第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽揭幕 15名冠軍3萬名跑者共襄盛舉 (視頻)

菁英跑者們合影。 (周菊子攝)

          (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽已註定會是一場締造紀錄的比賽，不但有17人頂著冠軍頭銜再來參賽，爭取到參賽資格的跑者，時間紀錄都比各自的年齡、性別組要快大約5分鐘29秒。

波士頓體育會 (BAA) 12日和波士頓市府在柯普利費爾蒙酒店 (Copley Fairmont Hotel) 聯袂召開記者會，宣佈安全措施後，執行長Jack Fleming主持開幕式，介紹菁英跑者。

波士頓體育會執行長Jack Fleming (左) 宣佈今年有15名冠軍來參賽。 (周菊子攝)

              Jack Fleming很興奮的說，今年是很特別的一年，不但有15名曾經贏得各種馬拉松比賽冠軍的人來參賽，或者回波士頓衛冕，更有來自129國，全美50州的將近3萬名跑者，會在4月15日這天踏上穿越麻州8個市鎮的波士頓馬拉松跑道。今年還正好是波士頓馬拉松賽改從霍普京頓 (Hopkinton)出發的100週年。 

至於粉絲節，由於柯普利廣場正在施工，將遷址波士頓市政府廣場舉行。

Jack Fleming也提醒跑者，4月13日有波士頓馬拉松5K賽，以及邀請賽。

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)率市府警察局長、消防局長、
急救長等人說明波士頓馬拉松賽期間的安全措施。 (周菊子攝)

                     為了辦好這場比賽，該會請來105人加入比賽委員會，徵收了9500名志工，還估計或期望會破紀錄地為慈善組織共籌得5000萬元善款。

                 (波士頓體育會4月14日公佈更詳盡數據，今年共有29, 457人跑波士頓馬松賽，其中16803為男生，12,959為女生，另有53人不分性別。志工共有9,900人，其中包括1,600醫療志工。今年共有168個慈善組織參加籌款活動。

波士頓馬拉松賽今年改由美國銀行贊助。 (周菊子攝)

17名馬拉松賽冠軍。估計可為大波士頓帶來2億元的營業收入。差不多將發出124萬4500元的獎金)

                根據波士頓體育會的資訊，今年有3萬3簽名跑步時間符合資格的人申請參賽，以至於他們不得不拒絕了大約1萬1039名符合資格的參賽者。

在這些申請參賽者中，至少有6000名跑者的時間比符合資格時間快了20[ 中，快10分鐘的也有7000人。

在獲准參賽者中，除了15名冠軍之外，還有600人至少連續跑過10次以上的波士頓馬拉松。

事實上，波士頓體育會從4年前的2020年，就已經把符合參賽資格的時間，縮減了5分鐘。現在最年輕的男生要參賽，至少得在低於3小時的時間內，跑完26.2英里，最年輕的女生，得在3個半小時內跑完。不分性別組的時間，則和去年依樣。

今年有44人在這個組別中跑波士頓馬拉松。 (更新版)

波士頓市新添28名急救技師 3人晉級

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON EMS CELEBRATE NEW EMTS AND PROMOTIONS   Ceremony honors 28 graduating Recruits and 3 promotions to enhance emergency medical services in Boston

BOSTON – Friday, April 12, 2024 – Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), and Boston EMS today celebrated the graduation of 28 EMT-Recruits and three recent promotions in a ceremony at Suffolk University’s Sargent Hall. The EMT-Recruits were hired as state-certified EMTs and successfully completed the Boston EMS Recruit Academy, an additional intense training program to ensure residents receive the highest quality emergency care. The 28 new graduates now join Boston EMS to respond to medical emergencies in Boston, enhancing 9-1-1 staffing for ambulances and dispatch operations.     “Boston’s EMTs embody public service, providing care and compassion to every patient when they are most in need,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Congratulations to all of our newly graduated EMTs and our members who have been promoted to higher ranks. We are so grateful for your service to the City of Boston.” “Congratulations to the EMT-Recruits and the promoted members of EMS,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “Thank you for your dedication and service to provide high-quality emergency care to our residents, saving countless lives when people are at their most vulnerable.” The Boston EMS Recruit Academy is a full-time paid training program and includes classroom and field training for a variety of life-threatening emergency situations, including active shooter incidents, hazardous materials exposure, transportation accidents, recovery services, human trafficking, and mass casualty incidents. During training, these graduates responded to more than 3,800 9-1-1 incidents caring for patients suffering from a range of emergencies including cardiac arrest, behavioral health, illnesses and injuries, and serious trauma including shootings and stabbings.  “I am so proud of these graduates and recently promoted paramedics for everything they have already accomplished,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “I hope you will have a long career with us at Boston EMS, saving lives, mentoring future members, and continuing to uphold Boston EMS’s standard of excellence.”  Today’s ceremony also recognized three EMTs promoted to the rank of Paramedic. They have more than 26 years of combined experience at Boston EMS. Independently, they secured their paramedic certification and took necessary steps to become part of the paramedic promotional list. Once selected, they were assigned to a rigorous three-month training internship, where they refined their advanced life support skills. Since their promotion on December 31, 2023, they have been working in ALS ambulances, responding to the most critical calls across the City. Boston EMS is one of the busiest municipal EMS providers in New England, responding to more than 138,000 emergency medical incidents annually. To meet the growing demand in Boston, Boston EMS is actively recruiting to expand the department, add frontline ambulances, and better meet the rising demand for service. Over the last nine months, Boston EMS has successfully hired more than 90 members to join its team of now 428 uniformed personnel. In addition to the Recruit Academy, Boston EMS also has a Cadet program, a five-month paid training for people interested in becoming EMTs. A group of Cadets recently graduated and will join the next Recruit class starting April 22. The next Cadet program begins on April 29 with approximately 20 people.  Boston EMS expects to be hiring EMTs and Cadets again this summer. Starting pay for newly hired EMTs is $33 an hour. Those interested in a rewarding career at Boston EMS can visit boston.gov/ems to learn more and sign up for training and notices.

Somerville 訂5月18日推出首屆新英格蘭香港節

          (Boston Orange) 在尚莫維爾市 (Somverville)市政府，以及該市藝術委員會，移民事務辦公室共同主辦下，由一群熱心義工策劃的首屆新英格蘭香港節，將於5月18日下午4點至8點在尚莫維爾 (Somerville)市的聯合廣場 (Union Square) 90號舉行。

香港節主辦人之一的吳欣蕎 (Natalie Ng) 指出，這一節情旨在亞裔傳統月 ((AANHPI Heritage Month) 中宣揚香港文化。

活動當天，現場將有20個攤位，提供各式各樣的亞洲和香港風格商品，與會者可以購買當地小企業的藝術品、配飾、玩具、小吃、書籍和手工藝品。香港及亞裔攤商將在現場售賣食物。

活動現場還將將有各種免費的遊戲和文化活動，包括香港紙牌遊戲、龍舟展示和示範、國際象棋、羽毛球，以及製作紐扣和分享故事等活動。

波士頓華埠社區中心 (BCNC)和尚莫維爾市民事務辦公室工作人員將在資訊桌前回答訪客提問。

當天的現場表演包括胡清醒獅團的舞獅表演、竹笙 (Juksing)粵劇、Barry和朋友以及Nicole的音樂表演。音樂家們將展示粵語流行樂翻唱、原創和粵語經典的精選作品。

出席者將有機會拍照，以捕捉節日的珍貴回憶。

新英格蘭香港藝術節是尚莫維爾藝術委員會藝術聯盟系列(ArtsUnion) 的一部分，該系列始於2005年，旨在促進聯合廣場文化經濟發展。ArtsUnion 提供活動和市場、文化和歷史之旅、委託製作街道傢俱和公共藝術，以及修訂分區以激勵藝術重建。

如欲瞭解更多有關新英格蘭香港藝術節的資訊，包括供應商、活動及表演的最新情況，請流覽 www.newenglandhkfest.com。

Senate Authorizes $375 Million for Local Transportation Infrastructure

 Senate Authorizes $375 Million for Local Transportation Infrastructure

Chapter 90 funding would support cities and towns with road and bridge construction, public transit improvement, and EV infrastructure

 BOSTON (4/11/2024)—Today, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously approved $375 million in bond authorizations for statewide transportation projects, including the state’s Chapter 90 program, which would create a reliable funding source for local infrastructure investments like roads, bridges, regional transit equipment and infrastructure, bicycle infrastructure, and electric vehicle infrastructure, among other things.

Projects funded by the annual legislation often improve quality of life for residents in every region of the state, and many play a role in environmental mitigation.

Every city and town in the Commonwealth would receive a share of $200 million in funding to be used on maintenance and construction of roads and bridges. $150 million would be allocated equally to six programs targeting specific transportation infrastructure, and $25 million would be allocated to cities and towns through the rural roads program.

“Getting around our communities is a fundamental part of everyone’s day,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Whether the commute takes you on the sidewalk, through a bike lane, across a small bridge, onto your Regional Transit Authority, or to the T, your journey should be quick and safe. By passing today’s legislation, we are empowering our cities and towns with the funding to make improvements to the infrastructure our residents travel on, regardless of where they go and how.”

“Our transportation infrastructure is so vitally important to the state’s economy, and this Chapter 90 funding addresses many outstanding issues in keeping the Commonwealth’s roadways, bridges, and public transportation system in peak operating condition. I’m pleased that over $375 million has been allocated to municipal roadways, local streetscape improvements, and enhancements to our mass transit system,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  

“The annual authorization of the Chapter 90 program provides cities and towns with the state funding they need to most effectively address their transportation infrastructure needs,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “This $375 million total investment in both Chapter 90 and additional grant opportunities funds tangible improvements across our entire transportation network—including roads, bridges, access to mass transit, and sidewalks.”

Of the $375 million in total authorizations, the legislation would allocate $25 million to each of the following programs that target specific infrastructure areas:

 

· Municipal Pavement Program, which focuses on the improvement of municipally owned state numbered routes.

· Municipal Small Bridge Program, which provides financial support to cities and towns for small bridge replacement, preservation, and rehabilitation projects.

· Complete Streets Funding Program, which provides funding to municipalities for streets that provide safe and accessible options for all travel modes such as walking, biking, transit, and vehicles.

· Municipal Bus Enhancement Program, which provides grant funding to build out infrastructure related to mass transit by bus.

· Mass Transit Access Grant Program, which provides grants for design and construction improvements to access commuter rail stations or other mass transit stations, such as parking lots, drop-off and pick-up zones, bike storage infrastructure, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

· Municipal/RTA EV Grant Program, which provides grants to Regional Transit Authorities and municipalities for the purchase of electric vehicles and related charging equipment.

 

A previous version having been passed by the House of Representatives, the legislation now awaits final enactment in each branch, before being sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature

BPDA awards tentative designation to Related Beal and DREAM Development to redevelop parking lots into 402 housing units

BOSTON - April 11, 2024 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors today awarded tentative designation to Related Beal and DREAM Development for the redevelopment of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) Lots located in Roxbury into 402 housing units. This designation is in direct response to the City’s 2022 land audit, which identified this site as a high-priority opportunity site for community planning and redevelopment. The new mixed-use development will help address the City’s most urgent needs including affordable housing, community development, and climate resilience. "This critical designation moves us forward to turn parking lots into housing that addresses residents' needs," said Mayor Wu. "I'm grateful to our City teams for their cross-departmental collaboration to take stock of all of our City-owned properties and ensuring that our redevelopment efforts truly advance public land for public good. We look forward to partnering closely with Related Beal and DREAM Development to ensure the community's vision for this critical development is realized." “We were very fortunate to receive two great proposals for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission Lots, which made for a competitive process, and I’m grateful to both teams for their participation. I’m excited to move forward with this designation for such a large amount of land in our City, with a proposal that will add significantly to our housing stock, and genuinely advance this disposition of public land for public good” said Chief of Planning Arthur Jemison. “Ensuring that this land is a public benefit for the future responds to years of engagement with the community through the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan and PLAN: Nubian Square. I’d like to thank our staff for helping make the community’s vision here become a reality.” "We look forward to partnering with DREAM Development and Related Beal, alongside the Roxbury community, to transform the Boston Water and Sewer parking lots into much needed housing and community assets,” said Housing Chief Sheila Dillon. “This project will deliver a variety of housing types, including rental, homeownership and homes for our older adults. However, this initiative is more than just a housing solution; it's a commitment to undoing the damage of urban renewal, fostering inclusive growth and contributing to a resilient, thriving community." The five parking lots cover 17 parcels in Roxbury between Melnea Cass Boulevard, Harrison Avenue, and Washington Street. The Related Beal and DREAM Development proposal would convert those parking lots into 402 residential units, 89 percent of which would be income-restricted rental and homeownership opportunities. The proposal includes 79 homeownership units, 229 rental units, and 94 senior housing units. In addition to housing, the team intends to create wealth building programs that would help renters become first-time homebuyers. The final phase of the project will include homeownership units, with the goal of making them available to residents who live in the rental units built in earlier phases after generating equity through said wealth-building programs. This development would also include an acre of new green space, ground floor spaces including retail, dining, community services, and incubator and startup spaces. The project will be designed as LEED Platinum, with all electric buildings, and with elevated floors to protect against flooding. “We are grateful to the City of Boston, BPDA, and the Mayor’s Office of Housing for this incredible opportunity to bring affordable housing, wealth generation, workforce development and open space to Roxbury’s Nubian Square,” said President of Related Beal Kimberly Sherman Stamler, and Managing Principal for DREAM Development Gregory Minott. “Together as partners, Related Beal and DREAM are excited to work closely with the city, local stakeholders, and the Roxbury community to create a development that provides new housing opportunities and upholds the character and legacy of this historic neighborhood.” The redevelopment of the property will comply with the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan RSMP, a neighborhood-wide planning strategic framework to guide change and economic growth in Roxbury, as well as PLAN: Nubian Square (2019) which is an implementation plan to mobilize development on publicly owned parcels in Roxbury’s Nubian Square. PLAN: Nubian Square’s planning objectives include job creation for the community, development of diverse and affordable housing options, creation of resilient and sustainable design, and commitment to diversity and inclusion in the development process. BPDA staff held five community meetings to inform the draft of the RFP to ensure that this project is community-led development in action. From those engagements, and in concert with the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan and PLAN: Nubian Square, the development objectives for this RFP included: equitable and affordable housing and wealth creation, bolstering of community infrastructure such as small business development, daycares, laundromats, etc, addressing urban heat island effect, and development without displacement. In line with the BPDA’s RFP standards, the selected development team was required to submit a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process. The redevelopment at this site has also been identified as a potential recipient of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the Mayor’s Office of Housing

BPDA implements zoning recommendations from PLAN: Mattapan, advances largest office-to-residential conversion project to create 95 units Downtown Agency takes real estate actions to preserve artist space, redevelop vacant land into housing

BOSTON - April 11, 2024 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors Thursday approved new Squares + Streets zoning districts in Mattapan, as well as the tentative designation of a team to redevelop the Boston Water and Sewer Commission Lots. The Board also approved five new development projects representing approximately 1.9 million square feet (SF). The new development projects will create 254 residential units, 61 of these units are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 1,651 construction jobs and 4,552 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city.  Planning & Zoning BPDA approves Squares + Streets districts in Mattapan The BPDA Board approved a petition to the Zoning Commission to amend the zoning code to map Squares + Streets districts in Mattapan. Mattapan is the first neighborhood in the City where Squares + Streets zoning districts will be mapped. This new zoning in Mattapan is the implementation of recommendations from PLAN: Mattapan, and additional engagement with the community over the last several months. Squares + Streets Zoning Districts vary in their use allowances, dimensional regulations, and density. The districts in Mattapan are mapped to respond to existing context and goals identified in PLAN: Mattapan. The geographic areas proposed to be amended, which provide unique and different amenities and resources to the Mattapan community, include Mattapan Square, Blue Hill Avenue, the Morton Street Commuter Rail Station, and the intersection of Cummins Highway and Greenfield Street.  Real Estate BPDA awards tentative designation to Related Beal and DREAM Development for the redevelopment of the Boston Water & Sewer Commission Lots The BPDA Board of Directors awarded tentative designation to Related Beal and DREAM Development for the redevelopment of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) Lots located in Roxbury. This designation is in direct response to the City’s 2022 land audit in which this site was identified as a high-priority opportunity site for community planning and redevelopment. This property has the potential to become a mixed-use development that will address the City’s most urgent needs including affordable housing, community development, and climate resilience. [Read more] BPDA acquires 290 North Beacon Street to be used as a permanently affordable arts & culture space in Allston-Brighton The BPDA Board approved a demonstration project plan that will allow the agency to formally acquire the site at 290 North Beacon from the owner, IQHQ, to be redeveloped for permanently affordable arts and culture space and other compatible uses. This is as a result of the redevelopment of a nearby site by IQHQ, 155 North Beacon Street, into life science space. The sale of the 290 North Beacon Street property to the BPDA for a negligible price is a community benefit of that redevelopment. 155 North Beacon Street was previously a rehearsal and recording space for musicians within the Greater Boston area. The developer of 155 North Beacon Street, IQHQ, has committed to transferring 290 North Beacon Street to the BPDA to mitigate against the widespread displacement of artists from the neighborhood.  BPDA awards final designation for the redevelopment of 20 and 22 Drydock Avenue  The BPDA Board of Directors today awarded final designation status to 22 Drydock, LLC: a joint venture between Related Beal, Boston Real Estate Investment Fund (BREIF) and Kavanaugh Advisory Group to redevelop the land at 20 and 22 Drydock Avenue in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP) into a new life science space with millions of dollars in public benefits. Demolition of the previous structures on site has already been completed and the project is expected to break ground in the next few months. The project consists of two individual parcels in the RLFMP, which were formerly occupied by offices of the Economic Development Industrial Corporation of Boston, as well as marine industrial tenants, and will be combined into one parcel with a new seven-story research laboratory and office building. The ground floor will include a state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom space for the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute. The space will serve as a satellite location for marine research, facilitate teaching opportunities, and provide access to local students and community groups. By providing this space, this project supports the RLFMP’s mission to provide a reserve for marine industrial activity. The primarily life science and research and development uses of this site are also consistent with a goal of the RLFMP Master Plan Update to encourage new economic uses. Public benefits from this project include more than $3 million in Linkage funding, with more than $2.8 million going toward affordable housing and more than $525,000 toward jobs training. Like all developers of BPDA-owned parcels in the City of Boston, the selected development team is required to meet the BPDA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process. Of the current team members, approximately 60 percent are M/WBE firms. The project is also working with In Order Business Development Solutions to continue its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives throughout construction. Development Projects 2 Hillsboro Street project will bring new income-restricted artist housing to Upham’s Corner Live: 21 income-restricted units, 18 artist live/work homeownership units Work: Shared workspace, exhibit space, approximately 21 construction jobs Connect: Close proximity to public transportation, improved public realm  Sustain: Passive House, LEED certified  This project will convert what is currently vacant land into 21 new income-restricted homeownership units in the Upham’s Corner neighborhood of Dorchester, 18 of which will be specifically designated for artists as live/work units. These will be a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms. Upham’s Corner is identified as an Arts and Innovation District where economic development is anchored by cultural uses. Artist housing, venues for the creative economy, and public realm enhancement are necessary to fulfill this vision, in part through strong public-private partnerships. The project at 2 Hillsboro Street fulfills these objectives by creating housing for artists in the neighborhood, and therefore creating a hub for the creative economy, along with the nearby Humphreys Street Studios, which the Arts and Innovation District seeks to achieve. 85 Devonshire Street project will convert an office building to 95 new homes in Downtown Boston Live: 95 units, 19 income-restricted units Work: Approximately 104 construction jobs Connect: Close proximity to public transit Sustain: All electric, adaptive reuse of existing building  What is currently an 11-story office building in Downtown Boston will be converted into housing, retaining the ground floor retail space. The building will include 95 units, 19 of which will be income-restricted. In order to encourage new use of underutilized office space and respond to the City’s housing crisis, the Downtown Conversion Program offers a tax abatement and a streamlined approval process to applicants who meet affordability and sustainability requirements. This project will advance key recommendations of both the 2022 Downtown Revitalization Report and PLAN: Downtown. This is the second conversion that has been approved by the BPDA Board since the program launched in the fall of 2023. 115-121 Boston Street project to bring new housing to Dorchester Live: 90 residential units, 15 income-restricted units Work: Ground floor retail space, approximately 99 construction jobs Connect: Bike parking, close proximity to public transit, subsidized MBTA passes, support for carpooling program Sustain: LEED Gold, rooftop solar panels Located in Dorchester, this project will build a new five-story, mixed-use development including 90 compact living units, 15 of which will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom units. The building will offer amenities for residents including a meeting and recreation room and a fitness center on the ground floor. This project will improve the surrounding public realm including a new public park, better connections for pedestrians, and more than 20 new trees on site. In support of the City’s bikeshare program, this project will contribute $24,750 to the Boston Transportation Department. The project will also contribute $50,000 to the Parks and Recreation Department to go towards the upkeep of nearby parks, specifically Joe Moakley Park. In addition, this project will also make a  $7,500 contribution to the Polish Club and a $7,500 contribution to the Boston Collegiate Charter School. Project at 749-759 Dudley Street and 2 Virginia Street will build new housing in Dorchester Live: 48 residential units, six income-restricted units Work: Approximately 43 construction jobs, ground floor retail space Connect: Public realm improvements, close proximity to public transportation This project will replace two commercial buildings with a new mixed-use, multi-family development in Dorchester. The transit-oriented development will provide ground floor retail and 48 residential units, which will be a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms. Of those, six units will be income-restricted.  CORE on the DOT Phase 1b, 505 Dorchester Avenue, 65 Ellery Street, and 75 Ellery Street to build three new commercial, research and development buildings in South Boston Live: $16.7 million in Linkage funding to support affordable housing Work: Retail space, approximately 4,509 permanent jobs created, $3.1 million in Linkage funding to support jobs training, 1,384 construction jobs Connect: More than an acre of community open space, 150 new trees Sustain: Elevating parts of the site to protect against flooding, all electric lab buildings, LEED Gold This project is part of the On the Dot Planned Development Area Master Plan which was approved by the BPDA Board in October of 2023. This phase will construct three new commercial office, research and development, and lab buildings with ground floor retail space and bicycle parking. 505 Dorchester Avenue will be 12 stories; 65 Ellery Street and 75 Ellery Street will each be 13 stories. This project is aligned with PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue and the PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue Transportation Planning Study, as the commercial and lab uses and ground floor retail will activate the neighborhood in this area. PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue established a framework for the area’s evolution from an industrial to a mixed-use neighborhood. The project will also include more than an acre of public open space, as well as a new street network, transportation improvements, and pedestrian safety improvements. This project will provide space for three bikeshare stations on site and contribute more than $390,000 total to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare program. The project will contribute $16.7 million in Linkage funding to support affordable housing and $3.1 million in Linkage funding to support jobs training. In addition to these projects, the board approved: An update to a previously approved project at the Stanhope Hotel to add another floor to the building. An update to a previously approved project at 267 Old Colony Avenue to change the programming from rental units to homeownership units. An update to a previously approved project at 575 Albany Street to change the programming from rental units to homeownership units. The disbursement of $125,000 to the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Department of Urban Planning in support of the 2024 Summer Program Expanding Boston’s Pipeline for Youth of Color in Urban Planning.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES GRANT FUNDS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SERVING BOSTON’S RETURNING CITIZENS

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES GRANT FUNDS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SERVING BOSTON’S RETURNING CITIZENS Office of Returning Citizens will be hosting a job fair to support returning citizens throughout the application process for jobs at the City of Boston.

BOSTON - Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that applications are now being accepted for the latest round of the Returning Citizen Support (RCS) Mini Grant. This grant is one of the City’s initiatives for Second Chance Month, a national initiative to support the reentry of returning citizens and providing second-chance opportunities for those with criminal records. The RCS grant is a competitive grant with the goal of supporting non-profit organizations that provide reentry support services and programming to individuals who are returning to Boston after being released from federal, state, or county correctional facilities. This year, a total of $80,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations providing reentry services and programs to Boston’s returning citizens. Applications are now open and responses are due on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. “Our goal is to support returning citizens to make a smooth transition to thrive in their communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful for all of the organizations that create and open doors for second-chance opportunities, and we aim to support them in the critical work that they do.” “Providing opportunities for organizations led by and serving formerly incarcerated Boston residents is directly in line with the Mayor’s commitment of creating a Boston that is welcoming to all,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “The needs of Boston’s returning citizens currently exceed the available supply; this investment allows us to increase our service capacity and provides opportunities for those navigating the challenges of reentry to be met with compassion and grace.” Every year, the Office of Returning Citizens supports over 3,000 individuals that return to Boston from federal, state and county prisons and jails with the healthy steps to re-enter their communities. Reentry and integration services may include, but are not limited to job training programs, peer mentoring, family reunification, community stability, food assistance, economic independence, and housing stability. Additionally this year, the City of Boston has implemented revisions to the CORI policy, in efforts to improve the hiring process. Policy revisions have been made to ensure that the language is clear, and that the City’s Human Resources professionals have received proper training on how to hire people with criminal records. ORC has been developing partnerships with various departments, such as the Parks Department, to provide more opportunities to hire formerly justice-involved individuals. Additionally this month, the Office of Returning Citizens will be hosting a job fair to support returning citizens throughout the application process for jobs at the City of Boston. “As an employer, the City of Boston strives to be a positive example for other employers across the state,” said Chief People Officer Alex Lawrence. “I am glad we have improved the processes and support within our operations to become a more supportive employer for those with criminal records.”  Later this month, the Office of Black Male Advancement will also be hosting a Project Opportunity Resource Fair and CORI Legal Clinic in partnership with the Office of Returning Citizens. Project Opportunity is an initiative that creates equitable opportunities for Boston residents with CORIs. The program connects residents with free legal consultation for sealing or expunging records; has panel discussions to address challenges and solutions for residents with CORIs; connects residents with employment and training resources; connects residents with key resources for well-being; and partners with City departments to meet the needs of residents with CORIs. The Project Opportunity Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10am-1pm at the Bruce E. Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington St in Roxbury. “The Office of Black Male Advancement strives to improve outcomes and reduce systemic barriers to Black men and boys living in Boston,” said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of The Office of Black Male Advancement. “I am grateful for our continued partnership with the Office of Returning Citizens. During Second Chance Month we will be supporting their efforts to create opportunities and resources for residents with CORIs.”