星期三, 2月 28, 2024

TCCNE波士頓房地產學堂 講者傾囊相授

           (Boston Orange

新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會房地產學堂。 
周菊子報導) 新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會 (TCCNE) 224 日下午,在波士頓紐百利街的Compass會議室,開辦「波士頓房地產學堂」,請來4名講者,針對房地產的從買賣,投資出租及管理講到相關法律知識,線上、線下近百聽眾聽得茅塞頓開。

TCCNE會長王志維指出,這講座是名符其實的學堂,在4個多小時內,Compass房地產經紀Andrew Lin,三樹屋 (Tripletreehouses)負責人林承寬,屋必昇 (Home Boston Group)負責人彭聲翔 (Anson Peng),以及房地產律師胡美惠等數名

現場座談。
講者,不但鉅細靡遺的解說買賣房地產手續流程及應注意事項,還分享投資個案實例,當房東的經驗談,都有些什麼相關法律文件,該怎麼做等的建議。王志維並未直接點出,但聽眾們都察覺到的是,幾位講者幾乎都是在斜槓人生中踏進房地產這領域,使得以年輕人居多的到場聽眾更感興趣。
TCCNE會長王志維致詞。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮做為嘉賓及活動贊助者,當天特地出席講座,籲請各界關注僑委會位輔導海外台商發展事業,鍊接台灣優勢,協助海外台商產品品牌及行銷而辦理的2024年第3屆海外台商精品選拔暨輔導活動,即日起接受網上報名,331日截止報名,517日公佈入圍決賽名單。查詢相關詳情可上僑委會網站。

Andrew Lin是在小留學生年紀時,隨家人來美,從德州奧斯汀大學商業管理系畢業後,曾在KAYAKTJX7-11等企業工作過,但為追求個人興趣,來到波士頓的伯克利音樂學院唸了個音樂碩士,接著因緣際會踏進房地產界,成為Compass這家在住宅買賣上排名全美第一,成交額高達2300億元,在波士頓有11個,鱈魚角有18個辦公室的波士頓最大房地產公司之一成員。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮解說僑委會精品展活動。
Compass這家公司還和發展商合作蓋房子出售,2024年在Charlestown、Somerville、東波士頓等地至少有3項新建案正在進行中。

Andrew Lin以「買房101及看房小撇步總攬」為題,分享了買賣流程,多重上市服務 (MLS)要怎麼看,如何提交出價 (offer),看房注意事項,房屋檢查等買房子要注意細節。

3名講者,右起,Andrew Lin,林承寬,彭聲翔。
他提醒有意購屋的潛在買家,準備買屋時要先訂定目標,想清楚自己買房子的目的是要自住,投資,為子女選學區,或為家人的生活便利,有些甚麼樣的長中短期目標,打算在要買的這棟房子中住多久,手頭的購屋預算有多少,包括有多少自備款,能貸款多少等,想要買的房屋類型是共管公寓,單或多家庭屋,還是聯排別墅,對於房屋的地點,幾個房間、衛生間,車位,有沒車庫,有沒洗烘衣機,樓層高低,屋齡,房屋大小,有沒中央空調,戶外空間等等有些什麼要求,查看產權登記,並列出必要和想要的項目,以供做決定時參考。

Andrew Lin 為出席者整理出一份買房子的考慮事項重點,包括要做專業估價,提供保證金,準備並交付合同訂金,把訂金存進第三方信託帳戶,等賣家接受買家提出的價格與條件,拿到貸款預審證明,做產權調查,買產權保險等。

律師胡美惠。
買房子時,通常都會先挑選房地產經紀人,準備好購屋資金,四處看房子,出價,談判,檢查房屋,找房地產律師檢查買賣合約文件,申貸獲批可辦交割了 (CTC),再做交屋前的最後檢查,就可以完成買賣手續,簽約交屋了。

Andrew Lin指出,如果有意買的房子是共管公寓,還應該檢查總地契,信託聲明,共管公寓的營運預算,地塊及場地的平面圖,最好還能做一次立體的虛擬參觀。

另外買房子時,可以查一查房子的市場銷售歷史。

Andrew Lin還解釋了一些多重上市服務表上的一些專有名詞縮寫,包括ACT是列出的房地產還在市場上,PCG是價格有變動,BOM是重新回到市場中,EXT是展延上市日期,RAC是重新上市,CTG是物業已經有人出價,買賣雙方達成協議,還待滿足某些條件,UAG表示已達成買賣協議,SLD是已出售,RNT是已出租。

在買賣房屋時,最好比較一下上市價格和售出價格,每平方英尺的價格 (PPSF),已經上市了多少天 (DOM),房屋地點,政府給出的估值 (assessed value),專業估價者給出的估價 (appraised value)等。

想要買房子,四處看房子時的注意事項包括要瞭解基本資訊,查看地點,檢查屋況等。例如想要看的房子有開放日,還是得預約,如果是共管公寓,要查大樓有多少儲備款,有無任何特別評估,包不包括物業管理 (HOA),管理費增加幅度等。在地點上是要看房子所在社區的人文及地理環境,通勤時間,鄰近的公共交通便利程度,有什麼樣的學校,未來發展前景等。在屋況上,要檢查有沒有漏水,燈光照明,通風上的問題,查看冷暖系統 (HAVC),以及屋頂、熱水器、窗戶,樓宇的年齡,看看平面圖,查看有無任何維修更新,建商是誰,房屋有無保證等。

Andrew Lin 貼心的為"學堂"出席者整理出2023年的麻州公立學校排名,為關切學區的潛在買家,提供勒星頓 (Lexington),布魯克蘭 (Brookline),衛斯汀 (Weston),艾克頓 (Acton),Boxborough等依序30所麻州最佳學區。2024年,麻州最好的高中則是安多福菲力普學院 (Phillips Academy Andover),聯邦學校 (Commonwealth), Gorton學校等。

要買房子出價時,也有個流程,先考慮房子在市場上已經有多少天,價格,狀況即有沒其他人在競購等狀況,在文件上要準備代理經紀的揭露聲明,出價信,貸款預先批准獲資金證明文件,意外條款,鉛漆聲明等。

在房屋檢查上,Andrew Lin也準備了一份列有16項的檢查清單,供人參考。出租的共管公寓交屋時注意事項則包括查看是否有毀約,轉租情況,跟賣方協調交屋時間,找搬家公司,有沒有換工作,剛花了一大筆錢等影響貸款的事件,有沒遷入費,專業估價是多少,交屋前最後走過廠。

林承寬具有醫師資格,但在斜槓人生中已從事房地產投資超過八年,以麻州大波士頓、羅爾市、秋河市、屋斯特等市鎮,以及越南。他經營的"三樹屋"投資團隊,成員包括建築師,承包商,房地產律師,會技師,物業管理等。

"投資房產大補貼"環節中,林承寬拿出麻州房地產市場歷史趨勢圖,指出麻州房地產的中位價格已達572900元,比之前一年又上漲了6.9%,雖然房屋銷售數量只有3402戶,比去年減少了7.9%,但房屋上市後,在市場上的逗留天數,約28天,比去年少了3天,可見麻州房地產市場仍然很熱。波士頓市的房屋中位價格也上漲6%,達到795000元,銷售數量只有231戶,比去年減少了27.8%,在市場上逗留的天數增加12天,達到49天。

林承寬還特地列出布魯克蘭鎮和秋河市做對比。布魯克蘭鎮的房屋中位價為1275000元,比去年上漲了27.2%,銷售了35戶,比去年增加75%,在市場上的天數增加14天,約55天。秋河市則是平均中位價下跌6.1%,僅385000元,售出29戶,比之前一年減少35.6%,在市場上逗留的中位天數為38天,比去年增加7天。

若以出租屋的租金來看,一睡房的中位租金,在劍橋市約3000元,布魯克蘭鎮2870元,波士頓2860元。二睡房的中位租金,依序為布魯克蘭鎮的3650元,劍橋市的3544元,波士頓的3400元。三睡房的中位租金,依序為劍橋市的4663元,布魯克蘭鎮的4400元,牛頓市的4100元。

林承寬指出,出租市場的趨勢是自從1980年以來,平均租金價格每年上漲約8.85%,持續超越薪資漲幅。2021年則是特例,市場波動很大,而且這情況持續進2022年。以波士頓為例,平均租金從20207月的約僅3000出頭,略跌之後,一路上上下下,到202311月時,已漲到3926元。全美國的平均中位租金卻持平地從1500元微漲到1600以上。

林承寬說明,投資房地產,先要了解物業類別,例如房地產分共管公寓,擔家庭屋,多家庭屋,商業樓宇 (多於四個單位的就算商業樓宇),店面/辦公室/倉庫,土地/房地產開發。

"三樹屋"未來會在秋河市、屋斯特市,以及羅爾市,Brockton找機會。

林承寬還解釋了投資回報(ROI) 等於利潤除以成本,也就是營業收入減去開支,再除以成本。如何用貸款來比較槓桿化投資回報和非槓桿化的投資回報。他還用秋河市一棟有五戶人家,屋況普通的房屋為例,說明這房屋以625000元購入,交屋成本6250元,估計每月有6500元租金收入,但需繳6235元保險費,5738元物業稅,每個約520元的管理費,以及一年約2000元的維修費,結算下來約有淨利27817元,槓桿化後的投資回報率約14%

林承寬也解說了租客管理議題,尤其是在長期租約上,要怎麼找好房客,收押金及其他費用,購買房東,在出租期間至少每年檢查一次,在出租期間至少每年檢查一次,要知道房東的責任有哪些,鏟雪,收垃圾,處理漏水問題,帶人看房子,注意遵守麻州的公平房屋法等等。

林承寬提醒座中各人,要求租客購買租客保險並不違法,而且通常租客保險包括了寵物險。這麼做有助於減少法律訴訟機率。

彭聲翔也是個有生醫背景的專業人士,曾經在輝瑞製藥、諾華帝 (Novartis),博德研究院 (Broad Institute) 等處工作過,因緣際會地從2013年就一腳跨進房地產業,成為新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會前會長許漱馨所創辦的屋必昇房地產公司 (Move2Boston) 共同負責人,做了150多次交易,還另外組織了一個分享房地產知識和投資大波士頓房地產的社群 Home Boston Group。

彭聲翔的講談主要是管理房產概要及案例討論"。他列舉出的房地產投資種類有翻轉房屋 (Flipping)和買修租貸循環 (BRRRR),短期出租,中期出租,以及包括土地,稅務留置權 (tax lien),自住倉儲,聯合組織,私人借貸等。

彭聲翔解釋翻轉房屋通常是指購買中古屋,進行翻修,讓房屋淨值上升,再賣出獲利,是通過增加房屋價值方式,來賺取利益,非常適合地小人稠屋齡普遍超高的大波士頓。計算公式是ARV,也就是翻修以後的價值減去購買成本,再減去翻新成本,減去其他費用,等於預期利潤。完成一棟翻轉房屋工程,獲利10萬元以上案例,不在少數。

想做翻轉房屋,得先確定預算,包括買屋,翻修,持有的成本費用,再尋找適合的市場,建立包括承包商,房地產經紀,律師等地團隊,挑選並購買房屋,設計及施工,然後出租或出售。

他也以一棟20194月,以175000元購入的3家庭房屋為例,每月租金收入3050元,翻修花了26500元,翻修後租金收入每月3800元。2020年11月以26萬5000元出售。這樣算下來,售價減買價,再減維修價,得款63500元,另加租金收入。

BRRRR則是購買、翻修,出租,重新貸款,重複前述步驟的一種投資策略,持續購買和持有出租房產,以循環利用資本來購買更多房產。

彭聲翔也解釋了短、中、長期出租的利弊及注意事項,管理房產時要注意的外牆,內裝分類,目測檢視,申請施工許可證照流程,怎麼做決策考量,如何放大投資及利潤,花錢省麻煩和花錢省時間的考量比較等。他建議有心跨進房地產投資的人,要把這件事當成工作,心態改對了,有助往後經營。

在房地產法律業務上有20多年經驗的胡美惠律師,這天以"房產法律概要"為主題,講談買賣房屋手續中涉及法律部分的注意事項。她列出買賣房屋的步驟,從出價開始,到簽署買賣合約,申請貸款,檢查房屋,最後交屋,期間要防範意外,做居屋檢驗,盡責調查,列出附錄條款清單,包括貸款批准合約才有效,取得可以交屋狀態,拿到交屋聲明等。

交屋律師 (Closing attorney) 有責任保障其所代表客戶的權益,在買賣合約上要詳列出客戶的權益,包括貸款意外,買價,包括及不包括的內容,訂定交屋日期,逃逸條款,清楚產權,損失分佈風險等。

胡美惠律師指出,辦理付款,交屋手續時,最好用銀行本票。一旦達到清楚可交割地步 (Clear to close),也符合綜合揭露規定,安排過最後的檢視房屋後,就可以拿著銀行本票在交屋律師陪同下辦理交屋手續,請律師或自己做最後提問,拿到鑰匙,就完成了買屋大事

TCCNE會長王志維表示,該會將繼續努力促成業界合作,提供讓人認識不同行業的機會,也歡迎有想法的人和該會交流,策畫活動。查詢TCCNE詳情,可上臉書,https://www.facebook.com/tccneboston

星期二, 2月 27, 2024

波士頓市長將取消把O'Bryant學校搬到西洛士百利的計畫

           (Boston Orange 編譯) 有可靠消息來源稱,把波士頓三所考試學校之一的John D. Obryant數理學校搬到西洛士百利 (West Roxbury)的計畫,波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)已決定取消。

          去年12月時,在波士頓市議會為這計畫舉行公聽會時,示威者聚集在市政府大樓外舉牌抗議。

波士頓市長在去年6月時宣佈了這一計畫,希望徹頭徹尾的改革波士頓的高中學校系統。該計畫要把O’Bryant學校整個搬到VFW公園路上,如今空置的西洛士百利教育大樓,並重新蓋校舍。

根據該計畫,目前和O’Bryant學校共用校園的麥迪遜公園技職學校 (The Madison Park Technical Vocational School)也將翻修,擴建。

          吳弭市長和波士頓學校總監Mary Skipper的想法是蓋一座新的,有最新的實驗室,許多綠色空間,許多體育設備,以及室內游泳池的O’Bryant學校。這麼做,也將容許現有1600學生的O’Bryant學校的學生人數增加到2000人,給七年級及八年級學生更多學位。

          這計畫原定2025年實施,一年後建成新校舍。

          然而,批評者反對把O’Bryant這所波士頓市最多元化的學校,從現址遷到7英里以外,遠離波士頓市黑人社區中心,居民大都是白人的西洛士百利。

          批評者還指出,西洛士百利教育大樓,之前是西洛士百利高中,座落在大多數大眾交通工具去不到的地方,對那些住在市內最遠地方的家庭來說,通勤上學將成為一大挑戰。

          波士頓公校起初提議以穿梭巴士連接西洛士百利和波士頓市內各地。吳弭市長也在和麻州交通廳,以及麻州地鐵討論在靠近校園處,設立通勤火車站。

          不過這些努力似乎沒有結果,就連麻州教育局局長Jeffrey Riley都認為這計畫半生不熟

台民主實驗室執行長康義德在哈佛稱中國假訊息影響台灣選舉

左起:康義德、吳銘軒、Bruce_Schneier、Elettra_Bietti。 (波士頓經文處提供)
             (Boston Orange) 駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處 (TECO Boston) 和哈佛大學甘迺迪政府學院艾什中心 (Ash Center) 合作,227日舉辦「AI 與民主」研討會。台灣民主實驗室執行長吳銘軒分享了台灣對抗來自中國的假訊息攻擊經驗與實例。

                    這場研討會由哈佛教授康義德 (Edward Cunningham)主持,吳銘軒和哈佛甘迺迪學院教授Bruce Schneier,東北大學教授Elettra Bietti與談,現場只開放了50個席位給哈佛大學教授及學生,線上有110人參加。

研討會現場。(波士頓經文處提供)
                        吳銘軒的發言,以假民調,引進印度移工的假新聞為例,稱中國以假訊息干預台灣選舉。他還分析了相關訊息的內容,傳播模式,以及AI、網紅、公關媒體及社群平台所扮演的角色。

                        Schneier 教授分析了AI及社群平台是如何的影響假訊息散佈,Bietti教授從法規面討論如何規範AI生成的內容,以及AI工具的市場獨佔情況。

                        這場研討會,與會者討論熱絡。哈佛大學甘迺迪政府學院將照慣例,日後將把研討會影片上傳至哈佛亞洲中心的youtube頻道上,供各界收看。




星期一, 2月 26, 2024

麻州州長、副州長27日將分赴大波士頓商會、多明尼加獨立日早餐會

        (Boston Orange 摘譯)麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 和副州長Kim Driscoll的2月27日,行程滿檔。  

          一早8點,副州長Kim Driscoll要先到IBEW本地103分會,出席第一屆的多明尼加獨立日早餐會,發表講話。波士頓市市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)也將出席這活動 

         早上10點,奚莉州長將到衛斯汀柯普利酒店 (Westin Copley Place)出席大波士頓商會的政府論壇,分享她 所率領政府在住宅及經濟發展上有哪些優先要務。接著中午12點,她會上GBH電台的"問問州長"節目。下午2點,奚莉州長會和副州長在州政府大樓的大樓梯處,和黑人賦權協會慶祝黑人歷史月,下午3點,再為Manisha Bhatt的就任遺囑認證及家庭法院法官主持宣誓儀式 


副州長Kim Driscoll和行政及財務廳廳長Matt Gorzkowicz還要在早上11點,出席賦權地方市鎮法案聽證會。 

星期六, 2月 24, 2024

新民主聯盟要求波士頓市為參與奴隸貿易賠償150億元給波士頓黑人

     (Boston Orange摘譯)倡議付出150億元現金給受到波士頓市參與跨大西洋奴隸貿易,以及幾世紀以來反黑人機構性種族歧視等影響的波士頓黑人在說,如果要真正處理波士頓黑人過去以來所受到的無法計算損害,這賠償付款必須至少持續一個世代。

    波士頓人的賠償委員會呼籲吳弭市長給出以150億元為起始,給黑人的大量賠償。該會共主任Heather Cook說,沒有一個人能夠為幾世紀以來,在波士頓忍受種族歧視中失去的數以千計黑人性命,訂出價格

     Cook還補充到,黑人的薪資被偷了。波士頓市因此欠波士頓黑人一筆債,一筆無法計算的帳。在某種形式上來說,這最初要求的150億元現金也很象徵性.

    波士頓市政府在新民主聯盟帶領下,2024年發出一封信,為市政府在跨大西洋奴隸貿易中所扮演的角色道歉,並承諾處理這一議題。該一道歉直接導致波士頓市長吳弭去年成立了波士頓市的賠償工作小組。

星期五, 2月 23, 2024

麻州和Salem市攜手籌建第二座麻州離岸風力廠

Public-private partnership will advance second offshore wind port in Massachusetts, positioned to support construction of floating turbines in the Gulf of Maine

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), Crowley Wind Services, a global maritime transportation and logistics company, and the City of Salem today announced the transfer of ownership and an agreement for site improvements and ongoing operations for the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal. Once the site of an oil- and coal-fired power plant, this historic agreement will kickstart the transformation of the site into the second port build specifically to support the construction of offshore wind farms in Massachusetts. The Salem Offshore Wind Terminal is also unique in that it is one of a very few sites that will support the construction and installation of floating offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine. 

Among these transactions is the purchase by MassCEC of more than 42 acres on Salem Harbor and the transfer of a 5-acre parcel to the City of Salem, including the port’s existing deep-water berth. Massachusetts’s first dedicated offshore wind port is the New Bedford Wind Commerce Center, which is owned and operated by MassCEC, and is currently leased to Vineyard Wind, who in January announced the delivery of the first offshore wind power in the state.  

“MassCEC’s offshore wind infrastructure has given Massachusetts our competitive edge in this growing industry,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Adding the Salem Port to its portfolio, along with the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal and the Wind Technology Testing Center, will further elevate Massachusetts as a global leader in the offshore wind industry. This partnership with the City of Salem and Crowley will deliver another port built specifically for offshore wind at this critical time in the clean energy transition, for Massachusetts, for the United States, and for the world.” 

“This is an exciting day for Salem as we realize the vision we had for the port under new leadership,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Harnessing the power of the harbor has always been key to Salem’s success. This port once received clipper ships that brought international trade to our shores, and now will serve as a hub for offshore wind, driving economic development for the entire state.” 

“The Salem Port is one of the great success stories of Massachusetts’ clean energy transition. What was once the site of a coal burning power plant will now serve as a launchpad of our offshore wind industry,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper. “As the industry expands into the Gulf of Maine, this port will be instrumental in delivering additional clean, affordable energy to our residents and businesses.” 

"We are very proud to align with the state's strategic climate goals by launching our second wind energy port project in Massachusetts, with ambitious plans to bring this port to operational status as soon as possible,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Emily Reichert. “We are excited to be at the forefront of establishing a burgeoning offshore wind industry in real-time. It's a collaborative effort that requires action from both the public and private sector; local, state and federal governments, in partnership with Crowley, an experienced logistics and marine services operator who will oversee the port's day-to-day management." 

“Salem is ready to do our part to help advance Massachusetts’ offshore wind efforts and we're so excited to do it in collaboration with our partners at MassCEC and Crowley,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “On the site where, until quite recently, there was a giant coal pile, oil tanks, one of the dirtiest power plants in America, and vast barges unloading coal by the ton, a new, green energy future will be assembled. That work will be powered by labor from communities disproportionately impacted by our fossil fuel legacy and organized and trained for the clean energy economy that’s ahead of us. Here in Salem, when we’ve looked to the future, we’ve always looked to the sea and to what’s possible on its distant horizon. I’m so proud that Salem can be part of this important and historic effort.” 

Salem is one of America’s oldest port cities, with a deep connection to the ocean and the economic and energy future of Massachusetts and the nation. The Salem Offshore Wind Terminal location itself was once the site of an oil- and coal-fueled power plant that ceased operation as recently as 2014. 

Crowley, which purchased the property in 2022, will manage the site redevelopment and improvements and then serve as the terminal operator, entering into a lease agreement with MassCEC for the ongoing utilization of the property as an offshore wind marshalling port with priority for offshore wind projects serving Massachusetts. The City of Salem, to further support this historic effort, has leased the berth and its acreage for the same purpose. Crowley’s Wind Services business unit will start construction in 2024, strengthening the site infrastructure to accommodate heavy machinery and equipment, the construction of a second state-of-the-art ship berth and the upgrade of the City berth to the same standard, and the implementation of dredging activities to enhance the harbor channel. The port is projected to open in 2026. 

Crowley Wind Services, as a full-scope provider of offshore wind services, has actively worked since 2022 to transform the site of a former coal fired power plant in Salem into an asset to support offshore wind development. Besides operating vessels and terminals, the company provides supply chain management, construction engineering and project management services, and operations and maintenance solutions, with Salem project management based in Massachusetts.   

“We are excited to continue advancing the opportunity for clean, renewable offshore wind energy for Massachusetts and beyond through this dynamic public-private partnership,” said Bob Karl, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Wind Services. “We appreciate the leadership and support from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature in making our next steps a reality, as well as the ongoing collaborations with the City of Salem and its residents to create economic investment and jobs at a world-class marshalling port for offshore wind.” 

The purchase and redevelopment of the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal site, demonstrates MassCEC’s commitment to Massachusetts’ statutory requirement of achieving net-zero in carbon emissions by 2050. Together with the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal represents a critical piece of infrastructure for Massachusetts climate goals. In the U.S., the shortage of adequate port facilities for offshore wind has been identified as one the key areas of risk for meeting state and national goals, and market analysis indicates that more than one marshalling port will be necessary to meet Massachusetts’ timeline and goals for offshore wind.  

The MassCEC New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, a multi-purpose facility designed to support the construction, assembly, and deployment of offshore wind projects, as well as handle bulk, break-bulk, container shipping and large specialty marine cargo, is the first of its kind in North America. The MassCEC Wind Technology Testing Center, located in Charlestown, Massachusetts provides a full suite of certification tests for turbine blades up to 90 meters in length, and brings the latest wind turbine blade testing and prototype development methodologies to help the wind industry deploy the next generation of land-based and offshore wind turbine technologies. 

星期四, 2月 22, 2024

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES FRANK MENDOZA AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND BEN TAYAG AS WEST ROXBURY LIAISON

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES FRANK MENDOZA AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND BEN TAYAG AS WEST ROXBURY LIAISON

BOSTON - Thursday, February 22, 2024 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced Frank Mendoza as a new Deputy Director of the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) and Ben Tayag as the West Roxbury Neighborhood Liaison. The Office of Neighborhood Services is integral in connecting residents to City services and resources, facilitating resident input in all aspects of local government, ensuring the appropriate City departments respond to constituent service requests, attending neighborhood meetings, and responding to emergencies such as fires to help displaced residents. 


“Our Office of Neighborhood Services is on call around the clock to ensure our residents are connected to City services from neighborhood needs to emergency situations,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Frank and Ben are great fits for this essential part of city government. Frank brings years of experience as a liaison for Allston-Brighton, and Ben has a hometown perspective of West Roxbury.”


Frank Mendoza


Frank Mendoza previously served as the Allston-Brighton Liaison in the Office of Neighborhood Services. Originally from Norwalk, Connecticut, he moved to Allston to attend Boston University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. During this time, he also worked as an emergency medical technician and was hired as a legislative aide at the Massachusetts State House upon graduation. 


"My mother and father worked tirelessly to provide better opportunities for me than the ones they had. I look forward to not only serving our city but also to making my parents proud,” said Office of Neighborhood Services Deputy Director Frank Mendoza. “As deputy director, I hope to create better opportunities for all Bostonians. As a member of ONS, it has been abundantly clear to me how important this office is in shaping that future. I am thrilled to both support the mission of the Community Engagement Cabinet and serve our residents in a new and exciting capacity."


In his new role within the Office of Neighborhood Services, Mendoza will use his experience as a neighborhood liaison to build on the Office’s work to provide essential services to constituents and work towards deepening the City’s relationship with local businesses, organizations, and residents. The Office of Neighborhood Services is expanding its staff to build capacity to better serve Boston residents. Mendoza is now one of four Deputy Directors on the team, who directly support and oversee neighborhood liaisons in their roles on the ground in every Boston neighborhood. 

Ben Tayag


Ben Tayag was born in Boston and raised in West Roxbury. He graduated from the Boston Latin School. He has a background in community engagement, constituent services, and organizing. Tayag previously worked as State Senator Lydia Edwards’ District Director, serving Boston, Revere, and Winthrop residents. Tayag is excited about his new role in City Hall to give back to the community and learn more about City government. 


“I love the people of West Roxbury,” said West Roxbury Liaison Ben Tayag. “I look forward to helping residents solve problems and better understanding City government. I am committed to being responsive.”


“It has been impressive to witness liaisons who have roots in the Office of Neighborhood Services professionally grow into leadership roles within local government,” said ONS Executive Director Beata Coloyan. “Neighborhood Services is thrilled to welcome Ben as the new West Roxbury liaison and support Frank in his new role as deputy director to better serve residents, local businesses, and civic organizations.”

星期三, 2月 21, 2024

波士頓選務局提醒選民總統大選提早投票日為2月24日至3 月1日

     (Boston Orange 摘譯)波士頓選務局提醒選民,今年的總統大選初選日期為35日星期二。初選結果將決定由誰代表各黨派參選11 月的美國總統大選。選民們可從即日起至31日提早投票。

     選民可以到波士頓市政府大樓,或者鄰里社區內的投票站親自投票,或者以郵寄方式投票。


     有意郵寄投票者,必須在227日下午5點前讓市政府收到申請書。郵寄投票也可使用波士頓市分佈在全市各地的21個郵箱,或者親自遞交到波士頓市府選務局辦公室(市政府大樓241室),或者直接經由美國郵政寄出.

CITY OF BOSTON ISSUES REMINDERS AHEAD OF PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY


Early voting will take place February 24 - March 1

BOSTON - Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - The Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the Presidential Primary will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The Presidential Primary determines the presidential candidate who will represent their political party in the November State Election. Voters can update their voting status including party affiliation, new address, or name change until February 24 here. Early voting begins Saturday, running through March 1.


Voter Registration Deadline and Registration Information


The Voter Registration Deadline for the Presidential Primary is Saturday, February 24, 2024. Registration must be postmarked by February 24, 2024. Voters can register in person at the Boston Election Department, located in City Hall Room 241, by 5 pm or register online by 11:59 pm here.


In-person Early Voting


In-person early voting begins Saturday, February 24 and runs through Friday, March 1. City Hall is Boston's primary early voting site, with voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Voters are encouraged to enter City Hall through the Hanover Street entrance to access the early voting location on the second floor, Haymarket Room. 


Neighborhood early voting locations will be available throughout the city on Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25 from 11 am to 7 pm, and from noon to 8 pm. on Tuesday, February 27 and Thursday, February 29. For a full list of early voting locations click here.


All early voting sites are equipped with electronic poll books for voter check in. Early voting locations are well staffed with poll workers and interpreters, and fully accessible to voters with disabilities.


Vote-by-Mail


Voters may also choose to vote early by mail. Applications to request a vote-by-mail ballot must be received by Tuesday, February 27 at 5 pm. 


Vote-by-mail ballots may be returned using one of 21 drop boxes located throughout the City; in-person at the Boston Election Department located at City Hall Room 241; at an early voting location during the prescribed hours for voting; or via U.S. Mail. 


Voters are asked to return all signed ballot packages, whether using a drop box or the US Mail in the white postage paid return envelope included with their vote by mail ballot. Ballots must reach the Boston Election Department or a ballot drop box by 8:00 pm on Tuesday, March 5 to be counted. Ballots cannot be delivered to a polling location on Election Day.


Voters can track the status of their vote-by-mail ballots here. If there is no movement indicated in the “Track My Ballot” system, voters should plan to vote in-person on Election Day.


Accessible Voting


The Accessible Electronic Voting System allows voters who are unable to independently read, write, hold, or physically manipulate or mark ballots to submit their ballot via a secure electronic delivery system. Voters who qualify for an Accessible Electronic Ballot may apply here. The deadline to apply for an accessible ballot is Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 5 pm.


Please note: To get access to the electronic ballot, you will need to provide your email address.


Voting on Election Day 


Polling locations open at 7:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. A list of polling locations can be found here. As a reminder, voters should check their registration status via the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. Printed ballots will be available in English and Spanish. Chinese and Vietnamese ballots will be available where required. Language interpreters will also be available upon request. All voting locations are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with AutoMark Voter Assist Terminal for voters with visual or hearing impairments.


Polling Location Changes

Ward and Precinct

Previous Location

New Location

Ward 4 Precincts 11 & 12

Museum of Fine Arts,

20 Museum Rd.,

Fenway

Fenway Center,

77 St. Stephen’s St.,

Fenway

Ward 6, Precinct 10

Artists for Humanity,

100 West Second St.,

South Boston

James F. Condon School,

200 D St.,

South Boston

Ward 6, Precincts 11 & 12

District Hall,

75 Northern Ave.,

Waterfront

Building at 55 Pier Four Blvd.,

55 Pier Four Blvd.,

Waterfront

Ward 17, Precincts 1 & 3

Codman Square Tech Centre,

450 Washington St.,

Dorchester

Great Hall at Codman Square Health Center,

6 Norfolk St.,

Dorchester

Ward 17, Precinct 8

Codman Square Library

690 Washington St.,

Dorchester

Great Hall at Codman Square Health Center, 6 Norfolk St.,

Dorchester

Ward 18, Precinct 15

Another Course to College,

612 Metropolitan Ave.,

Hyde Park

New Mission High School (located within the Hyde Park Education Complex)

655 Metropolitan Ave.,

Hyde Park

Unofficial Results


After polls close at 8:00 pm, the Election Department will receive and upload unofficial results of ballots counted at polling places as they are returned from each precinct.



Exit Polling


Exit polling and interviews of voters are permitted outside the polling place, even within 150 feet of the entrance to the polling place, but only those voters who are leaving the polling place should be stopped. Voter access to the polling place should not be impeded in any way.