查理貝克政府宣佈十月為麻州的蔓越莓月

 Baker-Polito Administration Declares October

“Massachusetts Cranberry Month”

 

BOSTON – Continuing the Commonwealth’s support of cranberry farmers and encouraging Massachusetts residents to purchase locally produced cranberry products, Governor Charlie Baker today declared October as “Massachusetts Cranberry Month.” Massachusetts is the oldest cranberry growing region in the country. Today, there are approximately 13,000 acres of commercial cranberry bogs in the state, primarily in Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable counties. In 2020, the total value of utilized Massachusetts cranberry production was approximately $64.9 million. Cranberries represent the top commercial crop grown in the Commonwealth, producing nearly 23% of the nation’s cranberry supply.

 

“Recognizing the cranberry as an important crop to the Commonwealth’s history and economy, the Baker-Polito Administration is once again proud to build on our longstanding support of the cranberry growing industry and ensure that the official state berry of Massachusetts continues to thrive for generations to come,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Aside from it being a delicious and quintessential New England staple, the production of cranberries provides enormous environmental benefits to the Commonwealth and our local growers are true stewards of their land, incorporating the latest in technology and equipment to harvest their fruit in ways that conserves water and protects natural resources.”

 

In August 2020, the Baker-Administration announced $7.75 million in funding to support infrastructure upgrades, including the design, construction, retrofitting and outfitting of enhanced laboratory space, at the UMass Cranberry Station located in Wareham. The funding will be used by the Cranberry Station to modernize and expand its research facilities, improve the environmental profile of the facility, and provide the tools needed to support vigorous research programs in cranberry water, pest, and nutrient management. The Station is a vital outreach and research center charged with the mission of maintaining and enhancing the economic viability of the Massachusetts cranberry industry. While construction for this renovation project is already underway, plans for an official groundbreaking ceremony are planned for later in the month.

 

The Massachusetts’ cranberry industry, through crop production, processing and manufacturing, is a major sector of the state’s agriculture economy. Additionally, increasing the efficiency of water use in cranberry production is key to conserving water, while minimizing off-target movement of nutrients and pesticides, which will help to preserve water quality and ensuring the sustainability of cranberry production in the Commonwealth.

 

“Whether served alongside a Thanksgiving Day dinner, in dried form on top of a salad or consumed in a glass as a beverage, the cranberry is a versatile fruit that has been enjoyed for generations here in Massachusetts and across the country,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “Taking place from late September to early November, the cranberry harvest season coincides with the fall foliage season, providing a double dose of visual splendor and making October the perfect month to celebrate.”

 

“Although our growers are nurturing the native perennial cranberry vines the whole year through, we once again are honored that the Commonwealth has recognized our industry in its most identifiable harvest month, October,” said Brian Wick, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, serving growers from all of Massachusetts. “With record rains this past summer, this year’s cranberry crop faces the opposite challenge from last year when there was a drought. Still, the industry has seen strong domestic sales of cranberry products this past year as a result of consumer interest for healthy, immune-boosting products which cranberries naturally deliver.”  

 

Following recommendations from the Administration’s COVID-19 Command Center’s Food Security Task Force, which promotes ongoing efforts to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have access to healthy, local food, the Administration in June 2020 launched a new $36 million Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program to address urgent food insecurity for Massachusetts residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since January 2021, through six funding rounds, the Administration awarded over $35.5 million to support over 360 projects to increase food security in the Commonwealth, including four awards to Massachusetts cranberry growers. The administration recently announced a second round of the program, funded at $15 million for FY22. The program is currently accepting applications through October 31, 2021.

 

“I am very grateful for Baker-Polito Administration’s continued support of cranberry growers and the cranberry production industry,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Their longstanding championing of vital programs such as the UMass Cranberry Station and the agricultural cranberry enhancement grants to support growers revitalize cranberry bogs have helped keep this unique industry - critical to Southeastern Massachusetts - thriving and on the cutting edge of agricultural technology.”

 

“Here in the Commonwealth, and especially in the Southeast region, the cranberry is the backbone of our regional agricultural sector,” Dean of the Massachusetts Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton). “With over 13,000 acres of commercial cranberry bogs in Massachusetts - primarily throughout Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable counties – I am very pleased that we are taking the time to recognize our statewide cranberry industry by officially declaring October ‘Massachusetts Cranberry Month’. Many thanks to all the growers, farmers, and agricultural workers who have helped make the cranberry synonymous with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

 

“The cranberry industry has been of vital importance to agriculture in the Commonwealth and especially here on the south coast,” said State Representative Susan Gifford (R-Wareham). “We are grateful to have an Administration that recognizes the important role cranberries play in our economy and the challenges that face our growers.  I was honored to have served as a member of the Cranberry Revitalization Task Force.”

 

“Cranberries and cranberry growers have been an important part of our regional history and economy for more than 200 years, and with continuing state support, Massachusetts bogs should continue to serve as one of the top producing regions in the world,” said State Representative Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett), Co-Chair of the Cranberry Station Board of Oversight.

 

In October 2019, the Administration announced $991,837 to 21 cranberry growers for bog renovation projects MDAR’s Massachusetts Cranberry Bog Renovation Enhancement Grant Program to help renovate existing cranberry bogs, providing higher yields and more efficient methods of cranberry production for participating growers. Furthermore, in June 2017, the Massachusetts Cranberry Revitalization Task Force released its final report with recommendations to preserve and strengthen Massachusetts’ cranberry industry. The Task Force, composed of 18 government officials and stakeholders within the cranberry industry, was created by the Legislature in July 2015 to examine the status of the industry and the complex challenges ahead, and to develop a multi-pronged action plan geared toward stabilizing and revitalizing the cranberry industry.

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES SWIM SAFELY PARTNERSHIP, AN INITIATIVE TO INCREASE WATER SAFETY FOR BOSTON RESIDENTS

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES SWIM SAFELY PARTNERSHIP, AN INITIATIVE TO INCREASE WATER SAFETY FOR BOSTON RESIDENTS   The new community partnership will reduce drowning risk while addressing racial and economic inequities

 

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, October 13, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced the Swim Safely Partnership, aimed to increase access to swimming lessons, especially for those who have faced historic and economic barriers. Mayor Janey made the announcement today at Roxbury’s YMCA, an organization participating in the multi-part community strategy. This initiative seeks to increase swim safety by offering free YMCA swim lessons for children and adults, expanding the lifeguard workforce through free training, and plans to implement a pilot program that offers free swimming lessons for Boston Public Schools (BPS) students at some schools as part of the curriculum.   “Our beautiful City gems, such as our pools and beaches, should be places people can access with safety and confidence,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “Too often fear of water due to false and negative cultural assumptions, an overall lack of access, and the dearth of swimming caps to properly accommodate Black hair prevent enjoyment of these resources. I applaud all our community partners for expanding access to life-saving swimming skills that will also boost the physical, mental, and social well-being of our City’s residents.”   Swimming accidents are a public health threat. The Commonwealth saw far too many drownings this year, including here in Boston. These tragic accidents coupled with a lifeguard shortage highlight the need for action.    According to the American Red Cross, swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent. To help address this need locally, the YMCA of Greater Boston has emerged as a key partner, offering free swimming lessons, starting on November 1st. The organization will offer 8-week sessions at the Roxbury YMCA, the Dorchester YMCA, and the Menino YMCA (Hyde Park).    “We proudly welcome Mayor Janey to the Roxbury Y,” said James Morton, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “We appreciate her attention to this much needed swim safety program and for recognizing the Y as a strong partner in this work.”   The YMCA will also help increase the lifeguard workforce by providing free training and certification, in collaboration with BPS high schools. These trainings will provide an excellent opportunity for youth employment in the City, while also ensuring the safety of our pools and waterfront spaces. Boston Public Schools is also planning a pilot program in the winter/spring to explore offering swimming lessons as part of the curriculum for some students.     ​​“It is so important that our children, particularly in communities of color, develop swimming and water safety skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” said BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. “The Boston Public Schools recognizes swimming as an important life skill and is excited to work alongside our City and non-profit partners on this critical initiative. All of our students deserve the opportunity to access the wealth of resources and recreational activities a coastal city like ours has to offer.”   Nationwide, drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged one to four and the second leading cause of accidental death in children aged one to fourteen. Black children ages 10-14 are more than seven times more likely to drown than white children of the same age, according to the CDC.    Economic inequities also persist. A 2017 report commissioned by USA Swimming found that in families with an annual household income below $50,000, 79 percent of children have little or no swimming ability.   The Swimming Safely Partnership programming emphasizes cultural competency, including community conversations led by the Save the Harbor Women of Color Coalition and the provision of Soul Caps, specially designed swim caps for natural hair, to program participants.   “The Boston Harbor Women of Color Coalition is overjoyed to be part of this initiative and to host culturally informed community conversations that will provide an extra level of comfort for our community members of color to confidently support their children and families in, around, and after swimming in pools and any of the amazing blue spaces Boston has to offer,” said Maya Smith, Partnerships & Program Development Director at Save the Harbor Boston and co-founder of their Women of Color Coalition. “Mayor Janey is helping to ensure that our communities will have safe and equitable access to swimming and waterways including the incredible resource that is Boston Harbor, and we are proud to share that mission.”   Additional partners who have joined this important initiative include the Boston Triathlon, which will be developing more youth competition in the City and exposing young athletes to the sport of swimming.   “The Boston Triathlon is committed to helping organize and provide additional swim clinics throughout the year in the City of Boston. Together with USA Swimming and USA Triathlon we will continue to grow our ‘Splash and Dash’ so children across the City have access. We want to increase accessibility and remove barriers for people of color to our sport,” said Michael O’Neil, President of the Boston Triathlon.    The financing of this initiative will come from various sources, including an investment from Mayor Janey’s Joy Agenda, which was matched by a philanthropic contribution from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.    “Blue Cross is committed to the health of children and families in our communities,” said Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “We’re proud to partner with the City to ensure that all kids, and especially those living in under-resourced neighborhoods, learn how to swim by providing free swim lessons and water safety classes to Boston’s youth.”   This new program builds off of the City’s existing water safety efforts including swim lessons and other aquatics programs offered by Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF).   For more information about the Swim Safely Partnership, to receive swim lesson sign-up information, or to learn more about lifeguard training, please email swim@boston.gov.   ###

Support Small Businesses by Replenishing the UI Trust Fund with ARPA & Surplus Funds

 Support Small Businesses by Replenishing the UI Trust Fund with ARPA & Surplus Funds

We are disappointed that the legislature has not embraced Governor Baker’s proposal to use $1b in budget surplus money to help restore the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and strongly encourage our elected leaders to include such funding in future plans. Massachusetts small businesses continue to forge ahead with resiliency and grit, standing as pillars of our communities and values. During the COVID-19 surge, our small businesses protected the people of our region by temporarily closing. Now, our legislature must protect small businesses and their employees from overwhelming Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund payments.  As our state forges ahead on the road to economic recovery, we must stand with our small businesses and urge our legislature to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and surplus funds to replenish the UI Trust Fund. Thirty other states have stepped up using ARPA recovery funds for this purpose as they were intended.  Our small business owners and workforce need relief from costly and devastating UI bills, and a total of $2 billion in funding to the UI Trust Fund will drive an equitable recovery throughout the Commonwealth.   

James E. Rooney

President & CEO

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

波士頓市長候選人WBZ辯論 (圖片)

CBS Boston – Boston News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and Boston's Best (cbslocal.com)

 

Michelle Wu and Advocates Urge Transit Improvements, Affordability

 Michelle Wu and Advocates Urge Transit Improvements, Affordability

At Event, Transit Experts and Leaders Endorse Michelle Wu For Mayor of Boston

Boston, MA— Today, Michelle Wu and community leaders redoubled the call for urgent investments in our transit system to better serve every resident and neighborhood, ensure climate resilience, improve the Fairmount Line, electrify the bus fleet, and expand fare-free transit programs. The urgency of transit action has been clear in the past few weeks, as multiple life-threatening events on MBTA infrastructure have shaken the city of Boston.

At the event, she received the endorsement of former State Transportation Secretaries Jim Alosi and Fred Salvucci, as well as former MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board Chairman Joseph Aiello. The event was also attended by advocates and leaders Mela Miles, director of Transit-Oriented Development with Alternatives for Community & Environment, Collique Williams, organizer with Community Labor United and the Public Transit Public Good coalition, Stuart Spina with the T Rider’s Union and Clint Richmond, Executive Board member, Massachusetts Sierra Club, who joined Wu in the call for transit equity. 

The coalition urged:

• Investments in reliable green transit infrastructure, including on the Fairmount Line, to improve service, create healthy communities, and generate green jobs. The City of Boston has already identified improvements on the Fairmount Line as a key transportation priority. And a recent report from TransitMatters and the Sierra Club found that full electrification of the MBTA’s bus fleet by 2030 would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 97%, save the MBTA more than $175 million in lifetime operating costs, and save residents $9 million annually in avoided healthcare costs, while improving quality of life through improved air quality, particularly for residents with asthma and other respiratory diseases. 

• Use of new federal and state resources and work with the new Fiscal Management and Control Board to provide fare-free transit. In a Boston Globe op ed in January 2019, Michelle called to make the T free for the economic and social benefits that fare-free public transit provides, and called for the MBTA’s 28 Bus route to be free at the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board meeting in February 2019. In partnership with Mayor Janey, the 28 Bus has been engaged in a fare-free pilot program since August. In July of this year, in partnership with Northeastern University’s Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, her office released a roadmap for a wider fare-free bus pilot, beginning with the 28, 66 and 116 buses, building toward system-wide change.

• Bus-only travel lanes and transit signal priority to reduce traffic and speed travel times. Wu successfully advocated for a bus-only travel lane pilot – now permanent – on Washington Street, between Roslindale Village and Forest Hills Station, that reduced travel times for bus riders by up to 25% during the crowded morning commute. Boston currently has the worst traffic in the country, and Black bus riders in Boston spend 64 more hours every year sitting in traffic than white riders. As Mayor, Michelle has pledged to accelerate the creation of new dedicated bus lanes and transit signal priority to speed up bus service. Fare-free service will also reduce delays by allowing passengers to board more quickly and through both front and back doors, reducing dwell time and the harmful local pollutants that come with it. 

• Multi-modal transportation infrastructure to solve our transportation crunch and promote Boston’s continued economic development, including streamlining processes between the Transportation Department and Public Works and building up in-house capacity for design and engineering, and setting clear benchmarks for progress to move through the backlogged pipeline of pedestrian, cyclist and transit infrastructure projects.

“Public transit connects our neighborhoods and drives our city’s economy. A safe, accessible, and sustainable transit system is the lifeblood of Boston. We’ll keep fighting for what our residents need, which is a transit system that truly serves every community and neighborhood,” said Michelle Wu. “I’m honored to have the support of these transit leaders who I have admired for so long, and look forward to working with them to create the system we deserve.”

“I’m with Michelle Wu because she’s been an energetic advocate for a better T that can secure the economic and social health of Boston by improving service, capacity and affordability as we transition to a low carbon future,” said former State Transportation Secretary Fred Salvucci.

“I’m a lifelong Boston resident. I’ve come to know Michelle Wu as a strong and reliable partner in the transit advocacy arena who delivers results, makes impactful change and is passionate about building a stronger, more inclusive, sustainable future for Boston. She has empathy, vision, political courage and a moral core that make her the most extraordinary candidate for mayor I’ve seen in my lifetime,” said former State Transportation Secretary Jim Aloisi. 

“The next mayor of Boston will have the opportunity to shape the city’s economic future in this century, and transit is a key component of that. In my experience Michelle Wu was always present when and where it counted, pushing effectively for outcomes that will help Boston grow equitably. I believe that Boston will grow and thrive under her leadership,” said former MBTA FMCB Chairman Joseph Aiello.

“The State has spent hundreds of millions to create a solution for equitable transportation in this corridor of the city. How do you make good on good intentions? Short term, fare-free transit for the Fairmont Line boarding at the city stations. Mid term, implement DMU trains so they can offer passengers a realistic alternative. Long term, convert all commuter rail to electric and end using diesel,” said Tim Lasker, President of OPEIU Local 453.

“We need world-class public transportation. Boston should be the leader, as it was first in the nation with public transit options. Two issues are of high priority for residents: fares and electrifying the service. We fought for equitable fares for Fairmount, but it still hasn’t been completely fixed. The destination stop Readville is still Zone 2, with fares three times higher than other stops. Hyde Park is more diverse now. We need fare equity so that all can afford to ride,” said Mela Miles, Director of Transit Oriented Development at Alternatives for Community & Environment.

“The Massachusetts Sierra Club stands with Michelle on sustainable transportation for all. Fast, frequent, affordable, and universally accessible electric buses and trains will reduce pollution in our environmental justice communities while improving mobility for residents, workers and visitors in the City of Boston,” said Clint Richmond, Executive Committee member, Massachusetts Sierra Club.

“Massachusetts' future depends on public transit, so we need affordable fares across all modes. We can pay for it by making sure that wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fare share. When public transit is equitable, affordable, and sustainably funded, we all benefit,” said Collique Williams, organizer with Community Labor United and the Public Transit Public Good Coalition.

Michelle has also been a fierce advocate for bolder leadership from City Hall and closer collaboration between the City, the MBTA, and state and federal partners, including arguing in a 2019 op-ed for a stronger, more accountable governance structure, including a rider representative and a permanent seat for the City of Boston on the FMCB. 

In 2016 and 2017, as City Council President, Michelle hosted the first-ever Boston City Council policy briefing series focused exclusively on transportation. During the briefings, Michelle convened transportation policy experts, community advocates, and residents to discuss how the City of Boston could advance a low stress bicycle network, pedestrian service and safety, systematic safety and VisionZero, transit signal priority, and parking management. She has been a consistent advocate for safe, protected cycling infrastructure.

Michelle Wu is an endorsed by an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr., Boston City Councilors Ricardo Arroyo, Liz Breadon and Lydia Edwards; State Senators Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, Sonia Chang Diaz and Julian Cyr; State Representatives Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Jay Livingstone, Adrian Madaro, Vanna Howard, Natalie Higgins, Liz Miranda, Tram Nguyen, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas, and Tommy Vitolo; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements. 

波士頓雙十國慶書畫展琳瑯滿目 介紹神筆小孩基金

部分出席者合影。(周菊子攝)

   

紐英崙中華書林卓培(左)林卓培(左)送特製紀念品給波士頓僑教中心
主任潘昭榮，請經文處處長孫儉元(中)代收。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange ) 紐英崙中華書法會主辦的「雙十國慶書畫攝影展」，10月9日在紐英崙中華公所會議廳隆重揭幕，四面牆壁掛滿真草隸篆的各色書法，花鳥山水的各色繪畫，又一年在波士頓展現中華傳統文化之豐富優美。

             這一展覽照例由紐英崙中華書法會、紐英崙中華公所、紐英崙藝術學會、波士頓中華書法會，中華表演藝術基金會，以及波士頓僑教中心等共同舉辦。

紐英崙中華書法會共同會長黃周麗桃(右)說明送給波士頓經文處
處長孫儉元，寫有他名字的馬克杯是伍振中特別製作的。
(周菊子攝)

             展覽揭幕式由書法會共同會長黃周麗桃主持，林卓培致詞。林卓培指出，從1984年至今的過去37年來，除了一年外，每年都舉辦這雙十書畫展，今年新冠病毒疫情未消，是否繼續，他們的確掙扎考慮了許久。決定舉辦後，所有的書法家、藝術家們都熱烈響應，還協助佈置會場，才又有了這墨香四溢的場面。唯一遺憾的是攝影作品部分，因為運送有困難，未能列入，但整體而言這是個令人開心的展覽。

             駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元在致詞時表示，雙十書畫展為雙十慶祝活動增添了藝術氣息，格外有意義。他為僑胞們的支持，舉辦這展覽而感動，在瀏覽現場作品時，更是覺得波士頓臥虎藏龍，高手在民間。

             當天的致詞嘉賓還有曾任紐英崙中華公所主席的陳家驊，以及因故無法到場的紐英崙中華公所主席鄭慧民的代表，中華公所行政主任朱蘇珊，以及紐英崙藝術學會會長梅宇國。

紐英崙中華書法會共同會長黃周麗桃(右)介紹小孩基金。
(周菊子攝)

           陳家驊在致詞中笑說，小時候上過書法課，但只學了一點，在台灣上大學時，國文老師要求看看他們書法寫得如何，但在他來說毛筆重逾千鈞，實在為難。這時一名女同學願意幫忙代寫，讓他一見鍾情的情定終生後，結婚相守50年，可見書法很重要。

             在開幕式中，紐英崙中華書法會共同會長林卓培、黃周麗桃送上特製禮物給波士頓經文處處長孫儉元，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，由會員伍振中特製，以草書寫上他們姓名的馬克杯。

             黃周麗桃特地解釋，會員伍振中成立有「神筆小孩」基金，和愛默生學院合作，每星期二從幼稚園到12年級學生中抽選得獎者，贈美金50元，鼓勵他們學習書法、繪畫。伍振中的油畫、淡彩等畫作，精美程度令人讚嘆，有的售價餘萬元，但所有畫作出售的收入，全數用於支持「神筆小孩」基金，捐贈給慈善機構。她鼓勵大家，有小孩的可參加神筆小孩活動，有熱心的可支持該基金，也別忘了欣賞會場中的所有作品。

                       展覽預定展至十月十五日下午三點。

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW DEVELOPMENT REVIEW GUIDELINES TO REDUCE TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW DEVELOPMENT REVIEW GUIDELINES TO REDUCE TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION

 

BOSTON - October 12, 2021- Mayor Kim Janey today announced that the Boston Transportation Department, in partnership with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and the Environment Department, has launched guidelines for new developments over 50,000 square feet, which will facilitate a more efficient and transparent development review process. As part of the new guidelines, developers of large projects must complete a demand management point system tool to increase access to sustainable transportation for their tenants.  The transportation demand management point system provides developers with proven strategies to accomplish this, such as using subsidized transit passes, bike share passes, carpooling, car share, and parking pricing. This will result in fewer people driving from new developments. Developers may choose different combinations of strategies to meet the new requirement, and must submit them as part of the transportation development review process. The guidelines also include new maximum parking ratios that model the amount of parking built based on a development’s walkability and mobility choices. The maximum ratios will urge developments in walkable, transit-rich areas to build less parking than developments with fewer mobility options. Building parking in Boston can cost up to $50,000 per parking space, and that cost is passed on to tenants, increasing housing costs. Instead, the money and space can be better used to build more affordable housing units and parks.

 

 

The new guidelines are a result of a two-year stakeholder engagement process and are part of a larger effort to create a more transparent, consistent, and certain process for transportation development review. The maximum parking ratios for new large developments can be found at boston.gov/max-parking-ratios. “As development grows in Boston, we need to keep working toward a City that works for everyone,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “These transportation management standards will help our City expand in the right way, by making sure building does not come at the expense of green space and encouraging use of public transit.” “By reducing the number of required parking spaces in areas well-served by transit, we can lower the cost of new housing and decrease the amount of traffic in our neighborhoods,” said BPDA Director Brian Golden. “I thank the Boston Transportation Department and our planners at the BPDA for constructing these policies that will ensure that Boston grows in a more sustainable way, for both the environment and affordability of the City.” The City of Boston has been committed to making transit, pedestrian, and bicycle improvements that promote the health, equity, and future of Boston’s communities. This includes installation of new bus lanes on high-ridership corridors and over seven miles of a connected network of protected bike lanes through the Healthy Streets program, which was developed as part of the City’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. Reducing congestion is in adherence with our Go Boston 2030 goals to reduce drive-alone rates in the city and increase the use of public transportation. Less congestion means fewer hours lost to traffic, better commutes, better air quality, and making the most of limited space on our roads.    "The new transportation demand management guidelines will significantly reduce our City's carbon emissions and is a major step towards achieving our goal of carbon neutrality, as laid out in the 2019 Climate Action Plan," said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. "Through equitable transportation planning, we can ensure residents have more efficient commutes, cleaner air and a more sustainable future."  These guidelines were developed with support from the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge. The Climate Challenge is an initiative that empowers 25 of the largest U.S. cities to implement near-term climate goals and become primary drivers of progress towards meeting America’s pledge on climate. Recognizing that cities account for more than 70 percent of global carbon emissions – and that mayors have significant authority over cities’ highest emitting sectors: transportation and buildings – the Climate Challenge aims to enhance the work already being done by mayors across the U.S. and to support cities in the fight against climate change.

Governor Baker Activates National Guard to Support School Testing & Contingency Planning at DOC

Governor Baker Activates National Guard to Support School Testing & Contingency Planning at DOC

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued orders activating up to 450 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to help support two missions. The Governor’s orders activate up to 200 members of the Guard to support COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools throughout the Commonwealth and up to 250 members to offset potential staffing shortages at the Department of Correction (DOC).

 

“We are grateful that the National Guard has stepped up once again, as they have throughout the COVID-19 response, to serve the Commonwealth where needed,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Today’s activations will ensure that we have additional staffing support for our school testing programs to help kids stay safe and will allow DOC to respond to possible staffing shortages. While we are overall pleased with the progress we are seeing with Commonwealth employees submitting vaccination attestations, we will take whatever steps are necessary to safely run all correctional facilities.”

 

“The Guard has a long history of supporting our communities in times of need, and have answered the call time and time again during the pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We thank the servicemembers on these missions who will provide critical support to these two areas.”

 

School Testing Mission

 

The Commonwealth has developed a nation-leading COVID-19 testing program to help K-12 students remain in school safely. Over 2,200 schools have currently signed up to participate in at least one of three types of testing: test and stay, symptomatic testing, and pooled testing. Since the beginning of the school year, results from pooled testing show pool positivity rates of less than 1 percent, and test and stay, which is used to test close contacts, has saved approximately 25,000 school days for students who would have otherwise had to quarantine.

 

As these testing programs continue to ramp up, up to 200 members of the National Guard will be activated to expand testing support at schools across the Commonwealth. The Guard members will begin training this week and begin administering COVID-19 testing in selected schools on Monday, October 18.

 

“We are very thankful to the men and women of the National Guard for their assistance to help school districts handle some operational challenges in order to continue to keep students, teachers and staff safe,” said Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley. “The National Guard was there when we needed them to drive some children to school due to a nationwide bus driver shortage, and now we are thankful they are once again willing to serve the children of the Commonwealth with COVID-19 testing.”

 

To read the order, click here.

 

Department of Correction Contingency Planning

 

Governor Baker will also activate up to 250 Massachusetts National Guard personnel as a contingency measure in anticipation of possible staffing shortages at DOC. This week Guard personnel will begin training to assist the DOC, if necessary, with transportation and exterior security functions. 

 

In close coordination with public safety officials, the DOC continues preparations for the possibility of a reduction in DOC staffing levels due to non-compliance with Executive Order 595, which requires all Executive Department employees to demonstrate proof of vaccination against COVID-19 by October 17. Activating the Guard in advance of the deadline allows for Guard personnel to immediately begin job-specific training and assume roles, if needed, in the event of a reduction in DOC staffing levels.

 

The availability of support from the National Guard will safeguard DOC operational continuity and continued access to services and programming for inmates. The DOC is further prepared to augment correction staff with the return of retired correction officers in addition to Guard personnel.

 

“DOC staff has performed remarkably throughout the pandemic. As we continue to navigate an unprecedented public health crisis, well-being and safety remain our priority, and we appreciate the large number of staff who have submitted their vaccination attestation forms ahead of the deadline,” said DOC Commissioner Carol Mici. “We are grateful for the Guard’s assistance in supporting the DOC’s mission as we continue to encourage our staff to comply with the vaccination mandate.” 

 

Under this contingency plan, Guard personnel will assume external functions which do not involve direct contact with inmates.  When Guard personnel assist with providing transportation to inmates, a correctional officer will accompany them. 

 

These missions will not interfere with the Massachusetts National Guard’s ability to respond to and assist in emergencies within the Commonwealth.

 

The Massachusetts National Guard trains regularly with law enforcement, civilian, and other military agencies to provide a broad spectrum of services in support of security, logistics, disaster relief, and other missions. The Guard has a proven track record of success supporting civilian authorities. Their frequent side-by-side training with state and local first responders makes them well-suited for a variety of missions.

 

To read the order, click here.