紅線地鐵JFK道Ashmont站將關閉至10/29 波士頓市分享替代交通選擇

(Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州地鐵紅線的Mattapan 線和Ashmont 支線，將從10月14日至29日暫時關閉甘迺迪站 (JFK) 到阿什蒙特站 (Ashmont)路段，以進行維修，估計45000名乘客會受影響。 波士頓市政府和麻州地鐵過去幾個月來研究了一些替代路線，和民眾分享。 接送巴士: 麻州地鐵將提供免費的符合ADA規定穿梭巴士。查詢可上麻州地鐵網站。 MBTA巴士: 麻州地鐵宣佈，連接Andrew、Savin Hill， Fields Corner，Shawmut，以及Ashmont的18號巴士路線，未來這段期間將可免費搭乘 通勤火車: 麻州地鐵鼓勵人們改搭通勤火車，在部分紅線地鐵暫停服務的這16天，Fairmount線通勤火車可免費搭乘。 自行車: 波士頓市府將為受部分紅線地鐵停駛影響的波士頓市民，提供數量有限的藍自行車派司 (Passes)，波士頓都會的公用自行車共享系統。有意申請者可上網https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScW4u-kRxivSoMordqEFi8qrebs6j8yeXspHcgepV76K3SUDg/viewform?pli=1。 波士頓市府正和麻州地鐵合作，加快在多徹斯特和麥特潘安裝藍自行車車站。 CITY OF BOSTON SHARES MITIGATION PLANS AHEAD OF RED LINE CLOSURE  City working with MBTA to lessen impact on Boston residents and commuters

 

BOSTON - Friday, October 13, 2023 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston Streets Cabinet shared how the City is preparing for the MBTA’s upcoming partial closure of the Red Line. Starting tomorrow through October 29, the MBTA will be closing the Mattapan Line and Ashmont Branch from JFK Station to Ashmont Station for maintenance. This temporary closure will impact about 45,000 riders and some of Boston’s most transit-critical neighborhoods such as Dorchester and Mattapan. City transportation leaders have been working the last couple months with the MBTA to prepare for these diversions to determine best alternate travel routes and how to change City streets to allow shuttle buses to more easily transport Red Line commuters.  “At the City level, we are working as a partner to the MBTA to alleviate the burden on Red Line riders as the MBTA completes needed maintenance,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our City staff are assisting to ensure Boston residents have the information they need about the closure, and alternative travel options such as the free commuter rail on the Fairmount Line and Bluebikes passes. We’ll continue to support the MBTA as they work to accelerate long-deferred fixes for a safe and reliable commute.”  Alternate Travel Options  Shuttle Buses  The MBTA will be offering free ADA compliant shuttle buses to replace service on the affected stops on the Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line. More information regarding shuttle buses is available on the MBTA’s website. The MBTA has also prepared a Rider’s Guide that includes more detailed information on alternate routes.   The City has worked to identify where intervention is necessary to keep shuttles moving and keep vulnerable road users safe. Residents should expect temporary changes to curb use regulations (loading zones, no-stopping zones, and other parking regulation changes), to signal timing, and to traffic patterns along the shuttle route. The goal of these changes is to reduce double parking and lane blockages along Dorchester Avenue and keep shuttles moving. Residents are encouraged to avoid driving on Dorchester Avenue when possible.  MBTA Bus Routes  The MBTA has announced that Bus Route 18 will be free during the upcoming diversion. Route 18 connects to Andrew, Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut, and Ashmont.   Commuter Rail  People are encouraged to use the MBTA’s Commuter Rail as an alternative to subway service. The MBTA announced the Fairmount Line will be free during the 16-day closure.   Bikes  The City is providing a limited number of free monthly passes for Bluebikes, Metro Boston’s public bike share system, for Boston residents impacted by the Red Line shutdown. Interested Boston residents should fill out the form at this link to sign up for a free pass while these passes last.  The City, in collaboration with the MBTA, is accelerating the installation of Bluebikes stations throughout Dorchester and Mattapan in order to provide improved access to transportation during this service disruption. The four new stations are Cedar Grove, Four Corners Geneva, the Talbot Ave. T stop, and Beach Street at Freeport Street. A map of Bluebikes stations can be found on the City’s Red Line webpage. The City is working to install additional Bluebikes stations in the next week. Additionally, Bluebikes has expanded capacity at the JFK/UMass bike station.  Bike facility improvements, including road patching and striping, are also being implemented to improve safety for new riders.  Boston Public Schools  The City is coordinating shuttle stop locations with Boston Public Schools (BPS) school bus stop locations in order to minimize disruption to school transportation. The City is also working to minimize the disruption to school bus operations along Dorchester Avenue, which is near the largest yard in the BPS school bus system. This work includes prioritizing traffic light timing to quickly move buses out of the bus yard and on to the road.   Accessibility  The Boston Transportation Department is making targeted repairs to sidewalks and pavement markings at shuttle stop stations to improve accessibility and improve traffic flow and safety. Additionally, the City continues to use the Boston Brakes campaign to raise awareness of, and increase safety for, pedestrians with disabilities on Boston’s public rights of way.  More information on the MBTA’s Red Line repair work can be found on the project website, MBTA.com/RLWork. The City has created an informational page at boston.gov/red-line and residents can send questions and concerns to redline@boston.gov.

波士頓急難救助協會辦講座談管理情緒

Ya-Ting Hsu (下) 在會中提問。

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 「情緒來了怎麼辦?」。波士頓台灣人急難救助協會 (BTEAA) 10月10日晚在線上舉辦講座，邀持牌心理諮商師楊文惠來分享，妥善抒發或轉移情緒，可以幫助人們改善日常生活品質，人際關係，事務處理效果。

              講座由波士頓台灣人急難救助協會翁逸虹親自主持，將近30人出席。

講座由波士頓台灣人急難救助協會翁逸虹親自主持。

              楊文惠是一位持牌心理諮商師。她在會議開場時自我介紹， 說明自己在心理諮商領域已工作20餘年，和急救機構，醫院急診室合作過評估及治療方案，也曾在哈佛、布蘭岱斯 (Brandies) 大學當過治療師，現在自行開業。

楊文惠有20多年的心理諮商師資格。

              她先強調，這一講座主要是分享人們可以如何處理自己的情緒，維持心理健康，內容不涉利益關係，不見得適合所有人，但她希望可以藉此機會，提供資源，幫助出席者了解自己，找到更適合自己的方式。

              楊文惠用了大約25張剪報圖片，放了2段視頻，還請出席者用一分鐘做反思練習，了解自己有著多少種不同身份、角色，有過什麼樣的經驗，抱持什麼價值觀。她強調，無論各人怎麼想，各人都是獨一無二的，所有的價值觀與看法，也沒有絕對的對與錯。

楊文惠的簡報圖片之一，請人們練習觀察自己的心理狀態變化。

              楊文惠藉由「快樂陷阱 (The Happiness Trap)」這本書中的「人類心智演化 (Evolution of Human Mind)」視頻片段，闡述人類在滿足食衣住行的基本需求時，逐漸衍伸出不夠，不好、不足的擔憂，也衍生出情緒。

              然而人們有情緒很正常，表示在意某些事物，管理情緒的用意，不在移除不愉快的情緒，而是幫助人們調整自己的情緒，以在生活中做最好的應對。

照顧自己的思緒，有3個著力點。

              那麼人們要如何練習觀察，了解自己心理狀態的變化呢?首先，情緒的產生，一定有誘因。她以自己接受邀請，要上台演講，感到緊張講起。這緊張情緒讓她心懷畏懼，有著怕自己做不好，會被人笑的想法，身體也因而出現發抖，發熱，肚子不舒服的現象，同時有了躲避、延遲，不去想這件事的行為。

              楊文惠建議，可以用iFAB，這代表”我對某件事有XXX感覺，是因為(I feel about XXX, because)”的方式，來練習，並進而去思考，我想要/我需要/如果我能怎樣想或做，才會對情況有幫助。

              這也是照顧自己思緒的做法，從事件引發了情緒，到以信念調整情緒，找出替代或平衡性的想法，化解情緒，導致正面結果。

照顧自己的情緒，要練習暫停，先深呼吸。

              她還放映了一段Russ Harris提出的”壽司列車隱喻(Sushi Train Metaphor)”視頻短片，闡述藉由製造距離空間，達到抽離情緒目的。她列表指出，人們可以用放下手邊的事，觀察自己的身體，深呼吸，冥想，做下伸展操，喝口水，散個步，泡個澡，踏進大自然，找人陪伴等適合自己的方式，不批判自己的自我觀察，來給情緒一個出口。

              她還提醒各人要善待自己，還列出包括要知道自己的底線等善待自己的10個要點。

              翁逸虹透露，幾個月前，大波士頓有一名華人，因為心情不好，走路時心不在焉，出了車禍，撞斷好幾根肋骨，在波士頓又沒親人可以幫忙，讓她想到如何處理情緒，對人們把日子過好，有很大影響，因而籌辦了這次的網路講座。

              翁逸虹從2022年4月接任大波士頓急難救助協會會長一職以來，遇到過不少宗急難救助事件。她說，其中包括有人因為醫療事故，必須去臺灣，讓她得半夜打電話和經文處聯絡。有所小學遇上室內氣溫飆高過華氏100度，他們趕緊買冰塊送過去給小學生們降溫等。很多事情他們都是自掏腰包，處理完就結束了，外界並不知道。

              今年波士頓經文處人事變動，王馨珮副組長負責和該會聯繫。該會的下一場活動，打算討論如何防範詐騙。 (僑務電子報:    https://ocacnews.net/article/352423?cid=2 )

BPDA approves new affordable housing in East Boston, Mattapan, Mission Hill, and South Boston PDA approved for On the Dot Development

BOSTON - October 12, 2023 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors Thursday approved five new development projects representing approximately 272,507 square feet (SF). The new projects will create 233 residential units, 87 of which will be designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 247 construction jobs and seven permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city.  Planning & Zoning Board approves Demonstration Project Plan to facilitate office to residential conversions The BPDA Board approved a demonstration project plan in Downtown Boston which will help to facilitate the conversion of offices to residential buildings. The plan area encompasses the Downtown/Financial District, Chinatown, the Bulfinch Triangle Historic District, the Leather District, and the Fort Point Channel Historic District. In light of increasing office vacancy rates and the resulting reduction in foot traffic within the plan area, the BPDA approved incentives for office to residential conversions. Projects seeking conversion support outside of the plan area will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Board authorizes release of RFP for Allston Brighton Community Plan The BPDA Board authorized the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultant services to help in creating an Allston Brighton Community Plan. The Allston Brighton Needs Assessment, which is currently underway, will serve as the existing conditions analysis for this plan. The goal is to form a long-term, comprehensive plan for Allston and Brighton which includes equitable planning and design guidelines, as well as simplified zoning. The intent of this RFP, which is being funded in part by mitigation from the Harvard Enterprise Research Campus Phase A, is to allow staff to more quickly and thoroughly develop this plan for the neighborhood, create new zoning guidelines, and recommendations for implementation.  Board authorizes release of RFP for Citywide ADU “pattern book” The BPDA Board authorized the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to create an illustrated guide, known as a “pattern book,” that will serve as a guide for the most feasible options for property owners in Boston who may want to build Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their property. The selected consultant will create new zoning recommendations necessary for updating the residential zoning code to allow for this type of housing growth, and to support the as-of-right development of ADUs throughout Boston that will complement residential building styles. This RFP is part of city-wide zoning reform, which will help to update the code to break down barriers to, and allow for more housing throughout the City of Boston. Real Estate Board approves final designation of the Frederick Douglass Peace Garden The BPDA awarded final designation to the Frederick Douglass Peace Park Stewardship Committee and the Boston Food Forest Coalition Inc. to redevelop the Frederick Douglass Peace Garden into restored open space. Over the last several years, the land located in Roxbury has fallen into disrepair, following the expiration of a temporary license agreement with the South End Lower Roxbury Open Space Land Trust. The BPDA began a public process to designate the land for redevelopment into multifamily housing and a park/garden in 2019. The project and discussion with the community was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The conversation restarted in 2021, focusing on open space as the only use. The Frederick Douglass Peace Park Stewardship Committee and the Boston Food Forest Coalition Inc. were the only respondents to the RFP and were selected in 2022. They propose redeveloping the Frederick Douglass Peace Garden into outdoor space that will be used for performances, community meetings, and farmer’s markets, a lawn for recreation and picnics, and a peace and healing space.  Board approves tentative designation of 7-9 Westminster Terrace in Roxbury The BPDA Board approved the tentative designation of the Planning Office of Urban Affairs (POUA) and the Roxbury Stone House to redevelop the parcels at 7-9 Westminster Terrace into affordable housing. The POUA is a non-profit housing developer affiliated with the Archdiocese of Boston, and the Roxbury Stone House is a non-profit organization that cares for and protects parents and child survivors of domestic abuse and helps them rebuild safe, secure, and independent lives. The proposal is for this land to be redeveloped into a six unit residential building that will provide emergency shelter in coordination with the Roxbury Stone House. There will be four two-bedroom apartments, one three-bedroom apartment, and one one-bedroom apartment. This will allow the Roxbury Stone House to expand its shelter services to the residents of this new development so that they can receive case management, group services and other community activities. Like all BPDA-owned parcels in the City of Boston, the selected development team will be required to meet the BPDA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criteria, and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process. Board approves public-private partnership and investment in new campus for Franklin Cummings Tech The BPDA Board approved a partnership with Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, known as Franklin Cummings Tech, which will allow the construction of the school’s new campus in Nubian Square to break ground in the coming months. FCT is an educational institution that serves primarily minority students who will support the City’s economy as tradespeople in technology, healthcare, and other prominent sectors in Boston. The school has been located in the South End since its founding. In order to expand and enhance its operations for its student body, Franklin Cummings acquired land at 1003-1013 Harrison Avenue in Roxbury. In 2021, the BPDA Board approved the new Franklin Cummings campus, which will consist of a new, three-story building containing 20 indoor technical education labs, eight general classrooms, meeting and study rooms, a central student lounge, administration and other offices, as well as support spaces. The construction of the new campus is dependent on the sale of the former campus at 41 Berkeley Street to an affiliate of Related Beal, who will build a mixed-use project that was approved by the board in December of 2022. Therefore, the BPDA will enter into a series of transactions with Franklin Cummings and Related Beal, including a payment in lieu of taxes or “PILOT” agreement and a grant agreement, to support FCT’s future in Roxbury. Development Projects 2 Shawsheen Road project will bring all-affordable housing to East Boston Live: 57 income-restricted units, 22 income-restricted homeownership units, 35 income-restricted rental units Work: About 74 construction jobs Connect: Close proximity to the Orient Heights MBTA Station Sustain: 100% electric, Passive House Certified  Two residential buildings will be constructed at 2 Shawsheen Road, creating a total of 57 residential units. One building will contain 22 income-restricted homeownership units with indoor bike parking. The second building will contain 35 residential units with a bike room located off the entrance lobby. The project significantly advances high-level planning goals outlined in the ongoing planning initiative PLAN: East Boston, including expanding access to housing options that are affordable, stable, and able to meet households’ needs as they change over time, and the production of publicly accessible open spaces that are active and connected. There will be open space between the two buildings reserved for the future implementation of the Winthrop Greenway, a shared-use path that will connect the Orient Heights Station, the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway, and the town of Winthrop. In the meantime, the open space will provide a lawn, pedestrian path and benches for residents. The project will involve several improvements to the surrounding streets including new sidewalks, street trees, bike racks and a dedicated passenger loading area. This is a transit-oriented development, as the site is close to the MBTA Blue Line’s Orient Heights Station and several bus routes are nearby. In support of the city’s resilience goals, the project is designed to be all electric.  Project at 156 Wellington Hill Street in Mattapan approved Live: 27 home-ownership units, including four income-restricted units  Work: 38 construction jobs, retail space Connect: Traffic calming measures, raised crosswalks and plaza area at the intersection Sustain: Green roof, development will preserve much of the existing structure This project will incorporate three levels of an existing building into a new four-to-five story building on Wellington Hill Street. It will provide 27 condominium units and over 1,000 square feet of retail space for the Mattapan neighborhood. Four of the units will be income-restricted. The creation of homeownership units at this project is in line with the goals of PLAN: Mattapan to provide residents with opportunities to create generational wealth through homeownership. The intersection of Greendale Road and Wellington Hill Street will be improved with the expansion of sidewalk space and the creation of shorter, more visible pedestrian crossings. The larger sidewalks will allow for a plaza-like space in front of the retail. At least five street trees will be planted where possible. The project will contribute $7,859 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the city’s bikeshare program.  1558 Tremont Street project will bring new housing to Mission Hill Live: 95 residential units, 16 income-restricted units Work: 64 construction jobs, 5 permanent jobs, retail space Connect: Close proximity to multiple transit options Sustain: Zero net carbon, LEED Gold, passive house design Located in Mission Hill, this project will convert a vacant three-story building into a six-story multi use building that will house 95 residential units and 3,228 square feet of first-floor retail space. The apartments will consist of 59 studios, 22 one-bedroom units, and 14 two-bedroom units. Sixteen of these units will be income-restricted. The project will improve the public realm with new sidewalks, new street trees, and streetscape improvements.  The project will contribute $49,000 to the Boston Transportation Department to support the city’s bikeshare program. Space will also be provided to put a 15-bike docking station on site. This is a transit-oriented development, as the site is close to the MBTA Green Line Brigham Circle, Longwood Medical Area, and Fenwood Road. There are also multiple bus routes nearby.  South Boston project at 118 B Street to create new housing in neighborhood Live: 33 homeownership units, six income-restricted units Work: 43 construction jobs  Connect: 34 bike parking spaces, close proximity to MBTA Red Line Broadway Station Sustain: LEED Silver, all electric design This project will create a five-story building with 33 homeownership units, including six-income restricted units. There will be an indoor storage room with space for 34 bikes. This project will be a transit-oriented development, as it is in close proximity to the MBTA Broadway Station, serving the Red Line and several bus routes. New, wider sidewalks will be constructed around the project, to accommodate new and existing foot traffic. At least six new street trees will be planted. The project will contribute $33,000 to the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for the upkeep of nearby Flaherty Park. In addition, this project will support the city’s transportation goals with a $9,075 contribution to the Boston Transportation Department to support the city’s bikeshare program. 27 Farragut Road project will build new housing in South Boston Live: 21 residential units, four income-restricted units Work: 28 construction jobs Connect: $30,000 to be invested in public realm improvements Sustain: LEED Gold, carbon neutral, all electric building  The 27 Farragut Road project will bring 21 housing units to South Boston in a four-story building. Four of the units will be income-restricted. This is a transit-oriented development as it sits along several MBTA bus routes. Pedestrian-safety improvements will be made to the intersection of Farragut Road and East Second Street. This, along with new curb extensions, will allow greater access to public open space, recreational amenities, and the waterfront across the street. At least two street trees will be planned and an existing tree will be protected. The project will contribute $5,775 to the Boston Transportation Department to support the city’s bikeshare program. Additionally, $20,500 will be contributed to the City’s Fund for Parks which will be used to maintain the green space and facilities at Christopher F. Lee Playground nearby.  Planned Development Area (PDA) Plan Approvals (individual development projects to be approved separately at a later date) On the Dot Master Plan PDA approved for 475-511 Dorchester Avenue Live: 1,460 residential units, 248 income-restricted units, 94 senior living units Work: Approximately 6,000 new permanent jobs, commercial space, local retail shops Connect: More than three acres of open space, close proximity to the MBTA Red line and several bus routes Sustain: All electric, passive house, LEED Platinum, 150+ new street trees Located just outside of Andrew Square, the Master Plan Planned Development Area for 475-511 Dorchester Avenue, also known as the On the Dot development, would create 11 new buildings including office, life science, residential, retail, restaurant, commercial, and community uses. Given the size of this development, it will be initiated in phases. There are planned to be approximately 1,450 residential units within five residential buildings, 17 percent of which will be income restricted. Within that retail space, the project will allocate 20 percent of ground floor retail/commercial space to be affordable for local, diverse, independent small businesses. As part of the community benefits for this project, it will support affordable housing with a $30.7 million linkage payment, and jobs training with a $5.6 million linkage payment, as well as $18.9 million in transportation mitigation. In addition, this project is estimated to contribute $1.2 million to the bikeshare program. Along with this development would be the creation of an extensive new street system to accommodate the increase in pedestrian, bicycle, and car traffic. This new street system will also allow for the connectivity and community of mixed-uses called for in both PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue and the PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue Transportation Plan. In support of sustainability goals, the project will be designed to minimize or eliminate the use of fossil fuels on site. In addition, first floor elevations for the buildings will be set at or above the required sea level rise design flood elevation, and with elevated grades to protect against future flooding. Each building will also include bicycle storage for residents, employees, and visitors that comply with the City’s bike parking guidelines. The project will also include public bicycle racks and up to 15 bike sharing stations. More than three acres of the site will be designated for public realm improvements or public open space, including 200 trees to reduce urban heat island effect. In addition to these projects, the board approved: The renewal and extension of the Northeastern University Institutional Master Plan.

波士頓市推出藍自行車套票 折扣年費60元

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES THE BOSTON BIKES PASS FOR BLUEBIKES  New program reduces bike share annual membership for Boston residents; City expanding Bluebikes system

BOSTON - Thursday, October 12, 2023 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the Boston Bikes Pass, a discounted annual Bluebikes membership for Boston residents that saves residents more than half the cost of the annual rate. As part of the Boston Bikes Pass, the City is also launching an even more discounted annual pass for income-eligible Boston residents. The City is launching the Boston Bikes Pass as part of a short-term pilot program (running now through June 2024) to explore options for making travel by bike more affordable and to bolster the growing demand for Bluebikes, Metro Boston’s public bike share system. Videos explaining the new program are available on Mayor Wu’s Instagram in English and Spanish.  “Boston residents deserve access to sustainable, affordable transit, and the Boston Bikes Pass will help Bostonians get around the city by removing financial barriers,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I encourage our residents to take advantage of these new rates to commute, connect, and explore in our beautiful city, and I’m thankful to our city team and partners such as Blue Cross Blue Shield who have made the Boston Bikes Pass possible.”  Boston residents who have not had an annual Bluebikes membership in the last three years are eligible for the $60/year membership, compared to the regular rate of $129 per year. Boston residents who qualify for MassHealth, SNAP, or meet income guidelines can get an even more reduced rate at $5 per year, compared to regular income-eligible rate of $50 per year. Any Boston resident 16-years or older who meets income guidelines is eligible for the $5 annual pass, whether or not they have had a Bluebikes annual membership in the past.   "Bluebikes is an important part of our public transit system that provides reliable, affordable biking options for riders of all levels," said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. "We are especially grateful for the generous support of BlueCross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts whose title sponsorship has paved the way for Bluebikes' tremendous success."  Boston continues to work towards a 100-station expansion of the bike share system. These new stations will fill gaps in high-demand areas, making the system more reliable for riders. Currently, nearly 90 percent of Boston households are within a 10 minute walk of a bike share station. The City’s goal is to establish stations within a three to five minute walk in denser residential neighborhoods and ensure that all major transit stations and stops are served by bike share stations. A map of existing Bluebikes stations can be found here.   "Mayor Wu's commitment to launching the 'Boston Bikes Pass' reflects a visionary understanding of the bicycle's transformative power as a catalyst for social change and equity in our beloved city,” said Elijah Evans, Executive Director of Bikes Not Bombs. “I am thrilled to see this initiative that aligns so closely with our mission. We firmly believe in using the bicycle as a vehicle for social change, advancing equity in Boston, and investing in a people-centered, climate resilient transportation system. The 'Boston Bikes Pass' will make Bluebikes more affordable and accessible, opening doors to transportation options for all residents. By prioritizing sustainability and promoting active modes of transportation, Mayor Wu is paving the way for a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future. We stand together in our commitment to creating positive change and building a thriving, equitable city for all Bostonians."   “I'm thrilled to support the new affordable rates for Bluebikes membership,” said Maha Aslam,  Project Manager, Transit + Streets at the LivableStreets Alliance. “Access to affordable transportation is a critical step toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all Bostonians. Let's pedal together towards a greener, more affordable, and accessible Boston!”  Residents can apply for a Boston Bikes Pass by visiting boston.gov/bikepass and filling out the appropriate form. Those applying for the Income-Eligible Boston Bikes Pass will need to upload documents to verify enrollment in a public benefit program like SNAP, MassHealth, or to demonstrate a qualifying income. Once verified, residents will be sent instructions to sign up.  Today’s announcement comes at a time of growing ridership in the Bluebikes system. To date, riders have taken 2,950,000 trips on Bluebikes in 2023, with more than 400,000 in September alone.  Bluebikes is a public bike share system that is municipally owned, and jointly managed by Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, and Somerville. As co-owners of the system, the municipalities invest in bikes and station equipment and execute station expansion plans in collaboration with residents. Blue Cross Blue Shield is the title sponsor. The municipalities contracted with Lyft to operate the system.  The Boston Bikes Pass builds off of Mayor Wu’s vision to make all forms of transportation affordable, convenient, and safe. Last month, Mayor Wu announced Mary Skelton Roberts as the city’s first representative on the MBTA Board of Directors, tasked with giving the City a more direct role in the region’s public transportation system. This summer, the City launched Boston Delivers, an e-cargo bike delivery pilot program aimed at supporting local businesses, reducing pollution, easing traffic congestion, and improving street safety. Boston’s Safety Surge, announced in May, is 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. By the end of construction season this year, BTD plans to have 7.6 miles of new bike lanes completed, as previously announced last year by Mayor Wu.

麻州文化協會及麻州發展批准28筆獎助總額314萬元

Mass Cultural Council & MassDevelopment Announce New $3.14 Million Public Investment into 28 Cultural Facilities

 

FY24 Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) Grant Cycle Now Open; Applications Due December 14, 2023

 

BOSTON – Today MassDevelopment and Mass Cultural Council, two state agencies that jointly administer the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF), announce twenty-eight (28) newly approved CFF grants investing a total of $3,139,000 into cultural facilities and projects throughout the Commonwealth. The CFF provides capital and planning grants to nonprofit organizations, colleges, and municipalities that own or operate facilities primarily focused on the arts, humanities, and sciences. CFF awards invest in the acquisition, design, repair, renovation, expansion, and construction of nonprofit and municipal cultural facilities. All CFF awards are subject to a 1:1 matching requirement. The Cultural Facilities Fund is funded annually through the Governor’s Capital Spending Plan. In FY24 the Healey-Driscoll Administration invested $10 million into the CFF, which supports this grant round and the awards announced today. "Through the Cultural Facilities Fund, our Administration is proud to support the facilities that are the foundation for Massachusetts' thriving arts and culture sector,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We're grateful for the partnership of MassDevelopment and the Mass Cultural Council, and we thank the awardees for their efforts to maintain and restore the spaces that mean so much to our state." “Investing in museums, theaters, and other cultural facilities across Massachusetts strengthens our community assets, boosts the tourism economy, and creates jobs,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “We are pleased to partner with Mass Cultural Council in administering this important grant program and thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration and legislature for their continued support. “The CFF is a special program – it serves as the Commonwealth’s main public investment to help maintain cultural facilities, thereby supporting the efforts of nonprofit organizations and municipalities to keep these important spaces in a state of good repair,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “I’m so pleased to congratulate today’s grantees and encourage eligible entities to consider applying for assistance from the FY24 grant cycle.”   Celebrating 28 New Investments into Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Twenty-seven (27) capital grants, totaling $3,104,000, and one $35,000 feasibility and technical assistance grant were approved by a vote of the MassDevelopment Board of Directors today, including: · The Town of Sandwich received a $200,000 capital grant to support exterior repairs, historic window replacements, and to expand gallery, program, and office space in the future home of the Sandwich Arts Alliance at Town Hall. · Berkshire Theatre Group, Inc., located in Pittsfield, received a $153,000 capital grant to help with the installation of solar panels on the Colonial Theatre and warehouse roof. · Armenian Museum of America, Inc. in Watertown received a $146,000 capital grant to support a roof replacement project. · The Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band, of Grafton, received a $137,000 capital grant to support the interior restoration of the Hassanamisco/Cisco Homestead and Museum, to resume use as a public museum educating visitors about the culture and history of the Nipmuc people and other southern New England tribes. · The Cabot Performing Arts Center, Inc., located in Beverly, received a $104,000 capital grant to help with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant renovations to the stage area. A full list of projects approved today, with project descriptions, is available online.   FY24 CFF Application Now Open Today the agencies also announced the launch of the FY24 CFF application period. Nonprofits, municipalities, and colleges with cultural facilities seeking capital or planning assistance are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is December 14, 2023. Awards are expected to be announced in May 2024. There are three types of awards available through the Cultural Facilities Fund: 1.    Capital Grants, which support the acquisition, design, construction, repair, renovation, rehabilitation or other capital improvements or deferred maintenance of a cultural facility. 2.    Feasibility & Technical Assistance Grants, for costs and expenses related to overall planning and feasibility for a proposed eligible project. 3.    Systems Replacement Plan Grants (SRP), A 20-year capital needs assessment conducted by a preselected contractor hired by the Cultural Facilities Fund to assess the facility’s structure and its mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems. A green energy planning analysis is also available. Applicants seeking more information about the program are encouraged to review the FY24 program guidelines, register for a virtual information session on October 18, 2023; or sign up to attend online office hours with CFF program staff. About the Cultural Facilities Fund The CFF was created by an act of the Legislature in 2006 to achieve the following goals: · Enhance Massachusetts’ creative economy through financing for acquisition, construction, expansion, renovation, and repair of cultural facilities. · Increase employment, entrepreneurialism, and tourism in the regions where these facilities are located, especially drawing new visitors from outside the Commonwealth. · Stimulate further investment in the arts, heritage, and sciences by preserving cultural resources. From 2007 through today, the CFF has awarded $165,152,646 to 1,427 projects across the Commonwealth, employing more than 35,444 architects, engineers, contractors, and construction workers. The organizations engaged in this work expect to add 2,992 new permanent jobs after completing their projects. The CFF’s impact extends beyond the nonprofit cultural sector in ways that benefit Massachusetts’ broader economy. The organizations awarded grants generate millions in annual economic activity through direct spending on everything from supplies to energy and advertising and are popular tourist destinations. The CFF has also spurred private investment, leveraging about $2.7 billion in spending from the funded projects. Finally, CFF grants contribute to cultural preservation by helping to restore and expand many of our nation’s most treasured historical landmarks.