麻州、波士頓市聯撥6200萬元資助12計畫建460戶可負擔住宅

               (Boston Orange 節譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 和波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 等政要，29日聯袂出現在牙買加平原鄰里發展公司總部 (Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation) ，宣佈發放聯邦及州政府補助，以及額外的抵稅優惠等共6200萬元，支持12項可負擔住宅發展計畫。

            州政府估計，經由「永久支持性住宅補助 (The Permanent Supportive Housing Grant program)」的資助，將建成共460個房屋單位，幾乎全部都會保留給低收入家庭，其中317戶要給收入非常低的居民，包括無家可歸的人、殘障成年人、從無家可歸轉型的家庭、弱勢青少年和低收入老年人。

            奚莉州長說，「我們的政府致力確保麻州居民可以得到安全，可負擔的住宅」。州政府非常驕傲能夠在每一個社區支持這些發展計畫。州政府希望藉由這種房屋驅使麻州各地的房屋成本下降，紓緩州內的房屋危機。

            副州長Kim Driscoll表示，州政府很高興有個像吳弭市長和牙買加平原鄰里發展公司這樣的有力夥伴，一起邁向居者有其屋這目標。

            波士頓市長吳弭表示，「我們的年長成人退休後，應該能夠繼續住在他們稱為家的地方。這3大發展項目將幫助我們關愛的社區成員留在波士頓。她很激動，在州市經費的合作下，能增加100多戶可負擔住宅，以滿足波士頓市年長居民的需要。

            29日這天宣佈的獎勵，包括6200萬元的直接補助，以及來自聯邦政府的ARPA經費，可為發展項目額外創造7400萬元產權的州及聯邦政府抵稅優惠。另外麻州DHCD將支持有120張以上，以住宅大樓為基礎房屋券的發展項目，藉以協助長期性的住宅營運。        

            麻州住宅及社區發展副廳長 Jennifer Maddox表示，這12個獲得支持的發展項目，遍及麻州各地，從Pittsfield到鱈魚角 (Cape Cod)，將建造450戶以上新住宅單位。

            獲得獎勵的12項發展計畫，分別為在Mount Everett的Hamilton；在波士頓Grove Hall社區的Cheney家庭公寓；在波士頓牙買加平原的華盛頓街3371號；在Chelsea市的Cottage街170號；在Dennis的「在岩向前 (Forward at the Rock) 」第二期；在Greenfield的Wells街60號；在Lynn市中心的Hennessey屋；在北亞當斯 (North Adams) 翻修2家庭屋 Bracewell 屋；在Pittsfield的第一街公寓 (First Street Apt.)；在Pittsfield的西豪沙通公寓(West Housatonic Apt.)；春田市Worthington街775號；屋斯特 (Worcester)的改建一史蹟建築2樓的Chandler街237號。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Funding for 450 New Affordable Housing Units Across Massachusetts 

More than $60 million will advance 12 projects from Pittsfield to Cape Cod  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox, JPNDC CEO Teronda Ellis and local officials to announce this year’s Permanent Supportive Housing Grant Awards at the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation headquarters. The awards total more than $62 million in state and federal subsidies and additional state and federal tax credit allocations.  

These awards will support 12 affordable projects that offer specialized services to residents. In total, they will create more than 460 housing units, nearly all of which will be reserved for low-income households and include 317 units for very low-income residents. Permanent supportive housing provides affordable housing for vulnerable populations with targeted supportive services to address a diverse range of needs, including case management, job training, childcare, health and support services. Today’s awards include projects for chronically homeless individuals, adults with disabilities, families transitioning from homelessness, vulnerable youth, and low-income seniors.   

“Our administration is committed to ensuring that Massachusetts residents have access to safe, secure and affordable housing,” said Governor Healey. “We’re proud to support projects in every region of our state that are providing permanent supportive housing for families, seniors, veterans, young people and people experiencing homelessness. This is the type of housing production that we want to drive in communities across the state to lower costs and address our housing crisis.”  

“The Permanent Supportive Housing Grant program support projects that are affordable and accessible, close to transit and retail amenities, and offer a sense of community. These are the types of projects that our proposed housing secretariat will support while expanding our capacity to drive housing production at all income levels,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We’re grateful to have strong partners like Mayor Wu and JPNDC who share our goals of expanding access to housing for all.”  

“Our older adults deserve to retire and live where they already call home, and these three projects will help our beloved community members stay in Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thrilled for this partnership of State and City funding to add more than 100 affordable housing units designed to meet the needs of Boston’s older residents.”  

Today’s awards include $62 million in direct subsidies, including federal ARPA funding, and state and federal housing tax credits which will create an additional $74 million in equity for projects. In addition, DHCD will support projects with more than 120 project-based housing vouchers, which help operate housing over the long-term.   

“We are proud to support 12 strong projects across the Commonwealth, from Pittsfield to Cape Cod, which will bring more than 450 new housing opportunities with essential services for our most vulnerable populations,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “Strong neighborhoods have quality, affordable housing options for residents across the income spectrum and the Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to increasing development at every level and working with talented partners like JPNDC, CEDAC, and all of today’s awardees.”  

“This announcement represents the first ARPA funding awards for supportive housing in Massachusetts, which will make a significant impact on the crisis of homelessness across the state,” said Roger Herzog, CEDAC’s Executive Director. “The new housing made possible through ARPA and other state funding sources comes at a time of vital need. CEDAC is pleased to collaborate with Governor Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Undersecretary of Housing Jennifer Maddox to increase the supply of supportive housing for our most vulnerable populations.”  

“The lack of affordable housing places the health of low-income BIPOC seniors at risk every single day,” said JPNDC CEO Teronda Ellis. “We are thrilled that with the State’s and City’s partnership we will create 87 new homes in two Boston neighborhoods – Grove Hall and Jamaica Plain – complete with in-house services where low-income seniors can age with dignity in a caring community.”  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to increasing housing opportunities for all Massachusetts households. The FY2024 budget recommendations include increased funding for Massachusetts housing vouchers, increased commitment to homeless families, and emergency rental assistance. Through the creation of a new Housing Secretariat, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the administration will pursue more comprehensive strategies to address the Commonwealth’s housing supply and affordability challenges.   

2023 PSH Awardees:  

Hamilton at Mount Everett is a new construction project for seniors in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. The non-profit sponsor is Viet-AID, working with Hebrew SeniorLife as the service provider. The sponsor will build 36 units for low-income seniors, including 16 units for very low-income seniors. In addition to DHCD tax credits and subsidies, the city of Boston will support this project with local funding. The completed project will include comprehensive services from Hebrew SeniorLife and will replace an existing abandoned house with new housing. The project is also designed to Passive House standards.  

Cheney Homes Apartments is a new construction project for seniors in Boston’s Grove Hall neighborhood. The non-profit sponsor is Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, working with the Uphams Corner Health Committee (UCHC) as the service provider. The project will feature 48 units for low-income seniors, including 20 units for very low-income seniors. In addition to DHCD tax credits and subsidies, the city of Boston will support this project with local funds. UCHC will operate a satellite PACE (Alternative Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly) on the first floor of the new building. Many residents as well as nonresidents will receive PACE services on-site.  

3371 Washington Street is a new construction project for seniors to be built in Boston (Jamaica Plain). The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation is the non-profit sponsor and has hired Peabody Properties to coordinate service staff, including a resident service coordinator and a part-time wellness nurse. The project will feature 39 affordable one-bedroom units, with 12 further restricted for very low-income seniors. In addition to DHCD subsidies, the city of Boston will support this project with local funds. The Washington Street project is transit-oriented, it is two blocks from the MBTA’s Green Street Orange Line Station and is served by many retail amenities. The project is an excellent location for age-restricted housing. The JPNDC team designed the project to Passive House standards.  

170 Cottage Street is a new construction family project in Chelsea. The non-profit sponsor, The Neighborhood Developers, will construct 66 units, primarily two- and three-bedroom apartments, and will work with Housing Families to deliver services to 15 units set aside for homeless families. In addition to DHCD tax credits and subsidies, the city of Chelsea will support this project with local funds. The location is within walking distance of Bellingham Square and is one block from the MBTA Eastern Avenue Silver Line stop. The project is designed to Passive House standards.  

Forward at the Rock Phase 2 is the new construction and expansion of a project located in Dennis designed to serve adults with autism. The non-profit sponsor is FORWARD, Inc. When completed, the second phase will offer eight additional units for the target population. The town of Dennis is supporting the project with its own funds and DHCD is supporting phase two with state project-based housing vouchers.  

60 Wells Street is a combined renovation and new construction project in Greenfield. The non-profit Clinical Support Options (CSO) will renovate and expand an existing state-funded homeless shelter for individuals from 30 beds to 40 beds and will construct a new three-story addition to create 36 new studios for homeless individuals. Shelter guests and permanent residents will have access to a variety of 24/7 services, designed to meet the needs of formerly homeless -- including chronically homeless -- individuals. CSO, with its affiliate, Friends of the Homeless, will provide the services and operate the expanded shelter, which currently is managed by ServiceNet. In addition to DHCD tax credits and subsidies, the city of Greenfield is expected to commit local funds to the project.  

Hennessey House is an existing historic single-room occupancy (SRO) property in downtown Lynn. Affordable Housing Associates of Lynn, the non-profit affiliate of the Lynn Housing Authority, will convert this traditional SRO to 51 studios with private kitchens and bathrooms and will improve the overall accessibility of the building by adding an elevator. A total of 23 studios will be restricted for very low-income individuals, many of whom will be transitioning from homelessness. A local service provider will continue to use first-floor commercial space to serve homeless and at-risk youth and young adults. The city of Lynn has committed local HOME funds to the project, which also will receive DHCD subsidies.  

Bracewell House is the renovation of a two-family house in North Adams. The nonprofit sponsor, Louison House, will convert the existing building into seven units for homeless and at-risk youth and young adults ages 18-24. The sponsor will provide comprehensive services funded through EOHHS and HUD’s Continuum of Care grants.  The building is located within a few blocks of downtown. The city of North Adams has donated the property to the sponsor, and DHCD will support the project with subsidy funds.  

First Street Apartments is a project located in Pittsfield and intended to serve homeless adults. The non-profit sponsor is Berkshire Housing Development Corporation. The project consists of the conversion of part of an existing church into nine units of housing and a resource center. The city of Pittsfield is providing the project with $1.4 million in local funds, and DHCD will support the project with state project-based vouchers.  

West Housatonic Apartments is a new construction project to be built in Pittsfield. The nonprofit Berkshire Housing Development Corporation will build 28 studios for very low-income individuals, the majority of whom have experienced chronic homelessness. Supportive services will be provided by Berkshire Housing in collaboration with ServiceNet and the Brien Center, with service funding provided by Home and Healthy for Good and other sources. The city of Pittsfield has committed ARPA funds to the project, which DHCD will support with tax credits and subsidy funds.  

775 Worthington Street is a new construction project to be built in Springfield. Clinical Support Options (CSO) and the Friends of the Homeless (FOH) will demolish an existing one-story building and construct a four-story building to create 36 studios and a 40bed congregate shelter. The new structure will be built adjacent to Friends of the Homeless’ existing shelter/permanent housing project called Worthington Street. The city of Springfield has committed local funds to the project, which DHCD will support with tax credits and subsidy funds.  

237 Chandler Street consists of the conversion of the second story of a historic building in Worcester. The non-profit South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) will convert a portion of the second floor of their current administrative building into 20 studio units for chronically homeless individuals. SMOC will provide supportive services supported by the CSPECH program funded through MassHealth/Medicaid. The city of Worcester has committed local ARPA and HOME funds, and DHCD will support the project with subsidy funds

麻州長Healey 簽署3.89億元補充預算 維持家庭庇護及學校營養餐

           (Boston Orange編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura T. Healey) 今 (29) 日簽署3.887億美元的2023財政年度補充預算，為麻州家庭庇護系統提供關鍵和及時資源以滿足激增的需求，確保麻州可以在學年結束前繼續提供免費學校餐給所有兒童。

這預算還撥出6800萬美元來繼續「麻州關愛兒童(Commonwealth Cares for Children, 簡稱 (C3）) 補助，以在財政年度結束前，穩定州內的托兒照顧提供者；撥出1.3億美元來從聯邦額外補充營養援助計劃（SNAP），這聯邦政府在COVID-19大流行期間開始提供的福利中建一個退出通道。

在直接支出外，州長簽署的法案還授權借款超過7.4億美元，以防止支持麻州各地住房和經濟發展等麻州的核心資本計劃中斷，並在追求聯邦撥款方面保持競爭力，其中包括4億美元用於「麻州工作 (MassWorks)」，1.04億美元用於清潔水信託基金和1.25億美元用於比照撥款，以期在爭取經由晶片(CHIPS) 和科學法案提撥的聯邦資金上更有競爭力。

比照撥款部分包括2億元用於晶片及科學法案，3千萬元用於麻州經由聯邦層級的基礎建設投資及工作法爭取社區寬頻經費，以確保麻州能夠爭取到聯邦層級的每一分錢。

該補充預算法案還把批准公共團體，包括市鎮政府遠距開會的許可，展延2年，直至2025年3月31日止；戶外用餐及外賣啤酒，淡酒和雞尾酒的許可加快申請，展延一年。

Governor Healey Signs $389 Million Supplemental Budget 

New law provides needed funding for shelters, food security and child care, while also extending several COVID-era programs and policies  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura T. Healey signed a $388.7 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2023 that provides critical and timely resources to the state’s family shelter system to meet surging demand, ensures that Massachusetts can continue to offer all children free school meals through the end of the academic year.  

The budget also allocates $68 million to continue Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants to stabilize the state’s child care providers through the end of the fiscal year, and $130 million to create an offramp from the federal extra Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a benefit that the federal government began providing during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

In addition to the direct spending, the bill signed by the Governor authorizes more than $740 million in borrowing to prevent interruptions to core state capital programs that support housing and economic development across the Commonwealth, and to remain competitive in the pursuit of federal grants. This includes $400 million for MassWorks, $104 million for the Clean Water Trust and $125 million for matching grants to be competitive for federal dollars available through the CHIPS and Science Act.  

“I’m proud that the first major bill signed into law by our administration dedicates crucial resources to help Massachusetts families access safe and secure housing, keep food on the table, and pay for child care. Additionally, this bill supports our health care workforce, crucial housing and economic development programs like MassWorks, and our efforts to compete for federal funding,” said Governor Healey. “We’re grateful to Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, the Legislature and advocates for their swift work and partnership to meet these urgent needs.”  

“This supplemental budget injects urgently needed funds into programs that support Massachusetts families and drive housing and economic development across our state. It also takes important steps to educate the public on their options around reproductive health care, extends accessibility and flexibility for public meetings, protects access to clean water and bolsters broadband infrastructure,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We’re proud to have strong partners in this work and look forward to our continued efforts to move Massachusetts forward.”  

The supplemental budget passed by the Legislature and signed today combines many of the priorities Governor Healey outlined in three separate bills filed over her first few months in office.   

With the shelter system currently at capacity, this timely appropriation will inject $85 million into the state’s Emergency Assistance Family Shelters to meet the demand of a growing number of families, immigrants and refugees facing homelessness. This includes investments in housing infrastructure and the shelter provider workforce that helps to stabilize and rehouse families. At least $21.9 million will also be available to support schools through the end of the 2023-2024 school year to support communities experiencing a large influx of families with school-aged children due to state shelter placements.  

The $130 million for SNAP will bridge the abrupt end of the enhanced federal COVID benefit for more than 630,000 Massachusetts families by providing a supplemental SNAP allotment to recipients equal to 40 percent of the previous federal benefit for three months. Another $2 million would be dedicated to reimbursing certain victims of SNAP benefit theft, also known as “skimming.”   

Additional investments include:  

·       $15.7 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition 

·       $1.25 million for family and reproductive health services, including a $1 million public awareness campaign focused on the dangers of crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers 

·       $2 million to support the 114^th National NAACP Conference in Boston  

The bill signed into law today also addresses many of the most immediate capital needs identified by the Healey-Driscoll administration in January, including the MassWorks program, which is the largest and most flexible source of capital funds to municipalities for public infrastructure projects that support and accelerate housing production, spur community development and create jobs throughout the Commonwealth.  

It authorizes funding for the Clean Water Trust to finance communities’ efforts to improve water infrastructure and improve local water quality; $34 million to help revitalize underutilized properties; and $9.3 million for broadband infrastructure, particularly in central and western Massachusetts communities.   

The matching grant funding in the budget, including $200 million for the CHIPS and Science Act and $30 million to allow the Commonwealth to compete for community broadband dollars funded at the federal level through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will ensure that Massachusetts can compete for every dollar available at the federal level.  

“I am grateful to our partners in the Legislature, and my colleagues in the Cabinet, for working together expeditiously to get this critical budget to Governor Healey for her signature in a timely fashion,” Secretary for Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz said. “This funding will not only ensure that our shelters and other food security safety net programs can meet the demand of vulnerable residents, but also puts Massachusetts in a strong position to compete for federal dollars that will benefit communities across the Commonwealth.”  

With the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on the horizon in May, this new law will extend three Public Health Orders issued in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic to temporarily extend staffing flexibilities for advanced life support ambulances and freestanding dialysis providers, and continue flexibilities for the administration of prescription medications to clients of state agencies who reside in community settings.  

It also extends for two years through March 31, 2025 allowances for public bodies, including Town Meetings, to meet remotely and for one year the expedited permitting of outdoor dining and the sale of beer, wine and cocktails to go.  

Statements of Support:    

Mark Dejoie, CEO, Centerboard 

“We are thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for the substantial funding for shelter expansion. Many Commonwealth families are struggling right now, and this will help provide them with more resources and a safe place to go. We thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for increasing the access to these resources and looking out for our families."  

Jennifer Lemmerman, Vice President of Public Policy, Project Bread 

“As the statewide anti-hunger organization focused on expanding access to programs like school meals and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Project Bread celebrates today’s signing of a supplemental budget that will ensure that all students, including the 80,000 additional students now eating lunch every day across our state, will continue to have access to free school meals for the remainder of the school year. We also share in the relief that families across the state will feel as a glidepath is provided through this budget to ease the disruption caused by the abrupt termination of federal pandemic SNAP benefits. At Project Bread, we work with individuals every day who are struggling to meet the most basic of human needs – food. Today, over 20% of families in Massachusetts – and over 30% of Black and Latino families – are food insecure.  SNAP and school meals have been effective in not only alleviating, but also preventing hunger in Massachusetts. We applaud Governor Healey for leading on solutions that can meet the scale of the need and provide these families with comprehensive and sustainable solutions.”  

Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO, The Greater Boston Food Bank 

“At a time when the cost of living, food and utilities are at an all-time high, food insecurity and demand at our nearly 600 partners across Eastern Massachusetts are rising and every measure to soften the blow to our communities will help. We are grateful to the Governor’s commitment to ending hunger in our Commonwealth. Providing a glide path for SNAP recipients losing critical nutrition benefits and ensuring school meals for all continues in this school year will help to offset the overall impact of individuals and households who are struggling with food access.”  

Georgia Katsoulomitis, Executive Director, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute 

“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for leading the nation in providing state dollars to mitigate the harm of federal cuts to food assistance. This will help 1 in 7 Massachusetts residents who struggle to put food on the table. We are proud to partner with the Administration in tackling hunger and poverty in the Commonwealth."   

Geoffrey C. Beckwith, Executive Director & CEO, Massachusetts Municipal Association 

"On behalf of cities and towns across the state, we applaud Governor Healey and the Massachusetts Legislature for enacting this outstanding bill. This measure invests $400 million into local economies through the MassWorks grant program, injects $104 million in the Clean Water Trust to improve local water systems throughout the state, and extends the extremely effective option to conduct public meetings virtually, making it easier for the public to access and see local government in action. This bill supports cities and towns at every level and we are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and all our lawmakers." 

麻州長Healey 29日下令降半旗紀念Mel King

 Governor Healey Orders Flags at Half Staff in Remembrance of Mel King 

BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in remembrance of former State Representative and political activist Mel King and issued the following statement.  

“Mel King’s work and legacy reverberate throughout Boston and well beyond the borders of Massachusetts. This loss will be felt just as widely. A dedicated public servant and civil rights champion, he stepped up to challenges that few could imagine taking on, brought people together, and never stopped advocating for racial justice. I urge all Massachusetts residents to join me in honoring his life and contributions, holding his loved ones in our hearts, continuing his work toward equity and justice.”  

(Boston Orange編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura T. Healey) 29日下令，所有州政府建築降半旗致哀，以紀念前州眾議員和政治活動家Mel King。

奚莉州長並發佈了以下聲明:

"Mel King做的事和他留下的傳奇，在波士頓和甚至遠遠超越麻州邊境之外，都有廣泛影響。這個損失將會被廣泛感受到。Mel King作為一名敬業的公僕和民權倡導者，勇敢應對了很少有人能想象的挑戰，團結了民眾，並且一直在為種族正義發聲。我敦促所有麻州居民與我一起，紀念他的生命和貢獻，將他的親人放在心中，繼續他為平等和正義所做的努力。"

波士頓青少年協會SPARK 新年度成員接受申請

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2023-2024 SPARK BOSTON COUNCIL  The SPARK Boston Council empowers our City’s young leaders with civic education, professional development, and networking opportunities.

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 29, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced applications for the 2023-2024 SPARK Boston Council are now open and available online. The SPARK Boston Council is a volunteer leadership and civic engagement council made up of 20 to 35 year olds charged with spearheading the City's efforts to engage Boston's young adult population. Applications are due Friday, May 26, 2023.  “The SPARK Boston Council helps serve as a direct line from what young people want to see change in our City, to the services of City government,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “SPARK Boston is a great opportunity for young adults to connect with their neighborhoods, peers, and the possibilities of government. I’ve enjoyed getting to know this year’s group of future Boston leaders and encourage all that are interested to apply.”  Under the direction of the SPARK Boston Director, the 2023-2024 Council will create programming and advise Boston's leaders to help the city grow as an inviting, connected, culturally rich, and sustainable home for young adults. Throughout the SPARK Boston Council term, participants hear from key members of the Mayor's staff, leaders within City Hall, and community organizations about topics like climate resilience, education, housing, and civic innovation.  “Recruitment is my favorite time of the year for our program,” said SPARK Boston Director Audrey Seraphin. “I love being able to share our work with so many amazing young residents all across the City. I hope to see applications from every single neighborhood in Boston this year!”  Those looking to join the SPARK Boston Council can learn more about the program and application process by attending one of two Virtual Open Houses on either Tuesday, April 18 or Wednesday, May 10 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Those interested in attending can register at bit.ly/SPARKinfosession2023. Applicants can also reach out with questions to sparkboston@boston.gov.   The 2022-2023 SPARK Council will be continuing their work through the end of their term this August, but have already taken part in several opportunities, including attending Mayor Wu’s first State of the City; meeting with Boston’s Sister City delegation from Strausbourg, France during Mayor Jeanne Barseghian’s visit; and marching in the Allston-Brighton Parade with Mayor Wu. On-going programming includes participatory mapping project Boston You’re My Home; public education series Back to School; a civic text Book Club; and greener living newsletter & lifestyle brand Sustainable Boston.  The 2022-2023 council has also continued legacy & signature programming such as: Neighborhood Socials, events designed to bring City Hall staff and local leaders into spaces young people already patronize; Chief Chats, fireside discussions with cabinet leadership; and Pint with a Planner, an event series in partnership with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA).  The SPARK Council meets on the first Monday of each month. Council members must also attend one community meeting and one SPARK event or subcommittee meeting a month. Applicants must reside in Boston, and be willing to commit 15 hours monthly to the SPARK Boston program. SPARK Boston and its previous iteration ONEin3 have now been serving young adults and the City of Boston for over 18 years.   "SPARK Boston can ignite your confidence in civic engagement. It is a space where you can build your voice, involvement, and engagement in your neighborhood while understanding how the Mayor's Office serves the City of Boston,” said 2022-2023 SPARK Boston Captain Ricky Meinke. “By applying to SPARK Boston, you are confirming that you want to be a future leader in your neighborhood, that you want to serve the City of Boston, and that you can make a difference in your community."

波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn訂4月4日開公聽會討論室內基礎設施安全

(Boston Orange) 波士頓市議會議長愛德華費林 (Ed Flynn)和不分區市議員Michael Flaherty提案，訂4月4日 (週二)下午2點，在波士頓市政府大樓5樓的Iannella室，就市內的路燈、橋樑及其他公共基礎設施的安全性，召開公聽會。

                             去年9月一名路人在南波士頓水前區，經過Evelyn Moakley橋時，被突然坍塌的路燈砸傷後，前述2名市議員就已經提案要召開公聽會。

                               公共工程局很快的檢查了該地區所有橋樑，並拆除了23管他們認為不完全符合要求的路燈，另外還有2管路燈之前已經拆除了。

                            波士頓市議會議長愛德華費林表示，該事故彰顯出波士頓市基礎設施、路燈及橋樑，在對抗新英格蘭的天氣，海洋空氣及帶鹽水質，老化得特別快的現實。

                 這場公聽會將在Xfinity 8/RCN 82/ Fios 964等頻道，以及波士頓市政府的 boston.gov/city-council-tv頻道上直播。

                          查詢詳情可洽波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn的辦公室，電話617-635-3203，電郵Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov。

 Council President Flynn and Councilor Flaherty to Hold Hearing on Safety of Light Poles, Bridges & Public Infrastructure on April 4th

BOSTON - In January this year, City Council President Ed Flynn and Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty refiled a hearing order to discuss the safety of light poles, bridges, and other public infrastructure in the City of Boston. The hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 4th at 2 pm at the Boston City Council Iannella Chamber. Residents are encouraged to participate and testify in person or via videoconference by reaching out to shane.pac@boston.gov. The hearing will be broadcasted live on Xfinity 8/RCN 82/ Fios 964 and streamed at: boston.gov/city-council-tv.

This hearing was originally filed in September last year, when a pedestrian crossing the Evelyn Moakley Bridge in the South Boston Waterfront was struck and injured by a falling light pole. At the time, the Public Works Department swiftly inspected all city bridges in the area and removed 23 of the light poles that were deemed not completely satisfactory, with two additional poles having already been previously removed. It is critical that the city continues to ensure our city’s public infrastructure is safe and structurally sound, and there are routine inspections and systems in place for maintenance and repair. 

“Unfortunately, this incident shed light on our aging infrastructure, light poles, and bridges - especially against the harsh New England weather, sea air and salt water.” Council President Flynn said. “Councilor Flaherty and I look forward to receiving an update from our city and state partners on the inspection and audit of all light poles, bridges, and public infrastructure, and any relevant plans to make all necessary repairs in a timely manner. We must work with our bridge engineers and design consultants to prevent an incident like this from happening again.”

Councilor At-Large Flaherty said, “We, as a city, have a responsibility to make sure that we regularly inspect roads, bridges, light poles and street signs as a matter of public safety.  We live in New England and our area is subject to harsh weather conditions that tend to deteriorate building materials and fixtures quicker than other places.”  

For more information, please contact Council President Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.