BPDA Board takes actions to modernize development review process, new projects that will create thousands of jobs More than 1 million square feet of zero net carbon development moves forward

BOSTON - Thursday, June 15, 2023 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors this month approved seven new development projects representing 1.3 million square feet (SF). The new projects will create 123 residential units, 51 of which, or 41 percent, will be designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 1,182 construction jobs and 2,673 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city.  Development Review Process Modernization Today, the BPDA Board approved consulting services to modernize the review and approval of large scale development in the City of Boston. The development review process, known as Article 80, has not been comprehensively analyzed or updated since its adoption in 1996. The modernization project will study the existing development review process operations and recommend improvements for how communities, developers, and the BPDA work together to more predictably shape development in the city. This will not impact development projects that are currently under review by the BPDA while the study is ongoing and any recommended changes to these processes, which come out of the studies, will go through community and BPDA Board review prior to implementation. The Board also approved changes to Article 28 to improve the participation of the Boston Civic Design Commission in the review process. The changes will bring greater diversity of expertise to the Commission, allow the BCDC to be better integrated with the BPDA’s internal review process, and ensure that review can be provided on an efficient timeline. Ultimately, these changes reflect concrete steps to help us achieve better design outcomes for the people of Boston. Third, the Board approved the hiring of an ombudsman to streamline the citywide permitting process following development project Board approvals and ensure good housing projects can come onto the market more quickly. BPDA Board awards tentative designation of Parcel U in Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park The BPDA Board tentatively designated Lincoln Property Company and QuakerLane Capital to redevelop BPDA-owned Parcel U in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP) on the South Boston Waterfront. The original Request for Proposals (RFP) for this site asked development teams to submit two program proposals: Program B, which includes a single company, two-floor firehouse, to better serve the RLFMP and the greater South Boston Seaport neighborhood, and Program A which does not include this space. The RFP also encouraged proposals to further the BPDA’s commitment to promote maritime economic development and the retention and creation of job opportunities in the RLFMP. The selected team proposes a new nine-story building with office and laboratory space. The project also includes life science training space within the facility. If the BPDA decides to move forward under Program B, the proposed building will include a two-floor firehouse on the ground floor and first floor. Following this tentative designation, the BPDA will work with the developer to identify the preferred program for development. Like all BPDA-owned parcels in the City of Boston, the selected development team is required to meet the BPDA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, and has established significant commitments to includeMinority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) across all aspects of their development. Development Projects 20 and 22 Drydock Avenue project on South Boston Waterfront moves forward to build new life science space with millions of dollars in public benefits Live: 35,000 square feet of public open space, improved pedestrian experience, secure bicycle storage and shower facilities Work: Approximately 1,059 permanent jobs, approximately 396 construction jobs, majority of project design team is made up of M/WBE firms, endowment for job training Connect: Close proximity to public transportation, Bluebikes station, onsite teaching lab and classroom for Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, $12 million in public benefits Sustain: Reduced heat island effect, LEED Platinum, carbon neutral building operations for first three years, onsite renewable energy generation using rooftop solar, targeting five percent reduction in embodied carbon, reduced indoor water use Two individual parcels in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP), which were formerly occupied by offices of the Economic Development Industrial Corporation of Boston, as well as marine industrial tenants, will be combined into one parcel with a new seven-story research laboratory and office building. The ground floor will include a state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom space for the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute. The space will serve as a satellite location for marine research, facilitate teaching opportunities, and provide access to local students and community groups. By providing this space, this project supports the RLFMP’s mission to provide a reserve for marine industrial activity. The primarily life science and research and development uses of this site are also consistent with a goal of the Master Plan Update to encourage new economic uses. Like all developers of BPDA-owned parcels in the City of Boston, the selected development team is required to meet the BPDA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process. Of the current team members, approximately 60 percent are M/WBE firms. The project is also working with In Order Business Development Solutions to continue its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives throughout construction. Public benefits from this project include more than $3 million in linkage funding, with more than $525,000 going towards affordable housing and $2.8 million toward jobs training. In addition, this project will provide an improved public realm by creating new landscaped plazas, and improved sidewalks for pedestrians. In the way of transportation improvements, this project will provide parking for 131 bikes onsite, as well as a new Bluebikes dock, and a contribution of more than $90,000 to the Boston Transportation Department. The project will also contribute $1.4 million to the BPDA for transportation improvements identified in the RLFMP to mitigate the project’s transportation impacts, as well as $400,000 to support Seaport water shuttle services. In addition, more than a dozen nonprofit organizations will receive more than $3 million in funding from this project.  Development at 155 N. Beacon Street in Allston will create three new life science buildings with retail space, contribute complete building for affordable artist rehearsal space Live: $4,029,155 in housing linkage Work: Life science and retail space, approximately 516 construction jobs, approximately 1,249 permanent jobs Connect: Realignment of Life and Etna Streets, public bike facilities, more than 30,000 SF of public open space Sustain: 100 percent renewable energy, LEED Gold This project in Allston/Brighton will build three new life science buildings. Building one will be six stories consisting of life science and retail space. Building two will be a six-story building containing office and lab space. The third building will contain office, life science, and retail space. In addition, there will be more than 30,000 square feet of public open space on campus. All buildings will be LEED Gold certified. As part of the public realm improvements for this project, Life and Etna Streets will be realigned, a new Bluebikes dock will be installed onsite, and the project will contribute $148,570 to the Boston Transportation Department. Public benefits of this project include: new lab classrooms and STEM training at Brighton High School, as well as more than $4 million in linkage payments, with $3.9 million going towards affordable housing, and $718,257 towards jobs training. This site was originally home to a long-standing rehearsal and recording space for musicians and other performing artists in the Greater Boston area. The building accommodated hundreds of working artists for rehearsal, recording, storage and other activities related to their disciplines. As part of the community benefit and mitigation package for this project, the owner will transfer ownership of the 290 N. Beacon Street site to the BPDA for redevelopment for rehearsal space and other uses, achieving no net loss of cultural space. The 290 N Beacon St. building will be the largest mitigation package the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and the BPDA have received to help support the arts and culture community in Boston. Following the acquisition, the BPDA, in coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, will start the disposition process of the property to facilitate the creation of affordable rehearsal space and other compatible uses for displaced artists. Community engagement for a Request for Proposals for the renovation of this site into artist workspace will likely begin later this summer. The RFP visioning process will be open to all, through which the BPDA will be soliciting feedback to help guide the development objectives for the site.  Phase 4 of Garrison Trotter Project moves forward in Roxbury, offering primarily-affordable homeownership opportunities on BPDA owned land Live: 23 homeownership units, 19 single family homes Work: Local MBE developer, approximately 33 construction jobs Connect: Fourth phase of Garrison Trotter neighborhood rebuild Sustain: Energy efficient building, LEED Silver Phase 4 of the Garrison Trotter Development will build 23 new homes, the majority of which (16) will be made affordable homeownership units. These will be a mix of single-family, stacked two-family, and semi-detached two-family unit types, and a mix of two and three-bedroom units. As part of this project, Harold Street will reopen to further connect the new development to the existing neighborhood. This development is on BPDA-owned land, which was tentatively designated to Windale Developers, Inc. in May of 2022. Like all developers of BPDA-owned parcels in the City of Boston, the selected development team is required to meet the BPDA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process. 521-523 Cambridge Street project brings 33 transit-oriented residential units to Allston Live: 33 residential units, 5 income-restricted units Work: Approximately 32 construction jobs Connect: 97 walk score, 80 bike score Sustain: All-electric building systems  This project will create a six-story, 33-unit residential building in Allston. It will have six studios, eighteen 1-bedroom units, seven 2-bedroom units, two 3-bedroom units, and residential amenity space. Five units will be income-restricted. Located within the Allston-Brighton Mobility Study, this is a transit-oriented development that will place residents near the MBTA Green Line, multiple bus routes, and half a mile from the Commuter Rail. The project will also contribute to the area’s overall walkability, which has a large commercial area nearby, and add green space to Cambridge Street. New tenants will receive a $300 voucher toward an alternative transportation method of their choosing: MBTA passes, a Bluebikes membership, or a ride-share program. A temporary bike lane will be painted while the project is under construction. There will also be a dedicated bike storage room. Project will bring 22 income-restricted homeownership opportunities to 114-122 Harvard Street and 18-24 Standish Street in Dorchester Live: 22 income-restricted homeownership units Work: Retail space, approximately 26 construction jobs Connect: 22 bike storage spots, close proximity to Commuter Rail and multiple bus routes Sustain: Built to Passive House Design Standards This project will turn vacant lots into two buildings with a total of 22 income-restricted condominium units and retail space in Dorchester. The units will be aimed at moderate income households with seven units restricted to 80 percent AMI, eight units restricted to 90 percent AMI, and the remaining seven units restricted at 100 percent AMI. Between the two buildings, there will be eight 3-bedroom units, nine 2-bedroom units, and five 1-bedroom units. Collectively, the buildings will have almost 6,000 square feet of open green/patio space available for residents, along with outdoor and indoor  bike parking spaces. It is a transit-oriented project located just blocks away from the Talbot Ave. Commuter Rail stop and the MBTA 14, 23, and 22 bus routes. A new pedestrian-friendly sidewalk will also be created along Harvard Street. This project fully aligns with PLAN: Mattapan by providing multi-family housing close to public transit and creating homeownership opportunities. . Project moves forward to bring apartments, improved streetscape to 34 B Street in South Boston Live: 45 apartments, including 8 income-restricted units Work: Approximately 40 construction jobs Connect: Bike parking, activate the end of 6th streetscape for public use Sustain: Energy efficient appliances This project will transform an auto body shop and a vacant lot into a six-story residential development with 45 apartments. Eight of the units will be income-restricted. There will also be a 2,200 square foot rooftop terrace. The project will have at least 45 bike parking spaces and an additional 12 bike spots for visitors. The location of this project is within the boundaries of PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue and the PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue Transportation Plan. This area is intended to serve as a transition zone between South Boston’s residential neighborhood and the higher density mixed-use areas along Dorchester Avenue. The project complies with the height, use, and lot coverage requirements established in the Plan, as well as the urban design guidelines. It will create curb extensions at the intersection of B Street and West Fifth Street, add at least two street trees, and widen the sidewalks on B Street. A contribution of $25,000 will be made to the Tierney Learning Center on Mercer Street in South Boston. The project will also contribute $12,375  to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the Bluebikes system. Project at 55 Summer Street will renovate Downtown building, redesign public plaza Live: Plaza improvements, bike parking, Bluebikes contribution Work: Approximately 362 permanent jobs, approximately 139 construction jobs Connect: Close proximity to public transportation Sustain: LEED Silver, preservation of tree canopy The project at 55 Summer Street in the Downtown neighborhood would renovate the existing building and convert the upper floors from office space to research laboratory and office space. It will also include the redesign of the public plaza onsite and more than $500,000 in  improvements to the public realm. This will include the maintenance of the existing tree canopy, a new covered bike shed, and a pedestrian ramp. Public realm improvements were also reviewed in alignment with the ongoing PLAN: Downtown planning study. The project is in conformance with the underlying zoning and the development standards presented in the Life Science Building Design Guidelines. It also will support the existing nature and future growth of Downtown. In addition, this project will support the City’s bikeshare program with a $75,000 contribution to the Boston Transportation Department. As part of the public benefits of this project, it will also support nearby St. Anthony’s Shrine with a $25,000 donation. In addition, this project will contribute more than $60,000 in linkage fees, with $51,350 towards affordable housing and $9,440 towards jobs training. In addition to these projects, the Board approved:  The disbursement of $275,000 in various amounts to six arts and culture organizations identified through the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture Cultural Space Fund program from contributions made by the Channel Center Project in Fort Point.  ###

Healey-Driscoll Administration Leads Multi-State Request for Federal Support to Establish Interregional Transmission Planning Collaborative

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Leads Multi-State Request for Federal Support to Establish Interregional Transmission Planning Collaborative 

Novel Approach Would Leverage U.S. Department of Energy Expertise to Explore Increased Transmission Ties Between Northeast Regions Including Development of Offshore Wind Infrastructure

 

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) a request on behalf of all the New England states, New York, and New Jersey to form a Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission, a new approach to planning for electric transmission infrastructure across multiple regions. Under the proposed structure, DOE would lead the states in planning activities that may include investigating opportunities for mutually beneficial options for increasing the flow of electricity between three different planning regions in the Northeast and assessing offshore wind infrastructure needs and solutions. Greater interconnectivity between regions lowers prices for consumers through a larger marketplace for low-cost clean energy generation, bolsters reliability during periods of extreme weather and system stress, and increases access to renewable energy to meet decarbonization requirements.   

"One of our first actions upon taking office was to create a team focused solely on regional and federal collaboration on energy issues. Already, we’re strengthening our connections with our neighboring states to deliver cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable energy to Massachusetts residents,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper, who led the letter. “The Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission represents how the Healey-Driscoll Administration is looking to pursue innovative new approaches to accelerating our clean energy transition. We’re grateful to our neighboring states and regions for joining together to propose this concept.” 

“The U.S. Department of Energy is uniquely positioned to bring states together on interregional transmission planning, and we look forward to exploring opportunities to benefit all of our states through this historic infrastructure partnership,” said Jason Marshall, EEA Deputy Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs. “Massachusetts shares an energy grid within New England but is also part of a larger electrical network with states across the eastern United States. Working together to explore how to strengthen the ties between our regions makes sense. A more robust grid enhances system reliability, flows cheaper power, and helps accelerate our clean energy transition.” 

 

The Commonwealth’s Clean Energy and Climate Plans calls for a modernized and expanded transmission system to achieve our state’s transition to a clean energy future. This includes increasing the transmission capacity between Massachusetts and neighboring regions. The establishment of a Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission, supported by DOE funding and technical expertise, would be a critical step toward unlocking and sharing in the clean energy potential that exists beyond each state’s borders and off our shared coastline. The letter is signed by Massachusetts and seven other states: Connecticut, Maine New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 

In February, Secretary Tepper established the first-ever Office of Federal and Regional Energy Affairs within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. She appointed Jason Marshall to serve as Deputy Secretary and Special Counsel for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs and Mary Louise "Weezie" Nuara to serve as Assistant Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs. The positions promote regional cooperation and advocate for advancing the Commonwealth’s clean energy transition with federal, state, and other stakeholders. 

You & Me樂團"時光旅行" 現場嗨翻天

You and Me 樂團謝幕。 (周菊子攝)

You and Me 團長黃崇校(左)和他有30萬粉絲的Youtuber女兒黃鈺琳。
(周菊子攝)

           (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州劍橋市報導) 波士頓”You and Me樂團” 6月11日的「時光旅行」音樂會，捧場聽眾多到不但把劍橋市小酒吧The Lilypad擠到水洩不通，還有不少人站著聽完全場，讓人驚覺音樂魔力與社區凝聚力竟可以這麼強。

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元、倪雪娥夫婦
應邀出席。(周菊子攝)

                   ” You and Me” 是早年在台灣曾經勇奪「五燈獎」五度五關的吉他手黃崇校所創辦的樂團，在他個人對音樂的愛好、堅持，好朋友蔡高進、黃怡菁夫婦的鼎力支持，以及當年在台灣是「鬍子」樂團主唱的陳瑩璇，放不下她對歌唱的愛好中成形，並漸漸吸引越來越多音樂愛好者，科班專業人加入。

包括在柏克萊音樂學院深造的吉他手林美均，作曲人顧宗浩，在大波士頓本地交響樂團作聲控，擅彈鋼琴的Alice Fu的這些專業音樂人，曾參加中國好聲音比賽名列前茅的劉雙洲，都成了樂團主力。

11日這天，音樂會主持人，牙醫助理黃怡菁和” 莎莎手作幸福料理” 直播主蔡佩珊詼諧介紹，樂團創辦人是台灣勇奪「五燈獎」五度五關的歐陽珊…的丈夫，粉絲超過30萬人的Youtuber製作人黃鈺琳(靠右邊走)…. 的父親，把現場氣氛帶了起來。

蔡高進、黃怡菁夫婦是You and Me樂團的一大支柱。(周菊子攝)

                      這場「時光旅行」，先由黃怡菁和在醫院外科手術室工作的蕭惠菁演唱民歌組曲，藉著蔡琴的「恰似你的溫柔」，以及「海裡來的沙」、「微風往事」，「流水年華」，「阿美阿美」，再唱到鳳飛飛的「好好愛我」這些早年膾炙人口的台灣流行歌曲，讓有點年紀的人，紛紛懷念起在台灣的那些日子。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮也從麻州中部中文學校活動那兒
趕回劍橋市，參加音樂會。(周菊子攝)

               陳瑩璇，劉雙州，林靜，楊智晴，Elena Liu等歌手，接著在2名主持幽默詼諧串場，吉他手黃崇校、林美均、顧宗浩，以及鼓手劉詩元，貝斯手T. Rex，鍵盤手 Jose Silva，鋼琴家Alice Fu，音控李春男等人彈奏中，演唱了「超級瑪莉」，「山丘」，「情歌」，「如果有一天」，「Lydia」，「哼情歌」，「男孩」，「刻在我心底的名字」，「傷心地鐵」，「最初的起點」，「故鄉普悠瑪」這些在1999到2020年間，由李宗盛，周杰倫等名人，以及徐佳瑩，梁博，盧廣仲等人創作的歌曲。

蕭惠菁和黃怡菁合唱民歌組曲。(周菊子攝)

                    在演唱中，哪些歌曲能引起那些人的共鳴，擊掌附合，似乎也透露了些彼此年齡的差距。

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元、倪雪娥夫婦，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，這天和出席聽眾們都盛讚籌辦者的用心。

陳玫菁獻花給鋼琴家Alice Fu。(周菊子攝)

                        會末，楊智晴提醒愛好台灣音樂者，9月9日的下午4點到7點，在波士頓華僑文教中心位於牛頓市會址 (90 Lincoln St., Newton, MA) ，還另外有一場You and Me 樂團主辦，由顧宗浩統籌的「波音旺來」波士頓台灣音樂節。 (僑務電子報:      You and Me樂團在波士頓舉行「時光旅行」音樂會|北美洲 | 僑務電子報 (ocacnews.net))

陳瑩璇抱著捧花和女兒留影。(周菊子攝)

謝幕。(周菊子攝)

謝幕大合唱。(周菊子攝)

麻州州長奚莉建議赦免7人消除其犯罪紀錄

麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)。 (檔案照片，周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 上任僅約6個月，今 (15) 日宣佈建議赦免7人，藉以展現仁慈，以及麻州司法過於嚴峻部分的仍有待改革。

              奚莉州長建議赦免的7人，都已出獄，年輕時所犯案刑也都不算嚴重。奚莉州長的赦免建議，還需經過麻州州長議會同意，才能落實。

              根據麻州州長辦公室的聲明，過去30多年來，這還是第一次有麻州州長在上任第一年內就建議赦免這麼多人。

              奚莉州長建議赦免的7人，分別為Edem Amet，Xavier Delvalle，Glendon King，John Latter，Deborah Pickard，Gerald Waloewandja 和 Terrence Williams。

              Edem Amet是在1995年他20歲時，在學校區內持有並販售毒品，被判入獄2年。出獄後他有穩定工作，還開了自己的房地產公司，但由於犯罪紀錄，導致他無法成為美國永久居民。

              Xavier Delvalle是2006年他19歲時，夜晚持竊盜工具侵入民宅，意圖偷竊，被判緩刑，後來他到松街客棧當志工，協助組織發出6個獎學金給大專學生，做了許多善事來彌補自己的過錯。如今他有意入伍從軍，卻因犯罪紀錄無法如願。

              Glendon King是1992年他30歲時，持有毒品，並意圖出售而確認罪行。這些年來他不但從波士頓拉丁學院畢業，上了匹茲堡大學，加入美國陸軍及陸軍衛隊，2001年以中尉隻身榮譽退伍。如今他已身為曾祖父，打算搬到佛羅里達州兼差當警衛。

              其餘幾人也都是分別在15，18，19歲等青少年時期犯下縱火，襲警，持有並意圖販毒，以危險武器打人等罪行。

              在麻州州長辦公室發出的聲明中，奚莉州長說，新政府在接掌政權不到一年之際，就建議赦免這些人，是因為正義不能等。這幾人已經為他們所犯過錯，負起責任，接受了懲罰。其中許多人所犯罪行發生在許多年前，有些人的犯行也十分輕微，但他們仍在為自己當年的行為付出代價。她希望赦免行動能夠讓這些人不再受過去牽絆。

              波士頓環球報指出，奚莉州長當初在競選時已透露有意修訂”赦免行政指南”，但奚莉在公佈建議赦免名單時，並未給出她打算如何修改”赦免行政指南”的說法。

              歷年來，麻州州長們大都等到快卸任時，才來赦免，而且赦免的人數一般也都很少。如前州長Deval Patrick在他的第2個任期末尾，赦免了4人，共和黨籍的代理州長Jane Swift赦免了7人，共和黨籍的Mitt Romney則是唯一沒有赦免任何一個人的州長。

            在奚莉之前的查理貝克 (Charlie Baker)州長，經由州議會批准，赦免了15人。他還建議為3名被判終身監禁者減刑。但其中40年前經營家庭式Fells Acres日間托兒所，被控性虐待兒童的Gerald Amirault 和Cheryl Amirault LeFave，在受害者家屬的集體反對下，被州長議會否決了他的建議。

 

Five Months into Office, Governor Healey Recommends Seven Individuals for Pardons 

 

First Massachusetts Governor in 30 years to recommend pardons in her first elected year 

 

Recommendations include veteran, firefighter, social worker, nurse, cancer patient; individuals seeking to join military, law enforcement 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced that she is recommending seven individuals to the Governor’s Council for pardons, making her the first Massachusetts Governor in more than 30 years to recommend pardons in her first elected year. It is also the most pardons recommended by a Governor in their first year in more than 40 years. Those recommended are Edem Amet, Xavier Delvalle, Glendon King, John Latter, Deborah Pickard, Gerald Waloewandja and Terrence Williams. 

 

“We are taking the extraordinary step of recommending pardons just months into the start of our administration because justice can’t wait,” said Governor Healey. “These seven individuals have accepted responsibility for their crimes, which were often committed many years ago when they were young or suffering from challenging personal circumstances such as substance use disorder or abuse. They’ve taken productive steps to improve their lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities, but they still face barriers because of their distant criminal records. They shouldn’t have to spend one more day being held back from reaching their full potential. We strongly believe that each of these individuals are deserving of a pardon so that they can pursue their dreams, remain united with their families and communities, and continue to serve our nation. Our administration views clemency as an important executive power that can help soften the harsher edges of our criminal justice system. We are currently working to modernize the state’s clemency guidelines to center fairness and racial and gender equity.” 

 

“Among those who Governor Healey is recommending for pardons include a veteran, firefighter, social work, nurse, cancer patient, and public works employee. They have dreams of joining the military or law enforcement. They have families and deep community ties,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We are grateful to the Advisory Board of Pardons for their thoughtful recommendations and look forward to working closely with the Governor’s Council to advance justice and equality, and to make a real difference in the lives of these seven individuals and their loved ones.” 

 

The Governor of Massachusetts has the power to grant executive clemency for offenses violating state law, including both pardons and commutations, with the advice and consent of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council. A pardon is a forgiveness of the offender's underlying offense. The Advisory Board of Pardons first reviews all petitions for executive clemency and makes a recommendation to the Governor. The Governor then makes the ultimate determination on whether to proceed and grant the petition for executive clemency with the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.  

 

Those being recommended for pardons are: 

 

Edem Amet: In 1995, at the age of 20, Amet was convicted of three counts of Distribution of a Class B Controlled Substance and three counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a School Zone in Hampden Superior Court. He was sentenced to one day in the House of Correction for the drug-distribution convictions and two years in the House of Correction on the School Zone violations. He’s held steady employment over the years and most recently started his own real estate investment firm despite battling prostate cancer. Amet is an immigrant who came to the United States as a young child, but his drug convictions have hindered his ability to become a permanent resident. Amet was unanimously recommended for executive clemency by the Parole Board. 
 

Xavier Delvalle: In 2006, at the age of 19, Delvalle was convicted of Breaking and Entering at Night with Intent to Commit a Felony, Possession of Burglarious Tools, and two counts of Larceny in 2006 in Waltham District Court and sentenced to probation. He now lives with his wife and two children in Fort Worth, Texas, obtained his GED, and is employed by American Airlines as a ramp fleet clerk. Over the years, he has given back to his community by volunteering at the Pine Street Inn, participating in a toy drive, and contributing to the Old Charlestown Schoolgirls Association to help the organization award six scholarships to college students. He wants to join the military and pursue a career as an aviation mechanic but is unable to fulfill this dream because of his past convictions. He was also previously denied from a job as a Corrections Officer in Boston due to his record. Delvalle was unanimously recommended for executive clemency by the Parole Board. 

 

Glendon King: In 1992, at the age of 30, King was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Controlled Substance and Possession of Class D substance in Boston Municipal Court. He is now married with six children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He graduated from Boston Latin Academy in 1980 and attended the University of Pittsburgh on a partial athletic scholarship. He then served in the United States Army and Army National Guard, and received an Honorable Discharge in 2001, after attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Mr. King later joined the Boston Fire Department in 1999, where he has worked for more than 20 years. He is approaching retirement and plans to move to Florida and to work part-time as a security guard after he moves. King was unanimously recommended for executive clemency by the Parole Board. 

 

John Latter: In 1966, at the age of 19, Latter was convicted of arson in Middlesex Superior Court. He drove tractors for several years and then obtained his GED in 1985. After an injury at work, he attended Assabet Valley Vocational School in 1998 and became a Licensed Practical Nurse for 22 years in Massachusetts. He worked in several positions, including a post at Milford Meadows and Northborough Senior Center, and he also volunteered at Berkshire Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center. He retired in 2018, more than 50 years after his conviction, and relocated to Florida with his wife, where he attempted to obtain a nursing license to work and volunteer but was denied because of his record. He has been sober since 1992 and has three children, fourteen grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Latter was unanimously recommended for executive clemency by the Parole Board. 

 

Deborah Pickard: Pickard was convicted of several crimes while she was in her 20s between 1982-1987, including Assault and Battery upon a Police Officer, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Malicious Destruction of Property over $100, Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol, and a Compulsory Insurance Violation, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Class B and Class D Substances, Drinking Alcohol in Public, and Possession of a Class D Substance. She had grown up in a violent household where she witnessed and was the victim of physical abuse. She suffered from substance use disorder from an early age and turned to substances to cope with mental health challenges, including suicide ideation. She has been sober since 2001, received a master’s degree in social work and works as a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in substance use and trauma treatment. She lives with her family in North Carolina.  Pickard was unanimously recommended for conditional executive clemency by the Advisory Board of Pardons.  

 

Gerald Waloewandja: In 2003, at the age of 18, Waloewandja was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Controlled Substance, to wit, Heroin, in 2003 in Lawrence District Court. This is his only criminal offense and was committed at a time when he was suffering from substance use disorder. He is now married with two children and lives in Maine, works and volunteers in the community, and is an active member of his church. He was unanimously recommended for executive clemency by the Parole Board.  

 

Terrance Williams: In 1984, at the age of 15, Williams was found delinquent of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon in Brighton Juvenile Court and sentenced to probation and community service. The victim did not press charges and remains friends with Williams to this day. Williams has been employed at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission for approximately 33 years, and currently holds the position of Operations Manager. He also works part-time at the Suffolk County Sherriff's Department as a Civil Processor, a position he has held for approximately 15 years. Williams started an organization, the “Mighty Mission,” that takes local kids on trips outside of the city to play in basketball tournaments. Throughout his life, he has dreamed of being a police officer, but his delinquency finding has prevented him for doing so. He has also been denied six different times from a job at a private security company. Williams was unanimously recommended for executive clemency by the Parole Board and also has strong support from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. 

 

Statements of Support: 

 

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley 

“The power of clemency and redemption are profound, and this historic action by Governor Healey will help set these seven individuals—as well as their communities and loved ones on a pathway to healing. I’m grateful to the Healey Driscoll Administration for moving swiftly to recommend these pardons and urge the Governor’s Council to approve them without delay. Our mass incarceration crisis has exacted far too much harm, especially for our Black and brown communities, and exacerbated generational trauma, and we must use every tool available to address it head-on.” 

 

Carol Rose, Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachusetts 

“We’re grateful that Governor Healey is keenly alert to injustices in the criminal legal system. We commend the administration for beginning to use clemency as the important safety valve it’s designed to be, and hope the administration will make clemency a routine part of their work to increase justice and address inequities in the criminal legal system. We also look forward to working with the Governor to address front-end systemic injustices that result in racial disparities in policing, prosecution, sentencing, and over-incarceration.” 

 

Martin W. Healy, Chief Legal Counsel, Massachusetts Bar Association 

“Today we celebrate an unprecedented action by Governor Healey that clearly demonstrates her unwavering commitment to making our commonwealth’s justice system more equitable for all. These groundbreaking pardons by the Governor break the mold of previous administrations that largely exercised their clemency powers on a very limited basis and in the waning days of their administrations. We applaud Governor Healey for her courageous actions and focus on modernizing our justice system by making it more just for all citizens of the state.” 

 

Chinh Pham, President, Boston Bar Association 

“For nearly 250 years, the Massachusetts Constitution has invested in the Governor the authority to issue pardons as part of our structure of checks and balances, yet this critical element of a functioning justice system has fallen into disuse and neglect in recent decades. With proper oversight and transparency, pardons can bolster the rule of law by offering a safety valve to redress errors such as wrongful convictions or unjust sentences and to recognize and reward individuals for successful rehabilitation—which is, after all, one of the primary goals of criminal sentencing.” 

 

Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director, MIRA Coalition 

“Far too often, immigrants suffer a double punishment in the criminal justice system. Individuals who have served their time learn that a past conviction will continue jeopardize their immigration status long into the future, regardless of how they contribute to their community. MIRA Coalition applauds Governor Healey's request for pardons for these individuals to avoid devastating immigration consequences for their families.” 

 

Devin McCourty, Retired Patriots Safety, 3x Super Bowl Champion, Social Justice Advocate 

“It’s an absolute pleasure seeing Governor Healey get straight to work. We often run into each other at events championing the idea for change. I’ve had the pleasure to witness William Allen being released; I’m so happy Governor Healey gets to experience the same feelings I did.” 

波士頓慈濟6/25辦青少年仲夏音樂會為滿納海國際學校籌款

           (Boston Orange) 慈濟波士頓聯絡處將於6月25日 (週日)晚6點半到8點，邀紐約長島青少年樂團，到該會位於牛頓市會所舉辦青少年仲夏音樂會，為建造「滿納海國際學校」籌款。

今年2月6日，土耳其發生7.8級強震，造成5萬多人死亡，12萬多人受傷慘況。慈濟志工經由土耳其當地負責人胡光中師兄協助安排，和國際非政府組織攜手支援施救工作。

鑒於聯合國難民署(UNHCR) 統計資料，全球每78人中就有1人因戰亂、衝突、暴力而淪為難民，慈濟基金會特地安排在紐約曼哈頓大愛人文中心舉辦「根繫何處:流離失所後的慈悲共渡」國際難民援助特展，預定從6月13日展至2023 年底。

慈濟的第一位伊斯蘭教志工胡光中，為此受邀到紐約參加特展，分享他在土耳其幫助敘利亞難民的經歷。從2011年敘利亞內戰爆發，難民湧進土耳其以來，胡光中在土耳其創辦的滿納海學校，已幫助4000多名敘利亞難民子女得到上學機會。為幫助更多滯留土耳其，在敘利亞原本有家，如今卻流離失所的難民們安定生活，難民子女有機會求學，胡光中獲得慈濟支持，發起籌建滿納海國際學校活動

慈濟波士頓聯絡處為此特地安排，將邀請陳志新率社推打鼓班和波士頓慈少音樂學子，在6月25日和紐約長島青少年樂團攜手，舉辦音樂會，為建造「滿納海國際學校」籌款。

波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿師姐表示，音樂會當天還將舉辦有聲及無聲拍賣會，以擴大籌款效果。坊間善長仁翁捐贈供拍賣物品，有餐廳禮券，免費針灸券，和包括譚嘉陵等人的多幅國畫作品。

音樂會地址為15 Summer Street, Newton, MA 02464，入場免費，建議捐款額兒童5元，成人10元。查詢可洽617-762-0569。報名參加音樂會，可上網， 長島/波士頓青少年仲夏音樂會 Long Island/Boston Youth Summer Music Festival - RSVP (google.com) (更新版)