In Pittsfield, Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Tax Cut Savings for Housing Needs, Affordable Homes Act

 In Pittsfield, Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Tax Cut Savings for Housing Needs, Affordable Homes Act 

Tax package delivers savings for senior homeowners and 880,000 renters, invests in housing production 

 

PITTSFIELD – Today, Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll visited St. Mary’s the Morningstar in Pittsfield as part of their Cutting Taxes, Saving You Money tour to celebrate the savings for senior homeowners and renters included in the tax cuts package recently signed by Governor Healey. The package will also help to lower housing costs across the state by investing in the production of affordable housing and housing development in Gateway Cities. Earlier in the day, Governor Healey unveiled her administration’s $4 billion Affordable Homes Act, which is the largest housing investment in state history and will spur the creation of 40,000 new homes while preserving and rehabilitating tens of thousands more. 

“The Lieutenant Governor and I are proud to be spreading awareness for the savings coming for homeowners and renters today in Pittsfield, a city we know has been hard hit by an aging housing supply and skyrocketing costs. The tax cuts package that I recently signed into law will also help make housing more affordable across the state by investing in the production of affordable housing and new housing in Gateway Cities like Pittsfield,” said Governor Healey. “Additionally, the More Affordable Homes Act that we introduced today is the largest housing investment in state history and will unlock the creation, preservation and rehabilitation of more than 65,000 units across the state, lowering costs for all.” 

“One of the provisions of the tax cuts package that I’m most excited about is the expansion of HDIP. As the former Mayor of a Gateway City, I’ve seen how transformative this program can be by expanding our housing supply to meet the moment for our residents who are struggling with high housing costs,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “St. Mary’s is a great example of the impact of HDIP, as the city was able to transform this former church into 29 units of housing. This is why the Governor and I first proposed this expansion in March, and we’re grateful to the Legislature for delivering this critical investment.” 

“The Housing Development Incentive Program has provided Pittsfield with the ability to convert vacant commercial space in the upper level of commercial buildings in our downtown, renovate former churches and a vacant firehouse on Tyler Street into housing,” said Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer. “All these projects have brought new residents to the urban center of our city and have stimulated economic development in the downtown and surrounding area. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for their continued support in providing additional funding to create new housing opportunities.” 

Provisions of the tax cuts package that will make housing more affordable include: 

• Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) – increases annual program cap from $10 million to $57 million in 2023, and thereafter to $30 million annually 

• Rental deduction – increases rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $4,000. 

• Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit – Doubles the credit, from $1,200 to $2,400 for low-income seniors to help minimizes their taxes.  

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) – increases annual program cap from $40 million to $60 million 

• Estate Tax – Increases the threshold from $1 million to $2 million with a credit that mitigates the cliff effect. This change brings Massachusetts more in line with other states and keeps pace with the rising value of homes in communities across the state. This reform will allow seniors to pass on generational wealth, making it more attractive to retire and age in Massachusetts and for families to stay geographically close. 

The tax cut package included necessary support for families, seniors and businesses as well. On October 5, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll visited Gardner Elementary School and the Haverhill YMCA to celebrate the nation’s most generous Child and Family Tax Credit. On October 10, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll visited the Northborough Senior Center to celebrate doubling the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit and additional tax cuts to save seniors money. Additional visits will be planned in the coming days to celebrate relief for businesses and more.  

麻州長Healey宣佈40億元資助建造6萬5千戶住宅

 In Springfield, Governor Healey Highlights Investments in Economic and Housing Development for Western Mass 

Governor today unveiled $4 billion Affordable Homes Act to unlock the production, preservation and rehabilitation of 65,000 homes 

 

SPRINGFIELD – Today, at the Western Mass Developers Conference, Governor Maura T. Healey highlighted her administration’s efforts to invest in economic development in Western Mass, particularly through the $4 billion Affordable Homes Act that the Governor unveiled this morning. The package is the largest housing investment in state history and will spur the creation of 45,000 new homes while preserving and rehabilitating tens of thousands more. 

“From day one, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I have been committed to building an administration that supports the economic development and success of every region in Massachusetts, including Western Mass. That’s why we hired the first ever Rural Affairs Director, moved quickly to secure millions of dollars in relief funding for farms devastated by flooding, and secured more than $100 million in federal funding to lay the foundation for West-East Rail,” said Governor Healey. “It’s also why we’ve been laser focused on making housing more affordable, which we know is a top concern here in Western Massachusetts. Today we were proud to unveil our $4 billion Affordable Homes Act, which will unlock funding and give communities the tools we need to build more housing and lower costs for all.” 

“Western Mass is home to incredible economic development organizations and professionals who are critical partners in our work to support strong, growing communities across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is committed to continuing to deliver results for Western Mass, from our Affordable Homes Act, to the sweeping tax cuts package recently signed by Governor Healey, to our efforts to build West-East Rail, and beyond.” 

“Our administration is building an economy that works for everyone, in every region of our state, including Western Mass,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “We are grateful to the Western Mass EDC and the many economic development professionals in the region who serve as our partners and boots on the ground in providing valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by our local and regional economies.” 

The Western Mass Developers Conference is held every other year to connect business leaders, developers, real-estate professionals, site selectors, economic-development professionals, and public officials from Western Mass and across the Northeast. The Developers Conference is an opportunity for businesses, developers, economic-development officials, and other leaders to connect, learn, and invest in Western Mass. 

麻州府撥款660萬元資助地方公園及開放空間

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Over $6 Million in Land and Water Conservation Grants to Support Parks and Open Spaces

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $6.6 million in grant funding to make parkland and trail improvements and preserve and protect land in Massachusetts. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is awarding Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants to ten cities and towns in partnership with the National Park Service. The LWCF grants are funded through the sales of federal offshore oil and gas leases, the proceeds of which are then used to support public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

 

“The ability to work, play, and enjoy our outdoor spaces is a matter of environmental justice,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This program is another example of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to ensure our outdoor recreational areas are fairly and evenly distributed among all Massachusetts communities. From a new splash pad to cool off in the summer to an accessible town green for all people to gather, these grants will go a long way to bringing communities together outdoors.”

 

The LWCF Grant Program was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard the country’s natural areas, water resources, and cultural heritage and provide everyone with recreational opportunities. The Fund provides up to 50 percent of the total project cost for acquiring land or developing and renovating parkland. Since the program’s inception, more than $130 million has been directed to the Commonwealth’s parks and open spaces.

 

“The Malden River Works project is a community-led plan to create a climate resilient waterfront park on the Malden River, featuring a greenway, floating dock, new trees and native plants, and park space which is open to the public and built with accessibility in mind,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “I’m pleased to see that Environmental Justice communities are receiving the attention they deserve. Thank you to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the National Park Service for providing this support to the City of Malden and Malden River Works.”

 

“I commend the Healey Administration and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for their commitment in awarding $1 million to Springfield Bike & Skate Park at Gurdon Bill Park,” said State Representative Carlos González. “This investment will greatly benefit Springfield residents, providing enhanced green spaces for a healthier and eco-friendly environment and promoting biking, recreation, and exercise. It is essential that these funds are distributed equitably, ensuring that all Massachusetts citizens, regardless of background or location, can enjoy open spaces. I am grateful that these grants uphold the mission of inclusivity and accessibility.”

 

Projects receiving LWCF grants are:

 

MUNICIPALITY	PROJECT NAME	PROJECT DESCRIPTION	GRANT RECOMMENDATION
Boston	Renovation of Clifford Playground	The project will switch one of the softball fields to a little league field; shift the location of the baseball field; add a water spray area in the enlarged universally accessible playground and a multi-sport court, relocate the basketball court, add pickleball markings to the relocated tennis court, adult fitness stations to the enhanced walking trail, a plaza with new cafe style and game tables, a dog park, shade covering to the players' benches, drinking fountains/bottle filling stations, and a rain garden with plantings and an interpretive sign; plant 15 new trees; and swap out old sport lighting for LED sport lighting.	$1,000,000
Dedham	Dedham Town Green	The project will create a fully accessible, free-standing structure that will provide shade and shelter from the weather, accessible furniture, a variety of types of seating for wheelchair accessibility and multi-generational access, non-slip pavers with minimal joint spacing, and a reduction in the number of curb cuts, ADA-compliant water fountain and dog water bowl for service animals.	$500,000
Holden	Spring Ledge Farm	The project will acquire a 112-acre area, next to 100 conserved acres to the east (White Oak Land Conservation Society’s “Puffer/ Heiniger property”) and a 1000-acre Four Town Greenway to the south.	$620,000
Malden	Malden River Works Park	The project will construct a fully accessible path from the park to Commercial Street lined with over 60 trees and a small, landscaped stormwater retention area fronting Commercial Street with bioswales to retain and clean stormwater, a small bridge over the bioswale, benches, and lighting, and native plantings.	$654,187
Medford	Carr Park Renovation	The project will build a universally accessible 4-season playground; integrated water play features; a shaded central plaza; repurpose boulders and removed debris from the woodland for decor and natural play; install interpretive signage discussing solar energy and climate resilient features at the park; accessible seating and picnic tables; a drinking fountain with bottle filler; pedestrian lighting; and care and pruning for existing trees and planting of additional trees and shrubbery.	$1,000,000
Natick	Pickerel Pond Trail Connector	The project will design and construct a boardwalk to connect north and south Pickerel Pond.	$150,000
Springfield	Springfield Bike & Skate Park at Gurdon Bill Park	The project will include the installation of bike & skate park features, accessible splash pad, playground and picnic amenities, open space improvements, tree plantings, and landscaping.	$1,000,000
Sutton	American Legion Park Renovation	The project will create an updated playground for toddlers to teens with ADA and shaded elements, a picnic grove of new and existing trees with shaded seating, new/more basketball court fencing, removable softball outfield fencing and foul poles for greater safety, and the installation of a pervious pavement parking area and signage.	$218,932
Woburn	Green Street Playground	The project will replace two older pools and filtration building with a new splash pad and equipment vault.	$480,968
Worcester	Great Brook Valley (Roberto Clemente) Improvement Project	The project will include softball field upgrades with new sports lighting, accessible walkways, facility security (wood guardrail and fence), kiosks, stormwater management upgrades, tree planting, parking upgrades with lighting, and other site improvements.	$1,000,000

 

CCLT華埠移民歷史徑邀熱心民眾加入製作行列

華埠土地信託會主席李素影(右)和行政主任駱理德(中)
邀請社區民眾加入華埠移民的製作的製作行列。(周菊子攝) 

          (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 華埠土地信託會 (CCLT) 和波士頓公共圖書館合作，10月15日早上在波士頓華埠的信義大廈社區室，舉辦「打造華埠的移民歷史徑」座談，以及「口述歷史基礎」工作坊，期許熱心人士學會訪談技巧，攜手織出華埠歷史的點點滴滴。

                                              華埠土地信託會 (CCLT)主席李素影和行政主任駱理德在會中以中英文說明，移民歷史徑是該會目前在永久可負擔住宅，歷史文化保護，共享的鄰里空間，華埠總體規劃等幾大努力方向中，歷史文化保護類的一項長期計畫，還希望鼓勵居民參與，深化歷史文化保護效果。

華埠土地信託會成員展示立體圖片樣本。(周菊子攝)

                                                  該會現組織有一個小組委員會，策劃華埠移民歷史徑這計畫要怎麼推動。他們已經討論，列出一些具有歷史意義的地點，打算陸續在這些地點安裝立體圖片標誌，設置按鈕，讓居民及遊客按下按鈕，就可聽到一段關於該一地點相關歷史解說，甚至播放一段視頻。相關細節仍在研議當中，歡迎熱心民眾加入討論，提供意見。

                                                  駱理德也在會議中展示了徐乙漾請人製作出來的立體圖片，說明當人們站在不同角度時，會看到不同的照片。

                                              該會也將為「華埠移民歷史徑」製作網站，讓人瀏覽。             

                                              由於波士頓華埠早年是敘利亞人等其他族裔聚居地，所以這華埠移民歷史徑並不是華人移民歷史徑。15日這天，Nick Haddad和Rosanne Soloman都為了他們的前輩親人曾住在波士頓華埠，特地出席會議。

駱理德說明打算在這地點安放C地段歷史的介紹。 (周菊子攝)

                                          本身是已退休小學老師的Nick Haddad，因為祖父Abraham Haddad，1906年就在乞臣街和哈佛街交界處開了家雜貨鋪，一直到1960年代，政府為蓋高速公路，拆掉了一半的乞臣街時，他們家才搬到了多徹斯特。

                                              Rosanne Soloman則是母親一家，當年住在如今地址為尊尼閣2號的這棟排屋內。由於叔叔Johnny行動不便，經常坐著輪椅，待在家門前，順理成章的看護著在這條巷弄中玩耍的兒童，鄰居們心存感念，在他叔叔過世後，把原名為楓樹里的這條巷弄改名為尊尼閣。

                                              駱理德在會中說明，雖然這項目獲得麻州人道主義補助款(Mass Humanities Grant) 2萬元，由於該會人手、經費有限，華埠移民歷史徑將先以C地段，屋街和楓街交界處，以及尊尼閣等3個地點，作為計畫起步。

                                              波士頓公共圖書館的社區歷史及數位化專員Dory Klein這天主持了一場工作坊，講解口述歷史的「訪談基礎知識」。她發給出席者一分厚

尊尼閣這地名有個來由。 (周菊子攝)

18頁，雙面印刷的講義，解釋口述歷史是最古老的歷史文件記錄方法之一，訪談過程和訪談紀錄都是口述歷史的一部分。她指出，做口述歷史，通常是為了聆聽、解讀，並保存關於人們所共有過去的各種觀點，也探討人們都還記得或遺忘了的內容。

                                              Dory Klein還帶了幾個波士頓公共圖書館的「口述歷史背包」到現場，說明這內有一個錄音機，基本配件，10種語言的使用指南的背包，凡是持有波士頓公共圖書館總館借書證，年滿13歲以上的青少年或成人，可以向波士頓公圖館借用，方便人們加入製作口述歷史行列。

                                              波士頓華埠土地信託會和波士頓公共圖書館歡迎民眾加入製作華埠移民歷史行列，查詢相關詳情可洽駱理德 lydia@chinatownclt.org。

Nick Haddad (左一)和Mary Soloman(右二)等人聽駱理德沿路說明
計畫安置歷史按鈕的地點。 (周菊子攝)

包括曾任昆士小學老師的余麗馨在內，許多人都有興趣參與製作華埠移民歷史徑。

新英格蘭中文教師專業協會講座討論和家長溝通、更換證照

新英格蘭中文教師專業協會研習會出席老師們和波士頓僑教中心
主任潘昭榮合影。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 新英格蘭中文教師專業協會(NECTA) 10月14日舉辦秋季教師研習會，由前任會長張君芳，現任會長許瑛伶主講，討論如何和家長溝通，轉換教師證，出席老師們都覺得收穫良多。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮(右起)歡迎新英格蘭中文教師專業協會研習會
籌備小組，龍宇，前會長張君芳，現任會長許瑛伶，
以及王裕萍等人到僑教中心辦研習會。(周菊子攝)

              新英格蘭中文教師專業協會是個以在主流學校擔任中文老師為對象，2010年成立的組織，成立次年，放寬參加資格，也歡迎在中文學校任教的老師們參加。會員人數這些年來有起有伏。

              張君芳這天以「疑難雜症圓桌討論會」為主題，和出席老師們討論如何與家長溝通。她舉出10個要點，提醒老師們，從這些小地方著手，往往能夠鋪出一條和家長溝通更順暢的管道，從而解決課堂上遇到刁鑽學生所帶來的困擾。

張君芳老師列出解決問題的要領。(周菊子攝)

              她列出的10點建議包括，建立良好關係；提供學生自主學習環境；列出家長需知清單；聆聽家長心聲；使用比較容易用的溝通平台；注意語調及用詞；先報喜，再報憂；遇事先等一等，不要急於一時；避免獨當一面，最好找其他人一起處理；適度給予正面鼓勵等。

              她還談到解決問題的步驟，包括以學生為中心的思考；辨識問題所在；和自己信得過的同事討論；訂立幾個計畫；不要急著回應；溝通；跟進。

許瑛伶主講「教師證的轉換」。(周菊子攝)

              在這話題上，許多老師都面對過各種各樣情況，包括有學生動不動就宣稱自己處於緊急狀況等，老師們分享後，其他老師立即回饋，或表示自己也面對過類似情況，或提出因應建議，現場討論十分熱絡。

              許瑛伶主講的是教師證的轉換秘訣。她希望老師們藉由這次的分享，了解「課堂評估 (Class Measures)」有5個步驟的整個流程，並和老師們討論如何蒐集做成一套個人資料，為教學做準備。

老師們圓桌討論如何和家長溝通。(周菊子攝)

              麻州規定教師任教5年後，必須更新證照，以證明符合持續任教資格，而換證有2個途徑，一是考試，一是做課堂評估，由於課堂評估是以老師們的平日教學情況來衡量，以時間、耗費精力而言，反而都比較省事，因而也比較更受歡迎。

王明德請老師們參加中國結基礎班。(周菊子攝)

              許瑛伶指出，要申請換證，一般可在任教第3年以後開始，老師們可以先查一查自己是否已達到申請換證的所有要求，包括完成120個小時的教育學分等，檢查資訊及相關文件，包括教育領域相關成績單，如果有學士/碩士學位，可以等於120小時的教育學分，是否已經從自己所屬學區找到一名持有教師證的人作為督導，有校長推薦，上網登記申請，完整填表並繳交75元不退還的費用，然後會有一名專員承辦個案。

              除了申請費75元之外，整個PRPIL項目的費用是2400元，但是很多學校提供補助，老師們最好能主動的向學校查詢。當天出席的不少老師都得到了學校補助。

              新英格蘭中文教師專業協會財政王明德在會末，籲請老師們報名參加她將於10月21日舉辦的中國結基礎班，教做單平結、雙平結和雙聯結。

              波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮當天應邀致詞。他歡迎老師們到僑教中心舉辦研討會，稱許老師們費心精進，培育後輩子弟，精神可嘉。

新英格蘭中文教師專業協會研習 分享教學經驗|北美洲 | 僑務電子報 (ocacnews.net)