波士頓市簡化許可申請 鼓勵居民辦萬聖節派對

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES EFFORT TO SUPPORT HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTIES CITYWIDE City of Boston invites residents to use newly streamlined process to host Halloween block parties

BOSTON - Friday, October 6, 2023 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Community Engagement Cabinet announced a new streamlined application process to make it easier for residents to host Halloween block parties to ensure that children and their families can safely trick or treat. By closing neighborhood side streets to vehicle traffic during trick or treating, community members can create a celebratory and safe environment for kids to enjoy the holiday. The Boston Transportation Department (BTD) has streamlined the play street application process to make it easier to host a block party and to ensure applications are considered and approved swiftly. Residents and community groups who are interested can apply to host a Halloween block party here. “Block parties provide our neighbors and families fun, safe spaces to celebrate together and build community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Making the permitting process to host a block party easier will help more communities and streets have the opportunity to celebrate Halloween all together as neighbors.” “Activating our streets through block parties is a great way to spread joy and unify our neighborhoods throughout our city,” said Community Engagement Cabinet Chief Brianna Millor. “I encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate fall festivities outdoors in a safe and fun manner.”  In addition to a shorter timeline turnaround from submission to approval, the improved application now includes both clearer questions and fewer questions overall, focusing only on the necessary information for the Boston Transportation Department to evaluate each block party for community safety and traffic impacts.  “We are pleased to be rolling out this simplified application process so Boston families can worry less about navigating permitting and focus on enjoying the holiday,” said Deputy Chief of Streets for Transportation Nick Gove. “We look forward to supporting more block parties this year and continuing to make City Hall processes more accessible and efficient.”  Boston residents have long come together to hold Halloween block parties to strengthen community ties, and improve neighborhood street safety. Last year, residents hosted 28 halloween block parties across the City. Residents must apply by Wednesday, October 18th to ensure approval before Halloween. Residents must also apply for a block party permit before submitting their grant application, as this can take 15 business days to approve. More information about applying for the block party permit and tips on how to host a block party can be found here. This work also builds upon Mayor Wu’s commitment to bring safer, more vibrant streets to every neighborhood in Boston. In May, the Mayor announced Boston’s Safety Surge, working to make our city streets safer by installing speed humps on eligible neighborhood streets, redesigning intersections, and implementing new guidelines for the City’s traffic signals. Earlier this year, the Community Engagement Cabinet awarded 51 block party mini grants for resident-led street parties throughout the summer.  “This summer’s Block Party Mini Grants proved to be a successful model to support residents in their efforts to curate events and purchase sports equipment, chalk, games, food, and beverages for community members to enjoy,” said Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing Director Nathalia Benitez-Perez. “I think it is amazing that the City of Boston is working towards making the permitting process more accessible and seamless to support the festive community building that occurs in our streets through block parties.”

Huntington劇院10月9日開放日 免費參觀

THE HUNTINGTON HOSTS A FREE OPEN HOUSE AT

THE HUNTINGTON THEATRE – MONDAY, OCTOBER 9

DURING FENWAY ALLIANCE’S OPENING OUR DOORS DAY 

Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour (with a peek into dressing rooms and the costume shop!),

browse artwork by visual artist Alison Judd in the 2nd floor gallery, and hear from Huntington staff and artists (including August Wilson biographer Patti Hartigan) in lively panel discussions  

(BOSTON) – The Huntington is pleased to announce the Huntington Theatre (264 Huntington Ave) will participate in the Fenway Alliance “Opening Our Doors Day” on Monday, October 9 by hosting a robust slate of events and access during an open house from 11am-3pm. 

The schedule of events throughout the day is as follows:

All Day events: 11am – 3pm

 

·         Guided tours led by Huntington staff, starting from the 1st floor theatre lobby (tour is approx. 20-30 minutes)

·         Meet-your-seat: Huntington donors and supporters have the opportunity to see their named seat, hosted by Huntington development staff

·         View beautiful art by local visual artist Alison Judd on our 2nd floor gallery

·         Huntington Theatre Box Office open 

 

11:15am: Spotlight on Huntington Education Department Alumni (Performance and Discussion)

In the Maso Studio, 2nd floor

 

Enjoy a performance and discussion with Education Associate (and Codman Academy alum) Latasha Snider, Fat Ham cast member and August Wilson Monologue alum Victoria Omoregie, and current students and program participants Emily Guerrero Del Villar, Dereon Goldsmith, and Next Narrative Competition National Champion Sakura Rosenthal.

 

12pm – 1pm: Huntington 23/24 Season Preview Talk (Discussion)

In the Maso Studio, 2^nd floor

 

Participate in a sneak peek discussion about the upcoming Huntington season with Artistic Director Loretta Greco and Director of New Work Charles Haugland.

 

12:30pm – 12:45pm: Gallery talk with visual artist Allison Judd

In the Huntington Theatre Gallery, 2^nd floor

 

1pm – 2pm: August Wilson biographer and Boston Globe writer Patti Hartigan (Book Talk)

In the Maso Studio, 2nd floor

 

Hear biographer and Boston Globe writer Patti Hartigan speak about her new book August Wilson: A Life, moderated by Front Porch Arts Collective Co-Artistic Director Maurice Emmanuel Parent.

 

1:30pm – 1:45pm: Gallery talk with visual artist Allison Judd

In the Huntington Theatre Gallery, 2^nd floor

 

2pm – 2:45pm: Celebrating 20 years of local playwrights on our stages! (Discussion)

In the Maso Studio, 2nd floor

 

Join Huntington Playwriting Fellows Kirsten Greenidge, Masha Obolensky, and Lila Rose Kaplan for a conversation about living and creating art as playwrights in Boston, moderated by Director of New Work Charles Haugland. 

The event is free and open to the public, but we encourage the community to RSVP on Eventbrite. 

The Huntington’s Open House is part of the Fenway Alliance’s annual Opening Our Doors Day event, a celebration of the Fenway Cultural District including art exhibits, performances, nature and historical walks, art activities, open houses and more. More information can be found on the Fenway Alliance website.

波士頓市將動用1140萬元聯邦補助款種樹、培訓人力

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES $11 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO ENHANCE BOSTON’S TREE CANOPY AND BOLSTER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

BOSTON - Friday, October 6, 2023 - Today, Mayor Wu joined Senator Ed Markey to celebrate that the City of Boston has received $11.4 million in funding from the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant. This grant will bolster Boston’s workforce development in urban and community forestry and reduce technical and financial barriers to growing Boston’s tree canopy. This funding will support improving tree care and accessibility; supporting workforce development opportunities, administered through PowerCorps Boston; and expanding Boston’s newly created Tree Alliance. The City has received this funding through the Inflation Reduction Act. “Having access to tree coverage throughout our neighborhoods provides cool, green, healthy spaces for residents to thrive,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant for their generous support to grow our workforce and expand our canopy across Boston to increase the livability of our neighborhoods.” “We shook the money trees, and we got green for green,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “I am so proud to celebrate $22 million in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act for urban and community forestry and for equitable access to green spaces in Massachusetts. Extreme heat has been the deadliest symptom of climate change in this country to date, and frontline communities are feeling the burn without relief. This funding will help plant new seeds of environmental justice in communities that have been fighting for fresh air and fresh investments, and will create new green jobs and more resilient communities across our Commonwealth.” Improving tree care and accessibility This funding will be used for improving tree care and accessibility on Boston’s sidewalks. The City is initiating strategies to proactively maintain the existing tree canopy and find creative ways, such as using flexible and porous paving materials, to increase tree canopy while providing accessible walking surfaces for those with visual and mobility limitations. Throughout the grant period, the City will meet quarterly with accessibility advocates to give updates and receive feedback to improve procedures and target future work. Supporting workforce development opportunities In 2022, the City released the Urban Forest Plan (UFP) to equitably grow the urban forest and the Heat Resilience Solutions Plan to address the impacts of extreme heat driven by climate change. Together, the plans provide an approach to build safe, healthy, and resilient communities. This funding will facilitate three approaches to build inclusivity and increase access to trees and their benefits in historically marginalized communities. These approaches will ensure that our streets are accessible and support growth of urban street trees; build community resilience through workforce development opportunities for young people from Boston’s environmental justice communities; and foster community with residents and community based organizations through tree planting and care.  As part of the City’s commitment to equitably growing the urban forest, PowerCorps Boston provides training in climate resilience and the green industry for young adults from environmental justice communities. An “earn and learn” program, PowerCorps Boston pays members to participate in hands-on training that prepares them for living-wage careers. Over the course of a 6-month training program, PowerCorps Boston teaches Corps members a variety of transferable soft skills and technical forestry skills. PowerCorps Boston aims to promote workforce development for youth in growing industries and support environmental stewardship and City of Boston climate policies.  This grant will support the expansion of PowerCorps Boston so the program can run two cohorts a year with 50 participants each. These funds will also allow for increased stipends, program necessities and incentives, and two new positions to direct and manage the program.  Expanding Boston’s Tree Alliance Lastly, this funding is aimed at expanding the community Tree Alliance Program. With over 60 percent of Boston’s trees privately owned, the City is working with the community to expand  Boston’s urban forest. In May, the City of Boston launched the Community Tree Alliance Program to support growth and care of the urban forest on private lands, focused on under-canopied neighborhoods. Since the program launch, the Alliance has implemented a new microforest with over 90 trees, 200 shrubs, and perennial plants of over 30 species at the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan. The City initially allocated funding for the Tree Alliance for three years. The new federal funding will allow for increased planting and maintenance, expanded public education and an outreach program, and bolstered program staff capacity through new and extended existing staff positions. Boston’s urban forest is a critical part of the City’s fabric, culture, and character. As the largest city in the state, trees play an essential role in balancing the impacts of urbanization with green infrastructure. While Boston’s urban forest has remained stable overall in recent history at 27 percent coverage, the canopy disproportionately varies across neighborhoods. In environmental justice communities including Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, and Roxbury, tree canopy coverage is lower than other neighborhoods in Boston.  Through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Forest Service has selected Boston as one of 385 grant proposals that are working to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces, and the many benefits they provide. All of the funding will benefit historically disinvested communities, and funded proposals are located in all 50 states, two U.S. territories, three U.S. affiliated Pacific islands, and in several tribal communities.  In 2022, Mayor Wu provided funding for a new Urban Forestry Division within the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. Since the creation of this division, the team has planted 1,226 new street trees, pruned 3,301 trees to help improve and preserve the existing canopy, and treated 1,165 mature ash trees to protect them against the Emerald Ash Borer. Additionally, the team has hired seven new team members including a Director of Urban Forestry, updated the Street Tree Inventory, and supported improved public access.

水管爆、停車位被佔 波士頓華埠居民怨氣沖天

華埠居民會主席黃國威(右一)和居民們在華人前進會
的會議市內出席居民會月例會。 (網路會議截圖)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓華埠居民會 10月4日在網上開月會，聽水務局報告水費變動提案，近期爆水管狀況，要求泰勒街78號發展商及建商別再佔用居民停車位，並提醒居民塔大公衛大樓修屋頂，定10月7日早6點至晚8點佔用泰勒街上車位。

              華人前進會鄺寶蓮說明，塔大表示，施工期間，該校位於乞臣街51號停車場，將撥出12個停車位，以先到先得方式，供華埠居民停洎車輛。

波士頓水務局派了幾人出席會議。(網路會議截圖)

              這晚的會議有將近50人參加。除了在網路上參加者，波士頓華埠居民會會長黃國威和華人前進會的鄺寶蓮，以及十幾、廿名華埠居民，聚集在華人前進會的會議室內實體參加。

              波士頓水務局 (BWSC) 的Anthony Dello Iacono，  Irene McSweeney，Dolores Randolph， Peter Salvatorep等人，這晚出席會議，拿出中英文版的「雨水排流管理計畫變更」計劃書，經水務局翻譯員丘曉茵協助，向居民解釋該局的漲水費計畫。

華人經濟發展協會副主席陳雅倫強調泰勒街87號是由華經會自資建設，
為華埠提供8個100%可負擔住宅。

              Anthony Dello Iacono指出，波士頓水務局和聯邦環保署 (EPA)、保護環境法基金會 (Conservation Law Foundation) 簽署了雨水排流條例協議，其中的雨水條例導致費用上漲，波士頓水務局因而提案漲水費，以平衡支出。

              為使水費漲價更公平，波士頓水務局將以抗滲水面積做收費依據，用地理圖資訊系統來決定物業的抗滲水面積，並增加5000個新帳戶，以協助支付這開銷。

羅燕玲澄清，指7月7日那天是國家電網佔用停車位。

              該局向消費者收費的計算公式為，每1到6個住宅單位算1個ERU，7戶以上住宅，以ERU的數量來計算，每一個ERU約等於2164平方呎的抗滲水面積，提議收雨水費每單位7.5元。

              波士頓水務局指出，75%的小住宅物業 (SRP)會看到每月的水費單，需繳金額減少了；66%的非小型住宅物業，會看到月費降低。該局提供給耆英及殘障客戶的水費及汙水費折扣，將適用於雨水費用。

              該局還提出3種管理雨水，降低費用方法，包括給耆英和殘障客戶的30%折扣，適用於雨水費用。符合雨水保留及滲透標準的客戶，可享有30%抵減。幼稚園到中小學12年及教育項目也可享有5%的減免額。

居民Bosco Ma貼出照片，作為證據。

              波士頓水務局還提議經由綠化雨水結構援助補助款，給物業主提供高至4000元的補助。

              Irene McSweeney 以3張華埠街道挖開，露出水管的照片，簡報波士頓華埠夏利臣街和必珠街交界處等地，今年8月20日(週日) ，8月25日(周五)，以及9月3日(周日) 發生爆水管情況，原因包括國家電網 (National Grid) 挖掘，改變了地下水管周遭土壤狀況，有些部分挖出土壤，並未填回，讓水管失去原有扶持。水務局已要求國家電網將來在施工前，先和水務局協調，以避免類似情況再度發生。

              居民Anita在會中問爆水管淹沒街道的水是否汙染了的水，如果是有沒採取任何補救措施，再發生爆水管情況的機率有多大?水管老化，地底安置及壓力，或許都改變。Irene McSweeney表示，流出來的水沒有汙染，必珠街和夏利臣街上各有一條水管，於1989和1986年更換過，水務局會持續評估、維修、更新水管。至於爆水管遭受損失要求賠償。地方民眾應和國家電網接洽。

LJV工程公司Michael Harriman 出席居民會議，陳請支持申請佔用2個停車位。

 

              泰勒街78號是華人經濟發展協會 (CEDC) 正在翻修，要改建成8個住宅單位的一項工程。承建公司代表Michael Harriman經由華經會聘用的翻譯Sindy Lam說明，為收取工程所需大件物品，需要在施工地點前佔用2個停車位，每當收完貨物，就會把車位還給居民，請居民支持。

華人經濟發展協會副主席陳亞倫 (Allen Chin) 親自出席會議，說明這是由華經會動用自有資金，為華埠提供的100% 可負擔住宅。

波士頓市華埠及皮革區聯絡員黃楚嵐說明，市府收到許多居民投訴，
已轉請交通局等等單位處理。

居民Maggie Chan和Bosco Ma火藥味十足的要求華經會道歉，指該工程早前用國家電網過期了的停車許可，佔用了20多個車位，對居民造成極大不便，留有不良記錄。現在竟然還再來要求佔用停車位，應該先道歉再說。

Bosco Ma還在會議簡訊欄貼出照片，指7月7日在無預警情況下就封了哈佛街。他們有照片等許多證據，也已向市府投訴。

代表華經會與承建商LVJ公司聯繫的羅燕玲澄清道，那天的確是國家電網施工，她和波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn的助理盧善柔溝通過。

波士頓市華埠聯絡員黃楚嵐也出面表示，他收到許多居民投訴，市府及交通局已關注此事。盧善柔之後透露，由於Flynn議長十分重視居民，在收到太多抱怨及照片後，把問題的嚴重性轉達給了市府街道相關主管機關，今年8月時，市政府就已經不再批准泰勒街78號的施工停車許可申請，以致該工程進度落後，已受到懲罰。

在幾番來回議論後，市府聯絡員黃楚嵐要求華經會及泰勒街78號承建公司提供每週報告，提前告知地方民眾，將佔用停車位的日期與時間，並發函到chulan.huang@boston.gov，由他代轉給居民。

 華人前進會鄺寶蓮指出，華埠居民會建有微信群組，塔大都藉此微信群組和居民溝通相關工程訊息，建議華經會採取同樣做法。

會末有華埠居民指出，華埠內現有多項工程同時進行，在交通、停車上對居民造成許多困擾，馬上第12號地段也要開始施工，呼籲該工程一定要和居民溝通，聽取民眾意見。

波士頓市重新推出申請樓宇許可快速管道

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市政府稽查服務局 (ISD) 今 (5) 日宣佈，藉由恢復「快速管道計畫 (Fast Track Program) 」，簡化符合資格項目申請市府許可的流程。批准辦公室翻修許可的時間可從4週降至7天之內。

              波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)在9月份出席大波士頓商會政府事務論壇，擔任主講人時，宣佈了這些改變的一部分。

              吳弭市長表示，這事讓人們在波士頓做生意更容易的方法之一。

              每年，ISD發出大約4萬份許可，申請樓宇許可的需求近年大增，導致許多項目甚至面對瓶頸狀況。

              目前申請樓宇許可，30天內可得審查，「快速管道計畫」會把批准流程降至7天以內，讓商用辦公室空間更快的供人使用或租出去。

              為支持｢快速管道計畫｣， ISD將新聘收件主任 (Intake Supervisor)，以及輪調計畫審查員，以確保符合資格項目得到快速審批。新聘的收件主任江審核常表許可申請書，規劃收件作業，並依照需求發給許可。

              ISD局長Sean Lydon表示，這是很棒的工具，不只有助於吸引企業，也因應企業需求，幫助詮釋增加就業及投資機會。

              ISD最近公佈了” 瀏覽許可流程 (Navigating the Permitting Process)”指南，列有如何獲得樓宇許可的每一步驟，文件需求，並就人們經常問的問題提供了答案。有10種語言版本的該指南，還列出如何瀏覽區域規劃上訴流程，解釋了耴和檢查樓宇的佔用率。該指南有網路版和紙張版。

波士頓市推出青少年免費學習計畫 10/12第一期開課

             (Boston Orange 摘譯) 波士頓市今 (5) 日宣佈，推出青年工人專業發展項目 (Youth Worker Professional Development Program) ，給在服務青少年組織中工作的年輕人一系列機會，免費學習新技能。

              報名或查詢課程，可上OYEA網站 (https://www.boston.gov/human-services/professional-development-series) ， 第一期課程10月12日開課，每月有不同課題，預計開辦30種課程，每班35人，以實體方式上課，網路課程則可容納100人參加，活動持續至明年6月。上課免費，但需報名。

              波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)，人民服務長Jose Masso，青年參與及進步辦公室執行主任Pedro J. Cruz，IBA波士頓青年發展項目主任Sandra Soto為這項目都感到非常興奮。

              吳弭市長還宣佈，指派Dana Mendes為青年參與及進步辦公室副主任，將協助該辦公室為青少年整理出一套資源網路，為市內的青少年服務人力提供專業發展機會。

              Mendes畢業於波士頓公校，獲有西蒙斯 (Simmons)學院社工碩士學位，之前在市長的人民服務辦公室中擔任無家可歸青少年計畫主任，管理的市府「站起來面對挑戰 (Rise to the Challenge)」，以其中止青少年無家可歸狀況。