With $50M+ the Grove Hall is having its first full-service community center

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNITY CENTER TO BE BUILT IN DORCHESTER

The newly announced location will bring the first full-service community center to Grove Hall

Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the location selected for a new Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community center in Dorchester. Currently a city-owned vacant lot, the future full-service community center will be the first for Grove Hall. This location was selected after a robust community engagement process and was chosen based on the input of local residents. 

“Our communities are stronger when everyone has the opportunity to come together to learn, play, collaborate, and build connections across generations,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “In environmental justice communities like Grove Hall it is especially important that our residents have safe, comfortable, resilient, and inspiring public spaces. I’m grateful to all our city

 departments and the community members that have advocated to make today’s announcement a reality.” 

All of BCYF’s current community centers in Dorchester are located in school buildings which limits BCYF’s access to areas of the facility during school hours and affects programming hours. During the community process, participants expressed a strong desire for flexible BCYF spaces that can be utilized by residents of all ages at various times. Responses submitted by community members regarding desired programming included services BCYF currently offers at its centers such as continuing education offerings and farmers markets. Responses showed greatest interest in playscapes and spaces for social gathering.

“The BCYF Grove Hall Community Center will be a hive of activity for the community and an oasis for youth in the neighborhood,” said José Massó, Chief of Human Services. “I’m really excited that the city will be investing in several standalone community centers in Dorchester and that the community has chosen Grove Hall as the first site of many.”

“We know the importance of education, programming, resources, and dedicated community spaces in enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Councilor Brian Worrell. “I am excited to stand here today in Grove Hall with Mayor Wu and the community members whose vision for this community center have come to fruition. It will have a tremendous impact on the lives of countless young people in our neighborhood, similar to the way my community center in Dorchester transformed my life as a child."

Since October 2021, BCYF and the City’s Public Facilities Department have hosted four community meetings and released a survey to get input from Dorchester residents on where they would like to see a new community center built and the types of programs it should offer. The majority of those who attended the meetings were Dorchester residents and were supportive of a Grove Hall location. Grove Hall also received the most votes in a programming and location survey that was available throughout the siting process which included an online map that residents could use to select their desired location for the new community center.

This process examined over 40 privately and publicly owned locations in Dorchester. The properties were graded based on multiple factors, including whether other similar agencies were in the area, the size of the lot, and site acquisition costs. This community engagement process established the desired uses and activities for the new center, reviewed the size the center would need to be to host these activities, and then identified locations based on those criteria. Meeting slides and recordings can be found here.

“This announcement will provide a powerful pathway for young people and their families to access a variety of opportunities to overcome the racial disparities that previously limited the resources available in Grove Hall,” said Michael Kozu, Co-Director of Project RIGHT, Inc. “The mayor and her team developed a neighborhood process that facilitated participation from a wide cross section of Dorchester that will lead to this full-sized community center facility with intergenerational activities. This project is across the street from the renovated Jeremiah Burke High School, Grove Hall Senior Center and Grove Hall Library Branch complex and with the recently renovated Stop and Shop store nearby, significantly expands the vibrancy and potential of what Grove Hall has to offer.”

“This is an historic day for BCYF; the announcement of a ground up, brand-new full-service community center to be built–our first ever,” said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. “BCYF centers are thought of as the hub of their neighborhoods serving people of all ages but the investment in them has not always been there. This is a highlight of a new commitment to investing in BCYF and our facilities.”   

Construction of the center will follow an additional community engagement process on the design of the new center. Budgeting, design, and construction of the center is expected to take three years. The estimated cost for the new center is $50 to $60 million.

BCYF currently operates a senior center across the street from this future center location within the Jeremiah Burke High School. To address the need for youth services in the neighborhood, it is anticipated that other locations in Dorchester will be explored in the future for additional community centers.

 AG HEALEY JOINS COALITION IN SUPPORT OF ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE 

Brief Supports Transgender Individuals and Parents of Transgender Individuals Denied Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care Under Health Plan for North Carolina State Employees  

 

            BOSTON – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing a brief in support of a group of transgender individuals and parents of transgender individuals denied coverage for gender-affirming care under the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees. 

 

The brief, filed Tuesday in the case, Kadel v. Folwell, argues that the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals should affirm a lower court ruling which determined that the health plan’s denial of medically necessary, gender-affirming care for transgender individuals violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The states argue that the health plan’s denial of coverage “overtly discriminates against members for failing to conform to the sex stereotype propagated” by the health plan.  

 

“Transphobic polices like this deny essential medical care to transgender patients,” AG Healey said. “We are calling on the Court to overturn North Carolina’s discriminatory and dangerous plan.”  

  

The amicus brief notes the efforts that states joining the filing have made to protect transgender healthcare rights, including prohibiting health care discrimination on the basis of transgender identity and ensuring that state employee health care plans cover medically necessary gender-affirming care. The states have also adopted policies that guarantee non-discriminatory coverage of gender-affirming care for transgender youth. These policies have improved the well-being of transgender people, and reduced the risk of suicide, substance abuse, and depression, without significantly increasing premium costs or expenses to insurers and plan sponsors.  

 

In 2014, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance issued guidance stating that “denial of coverage for medically necessary treatment based on an individual’s gender identity” is sex discrimination that is prohibited under state law.  

 

The brief is a continuation of AG Healey’s ongoing advocacy for the equal rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. Earlier this year, AG Healey joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing an Arkansas law that prohibits healthcare professionals from providing transgender teenagers with medically necessary care. In August, AG Healey joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a brief in support of a 13-year-old Indiana transgender boy who is suing his school district for gender identity discrimination. Also in August, the AG joined a brief opposing an Alabama law criminalizing evidence-based and medically accepted gender-affirming care for transgender young people. In 2017 she joined a similar amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court in support of a transgender student suing his school in Gloucester County, Virginia. In 2016, AG Healey worked closely with advocates, the business community, and transgender families to successfully garner support for the passage of an amendment to Massachusetts’ Public Accommodations Law protecting against discrimination on the basis of gender identity.  

 

            Joining AG Healey in filing the brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia.  

麻州州長特赦4人

 Governor Baker Announces Pardons of Four Individuals

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced the pardons of four individuals: Kenneth Dunn, Steven Joanis, Stephen Polignone and Michael Picanso.

 

The Massachusetts Constitution grants the Governor the power to grant pardons, and Governor Baker issued updated Executive Clemency Guidelines in February 2020.

 

Petitions for pardons are reviewed by the Advisory Board of Pardons. The Board evaluates the petition, weighing the factors laid out in the Executive Guidelines, and makes a recommendation to the Governor. The Board had recommended the pardons of all of these individuals. The pardons must now be approved by the Governor’s Council.

 

“The ability to grant pardons is a very serious responsibility, but through careful consideration and review, I believe these individuals are worthy candidates for a pardon,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “All of these individuals have shown a commitment to their communities and rehabilitation since their convictions. However, the charges are related to decades-old convictions that continue to have an impact on their lives. I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s review of these recommendations.”

 

For more on Kenneth Dunn see here.

 

For more on Steven Joanis see here.

 

For more on Stephen Polignone see here

 

For more on Michael Picanso see here.

波士頓市府150萬元青年發展基金即起受理申請

(Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓人民服務辦公室 (OHS)12日宣佈，以10至25歲青及少年為對象的2023年度青年發展基金 (YDF) ，總額150萬元即起受理申請，10月28日下午4點截止。 波士頓市長吳弭表示，打造參與社區以發展、保護青少年是政府最重要的責任之一。波士頓市很感激所有在社區內提供防止暴力服務的非牟利機構，並盼望能繼續支持打造社區的努力。            波士頓市人民服務長Jose Masso表示，在青少年需要的地方為他們服務是他們防止暴力策略的關鍵部分。波士頓市府很高興能支持為青年及青少年提供高品質及參與性活動的非牟利機構。                       青年發展基金將優先支持下列類型機構，設立於受到不成比例的槍枝或青少年暴力社區的波士頓非牟利機構；以青少年為服務對象，重點關注外展及鼓勵高危險性青少年參與，或是以獲得服務不足青少年人口為特定對象；使用正向青年發展框架，以及/或是有意義的青少年參與做法。                        重點還會放在有意形塑個別行為，以及影響暴力危機的關係、社區及社會因素。以證據為基礎的防範青少年暴力策略包括，但不限於下列種種:                      加強青年及青少年的發展技能                                 當青少年不再學校時，把他們和有關愛心的成人連繫起來                       打造有保護的環境                    干預以減少傷害，並防止未來的危險             去年青年發展基金分給了波士頓市內55個為青少年服務的社區內組織，為6334名青少年服務，其中85%是為有色青年服務。   MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES REOPENING OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND APPLICATIONS

BOSTON - Wednesday, October 12, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Human Services (OHS) today announce applications are now open for the 2023 Youth Development Fund (YDF) fall grant. The YDF is a yearly competitive grant aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that work with Boston youth and young adults ages 10-25. A total of $1,500,000 will be awarded to Boston nonprofit organizations providing positive violence intervention, prevention, and response services throughout the city. Applications are now open and responses are due Saturday, Oct 28th at 4:00 p.m.  “Developing and protecting our youth by creating an engaging community is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a City,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are grateful to all of the non-profit organizations delivering violence prevention services in our neighborhoods, and look forward to providing continued support in building this community.” "We are excited to be able to continue to support many of our non-profit partners in the work of building community and providing high-quality, safe and engaging activities for youth and young adults in Boston,” said Jose Massó, Chief of Human Services. “This robust network of programs meets youth where they are and is a key part of our violence  prevention strategy.”   This fund aims to increase the number and variety of youth development programs intentionally contributing to metrics that prevent youth and young adult violence in Boston neighborhoods. The Youth Development Fund will prioritize the following types of organizations:  Boston-based nonprofits in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by gun or youth violence Youth-serving entities with an intentional focus on outreach and engagement of high-risk/proven-risk youth and young adults or other specified underserved youth population Organizations using the positive youth development framework and/ or meaningful youth engagement practices  There will also be a concentration on supporting activities that implement prevention strategies intended to shape individual behaviors as well as relationship, community, and societal factors that influence the risk for violence. Examples of evidence-based youth violence prevention strategies include but are not limited to:  Strengthening youth and young adults’ developmental skills  Connecting youth to caring adults and a safe space when not in school  Creating protective community environments  Intervening to lessen harms and prevent future risk    Last year’s YDF funds were allocated to 55 community-based organizations across Boston that, together, served youth and young adults in all neighborhoods of the city. In total, 6,334 youth were served and 85 percent of those served are youth of color.

Governor Baker Nominates Clerk Magistrate Michelle L. Kelley as Associate Justice of the District Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Clerk Magistrate Michelle L. Kelley as Associate Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Clerk Magistrate Michelle L. Kelley as Associate Justice of the District Court.

 

“Clerk Magistrate Kelley’s valuable knowledge and experience in the District Court will serve her well in her new role if confirmed,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud to submit her nomination for consideration.”

 

“Clerk Magistrate Kelley has years of experience in public service that makes her a well-qualified candidate for this position,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to the Governor’s Council’s advice and consent on this candidate.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth. 

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Michelle L. Kelley

 

Michelle L. Kelley began her legal career in 1995 as executive secretary to the Suffolk County District Attorney. From 1995 to 2006, Clerk Magistrate Kelley served as Assistant Clerk Magistrate for the Somerville District Court and from 2006 to 2016 as Assistant Clerk Magistrate for the Wrentham District Court. Clerk Magistrate Kelley then worked as Acting Clerk Magistrate for the Uxbridge District Court before joining Wrentham District Court in 2016, where she has served since 2017 as Clerk Magistrate. Early in her career, Clerk Magistrate Kelley also worked in the Massachusetts Legislature as both a page in the House of Representatives, and later as a legislative aide on the House Committee of Government Regulations. She has also spent many years as a part-time professor at Curry College teaching business and labor law. An active member of her community, she serves on the SAFE Coalition Board of Directors and volunteers with the Healthy KP Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, both of which aim to assist individuals and families struggling with alcohol and substance abuse. She also volunteers at the Hockomock Area YMCA and at King Philip Regional High School as part of football program’s Gridiron organization. She is also a member of the Tri-County Vocational Technical High School Advisory Board, where she assists students in the legal and protective services major. Clerk Magistrate Kelley received her bachelor’s degree from Emerson College in 1990, her master’s in business from Suffolk University in 1993 and her juris doctorate from New England School of Law in 1997.

波士頓廣場將整建為"人民公園"

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF BOSTON COMMON MASTER PLAN

45-day public comment period provides an opportunity for the public to shape implementation phases

Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the official release of the new Boston Common Master Plan, a comprehensive vision for the future of the “People’s Park.” The planning process incorporated the input of Boston residents and park users to create a roadmap for preservation, maintenance, and public use.

The recommendations include a comprehensive redesign of the Boston Common Frog Pond, including the Tadpole Playground; expanding the Visitor’s Center; adding an accessible entrance at Shaw 54th Memorial; pedestrian improvements at the Charles Street entrance from the Public Garden; renovation of the heavily-used Mayor’s Walk pathway; piloting restrooms in several locations; and better activation of the Boylston Street plaza and entrance.

“Boston Common’s gorgeous tree-lined paths and open spaces have hosted so many moments marked in history, from shaping our collective conscience to celebrating our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re excited to be sharing a plan that honors the Common’s history, reflects the community’s vision, and creates a space that will be more accessible, more resilient, and more inclusive for generations to come.”

The master planning process was guided by the goal of crafting an atmosphere of civic access and engagement. In June of 2019, public engagement kicked off with an online survey and “Mini-Common” pop-up exhibits. Mini Common pop-ups were deployed in the park and across the city at MBTA stations, community events, and farmer’s markets. These pop-ups gave residents and visitors the opportunity to comment on specific areas of the Common, evaluate current programming, and recommend potential interventions and improvements. The team then held several open houses, both in person and virtually throughout 2019–2020 to gather suggestions from the community to inform potential changes. All input was incorporated in the master plan’s vision, guiding principles, goals and objectives, and recommendations.

This extensive stakeholder and public outreach captured a diverse range of voices across the city and beyond, allowing the project team to integrate the community feedback with considerations of the park’s history, current conditions, and function. This holistic process allowed the team to identify the interventions most fundamental to the use, character, health, and management of the Common now and into the future. Top recommendations in the Master Plan include clarifying park entrances, connecting and upgrading core visitor amenities, enhancing and diversifying programming, establishing park management protocols, and improving support facilities.

The Plan sets forth five principles to guide all recommendations:

● Support and sustain a multi-functional park for the full diversity of users from all

backgrounds and neighborhoods;

● Strengthen the park’s natural, historic, cultural, and visual landscape character;

● Expand amenities to support park visitors;

● Improve safety, maintenance, and management of the Common;

● Improve the natural and physical infrastructure of the Common for quality and resilience.

With the release of the master plan, the City of Boston is asking the public to share priorities for implementation—selecting high-priority projects related to accessibility, recreational opportunities, landscape improvements, historic interpretation, restrooms, and food options—during the 45-day public comment period that ends on November 30, 2022.

"The Boston Common is both a historic park and a central gathering space in our city," said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. "As the "People's Park", we knew this process required significant community engagement and we are excited to share the Boston Common Master Plan that brought together all the feedback we received into a cohesive plan.”

“I am pleased to finally be able to share the Boston Common Master Plan, a document years in the making thanks to a partnership between the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of the Public Garden,” said Ryan Woods, Commissioner of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. “This Plan is the result of a robust community outreach process and ties together all the elements that make the Common such a great public space. Future park users will

find improvements throughout the Common with increased flexibility, better use of space, new features, and enhanced visitor orientation and interpretation.”

“With this Boston Common Master Plan, America’s first public park will have a unified vision for evolving and adapting to meet the needs of Boston’s residents and visitors to our city as well as of the park itself,” said Liz Vizza, President of the Friends of the Public Garden. “Parks need people and people need parks. A shared space like the Boston Common is a critical place for community, civic life, and respite in our city that deserves our continued investment and attention to bring the Plan to life.”

A major tourist destination, cultural beacon, and neighborhood park, Boston Common is one of the most treasured green spaces in the world. This investment will ensure that the park's natural, historic, cultural, and visual character is strengthened and preserved for future generations.

ABOUT THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The Parks and Recreation Department creates and maintains clean, green, safe, and accessible public parks and open space throughout Boston. The department is responsible for 217 parks, playgrounds and athletic fields, two golf courses, 65 squares, 17 fountains, 75 game courts, 16 historic and three active cemeteries, urban wilds, four High School athletic fields, and approximately 125,000 trees, all covering 2,346 acres, 1,000 of which comprise the historic Emerald Necklace. Parks and Recreation is also responsible for more than 35,000 street trees.

ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF THE PUBLIC GARDEN

The Friends of the Public Garden has worked in partnership with the City of Boston for over 50 years to renew, care, and advocate for the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The three properties are national treasures and they are located in the heart of our city. The Friends help care for 1700 trees, 42 pieces of public art, and more than 50 acres of lawn. In recent years, the organization has completed many capital projects on behalf of the city, including renovation and activation of the Brewer Fountain and Plaza by Park Street Station on the Common and restoration of the George Robert White Memorial fountain in the Garden.

ABOUT WESTON AND SAMPSON DESIGN STUDIO

Established in 1899, Weston & Sampson has been working with municipal partners on innovative solutions to their environmental and infrastructure challenges for well over a century. In 2012, Weston & Sampson launched their design studio and quickly established a reputation for excellence in planning, design, and strong project leadership. Our design team believes that designers have a great deal of knowledge that is infinitely more resonant when it is used to help everyday citizens articulate their needs and create public spaces that are responsive to the cultural context they represent. With a combination of creative and technical planning and design expertise, a keen eye toward climate resilient park design, and a highly collaborative project approach, Weston & Sampson Design Studio introduces new ways of thinking about the landscape that are aspirational, sustainable, and supportive of the social needs of the communities in which they serve.

Department of Public Utilities Approves New Wave of Grid Modernization Investments

 Department of Public Utilities Approves New Wave of Grid Modernization Investments

EDCs to Invest Over $450 Million into the State’s Electric Distribution System

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration announced additional efforts to modernize the electric distribution system to improve reliability and enable clean energy development through a Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Order. The DPU order grants final approval for Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil to collectively invest over $450 million in various grid modernization technologies over a four-year term. Based on this approval, the electric distribution companies will expand the deployment of grid monitoring technologies, advanced communication technologies, and automation technologies that will modernize the state’s electric power system and allow for more self‑healing to enhance safety and reliability.

 

“The investments authorized by this Department of Public Utilities Order will not only enhance the resiliency of Massachusetts’ electric grid, but will also maximize benefits for ratepayers across the state,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The Baker-Polito Administration supports the DPU’s Order, which furthers efforts to utilize innovative technologies that will achieve measurable results, such as improved storm restoration, while continuing ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and address our climate challenges.”

 

In order to accelerate upgrades to the electric distribution systems, the DPU requires the electric companies to develop plans to implement grid modernization technologies and practices to enhance reliability, reduce electricity costs, empower customers to better manage usage, and support a clean, more efficient electric system. The first grid modernization plans were approved on May 10, 2018, and included investments and demonstration projects deployed in 2018 through 2021. The DPU’s approval of certain investments in the new grid modernization plans builds on and further accelerates the modernization of the electric system with a particular focus on grid‑facing investments, including significant enhancements in informational technology and automation.

 

“Today’s DPU Order is another great example of efforts to accelerate the continued modernization of the Commonwealth’s electric power system, improve safety and reliability for customers, harden the state’s electric infrastructure, and advance the development of sustainable, efficient clean energy technologies,” said Department of Public Utilities Chair Matt Nelson. “Importantly, this new term of grid modernization investments will keep the Commonwealth on course to achieve our clean energy and climate goals.”

 

In the next phase of the proceeding, the DPU is reviewing the remaining proposals in the new grid modernization plans related to interconnecting, managing, monitoring, and dispatching distributed energy resources, and advanced modeling and forecasting technologies, as well as the advanced metering infrastructure implementation plans proposed by the electric distribution companies.

波士頓市府和東波士頓鄰里信託斥資4700萬元打造114戶可負擔住宅

CITY OF BOSTON AND EAST BOSTON NEIGHBORHOOD TRUST ANNOUNCE ACQUISITION AND EXPANSION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN EAST BOSTON

Deal will create state’s first Mixed Income Neighborhood Trust, establishing affordability of 114 units in perpetuity

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 11, 2022 - Building on the City of Boston’s commitment to expanding affordable housing in Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the acquisition of 36 multi-family buildings comprising a 114-unit housing portfolio by the newly created East Boston Neighborhood Trust. The deal will establish the state’s first Mixed Income Neighborhood Trust (MINT) and ensure the affordability of these family-sized units in perpetuity. The $47 million acquisition was made possible by a $12 million investment by the City, including $9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), $2 million from the Cares Act, and $1M in Inclusionary Development funds.  "As Boston continues to grow, we are moving urgently to ensure that all of our residents and families have access to safe, affordable housing," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "This acquisition of over 100 units in East Boston is a great example of what is possible when we use every tool as a City and partner across sectors to make Boston a city for everyone. I'm grateful to the Mayor's Office of Housing for their leadership and look forward to accelerating our efforts for affordability across our neighborhoods.” The East Boston Community Development Corporation (East Boston CDC) worked in partnership with local investors to convert the portfolio to the state’s first ever Mixed Income Neighborhood Trust (MINT). The MINT model places governance and control of the portfolio in the hands of a local purpose trust, while financial investors hold the economic interest in the portfolio. In addition to a City deed restriction which will ensure that the units are income restricted in perpetuity, this new model empowers the local community to address displacement by placing governance, ownership, and management in the hands of a community trust. The newly created trust was supported by the Boston Impact Initiative, the Hyams Foundation, the Boston Foundation, the Eastern Bank Foundation, City Life/Vida Urbana, and private individuals who combined to provide over $8 million of financial support. Additionally, the Barr Foundation provided the East Boston CDC with a grant to support the acquisition. The units are spread throughout East Boston, a neighborhood that has historically been an affordable place for immigrants and families to call home, but which has seen some of the highest percentage rent increases in the City over the last decade.  “East Boston CDC has been focused on acquiring multi-families because these houses are the source of affordable family housing and the backbone of our neighborhood,” said Al Caldarelli, Executive Director of the East Boston CDC. “But a new model was needed in order to combat displacement in a fast paced market with speculative investors.  This new model brings in socially minded investors and philanthropic institutions, and wouldn’t have been possible without the Mayor’s Office of Housing’s unwavering support.” "For many years, families in East Boston have been fighting to stay in their homes and live their lives in peace, without constant fear of displacement or deportation,” said Mike Leyba, Co-Executive Director of City Life / Vida Urbana. “All families deserve housing that is affordable, safe, and transit-accessible. This major acquisition and preservation of affordable housing to the neighborhood is only possible because of the power and tenacity of local residents who continuously fight for community-wide stabilization, and the new East Boston Neighborhood Trust will be a core piece of that stabilization effort in East Boston for years to come." Nearly three quarters of the 114 units of housing have at least three bedrooms, addressing the need for family housing in a neighborhood that has traditionally boasted the City’s largest average household size. This affordable family housing will help ebb the displacement of families from this rapidly developing neighborhood. Of the 114 units, 28 units are restricted as low income units for households at 50% Area Median Income (AMI), 40 units will be restricted at 60% AMI, 26 units restricted at 80% AMI, and 20 units will be restricted at 100% AMI. The acquisition was supported by $9 million of federal ARPA funds as part of Mayor Wu’s unprecedented investment in housing affordability throughout Boston’s communities. ARPA provides emergency funding to states and municipalities for the purpose of building a strong public health foundation and assisting the economy in bouncing back from COVID-19. In addition to the ARPA funds, the City invested funds from the Acquisition Opportunity Program (AOP). The goal of the AOP is to allow affordable housing developers and nonprofits to fight displacement by acquiring units in the private market and securing affordable rents for current and future residents for the long term. These investments were made in partnership with the City Council.   “I am proud that in Boston we are using our American Rescue Plan funds not only to protect family housing from displacement, but also to pilot new forms of community self-governance,” said Councilor Kenzie Bok, Chair of the Committee on Boston’s COVID-19 Recovery. “Housing justice means homes are for people, not for profit, and this MINT is an example of how Boston can creatively use public capital to anchor our resident communities for the long term.” “36 buildings, 114 units of deeply affordable housing designed to preserve the long-term life, health and vibrancy of our neighborhoods— This is exactly the kind of project that the city of Boston should be investing in,” said Councilor Kendra Lara, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development. “While we unfortunately cannot turn back the clock of time and displacement, this project offers a rare glimpse of what is possible when our city responds to a community's vision for its own future. I’m honored to have been a part of bringing this vision to life and thrilled to know the community will benefit from this vision for generations to come.” "This large-scale acquisition of 114 privately-owned units in East Boston is necessary to preserve naturally-occurring affordable housing and ultimately fight back against displacement," said Councilor Gabriela Coletta. "I am grateful to Mayor Wu for helping to close the financing gap, the East Boston Community Development Corporation, City Life / Vida Urbana, and all those who worked hard to get this deal done. The trust will serve as a model for incorporating community ownership and governance into housing in gentrifying neighborhoods." The seller, a joint venture between The Grossman Companies and Hodara Real Estate Group, was represented in the sale by JLL Capital Markets. “We are excited to have sold this portfolio to the East Boston CDC and the other members of the East Boston Neighborhood Trust and are ecstatic that they will preserve affordable family-sized housing in the East Boston community for the long term,” said David Grossman, principal at The Grossman Companies. The announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s initiatives to address Boston’s housing affordability, including investing $380 million in housing affordability through the City’s Operating budget, the Capital budget, and federal recovery funds, filing a Home Rule Petition relative to real estate transfer fees and senior property tax relief, signing an Executive Order relative to affirmatively furthering fair housing, convening a Rent Stabilization Advisory Committee to inform future legislative proposals, hiring the City’s first Chief of Planning, announcing the results of the Citywide land audit, and signing an Executive Order to streamline the approval process for affordable housing.