MAYOR WU LAUNCHES AMENDMENT PROCESS FOR DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT MUNICIPAL HARBOR PLAN

MAYOR WU LAUNCHES AMENDMENT PROCESS FOR DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT MUNICIPAL HARBOR PLAN Announces additional climate resiliency planning for East Boston waterfront

BOSTON - Wednesday, February 16, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced plans to file an amendment to Boston’s Downtown Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) and launch a municipal harbor planning process for East Boston. Since the approval of the MHP by the Commonwealth in 2018, the City has done further planning, analysis, and engagement including Coastal Resilience Solutions Plan for Downtown Boston & the North End, and the amendment will further refine resiliency guidelines and take into account additional public engagement. “As a coastal city vulnerable to rising seas and extreme weather, Boston must be a national leader in driving a just transition to a thriving, green economy,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We have to get this right on the waterfront and truly plan for equitable access and climate resiliency in these critical areas of our city. That’s why we are officially taking on our Downtown Municipal Harbor Plan and the East Boston harbor planning process with these goals guiding our engagement.”  East Boston, an environmental justice community, is vulnerable to near and long term risks of sea level rise and coastal storms. The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) has been leading PLAN: East Boston, a community-driven, neighborhood-wide planning initiative that is creating a framework to predictably shape the future of East Boston. PLAN: East Boston is focused on expanding housing options that are affordable, advancing climate preparedness and promoting a healthy environment, transportation connectivity, and supporting neighborhood economies that meet the needs of local residents and small businesses. The planning process is developing recommendations that will shape the municipal harbor planning process, and codify and implement the community's desire for a resilient and equitable waterfront.  “We must meet the climate crisis with urgent action through maximizing resiliency, equity and accessibility in Boston,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Energy, Environment and Open Space. “As our city continues to evolve, climate change and racial justice must be at the forefront of our development process. I am grateful to Mayor Wu for her leadership and for centering environmental justice in community planning. I look forward to the Mayor’s vision in enabling a strong planning process in East Boston.” “A robust, community-driven municipal harbor planning process in East Boston will build upon PLAN: East Boston to create a predictable framework for future development that prioritizes equity and resiliency,” said BPDA Director Brian Golden. “We must work to protect the neighborhood’s residents and small businesses from the impacts of sea level rise and coastal storms.” “Mayor Wu and Chief White-Hammond recognize that the health of our residents and our economy depend on Boston leading the way with community-driven resiliency and municipal harbor planning,” said Kathy Abbott, president and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. “Boston now has the opportunity to build an equitable and inclusive waterfront combining nature-based resiliency, good green jobs and inclusive public spaces.” A Green New Deal city must prioritize investments in accessible infrastructure to protect our most flood-vulnerable neighborhoods, such as East Boston. The City has also engaged the Dorchester and South Boston neighborhoods to create a vision for a new, state-of-the-art Moakley Park that protects residents from extreme weather events while creating open space for play, performance, and community gardens. The City is taking action in other neighborhoods as well, such as the Langone-Popoulo Park in the North End and the Ryan Playground in Charlestown. Climate Ready Boston is the City’s initiative to prepare for the short and long-term impacts of climate change and is in various stages of developing plans for East Boston, Dorchester, Moakley Park, South Boston, Charlestown, and Downtown and the North End.

麻州公共衛生廳今日忠告免疫力差的已完整接種疫苗者出席室內活動戴口罩

Massachusetts Department of Public Health releases updated face covering advisory

BOSTON — Today, the Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated guidance regarding the use of face coverings and masks by individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Recognizing that Massachusetts is a national leader in vaccine acceptance, and in light of recent improvements in COVID-19 indicators, DPH now advises that a fully vaccinated person should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home) if you have a weakened immune system, if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system and is at increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a face covering or mask when indoors with others to help prevent spreading COVID-19.

Individuals who have tested positive or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 must follow the isolation and quarantine guidance which includes wearing a mask in public for 5 more days after leaving isolation or quarantine on Day 5, regardless of vaccination status.

All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including on public transportation and in health care facilities.  Please see www.mass.gov/maskrules for a complete list of venues where face coverings have remained mandatory since May 29, 2021.

Read the full advisory.

麻州政府轉型發展計畫補助新增12區域

Baker-Polito Administration Expands Transformative Development Initiative for Gateway Cities $23.7 Million Announcement Awards Full-Time Professionals, Technical Assistance & Grant Opportunities to Advance Economic Development in Attleboro, Barnstable, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Revere, Springfield, Taunton & Worcester NEW BEDFORD – Tuesday, February 15, 2022 – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a historic expansion of the Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), a MassDevelopment program for Gateway Cities designed to accelerate economic growth within focused districts. The announcement includes the selection of 12 new districts in Attleboro, Barnstable (Hyannis), Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Revere, Springfield, Taunton, and Worcester, and the extension of an existing district in Fall River. All districts will be awarded TDI fellows – MassDevelopment employees who will provide on-the-ground economic development expertise and collaborative leadership in these cities – and will have access to a range of tools to help accelerate development, including technical assistance, grants to support local market development and arts and cultural infrastructure, collaborative workshops, resources, events, and more. The announcement more than doubles the size of the program, which currently operates TDI districts in five Gateway Cities, and represents a $23.7 million investment in Gateway Cities over three years.   Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera joined New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and members of the New Bedford legislative delegation to make the announcement at Hatch Street Studios in New Bedford, then joined Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and members of the Taunton legislative delegation for a walking tour of the new Taunton TDI district.   “Gateway Cities are home to one-of-a-kind businesses, institutions, and communities that anchor regional economies across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our Administration was proud to launch MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative in 2015 as a mechanism for stimulating economic growth, and we’re excited to now expand this proven program’s reach in more than a dozen cities.”   “I was glad to join state and local officials in New Bedford and Taunton to announce an expansion of MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Designation as a TDI District will allow these 13 Gateway City neighborhoods the access to financial, organizational, and technical resources that can help create thriving local economies.”   MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative works with cross-sector partnerships in targeted commercial districts in Gateway Cities in order to engage community members, implement local economic development initiatives, and spur further public and private investment. Since 2015, MassDevelopment has invested $20 million in TDI districts through tools such as technical assistance, real estate investments, grant programs, and fellows who work in the districts. That investment has directly influenced over $100.2 million in public and private investments in the districts, and assisted an additional $219.9 million.   “By developing coalitions of local public, private, and nonprofit partners to make progress toward shared neighborhood goals, MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative has become a proven model for accelerating economic development in Gateway Cities across Massachusetts,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “This collaborative, street-level approach engages community members to advance small businesses, activate public spaces, rethink vacant properties, and more.”   “From new storefront signage and district branding efforts, to planning studies and vacant building activation, our Transformative Development Initiative helps Gateway City partners tackle projects that advance neighborhood goals, stimulate economic activity, and build momentum for future investment,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “TDI provides a critical benefit to our urban neighborhoods, and we’re grateful for the support of the Baker-Polito Administration and Legislature as we continue to expand its impact across the Commonwealth.”   TDI concentrates economic development activities, resources, and investments within designated neighborhood areas, known as “TDI districts,” for a term of two to four years. TDI districts are mixed-use with a commercial component, compact – with a five-minute walking radius or less – and are defined by a walkable, dense physical environment. The 12 new districts in Attleboro (Downtown), Barnstable (Hyannis East End), Holyoke (South High), Lawrence (Broadway/Essex), Lowell (Upper Merrimack Street), Lynn (Union Street), New Bedford (Acushnet Ave/North End), Pittsfield (Downtown), Revere (Shirley Avenue), Springfield (Mason Square), Taunton (Whittenton District), and Worcester (Pleasant Street) will be active for a term of three years, and the existing district in Fall River (South Main) will also be extended for a term of three years.   MassDevelopment has previously designated 16 TDI districts across the Commonwealth, and has provided other support through the program in five additional cities. Existing districts in Chicopee, Fitchburg, Lawrence, and Worcester will graduate from the program in June 2022.   “MassDevelopment has been a key partner in the economic and cultural renaissance in our city,” said Senator Mark Montigny, who has championed many recent economic development projects in New Bedford including the arts and cultural renaissance, Route 18 redevelopment, and ongoing improvements to State Pier. “This additional focus on the North End will help us ensure that our entire community enjoys direct benefits from these investments, and I thank the Baker-Polito Administration for their continued support.”   “There is no question that investments in our Gateway Cities like MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative yield positive economic and community growth where it is needed most,” said Representative Christopher Hendricks. “It is my honor to represent the Near North community of New Bedford and I look forward to working with State officials to maximize the impact of this important designation.”   “I’m grateful that MassDevelopment has established a TDI District along The Ave, which for decades has been the physical manifestation of New Bedford’s ethnic melting pot,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. “The designation will help energize existing small businesses, bring new ones to life, and support long-term neighborhood vitality.”   Defined by the Massachusetts General Laws, Gateway Cities are small to midsized cities in Massachusetts (population of between 35,000 and 250,000) that anchor regional economies around the state, with below state average household incomes and educational attainment rates. The Legislature defines 26 Gateway Cities in Massachusetts, including Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Peabody, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Springfield, Taunton, Westfield, and Worcester.   MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2021, MassDevelopment financed or managed 416 projects generating investment of more than $1.86 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 6,578 jobs and build or preserve 1,909 housing units.

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Over $38 Million in Federal Funding to Support Low-Income Communities

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Over $38 Million in Federal Funding to Support Low-Income Communities

 

Community Development Block Grants support a variety of local projects benefitting low- and moderate-income households

 

RANDOLPH – Tuesday, February 15, 2022 – Today, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito was joined by state and local officials in Randolph to celebrate more than $38 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) through 45 awards that impact 57 communities. CDBG funding can be used for a variety of important social services, including childcare, teen services, senior services, food pantry operations and more, with a focus on enabling cities and towns to undertake local projects that benefit low- and moderate-income communities.    “Community Development Block Grants have been critical to our efforts to support communities across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Now more than ever, it is important that we focus our efforts on providing services to our most vulnerable residents, and the projects we fund through CDBG are geared toward doing just that.”    “Community Development Block Grants play an essential role in so many of our cities and towns, giving them the resources to pursue projects that have a real impact on the lives of individuals,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Working with our federal partners, we will continue to deploy this important funding and provide support for projects that address the unique needs of Massachusetts communities.”    The majority of the CDBG funds are awarded through a competitive grant program designed to help small cities and towns meet a broad range of community development needs. Eligible communities may apply for funding alone or jointly with other cities and towns. CDBG is designed with the flexibility that allows recipients to use funds on a wide range of eligible projects. Assistance is provided to qualifying cities and towns for housing, community and economic development projects that assist low- and moderate-income residents or revitalize blighted areas.    In 2020 and 2021, DHCD distributed more than $75 million in federal CARES funding through the CDBG program to address critical needs. The funding helped 36 communities purchase and provide critical resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also seeded micro-enterprise and small business assistance through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, the Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program and food security efforts throughout the state.    "The Commonwealth’s path to recovery from the global pandemic is more than just a return to pre-COVID standards; it’s also about investing in our communities to help create resilient neighborhoods, pipelines to employment, and positioning them for long-term growth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. "Through this round of Community Development Block Grants, we can continue our support for communities in their efforts to address a wide range of priorities, which include increasing economic opportunities for residents, enhancing local assets, and preserving needed housing.”   "Municipalities continue to prove their adaptability with rapidly changing demands during this extended period of uncertainty. DHCD and our partners are here help communities address short-term needs and plan for growth and shared prosperity,” said Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “I also want to thank the team at DHCD for their attention in distributing an additional $75 million CDBG CARES funds to support eviction diversion efforts, food stability initiatives, and other critical services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”   In Randolph, CDBG funds will help the town rehabilitate 16 housing units and provide childcare to residents.    "The town of Randolph is grateful to be a recipient of CDBG funds,” said Randolph Town Manager Brian P. Howard. “The funds will have an immediate impact on our residents by addressing health and safety issues in their homes and by allowing parents the freedom to work and provide for their family while ensuring that their children receive safe, stimulating, and nurturing care."    "Congratulations to Randolph on being awarded $800,000 in CDBG funds,” said Representative Bill Driscoll, Jr. “I'm thrilled to see these funds go toward providing much needed support to Randolph’s working families and homeowners."    “This Community Block Grant will provide important financial assistance to the town of Randolph,” said Representative Bruce Ayers. “The expansion of housing and childcare programs will offer vital assistance to families in need.”   Community Development Block Grant Awards:     Adams will receive $800,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance for eight units and improvements to Hoosac Valley Park.           Amesbury will receive $679,020 for housing rehabilitation assistance for ten units and to provide support for a food pantry, family stabilization, financial literacy and childcare services.  Amherst will receive $825,000 for Hickory Ridge infrastructure improvements, housing authority modernization, and to provide support for a food pantry, youth mentoring, adult education, homelessness assistance and family stabilization services.  Athol will receive $775,075 for infrastructure improvements to the Walnut Street neighborhood.  Bellingham will receive $800,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 11 units and ADA improvements to Harper Street.  Brewster, Dennis and Wellfleet will receive $1.3 million for housing rehabilitation assistance to 26 units and childcare assistance.  Brookfield will receive $800,000 for Green Street infrastructure improvements.  Chelsea will receive $825,000 for Shawmut and Chester Street streetscape improvements, Fair Housing planning, housing rehabilitation assistance for two units and social service assistance to include youth services, ESOL and citizenship training.  Chester, Huntington and Middlefield will receive $1.3 million for housing rehabilitation assistance for six units, Prospect Street infrastructure improvements and social service assistance for domestic violence prevention, family health, elder services and to support a food pantry.  Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Peru, Plainfield, Williamsburg and Worthington will receive approximately $1.3 million to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 19 units and to provide childcare assistance, elder services and to support a food pantry.  Clinton will receive $359,381 for Ash Street infrastructure improvements.  Dudley will receive $800,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance for three units and First Avenue infrastructure improvements.  Easthampton will receive $800,000 for infrastructure improvements to Cherry Street.  Edgartown, Aquinnah and West Tisbury will receive $1.3 million to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 23 units and to provide childcare assistance.  Egremont, Great Barrington and Sandisfield will receive $1.3 million to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 25 units.  Erving, Northfield and Warwick will receive $928,267 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 17 units.  Everett will receive $825,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance for 12 units and social service assistance to include homelessness prevention, ESOL, youth services, elder services and a food pantry.    Gardner will receive $825,000 for downtown infrastructure improvements, design for downtown infrastructure improvements and Maki Park improvements and social service assistance to include youth services, substance abuse services and domestic violence prevention services.  Greenfield will receive $825,000 for West Street infrastructure improvements and to support a food pantry, elder services and adult literacy.  Fairhaven will receive $686,236 for Hedge Street infrastructure improvements.  Hadley and South Hadley will receive $570,500 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 10 units, Aging in Place improvements and planning for ADA improvements to Hadley Town Hall.  Holbrook will receive $746,500 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 16 units.  Huntington will receive $727,000 for infrastructure improvements to Crescent Street and Design for Stanton Avenue improvements.   Leicester and Barre will receive $896,971 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 12 units, Housing Authority infrastructure improvements and planning for Barre infrastructure and ADA improvements.  Methuen will receive $750,000 for Lowell Street infrastructure improvements and social service assistance for youth services and adult literacy.  Millbury will receive $800,000 for Pear Street infrastructure improvements.  Monson will receive $530,500 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 10 units and planning for reuse of the Omega Mill and to develop an ADA Plan.  Montague will receive $788,174 for housing rehabilitation assistance to three units, Avenue A streetscape improvements and to provide social services to include ESOL, substance abuse services, elder services and youth services.  North Adams will receive $825,000 for Bracewell and Freeman Street improvements, design for infrastructure improvements and social services.  North Brookfield will receive $786,000 for Mt. Pleasant street infrastructure improvements.  Oak Bluffs, Chilmark and Tisbury will receive $1.3 million to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 23 units and to provide childcare assistance.  Orange will receive $680,261 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to seven units, planning for a feasibility study and social service assistance for financial literacy, mediation services, elder services and adult education.  Palmer will receive $825,000 to provide housing rehabilitation to four units, Depot Park design, a housing production plan and domestic violence prevention and transportation services.  Randolph will receive $800,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 16 units and childcare assistance.  Salisbury will receive $800,000 to provide Meanders Lane infrastructure improvements and social services assistance for senior services, youth services and homelessness assistance, health services and food pantry.  Shelburne will receive $793,026 for Bridge Street infrastructure improvements and to support a food pantry.  Southbridge will receive $825,000 for River Crane waterway improvements, McCann Field improvements and code enforcement.  Southwick will receive $800,000 to provide Bungalow Street infrastructure improvements and to support a food pantry.  Spencer will receive $800,000 for Valley and Mill Streets infrastructure improvements.  Truro, Eastham and Provincetown will receive $1.3 million to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 27 units and to provide childcare assistance.  Ware and Hardwick will receive $1 million for housing rehabilitation assistance to eight units, design for Cottage Street infrastructure improvements, sign and façade improvements for five businesses and social services assistance for domestic violence prevention, adult education and senior services.  Wareham will receive $825,000 for Highland Avenue sidewalk improvements, planning for 195 Main Street feasibility and support for a food pantry, homelessness prevention and domestic violence services.  Warren will receive $800,000 for School Street infrastructure improvements.  Webster will receive $825,000 for Granite Street infrastructure improvements and Riverwalk improvements.  West Springfield will receive $825,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance to three units, public facilities improvements (Boys and Girls Club), Chapin Street infrastructure improvements, FTHB education program, ESOL, employment training and Head Start and youth services.

陳翟蘇妮稱許退選的Danielle Allen 發出重要聲音

Sen. Chang-Díaz statement on Danielle Allen ending her campaign for governor

BOSTON, MA - Massachusetts State Senator and candidate for Governor Sonia Chang-Díaz released the following statement in response to Danielle Allen’s announcement that she is winding down her gubernatorial campaign:

“Danielle Allen has brought an important voice and valuable experience to the campaign trail every day, including in areas of housing, criminal justice, democracy, and health equity. She’s been clear that Massachusetts and our next Governor need to take on the status quo, act with the vision and urgency that this moment demands, and deliver real, transformational change for our state. Thank you, Danielle, for the time, personal connections, and meaningful policy discussions we shared on the trail. I look forward to your continued contributions in the months and years to come.”

About Sonia Chang-Díaz:

Sonia is the daughter of a social worker and America’s first Latino astronaut, Franklin Chang-Díaz. She was elected the Commonwealth's first Latina and first Asian-American State Senator in 2008 and quickly became a driving force behind many of the state’s biggest progressive reforms — including landmark $1.5 billion progressive education funding reforms, criminal justice reform, LGBT equal rights, and police reform and accountability. For more information about Sonia Chang-Díaz and her campaign for Governor, please visit www.soniachangdiaz.com.

Danielle Allen 宣佈退出州長選舉

Danielle Allen Announces Decision to Wind Down Campaign For Governor

from Twitter

Boston, MA — Danielle Allen issued the following statement announcing her decision to wind down her 2022 gubernatorial campaign:

“Our democracy is in dire straits. It has lost the confidence and trust of many of us, and it is not securing safety, wellbeing, and happiness for many of us. The pandemic, climate crisis, inequality, and racial injustice all make that clear. I entered this race because I believe this is a time of profound urgency for the future of our constitutional democracy. I believe that in the decade ahead we will, in Lincoln’s words, either nobly save or meanly lose the last best hope on earth.

“I also believe that the path forward for our democracy and out of this dark hard time lies in the states — where we can build trustworthy, accountable government, government where all are included and have voice. Throughout my campaign for governor, I have worked to shine a light on these issues, and build public commitment for a path forward towards that government — one that delivers for our most basic needs by securing the basic building blocks of healthy communities, a healthy democracy, and a healthy climate.

“I am incredibly proud of the work our campaign has done to drive progress on these issues and on behalf of Massachusetts families — from pushing housing to the top of the conversation, to driving broad support for an executive branch that adheres to the Public Records Act, to becoming the first gubernatorial candidate in Massachusetts history to call for the decriminalization of addiction. I’m incredibly proud to have led these efforts as the first Black woman in the history of Massachusetts to run for statewide office. Today, while I am announcing my decision to wind down my campaign for governor, my commitment to continue creating progress on these issues — arm in arm with activists and community members across our Commonwealth — is unwavering.

“As I transition out of this campaign and towards my next phase of work on behalf of our democracy, I want to sound an alarm on something that has become clearer to me through this work — a ballot access process that does a disservice to Massachusetts’ history of leadership on democracy. Through both simple math in a winner-takes-all process, and limited engagement access for the broader Democratic electorate, the current ballot access procedure through the current caucus system is leading to a serious impoverishment of our democracy — fewer choices on the ballot, fewer non-traditional candidates able to enter the pipeline. In Massachusetts, where we pride ourselves on being the birthplace of democracy, there is no excuse for ballot access procedures that push out qualified but non-traditional candidates and rob the people of Massachusetts of real choice on their ballot. As I reflect on my next steps for civic engagement, working on democratic reform in this area will be a priority for me.

“To the supporters, volunteers, donors, friends, family, and staff who stepped up to be a part of this big team of guts and grit and heart and hustle: thank you for your work to move mountains on behalf of Massachusetts communities. And to everyone who paused to take a second look at this first-time, nontraditional, big-hearted campaign — thank you for seeing the value in a fresh perspective, and the courage to reimagine the possible. Our commitment is our power, and it isn’t going anywhere. I’m looking forward to working with you, in the next iteration, to keep building One Commonwealth.”

 

Baker-Polito Administration Highlights Nearly $9 Million in Three MassWorks Awards for Boston

ROXBURY – Tuesday, February 15, 2022 – Today, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy and Mayor Michelle Wu were joined by state and local officials to highlight the city of Boston’s three MassWorks Infrastructure Program awards. In total, the city of Boston is receiving approximately $9 million for the three awards: $3.5 million for utility upgrades in support of the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment Project in Charlestown, $4 million for street and utility upgrades required for the Mildred Hailey Apartments Redevelopment Project and $1.5 million to support design and permitting for a major transit-oriented development on the site of the Blair Parking Lot in Roxbury.    Today’s announcement was held at the Blair Parking Lot in Nubian Square. On this site, the $1.5 million MassWorks award will be combined with $3.5 million in private financing to fully fund all necessary work through the final design for a transformative project with spaces for cultural, entertainment, and artistic uses. The project, known as “Nubian Square Ascends,” is a $111 million private investment that will result in a transit-oriented development with a new public way and plaza, multi-modal accommodations, a 300-space parking garage and 135,000 square feet of commercial space for uses ranging from culinary to lab to cultural purposes. The buildout of Nubian Square Ascends is expected to create or sustain approximately 900 jobs and will include contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises during all phases of construction.    “This combination of awards through the MassWorks program provides critical support for Boston’s plans for commercial development in Nubian Square, as well as investments for housing in Charlestown and Jamaica Plain,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our Administration is grateful for our partners at the local level that made this possible and we look forward to these transformative projects becoming a reality.”     “Our Administration continues to support plans that unlock new opportunities for economic development and housing across the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Through the MassWorks program and partnerships like this one with the city of Boston, we can continue to work together to achieve locally-driven economic growth.”    “These MassWorks grants will provide critical funding to redevelop affordable housing, and create local economic development that supports good jobs for our residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This year’s MassWorks awards will help us move forward with providing housing in neighborhoods throughout the city. Boston’s residents and families deserve safe, clean, quality affordable housing, and this funding will help support the renovations and revitalization of thousands of units of deeply affordable housing.” MassWorks is a competitive program that offers cities and towns flexible capital funding to support and accelerate housing production and job growth. MassWorks is the largest program in Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal and collaborative review process for grant programs launched in January 2021 to make targeted investments based on a development continuum.   “We created the One Stop to offer access to a wide variety of programs through a single, streamlined process that ensures that valuable funds can be directed more effectively, to more communities, in less time,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “The One Stop gives communities and other partners the opportunity to work collaboratively with us, to pursue multiple projects simultaneously and to meet their economic development goals. The city of Boston has demonstrated how applicants can be creative with grant funding to maximize the impact of state investments in transformative projects. While the first year of the One Stop has shown tremendous promise, the demand for our programs demonstrates that we can do more.”   "Nubian Square Ascends will bring cultural vitality and increase access to new jobs here in Roxbury,” said Representative Jon Santiago.  “I am thrilled that this infrastructure award will help advance this exciting project while further supporting the many artists, entrepreneurs, and local businesses that call Nubian Square home."   In addition to the city’s Nubian Square award, Boston received a $3.5 million MassWorks grant for utility upgrades in Charlestown to support the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment Project. The utility work will trigger the start of the redevelopment project’s first phase, which calls for the demolition of six residential buildings that date back to the early 1940s and the construction of two new buildings. The new buildings will result in the replacement of 156 units of affordable housing as well as the addition of 194 new units of market-rate housing. At full buildout, the redevelopment project will lead to the replacement of all 1,100 existing units of public housing, the addition of 1,600 new units of market-rate housing and approximately 73,000 square feet of civic and neighborhood retail space.    "The Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment Project in Charlestown will provide necessary and long-awaited housing improvements for the community including the revitalization of the existing housing unit, upgrades in infrastructure, and the creation of new critical community and civic space,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico. “I am pleased that this project was awarded the resources it needs to build a space that is accessible, affordable and enjoyable for all residents in the area."   “These MassWorks funds will go a long way toward building a vibrant, inclusive mixed-use community at Bunker Hill while preserving Public Housing units to some of our more vulnerable residents,” said Representative Dan Ryan.  “I would like to thank all involved in making Phase 1 of this project a closer reality.”   The city’s third MassWorks award is $4 million for street and utility improvements that will support the Mildred Hailey Apartments Redevelopment Project, which plans to construct 673 units of new and replacement mixed-income housing through a public-private partnership over a 10-year period. Specific improvements include a new roadway, utility extensions, an expansion of multi-modal accommodations and public green space. These improvements will enhance transportation safety and neighborhood connectivity, including pedestrian connections to the MBTA’s Jackson Square Station and Southwest Corridor Park. In addition to housing, the Mildred Hailey project will include a 6,800-square-foot community center and approximately 8,300 square feet of neighborhood retail space at full buildout.    “Mildred Hailey has long provided a home for a rich and vibrant community in Jackson Square. It has welcomed new cultures and sustained generations of families for many years,” said Representative Liz Malia. “I am delighted by the investment being made in this important cornerstone of our Jamaica Plain community and glad that such a substantial investment reminds us of the need for housing for all in our neighborhoods.”   "I’m so grateful for the Governor’s partnership on ending housing inequity in my district,” said Representative Nika Elugardo. “The residents of Mildred C. Hailey have invested for decades in this very valuable land and deserve a return on their investment. This $4 million is a relatively large grant for MassWorks, and we are very appreciative of this along with the $50 million invested by Mayor Wu. Mildred C. Hailey has over $175 million in unmet needs, and I look forward to continued state and city partnership to get the job done."   "By responding to the community's vision and prioritizing good jobs and wealth creation opportunities for local residents, the Nubian Ascends project is an example of the BPDA's commitment to using public land for public good," said BPDA Director Brian Golden. "These three MassWorks grants will allow transformational projects that will result in hundreds of units of affordable housing and community-centered economic development the ability to move forward."   In addition to the city’s MassWorks awards, two other Boston-based organizations received awards through the One Stop.    CommonWealth Kitchen, in partnership with the Boston Planning and Development Agency, received a $100,000 Urban Agenda grant to develop a Launchpad for three BIPOC-owned food businesses to operate vendor kiosks at the MIT Student Center. In addition, CWK will partner with Sodexo Dining Services at the Colleges of the Fenway to launch a campus retail outlet and campus food trucks.   The Community Music Center of Boston received a $65,000 Urban Agenda award to support youth workforce development programs during this academic year. Under a program plan designed to be equitable and culturally inclusive, program participants will receive paid wages from participating in artistic projects, professional development and workforce training in the arts sector.   Learn more about the most recent round of MassWorks and One Stop awards.

波士頓市獲900萬元「MassWorks」經費 將分給3項可負擔住宅計畫

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu

              (Boston Orange) 波士頓市在2月15日這天宣佈獲得「麻州工作 (MassWorks)」補助款9百萬元，” 努必恩廣場 (Nubian Square)” ，” 查理士城 (Charlestown)” ，以及” 牙買加平原 (Jamaica Plain) 等3處空地及公屋將可因而重生。

              波士頓市長吳弭指出，在這3項發展計畫中，努必恩廣場的Nubian Ascends大樓將用150萬元來把空置的停車場，改建成當地的藝術、文化及企業樞紐，把工作、生意機會，以及玩耍空間帶給洛士百利居民。

              查理士城那兒，波士頓房屋局位於邦克丘 (Bunker Hill)，有1000護單位的公屋，亟須翻修。350萬元將用於更新水電設施，資助為當地居民建造公園及開放空間，零售空間的工程。

              在查理士城的建築工程，將有多個階段，多種用途的建設，包括建造一個有15個單位的住宅。一旦竣工，整個項目將有2699個住宅單位，其中1010戶將深度可負擔。1689戶將為市價單位。另有100個波士頓房屋局單位，將建在查理士城的另一個地點。這一工程將為地方居民建成大約2.7英畝的公共開放空間，約5萬英呎的商用空間，以及社區中心。

              牙買加平原那兒，波士頓市政府將把現有253個單位的Mildred Hailey公屋，改建新的，有420個單位，收入有限制的出租單位。並支用400萬元來建新道路及綠地，更新水電設施。

MAYOR WU CELEBRATES MASSWORKS FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY-FOCUSED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NUBIAN SQUARE, JAMAICA PLAIN, AND CHARLESTOWN

BOSTON - Tuesday, February 15, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu joined Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, local elected officials, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), and the Nubian Ascends development team and other grant awardees at the Blair Lot in Roxbury to celebrate nearly $9 million in MassWorks funding for economic development and housing projects in Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, and Charlestown. “These MassWorks grants will provide critical funding to redevelop affordable housing, and create local economic development that supports good jobs for our residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This year’s MassWorks awards will help us move forward with providing housing in neighborhoods throughout the city. Boston’s residents and families deserve safe, clean, quality affordable housing, and this funding will help support the renovations and revitalization of thousands of units of deeply affordable housing.” The MassWorks Infrastructure Program, administered by the Commonwealth’s Executive Office for Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) is a competitive program that offers cities and towns flexible capital funding to support and accelerate housing production and job growth. MassWorks is the largest program in Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal and collaborative review process for grant programs launched in January 2021 to make targeted investments based on a development continuum.   “This combination of awards through the MassWorks program will provide critical support for Boston’s plans for major commercial development in Nubian Square, as well as significant investments in mixed-income housing in Charlestown and Jamaica Plain,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy.  “Through partnerships like this one with the city of Boston, we can continue to foster economic growth while ensuring the positive impacts of these investments are felt in all neighborhoods in Boston and across Massachusetts.” Nubian Ascends  The Nubian Square Ascends Project will create a new regional destination that celebrates the rich diversity of Nubian Square with a marketplace to support neighborhood businesses and local artisans, a food hall with an on-site culinary program, and a multipurpose cultural hall and theater. The project is receiving $1.5 million in MassWorks funding to go towards design and permitting. The project, located on the BPDA-owned Blair Lot parking lot in Roxbury’s Nubian Square, responds to the community vision laid out through the BPDA’s planning initiative for the neighborhood, PLAN: Nubian Square, and includes a comprehensive wealth-creation plan creating approximately 900 permanent jobs and contract opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) during all phases of the project. The proposal meets the BPDA and City of Boston’s diversity and inclusion requirements for publicly-owned land to create increased opportunities for people of color, women, and for the participation of Minority Business Enterprises (M/BEs).  "By responding to the community's vision and prioritizing good jobs and wealth creation opportunities for local residents, the Nubian Ascends project is an example of the BPDA's commitment to using public land for public good," said BPDA Director Brian Golden. "These three MassWorks grants will allow transformational projects that will result in hundreds of units of affordable housing and community-centered economic development the ability to move forward."  BHA’s Mildred Hailey and Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment The other two projects that were awarded Massworks funding are the restoration and redevelopments of Boston Housing Authority complexes in Jamaica Plain and Charlestown. “We’re building new homes for public housing residents in Charlestown and Jamaica Plain, and that requires more than just buildings,” BHA Administrator Kate Bennett said. “These grants will help us to create the vital supporting infrastructure that ensures that these new communities will thrive into the future.” The redevelopment of the Mildred Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain will replace 253 existing public housing units and construct 420 new income-restricted rental units at a range of income-levels. The MassWorks grant funding will provide $4 million for street and utility upgrades required for the project. Specific improvements include a new roadway, utility extensions, an expansion of multi-modal accommodations and public green space. These improvements will enhance transportation safety and neighborhood connectivity, including pedestrian connections to the MBTA’s Jackson Square Station and Southwest Corridor Park. Tenants of the 253 public housing units slated for replacement will have a right to return and live in new units once the project is completed. The project will also construct a new Anna Mae Cole Community Center and Anna Mae Cole Outdoor Plaza to provide prominent gathering spaces for all residents of Mildred Hailey. Ground floor space along Heath Street and Centre Street will be allocated for community programming and neighborhood retail. These spaces will activate the streetscape and connect residents of Mildred Hailey Apartments and residents of the surrounding neighborhood. In Charlestown, following a nearly five-year community process and with support of local elected officials and the Charlestown Resident Alliance, over 1,000 income-restricted public housing units will be preserved as part of the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment. The $3.5 million awarded by MassWorks will fund utility upgrades on site that will trigger the start of the redevelopment project’s first phase, which calls for the demolition of six residential buildings that date back to the early 1940s and construction of two new buildings. Existing residents will be provided with replacement housing during the construction process, and will be allowed to return to a BHA replacement housing unit following the completion of construction. The project will construct a new, multi-phase, mixed-use development that will include 15 residential buildings. Once complete, the total project will consist of 2,699 residential units, 1,010 of which will be deeply affordable, BHA replacement units and 1,689 of which will be market-rate. An additional 100 BHA units will be relocated off-site in Charlestown. The project will also create approximately 2.7 acres of publicly-accessible open space, approximately 50,000 square feet of commercial space, and a community center. 波士頓市宣佈獲Mass Works經費記者會圖片來自推特。