BPDA approves new life science developments that will create thousands of jobs New housing in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mission Hill moves forward

BOSTON - Thursday, November 17, 2022 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors this month approved eight new development projects representing 1,618,072 square feet (SF). The new projects will create 222 residential units, 80 of which will be designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 1,606 construction jobs and 3,863 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city.  BPDA Board adopts affordable housing executive order The BPDA Board of Directors adopted Mayor Michelle Wu’s Executive Order Relative to Speeding the Production of Affordable Housing. This executive order is intended to streamline the process for developing affordable housing across the city. The order directs the BPDA to recommend changes to Article 80 of the Boston Zoning Code to establish an alternative path for the review of affordable housing developments. The new process will include community engagement and thorough agency review, but also establish clear and accelerated timelines. Within 120 days, the BPDA will issue a report on potential Boston Zoning Code changes that would incentivize the creation of affordable housing while minimizing the need for variances or other permitting burdens for these projects. Planning and Urban Design BPDA releases RFP to study vacant office conversions The BPDA Board of Directors approved the release of a Request for Proposals to study the feasibility of offices being converted into residential housing, life science, and other uses in Downtown Boston. This RFP is part of a larger effort to revitalize Downtown Boston in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The study will coordinate closely with the recently relaunched PLAN: Downtown to provide a market analysis, cost estimates, and policy recommendations to assess the immediate and long-term opportunity areas for office conversion. The study supports the overarching goals of increasing the number of residents in the Downtown area which will result in increased economic activity outside of traditional working hours, and enhance housing access for Boston residents across all levels of affordability. It will also seek to preserve historic building facades and downtown’s historic character, while providing new mixed uses. This RFP will go live November 21, with responses due by December 22. Development Projects 125 Lincoln Street project to build a new research and development building, create affordable housing project on separate site in Chinatown Live: Affordable housing project at 79 Essex Street creating 50-60 units, more than $2 million in linkage contributions towards affordable housing  Work: Approximately 375 construction jobs, approximately 1,000 permanent jobs, MassBioEd life sciences apprenticeship program, more than $400,000 in linkage contributions towards job training Connect: Public realm and right of way improvements, construction of onsite banquet hall Sustain: Targeting a 90 percent reduction in fossil fuel consumption This project in the Leather District will convert what is currently a dilapidated building consisting of parking, retail, and office space, into a new 11-story research and development building with ground floor retail space. In support of affordable housing, this project will contribute 50-60 income-restricted units at nearby 79 Essex Street in Chinatown, to be developed by an affordable housing developer, and which will go through its own public process. The proposed 79 Essex Street development will be a restoration project, meeting one of the many goals of the PLAN: Downtown planning initiative of historic preservation, and preserving the urban fabric of Downtown and Chinatown. The 125 Lincoln Street project will make on- and off-site public realm improvements to improve pedestrian conditions in the Leather District, complete the Beach  Street Corridor, and better connect the site to the adjacent Greenway. In addition, it will provide design and other resources to implement or advance improvements to the Leather District Park, as well as funding for Chin Park, and the Greenway Business Improvement District. In support of the City’s carbon neutral goals, the project will target a 90 percent reduction in fossil fuel consumption, and design to prepare for sea level rise. To motivate potential retail tenants, the project will contribute $3.5 million towards design and construction for community oriented retail businesses on the ground floor. The project is also contributing $200,000 to help relocate the Hei La Moon restaurant currently on site. In support of creating jobs, the project will contribute approximately $200,000 to MassBioEd, providing STEM education resources and a pathway to biotech and life science jobs for Boston residents. In addition, approximately $50,000 will go to the Josiah Quincy Elementary School for STEM education resources. There will be 134 bike parking spaces on site, showers, and lockers to support biking commuters, as well as a $95,160 contribution to the Boston Transportation Department to support the City’s bikeshare program, and for a new Bluebikes station onsite. Project at 310 Northern Avenue (Parcel X) to stimulate thousands of jobs, build new innovation center on the South Boston Waterfront Work: Thousands of permanent jobs, hundreds of construction jobs, new seafood facility for marine tenants to grow businesses, ground floor retail space Connect: 50,000 SF of public realm space, protects needs of industrial and marine industrial businesses which have historically operated in the marine park, storage for 338 bikes, contribute to City’s bikeshare program, close proximity to Silver Line Sustain: Sea level rise resilient, $250,000 in resiliency funding per year Located in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP), this project will redevelop 310 Northern Avenue, also known as Parcel X, into two new research and development buildings on the South Boston Waterfront. The project will also build a new seafood processing center on a portion of the Massport Marine Terminal site, to relocate two seafood processing businesses that are currently on Parcel X. This will allow the redevelopment of the site into a new innovation center, while preserving maritime industrial business. The new seafood processing facility, which will go through its own separate Article 80 process, will allow the seafood tenants to significantly extend their ground lease term (securing their future within the RLFMP), and modernize their operations. In support of resiliency goals, this project will elevate a portion of the current site, and raise the first floor of the new building elevation, and key outdoor public spaces by approximately three feet to protect against future sea level rise. In addition, the project will participate in the BPDA’s newly created Climate Resiliency Infrastructure Fund,  which will  provide private-sector funding to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise for the RLFMP. Bike parking will be provided on site to encourage biking as an alternative form of transportation for employees. Project at 51 Melcher Street in Fort Point to create hundreds of jobs at new life science development Live: $245,000 towards community improvements Work: Creation of approximately 100 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs Connect: ¼ mile to South Station, Melcher Street ADA sidewalk improvements Sustain: LEED Gold Certified, Flood resiliency A building in Fort Point that was being used as office space will be converted for life science use, preserving the historic building and protecting it from sea level rise. The renovation and conversion project, which will result in the creation of approximately 101 construction jobs and an estimated 304 permanent jobs, will also renovate the area’s sidewalk and streetscape. This will allow the project to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. The project will also contribute $60,000 to local scholarship funds to support Boston high school students and $45,000 towards local arts organizations intended to be used for public art installations. Vacant building to become new hotel at 7-9 Hamilton Place in Downtown Crossing Live: 80 hotel rooms, ground floor cafe, rooftop amenity space Work: Approximately 40 construction jobs, 25 hotel staffing jobs, commercial space Connect: Close proximity to MBTA, onsite bike storage Sustain: Committed to exploring the use of Mass Timber in building This new development at 7-9 Hamilton Place in Downtown Crossing will convert what is currently a vacant building into a twelve-story, 80 room hotel, while preserving the original historical facade from the 1870s. This transit-oriented project is located in close proximity to the MBTA’s Green, Red, and Orange Lines, and includes bike parking onsite. The project will also contribute $50,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the Bluebikes program. The first floor of the building will include an entry court into the building, a café, a lobby with a concierge and administrative office, a bike room, and a back of house kitchen area. Floors 4-11 will include hotel rooms, and the twelfth floor will include amenity space for guests. This project will also explore the possibility of using Mass Timber when building. As part of the community benefits for the hotel, the project will contribute $50,000 to the Parks and Recreation Department in support of improvements to the Granary Building Ground, as well as $25,000 to the Holocaust Legacy Foundation in support of the Foundation’s programming. Columbia Crossing project at 568-574 Columbia Road to build new affordable housing development in Dorchester Live: 48 income-restricted units, majority 2-3 bedrooms, artist housing will make up 20 percent of units  Work: Commercial, arts, and cultural space, shared resident work spaces, will support Strand Theater and Upham’s Corner Arts and Innovation District Connect: Close proximity to several MBTA bus routes, 48 bike parking spaces Sustain: 100 percent electric, net-zero ready Located in Upham’s Corner, this project at 568-574 Columbia Road in Dorchester, also known as Columbia Crossing, will build a six story addition onto what is now the Dorchester Savings Banks, to create a mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented development project that will preserve and adaptively reuse the historic bank building. The majority of the units are two and three bedrooms, and 20 percent of the units will be allocated as artist housing in support of the planned Upham’s Corner Arts and Innovation District. The development will also include commercial space, as well as arts amenity space for residents. In support of carbon neutral goals, this project will create an energy efficient building that incorporates measures to reduce impacts on the environment, including a building envelope that minimizes the building’s energy needs and all electric mechanical systems. 9-19 Vaughan Street project to bring new housing to Dorchester Live: 45 residential units, 10 income-restricted units,  Work: $40,000 to fund local community organizations Connect: Ground floor space for community meetings, bike storage, close proximity to MBTA, subsidized tenant T passes, support rideshare and carpooling program Sustain: Green roof, LEED certified This project in Dorchester will build a new multi-family housing development made up of 45 units in multiple buildings on Vaughan Avenue. Ten units will be income-restricted. There will be 45 bike parking spaces for residents on site, as well as more for visitors. As part of the benefits to the community, this project will improve the public realm with new street trees, sidewalks, and safety improvements for bikers and pedestrians. This will be a transit-oriented development, as it is in close proximity to several MBTA routes, the project is committing to offering subsidized MBTA passes to residents, and also to support a ridesharing/carpooling program for residents. The project will also contribute $12,375 to support the City’s bikeshare program, and install a Bluebikes station on site. There will also be availability on the ground floor of the rear building for community meetings. In support of local community organizations, this project will contribute $40,000 to be disbursed to the Friends of Geneva Cliff Association, Holland Park Community Center, and the Haitian Multi-Service Community Center. Development at 66 Geneva Avenue to create new homeownership opportunities Live: 50 residential units, eight income-restricted units Work: Approximately 57 construction jobs Connect: New MBTA bus shelter, raised pedestrian crossings Sustain: Rooftop solar installation A new five-story residential building on Geneva Avenue in Roxbury will create 50 homeownership units, eight of which will be income-restricted. The building will be a mix of studios, one, two, and three bedroom units. This project responds to the goals of the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan (RSMP) of providing a wide range of housing opportunities by proposing 100 percent homeownership condos, with 16 percent of the units designated as income-restricted. It further advances the RSMP’s goals of promoting a diverse and sustainable economy by proactively hiring local, minority and women-owned businesses in the development of this project. As part of the community benefits for this project, it will contribute $50,000 to Boston Parks & Recreation in support of nearby parks and open space. This project will also support the bikeshare system with a contribution of $14,025 to the Boston Transportation Department. Public realm improvements will include a new bus shelter at bus stop #567, a new raised crosswalk across Geneva Avenue to improve pedestrian safety, and wider sidewalks around the project site. Project in Mission Hill will create new housing at 110-128R Terrace Street Live: 79 apartments, 14 income-restricted units, access to rooftop garden Work: Retail space, subsidized units for startups, Connect: Bluebikes station, close proximity to Roxbury Crossing MBTA station and several bus routes Sustain: LEED Gold, 100 percent renewable energy, all efficient electric Located in Mission Hill, this project will build a new six-story residential building with ground floor retail space. The building will be made up of 79 units, 14 of which will be income-restricted, and made up of micro studios, one, two, and three bedroom units. Onsite vehicle parking will include ten EV charging stations and the bike parking will include ten electric bike charging stations. Public realm improvements at this site will include the replacements of deteriorated sidewalks, wider sidewalks, and new street trees. This will be a transit-oriented development being in close proximity to the MBTA, and with the addition of a new Bluebikes station onsite. In addition, this project will contribute $49,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the City’s bikeshare system. There will also be a dedicated bike storage room in the building. In support of open space, the project will make a contribution of $79,000 to Boston Parks and Recreation. The project will also make a $127,537 contribution to the Boston Transportation Department to support the recommendations of the Terrace Street Study, which is currently underway. In addition to these projects, the Board approved: An update to a previously approved project at 104 Canal Street to increase the number of hotel rooms from 90 to 98, and reduce the size of the originally planned cafe. The fourth amendment to the Boston Children’s Hospital Institutional Master Plan, which removes a portion of the building at 819 Beacon Street, which is privately owned, from the Institutional Master Plan.

Asian American Civil Rights Groups Applaud the Court Decision to Block Title 42, An Important Step in Restoring and Rebuilding Asylum at the Border

 Asian American Civil Rights Groups Applaud the Court Decision to Block Title 42,  An Important Step in Restoring and Rebuilding Asylum at the Border

 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Reacts to the

Huisha-Huisha v. Mayorkas Ruling Issued by a Federal judge

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia vacated and ended the Title 42 policy yesterday, ruling that the government’s decision to implement the policy was “arbitrary and capricious” and not justified by the administration’s health-related rationale.  The Title 42 policy resulted in millions of expulsions of asylum seekers fleeing violence and persecution, supposedly in the name of public health.

 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice, an affiliation of five civil rights organizations, issues the following statement in reaction to the ruling:

 

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice welcomes the district court’s decision to strike down the discriminatory and cruel Title 42 policy. This ruling confirms what immigrant community members and advocates have been saying all along: this policy was never about public health. Instead, this policy has been used to target Black and Brown migrants at the border.

 

“For more than two years, Title 42 has been used to expel and deport hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and migrants and has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis at the border. Refugees and asylum seekers deserve an immigration system that protects them and keeps families together. The U.S. must provide a welcoming and functional system for those seeking safety instead of shirking its moral and legal responsibilities. We specifically urge the Administration to turn away from immigration detention and surveillance, and instead welcome asylum-seekers and migrants with dignity.

 

“We call on the Biden Administration to accept this decision to put an end to Title 42 once and for all and urge Congress to reject any future efforts to extend this failed program.”

麻州漁獵局推出"生態地圖"提供天然資源資訊

 MassWildlife and The Nature Conservancy Announce Launch of BioMap

The Online Mapping Tool Highlights Critical Lands and Waterways for Conservation Across Massachusetts

 

WESTBOROUGH – BioMap, a newly-updated online tool that identifies critical land and waterways throughout the Commonwealth in need of conservation, was released today by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Massachusetts. The web portal delivers the latest scientific data and resources to help state and local governments, land trusts, non-government organizations, and other conservation partners strategically plan projects to conserve wildlife and their habitats. The latest version of BioMap combines more than 40 years of rigorously documented rare species and natural community records from MassWildlife with cutting-edge climate resilience data from The Nature Conservancy and spatial data identifying intact fish and wildlife communities, habitats, and ecosystems that are the focus of the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan.

 

“BioMap is a robust online resource that helps people better understand and appreciate the natural resources in their communities and provides information on where to strategically deploy limited resources to make real and lasting conservation impacts in Massachusetts,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon. “By making an investment in the strategic protection and stewardship of lands, we will better conserve natural areas throughout the state that provide all people with access to nature and outdoor recreation.”

 

Through BioMap, users can gain a detailed understanding of habitats, species, and resilient landscapes, both locally and across the state. BioMap users can customize data and use the site’s new online Habitat Restoration Resource Center to plan habitat management and land stewardship projects. Additionally, BioMap provides strategies to help communities prepare for, recover from, and adapt to climate change, while bolstering habitat resilience. Taken together, these efforts help to protect the state’s extraordinary biodiversity now and into the future.

 

“BioMap is more than a map, it is a critical tool that offers a vision for the people of the Commonwealth to come together to strategically protect, manage, and restore lands and waters that are most important for conserving biological diversity in Massachusetts now and well into the future,” said MassWildlife Director Mark Tisa.

 

The newest BioMap incorporates enhanced knowledge of biodiversity and habitats and new understandings of how to ensure that natural systems are more resilient in the face of climate change. A major innovation is the addition of local data to BioMap, which complements statewide habitat information. Habitats assessed from the perspective of each city and town in the Commonwealth will inform local decision making. Furthermore, it includes the latest information on land use in Massachusetts, including a new focus on aquatic environments and habitat restoration tools.

 

“Massachusetts is home to a wide variety of plants and animals,” said Deb Markowitz, TNC in Massachusetts State Director. “Our rich biodiversity is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, and invasive species. Since its inception, BioMap has become a trusted source of information to guide conservation that is used by a wide spectrum of conservation practitioners. The addition of local data will make BioMap applicable and relevant to many more people and communities, providing opportunities for equitable conservation.”

 

BioMap is the result of an ongoing collaboration between MassWildlife and TNC in Massachusetts. With similar missions, goals, and science-based approaches to conservation, MassWildlife and TNC are natural partners to produce and maintain BioMap. BioMap received support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), DFG, and numerous generous donors. For more information on how to use BioMap or to sign up for technical assistance trainings, please contact natural.heritage@mass.gov.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES $5,600,000 IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS ALLOCATED TO SUPPORT CHILD CARE CENTERS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS’ ACCESS TO EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMMING

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES $5,600,000 IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS ALLOCATED TO SUPPORT CHILD CARE CENTERS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS’ ACCESS TO EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMMING

BOSTON - Thursday, November 17, 2022 - Today Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor's Office of Early Childhood announced the recipients of grants totaling $5,600,000 from the Essential Worker and Stimulus and Stability Funds. These grants are part of Boston’s equitable and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic specifically through supporting child care centers and essential workers who work non-traditional hours. These programs are funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). “Investing in a robust and accessible childcare system is an investment in our collective future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With this grant, we can support childcare centers to expand their services for our essential workers, and provide better opportunities for childcare workers who serve as the backbone of youth development.”  Essential Worker Childcare Fund The strain on our child care system created by the pandemic has made it even more difficult for parents and caregivers who work outside of the traditional 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. work day to find care for their young children. Recipients of the Essential Worker Childcare Fund presented a clear plan to increase the number of childcare providers who offer non-traditional hours for essential workers including hospital, construction and education workers who are helping Boston recover from the COVID 19 pandemic. The fund's grantees - Building Pathways, Community Labor United and SEIU Education and Support Fund - will recruit center or family child care providers who will agree to provide early and late care and match them with essential workers who need that care.   "As a single mother who struggled to make ends meet and find suitable childcare, I understand the importance of having accessible, affordable, and reliable childcare services,” said City Councilor Julia Mejia. “Our office is incredibly proud to have worked in partnership with the coalition and administration to secure one million dollars to ensure that our childcare providers and non-traditional workers receive the assistance they need. This investment will be a game changer for both workers and providers and it's the boost that our economy needs as we continue to work toward recovering from the pandemic."  Stimulus and Stability Fund As essential workers, child care workers have been on the front lines of balancing health and safety with the needs of families for child care during the pandemic. Due to these additional stressors, the sector has faced extensive retirements and staff loss to other jobs with higher wages in the retail sector. Another result of historically low wages, while other sectors have recovered more fully following COVID, child care centers continue to face severe staffing shortages. Stimulus and Stability grantees will provide immediate compensation relief to child care workers by providing higher wages, hiring and retention bonuses, and other compensation incentives. In addition, grant recipients will work on addressing years of low wages and compensations. Each will receive training and technical assistance to develop a compensation plan for their organization that raises teacher pay to a minimum of $22 per hour by 2025 and provides a sustainability plan for maintaining those wages. The 21 grantees represent 55 centers in 14 neighborhoods across Boston. Collectively, they are licensed to serve 4815 children ages newborn to five. These funds will ensure that they are able to staff classrooms at capacity and return to pre-COVID hours. “I’m proud to have led the Boston City Council’s approval of this transformational investment in childcare for Boston’s families,” said Councilor Kenzie Bok. “Through these funds, we are investing in better pay, benefits, and licensure for thousands of childcare workers across our city. The long-term fruits of these federal funds will be more sustainable high-quality childcare options for all Bostonians, including our essential workers. Boston’s economy depends on excellent childcare: it changes the odds for both the parents of today and the young Bostonians of tomorrow.”  The twenty-one grant recipients are listed below:

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Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Efforts to Expand Access to Early College Programming, College Affordability Resources

 Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Efforts to Expand Access to Early College Programming, College Affordability Resources

 

FRAMINGHAM – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration joined high school and college students for a roundtable discussion to highlight the significant progress made by the administration in reducing barriers to access and affordability of earning college degrees. Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito,  Secretary of Education James Peyser, Commissioner of Higher Education (DHE) Noe Ortega, Senate President Karen Spilka, Framingham State University President Dr. Nancy Niemi, Mass Bay Community College President David Podell and legislators heard from local students about how the administration’s Early College programming and financial aid initiatives, like MassGrant Plus, allowed them the opportunity to pursue college courses, credits and degrees.

 

"Providing students in Massachusetts with a clear, accessible path to college has been a priority of the Baker-Polito Administration since taking office, and the impact that our administration’s significant investment in programs like Early College has had on students is clear,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We remain committed to ensuring that every student has the tools and resources accessible to them for success in the classroom, on college campuses and in the workforce.”

 

“Offering students and learners of all ages opportunities to explore exciting careers and coursework through Early College programming is critical to not just their success, but the continued and future success of the Massachusetts workforce,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud of these important partnerships between schools, higher educational institutes and employers, and we look forward to the continued accomplishments that Early College programming will deliver."

 

Since the launch of the Early College program in 2017, the Baker-Polito Administration has undertaken a statewide effort to expand Early College to substantially increase the number of high school students who take college courses and earn credits at no cost before they graduate high school. The Fiscal Year 2023 budget signed by the Governor included a significant increase to Early College funding to bring the total annual investment to more than $19 million. 

 

“Over the past several years, we have worked hard to increase access to college by creating more affordable pathways, increase college completion rates - particularly for first-generation college-goers and underrepresented student populations - simplify the process for students to transfer credits from one public campus to another, and address affordability issues by eliminating unmet financial need for low-income students,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “We have made great strides around college affordability through all of these initiatives and are very pleased that they made a difference in thousands of young peoples’ lives.”

 

“Access to college-level coursework and credits gives students, many of whom may be the first in their families to pursue higher education, a chance to invest in themselves and their futures," said Senate President Karen Spilka. "Creating pathways to affordable higher education not only has a direct impact on fulfilling an individual’s career goals but is pivotal in closing the workforce skills gap and creating an economy that works for everyone. The Senate is proud of the historic investments made in our public colleges and universities, early college programs, and scholarship opportunities which make achieving a degree possible for many. Building upon these commitments remains a priority of mine heading into the new legislative session, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this critical issue.”

 

Early College programs combine traditional high school courses with an opportunity to earn college credit at a college or university. Currently, there are approximately 5,400 students enrolled in Early College courses at 50 high schools across the Commonwealth. The Executive Office of Education anticipates that number to grow to 8,700 students by the 2024-2025 school year. About half of the Commonwealth’s Gateway Cities have Early College programs at their high schools, and nearly 60 percent of students enrolled in Early College come from low-income backgrounds. More than half of Early College students identify as students of color.

 

Students who participate in Early College programs enroll in college at significantly higher rates than their high school peers, and it boosts college completion rates for low-income, minority and first-generation college students. In 2019, approximately 76 percent of Early College students enrolled in college after graduation compared to 55 percent of their peers who did not participate in Early College.

 

Framingham students are introduced to Early College starting in 8th grade. Currently, there are 257 students enrolled, and the number is expected to double over the next 18 months. To date, students have collectively earned 2,100 college credits, a savings of nearly $500,000 in tuition for families. All students have faculty and teacher support in addition to academic tutoring, wellness meetings, college readiness and career exploration excursions and enrichment.

 

"Our Early College efforts have been years in the making and with even more growth on the horizon,” said Framingham Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Tremblay.“Our collaborative efforts across the city's range of educational partners, from PreK through 16, have indeed captured the attention of many and our students remain the greatest beneficiary of this collaboration with the incredible support of the leadership of the Commonwealth."

 

In 2018, the Baker-Polito Administration launched MassGrant Plus scholarships to cover the unmet costs of tuition and mandatory fees for all low-income community college students. The scholarships were later expanded to all eligible public college and university students, and now include all eligible University of Massachusetts students. MassGrant Plus is a last-dollar, needs-based grant that enables thousands of undergraduate students to attend Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities without taking on personal debt for tuition and fees related to instruction. Governor Baker signed an historic increase to financial aid as part of the FY2023 budget, with a record $175 million in state scholarships, an increase of over 85 percent since 2015. This investment enables MassGrant Plus financial aid grants to be extended to all income-eligible students at community colleges, public universities, and the University of Massachusetts, ensuring that every low-income student at every public higher education campus will have their tuition and mandatory fees fully covered. MassGrant Plus scholarships are awarded to students by each public college or university. The Department of Higher Education updated the guidelines to provide greater flexibility to campuses to make the process easier to award the grants to cover the costs of tuition and instructional fees, as well as a stipend for books and supplies. 

 

“The investment in MassGrant Plus has significantly increased access to the Commonwealth’s public community colleges and universities. Expansion of financial aid is key to advancing the Equity Agenda. And programs like Early College and MassTransfer also increase access and choice for students and demonstrate the expansive opportunities at our public colleges or universities,” said Department of Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega.

 

The Department of Higher Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance this fall also launched MASSAid, a college cost and financial aid eligibility tool that enables prospective college students to understand their expected college costs. Students who file a federal application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA) will automatically receive a text message from the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance within 72 hours of their FAFSA submission, inviting them to create an account on MASSAid to learn more about state financial aid opportunities.

 

Once logged into MASSAid, students can:

• View and compare the costs of attending any college or university in Massachusetts;
• View their expected family contribution - the amount the federal government expects students and families to pay towards the cost of college – as calculated by the FAFSA;
• View their federal Pell Grant award amount;

• View their potential eligibility for 11 different forms of state financial aid, based on the student’s FAFSA data and additional information provided by the student through the tool; and
• Access additional information regarding state financial aid programs and contact information for the financial aid offices of every Massachusetts college and university.

 

To learn more about MassGrant Plus, click here.

 

To learn more about the MASSAid tool, click here.

 

To learn more about Early College programs, click here.

麻省州市政要齊聚食物銀行 為貧民入冬送暖 (市府視頻)

 

Former Missing In Action Service Member To Be Honored With Hero Square in East Boston

 Former Missing In Action Service Member To Be  Honored With Hero Square in East Boston 

BOSTON, Massachusetts -  Private First Class Joseph J. Puopolo will be honored with a heroes square in East Boston on Saturday, Nov 19, 2022 at 10:00am.  This ceremony will officially name the corner of Bennington St and Putnam Street Joseph J. Puopolo Square.

Puopolo was born on February 2, 1932 and lived in East Boston Massachusetts. Puopolo was 17 years old when he enlisted in the United States Army. Puopolo had the rank of Private First Class.  He died as a prisoner of war in February 1951 while serving in the Korean War.

Puopolo was a member of C Battery, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Artillery, 8th U.S. Army. He was reported missing in action on December 2, 1950, after his unit attempted to withdraw from Kunu-ri, North Korea, on November 30, 1950 following the Battle of Ch'ongch'on. In 1953, four POWs who returned during Operation Big Switch reported Puopolo had been a prisoner of war and died on  February 28, 1951 at Prisoner of War Camp #5.

Says Commissioner of Veterans Services Robert Santiago, “We are honored to have the opportunity to remember the life of Corporal Puopolo.  Having been missing for more than 70 years, we are thankful that he is finally at rest here at home and his service is recognized by the East Boston community and the City he loved and called home.” 

Puopolo's identity was recently confirmed by the Department of Defense on August 23, 2022. He was brought home to his family on October 18th and is resting in peace with his mother Anna Puopolo and younger brother Nicholas Puopolo in Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, MA.

大波士頓商會及"城市醒覺"公佈2022十大傑出青年領袖

 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and City Awake Announce

2022 Ten Outstanding Young Leaders

 

Boston, MA – The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and City Awake are pleased to announce the 2022 Ten Outstanding Young Leaders (TOYL) honorees. The TOYL Awards are presented annually by City Awake, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s premier young professional network, that connects, engages, and celebrates next-generation leaders. The awards recognize the contributions of current and emerging young, local leaders who have demonstrated professional, personal, cultural, and civic commitments to advancing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community, organization, and region.

 

2022 Ten Outstanding Young Leaders

Constanza Cabello	Vice President, Equity Programs, State Street Corporation
Ava Callender Concepcion	Commissioner, Cannabis Control Commission
Brandon Cardet-Hernandez	Executive Director, Ivy Street School & Skills for Life
Sabrina Antoine Correia	Vice President, Public Engagement, JPMorgan Chase
Nieisha Deed	Founder & CEO, PureSpark
Vilas Dhar	President and Trustee, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
Adrian Madaro	State Representative, 1st Suffolk District, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kristen Riley	District Director of Operations, Stop & Shop
Madeleine Rodriguez	Partner, Foley Hoag
Tiffany Vassell	R.N. Board Member, Bay State Birth Coalition

Learn more about the 2022 TOYL honorees here.

 

The TOYL awards were presented by the Boston Jaycees from 1952 to 2006 to identify and celebrate young leaders. Since its inception, more than 500 young leaders have been honored for their professional, personal, and civic commitment to improving the quality of life within our community. In 2012, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce revived the TOYL awards to continue the tradition of honoring Greater Boston’s current and future leaders.

 

Previous recipients include President John F. Kennedy, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Attorney General-Elect Andrea Campbell, Rev. Willie Boderick, II, business leader Jack Connors, Jr. and community advocate and United Nations representative, Carol Fulp. View all past honorees here.

吳弭上Java with Jimmy 秀 (市府視頻)

 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW CITY-OPERATED SENIOR CENTER IN EAST BOSTON

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW CITY-OPERATED SENIOR CENTER IN EAST BOSTON

BOSTON - Wednesday, November 16, 2022 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu, in partnership with Massport, announced the opening of a new city-owned senior center in East Boston, located at 7 Bayswater Street. Mayor Wu joined Massport, elected officials and community members involved with advocating for the new center at a ribbon cutting Wednesday, on the one year anniversary of her taking office as Mayor. The center will be operated by the Age Strong Commission and managed by the Property Management Department.  "This new, accessible senior center in East Boston will expand opportunities for our older adults to connect and build community," said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to all our City departments, local partners, and community members that have advocated for years to make today’s opening a reality.” The East Boston Senior Center, based on community input, will offer programs and services for older adults (Boston residents age 60+) starting December 1. The center will provide lunch on weekdays, as well as classes for wellness, entertainment, and more. Between now and December 1, the center will offer tours to interested community members, November 21-23 and 28-30, during regular hours, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  “This new senior center in East Boston will raise the bar for senior programming in Boston and is a great example of what can happen when the City partners with residents and entities like MassPort to serve a critical neighborhood need," said Chief of Human Services, José F. Massó. "We're excited to be able to offer programming that will resonate with all the diverse groups of older adults that make up East Boston.” “Socialization, connection, and community are vital to human wellbeing,” said Emily K. Shea, Age Strong Commissioner. “Research shows that people who have friends and participate in activities are more healthy and live longer. The new center will provide a place for our older residents to connect with each other and engage in a richer, healthier life.” “This was a great collaborative effort between PFD, Age Strong, and Property Management,” said Chief of Operations Dion Irish. “The renovation allows for additional programming and services while the new addition enhances accessibility with respect to its existing urban setting.” Formerly serving as the East Boston Barnes Branch of the Boston Public Library, the construction of the new center site officially started in September 2020 and was led by the City’s Public Facilities Department. New additions and renovation of the site were initially delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues. This project, with a focus on accessibility for older adults, consisted of over 20 external partners, including the architect, Fennick McCredie Architecture (FMA), and general contractor, GVW Construction (GVW). Additionally, Lifespan Design was brought on as a consultant for their expertise in senior center features, which was noted in the RFP. The new center consists of two levels, with modern, accessibility features for older adults including an elevator (upgraded from a lift), wave/sensor door openings instead of push buttons, tables that wheelchairs can easily roll up to, bright lighting, a hearing loop system (hearing aids can connect to), and stairs with step-grippers. The center’s restrooms are large enough to include a care partner, wheelchair, or walker and include dual grab bars and toilet seats of different heights to accommodate older adults of varied heights. Light switches are installed at a lower height and electrical outlets higher to accommodate older adults as they bend. Outside of the center, there is a walking path in the backyard to cue folks with memory loss as well as raised garden beds, so older adults can participate in gardening either from a wheelchair or without steep bending.  "The opening of this vital civic space for our seniors comes after decades of advocacy from many individuals," said City Councilor Gabriela Coletta. "I am so grateful to the community members, former and current elected officials, and Massport for making this dream a reality. The center will be a hub of activity and bring people together for years to come." "Supporting our seniors is one of the most important things we can do as a community and a city, thank you, Mayor Michelle Wu, the Age Strong Commission, Public Facilities, members of the East Boston Community, and MassPort for your work in bringing a new Senior Center to East Boston," said State Senator Lydia Edwards. “I'm excited to see the long-awaited dream of the East Boston Senior Center finally realized," said Representative Adrian Madaro. "This is something that I have advocated for throughout my time in office. Our seniors are the bedrock of our community, and this new state of the art center will provide East Boston's elders with a dedicated space to gather, participate in enriching activities, and access supports and resources. Thank you to the city's Age Strong team and Mayor Wu for helping us get the Senior Center across the finish line!" The City committed $6.5 million in the capital budget for the design and construction of the new center. In partnership with the City of Boston to improve the quality of life for residents, Massport contributed significant funding for the creation and operation of this center. “Massport is pleased to partner with the City of Boston and support the new East Boston senior center, which will deliver important services and programming,” said Massport CEO Lisa Wieland. “We are glad to see the community’s hard work and dedication over the years coming together in this terrific new asset for East Boston.” The new center will be led by Age Strong’s Lina Tramelli and Luz Leal, both bilingual in English and Spanish, to serve East Boston’s diverse community of older adults. Visit www.boston.gov/ebsc or call 617-461-3131 for more information.