 |
| 波士頓經文處處長徐佑典(中)頒發表揚狀，感謝陳毓璇、黃景佩夫婦(中左)等僑團、個人支持國慶活動。 |
 |
| 僑胞們在波士頓僑教中心舉行元旦升旗典禮。 |
 |
| 歐宏偉主持元旦升旗典禮，臺裔第二代青年江承佑及林予心展旗。 |
 |
| 波士頓經文處處長徐佑典送出特別禮物頸枕。 |
 |
| 勒星頓中文學校冬季滑雪合影。 |
 |
| 波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏瑋致詞。 |
 |
| 家長代表徐昱瑋(右)和iPad大獎得主施心沛。 |
 |
| 陳伯濟和九年級學生林永澤 |
 |
| 家長代表徐昱瑋(左)悍副教務主任吳宇懷。 |
 |
| 蔡孟儒(中)和跳Zumba的學員們。 |
 |
| 滑雪一景。 |
 |
| 滑雪一景。 |
| MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES APPLICATION OPEN FOR FOURTH ROUND OF BOSTON AIR, CITY'S ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAM |
BOSTON - Saturday, December 28, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture announced that applications are now open for the fourth round of Boston AIR, the City of Boston's artist residency program. Through this program, a cohort of artists will collaborate with the City of Boston to explore, analyze, and re-imagine City initiatives at the intersection of civil service, social justice, and artistic practice.
"Artists-in-Residence implement projects that imagine and test new approaches to City of Boston policies, processes, and procedures with the help of various City departments," said Mayor Walsh. "This, in turn, helps to create a stronger and more equitable city."
Since the creation of the Boston AIR program in 2017, the City has had a total of 20 artists-in-residence. Previous years focused on examining City policies with a lens of resilience and racial equity, valuing proximity to people by pursuing an understanding of the impact of local government policy in the lived experience of Bostonians, and supporting collaborative and democratic creation of City policy, processes and practices.
"As a writer, Boston AIR opened many doors for me. The opportunity to collaborate with other talented artists made me feel a sense of connectedness to other artists in Boston," said former Boston artist-in-residence Nakia Hill. "Boston AIR provided the resources for me to publish my first book of poetry Water Carrier and an intergenerational anthology I Still Did It. Now, that publication is available in Boston Public Library branches across the city--my city."
Examples of past artists-in-residence include Karen Young, a Japanese taiko drummer who collaborated with the Age Strong Commission and worked with women at the Grove Hall Senior Center to form "Older and Bolder," an elder voice project that advocated for a safer crosswalk outside of the center. Another former artist-in-residence, Rashin Fahandej, collaborated with the Office of Returning Citizens and individuals ages 5-19 at the Blackstone Community Center in the South End to develop A Father's Lullaby, a multi-platform, co-creative project that highlights the role of men in raising children and their absence due to racial disparities in the criminal justice system in the United States.
The following City of Boston departments are partnering on this round of Boston AIR:
"Boston AIR encourages City departments to take risks and think creatively about their programs and policies, as well as integrate creative expression into municipal work," said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts and Culture. "When we integrate artists into civic work we find ways to make Boston a better city for every resident."
Experienced artists ages 18 and over who work in all media are encouraged to apply. Each artist will receive a $30,000 stipend and up to $10,000 for project materials.
Building off of Mayor Walsh's record-breaking investment in Boston's arts sector, the City of Boston is investing $250,000 for the artist residency program, as well as an additional $200,000 FY20 investment in sustaining key grant making programs for individual artists.
|
MAYOR WALSH'S EVICTION PREVENTION TASK FORCE ANNOUNCES NEW ACTION PLAN ON EVICTIONS IN BOSTON
Eviction executions decline 10.1 percent over 3 year period; new goals set to further reduce evictions in Boston
|
BOSTON - Saturday, December 21, 2019 - Building upon his commitment to employ new strategies to preserve and create affordable housing and prevent displacement in Boston's neighborhoods, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today released An Action Plan to Reduce Evictions in Boston. This Action Plan presents the recommendations of the Eviction Prevention Task Force, a coalition of non-profit tenant advocacy organizations, housing service providers, legal aid organizations, the real estate community, and key City of Boston staff from both the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND). The report details the current landscape for evictions in Boston, and recommends expansion of programs and services that have made an impact in preventing an increase in the number of evictions in Boston, despite the competitive housing market. Nationally, Boston is ranked 178th in eviction execution rates for large US cities.
"As Boston continues to grow and with new residents and new opportunities, we must continue our hard work to ensure that our current residents are able to remain in the city they call home," Mayor Walsh said. "This action plan lays out a roadmap for how we can increase access to programs and services that are working, and reduce the number of evictions that are happening in Boston. I look forward to our continued work ahead to create strong, stable neighborhoods for all."'
The Action Plan presents an analysis of the current eviction landscape in Boston, and examines the data collected by the Office of Housing Stability and HomeStart, Inc. from the Eastern District Housing Court over three years, from 2015 through 2017. While the total number of eviction cases filed for those three years remained relatively level at approximately 5,000 cases per year, the number of eviction executions, or cases where the tenancy was ended by court order, declined by 10 percent over that same time period, to 1,952 cases in 2017 versus 2,172 cases in 2015. The 1,952 tenancies represents one percent of all rental households in Boston.
The Action Plan provides an overview on the effects of evictions and the effective existing programs and services that are available, and sets a goal for reducing evictions by 33 percent in subsidized housing, and 25 percent in private housing over the next five years. These reductions will be accomplished by specific expansions of effective existing programs, as well as new initiatives. These recommendations are a blueprint for the work that the Eviction Prevention Task Force will undertake over the next five years.
"The success the City of Boston has had preventing evictions - through programs, property owner outreach, and legislation - is tied directly to the focus and energy of the Eviction Prevention Task Force," said Steve Farrell, Director of Communications and Policy for Metro Housing Boston. "Metro Housing has worked with the City of Boston and the Office of Housing Stability since the inception of the Eviction Prevention Task Force and we are committed to continuing on and enacting the City's action plan."
The blueprint implements eight key goals for reducing evictions in Boston in addition to the overall reductions mentioned above.
"Maloney Properties appreciates the work that the City's Eviction Prevention Task Force is doing to prevent evictions in Boston," said Janet Frazier, President and CEO of Maloney Properties. "As a property management company, we understand the devastating effects of eviction on families and everyone in our communities. We were honored to have been asked to participate on the Task Force. With Mayor Walsh's help we look forward to continuing to push for better resources to prevent evictions and create more stable housing for the residents of Boston."
The Walsh Administration is focused on ensuring that Boston is an equitable city by supporting thoughtful growth, building a housing supply that is affordable to residents across all income levels and creating policies and tools to protect residents from evictions. To that end, in 2016, Mayor Walsh created the City of Boston's Office of Housing Stability, the first of its kind in the nation. The office is designed to keep communities intact by helping tenants maintain their housing. The Office's work includes supporting tenants who are in crisis; creating and offering resources, programs, and information for both tenants and landlords to learn about their rights and responsibilities; and researching and creating policies that aim to prevent displacement.
The Office also oversees the Metrolist, a clearinghouse for income-restricted housing opportunities in Boston and neighboring communities. The office also hosts evening clinics to offer housing support for both tenants and landlords to understand their rights, resources available to them and to work to prevent eviction filings. The Office also partners with the Community Dispute Settlement Center to provide mediation for landlord-tenant conflicts.
As part of the Administration's commitment to preventing displacement, Mayor Walsh also filed a legislative package to the State Legislature that includes anti-displacement proposals. They include measures that would allow tenants and non-profits the right of first refusal to purchase properties subject to foreclosure or short sale; the right to counsel for tenants in housing court; protections for senior tenants; and the creation of a state income tax credit for renting unsubsidized units at below market rates. Mayor Walsh has publicly testified at the State House to support passage of these proposals.
This report is part of the Walsh Administration's commitment to creating more affordable housing in Boston, and ensuring families are able to stay in their homes. To date, the Walsh Administration has committed more than $206 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, with a focus on preserving and creating affordable housing.
|
 |
| 紐英崙養生舞協會學員合影。(黃周麗桃提供) |
 |
| 紐英崙養生舞協會創辦人周美桃(右一)，其姊黃周麗桃(左三)和嘉賓 合影。右二起，波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉，波士頓經文處處長 徐佑典，中華公所員工鄺坤珍，全美台灣同鄉聯誼會總會長馬滌凡。 (黃周麗桃提供) |
 |
| 養生舞協會成員合影。(黃周麗桃提供) |
 |
| 養生舞協會成員練舞。(黃周麗桃提供) |
 |
| (黃周麗桃提供) |
 |
| 養生舞協會成員和經文處處長徐佑典合影。 (黃周麗桃提供) |
 |
| 抽獎。(黃周麗桃提供) |
 |
| 唱歌。(黃周麗桃提供) |
 |
| 歡聚一堂。(黃周麗桃提供) |
|
MAYOR WALSH SIGNS LOCAL WETLAND ORDINANCE
Ordinance builds on the Walsh Administration's work to protect Boston against the impacts of climate change, and promote climate resiliency throughout the city
|
BOSTON - Monday, December 23, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today signed the City of Boston Local Wetland Ordinance, an ordinance unanimously approved by the Boston City Council last week with the goal of taking another step to protect Boston against the impacts of climate change, and promote climate resiliency throughout the City. The Local Wetlands Ordinance gives the City greater authority to protect its wetlands, which are crucial to controlling flooding and protecting Boston's neighborhoods and green space. The ordinance directs the Boston Conservation Commission to consider future climate impacts like rising sea levels in applications for new developments, construction, or special events. This ordinance is stricter than statewide standards, and will help Boston protect its natural areas for years to come.
"This ordinance gives us greater power to protect our wetlands in the face of a changing climate," said Mayor Walsh. "We're using natural green space to protect our neighborhoods from storms, floods and heat waves. Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and this ordinance shows what we can accomplish when we work together, securing a strong, resilient future for Boston. This work has been a priority for my Administration, and I'm proud to sign this important ordinance with our partners today."
Previously, the Conservation Commission followed only the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, which requires that any work proposed in a wetland resource area or within 100 feet of those areas be reviewed and issued a permit by the Conservation Commission. Under the new ordinance, standards will be stricter than state law. The City ordinance will now protect isolated vegetated wetlands, vernal pools and vernal pool habitat. The ordinance establishes a Waterfront Area which will serve as a buffer zone and allow for the implementation of the Mayor's Resilient Boston Harbor Plan, as well as allow for the creation of Flood Resilience Zones expected to be aligned with the Boston Planning & Development Agency's flood overlay district.
"As a coastal city, Boston is extremely vulnerable to the threat of climate change with rising sea levels," said City Councilor Matt O'Malley and Chairman of the Environment, Sustainability and Parks Committee. "Policies such as this one ensure that we are protecting our current natural resource areas and local wetlands, while reducing impacts of global climate change."
"This ordinance is a big step toward regulating development to match the scale and urgency of our climate vulnerability," said Boston City Councilor At-Large Michelle Wu. "Boston should be taking every possible action to fight climate change, and I'm proud to have worked with community leaders to advance progress for climate justice."
"Boston is viewed nationally and internationally as a leader in addressing the effects of climate change and the new local wetlands ordinance is an important tool in protecting and enhancing the City's valuable wetlands resource areas, which serve as important protections against sea level rise," said Michael Parker, Chair of the Conversation Commission. "The City is already seeing the effects of climate change and the ordinance will advance the goals of Climate Ready Boston by defending against sea level rise and strengthening floodplain protections. The Conservation Commission is eager to integrate the new ordinance into this important work."
The major changes under the ordinance include giving the Conservation Commission authority to fully protect wetland resources including isolated vegetated wetlands, vernal pools and vernal pool habitat. These habitats are of critical importance because they provide many critical ecological services including the storage and filtration of stormwater, oxygen production, housing native plants and providing wildlife habitat.
The ordinance also allows the Commission to develop standards for projects in the floodplain to ensure future residents are protected from flooding, expressly directs the Commission to consider climate change, sea level rise, and climate resiliency in reviewing applications, and develop performance standards to ensure the City is adequately protected from those effects.
Flood Resilience Zones are a new, additional layer of protection that will be established through the Ordinance. These Zones will protect residents who could become subject to the impacts of climate change. This additional protection will require projects within the Flood Resilience Zone to go through Conservation Commission review, preparing homes and businesses for future flooding events. The Flood Resilience Zones will be further defined within the regulations and adopted by the Commission. They are expected to be aligned with the Boston Planning & Development Agency and the 2070 Climate Ready Boston maps.
"This ordinance will continue to support Resilient Boston Harbor, the Mayor's vision for enhancing the waterfront and our city's natural spaces while protecting our neighborhoods," said Chris Cook, Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space. "Wetlands are a critically important component of this because they store and filter groundwater while acting as a buffer against storms and floods. With this ordinance, we are that much closer to achieving a connected and protective waterfront."
"The ordinance provides a critical foundation for protecting and mimicking natural systems as we develop coastal protection around the city and absorb the precipitation from increasingly intense storms," said Kathy Abbott, President and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. "These consistent and forward looking regulations assure that our wetlands and wildlands are our first line of defense against climate change and continue to help keep our citizens safe."
This ordinance builds on Mayor Walsh's work to create a climate-ready, resilient Boston. In 2018 the City launched Resilient Boston Harbor, which shows how a network of accessible open spaces and climate-ready buildings and infrastructure will increase resilience to major flooding events, while also increasing access and open space area along the waterfront. Like all the City's current planning, it prepares the City for 40 inches of sea-level rise. Furthering the Mayor's vision are a series of detailed neighborhood plans for coastal resilience. Coastal resilience plans are complete for parts of East Boston and Charlestown, for South Boston, and are underway for Downtown, the North End, and Dorchester.
Earlier this month, Mayor Walsh signed an executive order requiring all new municipal buildings to target a Zero Net Carbon standard. Under the executive order, new municipal building construction must aim to be low-energy and fossil fuel-free, while meeting its annual energy needs from a mix of on- and off-site renewable energy assets. This action accelerates the City's leadership in climate action, keeping Boston on track to meet the goals outlined in the 2019 Climate Action Plan, as well as the Paris Agreement.
In addition, earlier this year, Mayor Walsh released the Zero Waste Boston plan, which will divert at least 80 percent of the City's waste from landfills and municipal solid waste combustors by 2035. The City has begun implementing strategies, including expanding education and outreach campaigns around recycling in partnership with institutions like the New England Aquarium, and is currently developing curbside composting and textile recycling programs for residents.
In his FY2020 budget, Mayor Walsh nearly tripled the City's investment in Greenovate Boston to expand outreach to Boston residents and support community-level climate action. Since the investment, Greenovate launched a climate action guide for Boston residents to reduce their carbon footprint at home, at work, in school and in the city. Beginning this month, the City will host a series of trainings and dialogues throughout the community on climate change.
|
