Youth Engagement and Employment, in close collaboration with a steering committee comprised of community and youth serving organizations. To learn more about Youth Lead the Change, visit youth.boston.gov or contact the BCYF Division of Youth Engagement and Employment at 617-635-4202. About Boston Centers for Youth and Families Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is the City of Boston's largest youth and human service agency. BCYF operates 36 community centers in Boston that offer a variety of engaging and enriching programs for people of all ages created through community input and need. BCYF also oversees many citywide programs including the nationally-recognized violence intervention and prevention Streetworker Program and SuccessLink, Mayor's Summer Jobs Program.

Economic Development Bond Bill Grants Malden Funding for Four Major Projects

Economic Development Bond Bill Grants Malden Funding for Four Major Projects

BOSTON- Representative Steven Ultrino joined with his colleagues in the Massachusetts House and Senate to pass H.4549, “An Act providing for capital facility repairs and improvements for the Commonwealth”. This Bill will provide funding for four key projects in Malden.

“The money we received in this bill is crucial for funding various important projects in Malden.” Representative Ultrino said. “These projects will help support public safety, develop community engagement, and support our local water infrastructure system. We must now work with the Governor’s Office advocating for the release of these funds over the next fiscal year.”

H.4549, which passed a roll call on June 7th, provides:

·         $1,000,000 to aid the purchase of a ladder truck and other fire equipment in the city of Malden

·         $30,000,000 for costs of modernization of the court facility located in the city of Malden to address envelope, life safety, holding and security, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and cross circulation

·         $500,000 for the acquisition of or prepayment of a lease for a community center in the city of Malden

·         $1,000,000 for the replacement of water service pipes and associated costs in the city of Malden

The bill, which has passed a vote in both the House and Senate, was sent to the Governor’s desk on June 7th for his signature.