MBTA Advances Nearly 1,000 Units of Housing Through Collaborative Agreements, Including Significant Affordable Housing

 MBTA Advances Nearly 1,000 Units of Housing Through Collaborative Agreements, Including Significant Affordable Housing

 

ATTLEBORO – The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is proud to announce the completion of five Collaborative Agreements to Advance Housing Transit-Oriented Development Projects within the past year under the leadership of MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng, including the 18.98-acre site at Attleboro Station. The agreements represent a cross-section of Memorandums of Agreement (MOA), purchase and sale agreements, easements, or amendments to existing agreements that make these projects possible. These agreements have enabled the development of nearly 1,000 housing units, many of which are affordable, demonstrating the MBTA’s commitment to supporting housing development in concert with local communities.

 

Today, Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus and MBTA General Manager Eng joined Attleboro officials to highlight this site, which is the culmination of a vision that began over 30 years ago under the Administration of the late Judy Robbins, former mayor of Attleboro, Massachusetts, who first conceived the plan for the development of this land.

 

“Housing near public transit is good housing policy, it’s good transportation policy, and it’s good climate policy,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “Massachusetts is in desperate need of more affordable housing. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to working with our local communities and the MBTA to repurpose underutilized land and transform it into vibrant, livable communities. This housing means more opportunities for families to thrive and call Attleboro home.”

 

In addition to these collaborative agreements, the MBTA and its development partners have also recently completed and opened several new housing projects, further contributing to the region’s housing stock. Today’s event was part of the Administration’s statewide Housing Campaign to call attention to the urgent need to lower housing costs throughout Massachusetts. Yesterday, the Administration announced $12 million in Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) to 54 Community Development Corporations across the state. Events last week focused on transforming public housing, identifying housing solutions with the business industry, ending veteran homelessness, the impact of housing on health care, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s partnership with cities and towns to find solutions.

 

“We know that a sound transportation system is vital to ensuring and improving quality of life for riders, communities, and businesses that we serve. These collaborative agreements are a testament to the power of partnerships as we all strive to address the need for housing,” said MBTA General Manager Eng. “When we invest in public transportation, we are investing in vibrant and sustainable communities. We thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership in this critical work as we do our part to support the creation of housing developments that are affordable and equitable.”

 

The MBTA’s Transit-Oriented Development and Innovative Delivery (TOD/ID) program fosters sustainable growth and improved transit access by partnering with developers, municipal and state agencies, and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach has led to successful transit-oriented development projects at Assembly Station, Jackson Square Station, Wonderland Station, and North Station.

 

“In Attleboro and beyond, the key to solving our housing shortage is boldly building more homes and various types of housing across price points,” said Attleboro Mayor Cathleen DeSimone. “We must commit to moving beyond the traditional single-family home and embrace again multi-family housing, mixed-used developments, smaller homes and smaller lot sizes, and accessory dwelling units. Adding homes near transportation hubs is one important way of advancing both our housing objectives and the state’s climate initiatives. If we want to continue welcoming working families to live and thrive here, building more housing is essential to the economic and cultural future of Attleboro and the Commonwealth.”

 

The five MBTA Transit-Oriented Development Collaborative Agreements are as follows:

 

• Attleboro: In Attleboro, the MBTA executed an MOA with the Attleboro Redevelopment Authority (ARA) for a land swap and future sale of MBTA property, which will be combined with ARA property to support up to 600 units of housing adjacent to Attleboro Station – its largest transit-oriented-development yet.
  
• Salem: In Salem, the MBTA partnered with the Salem Redevelopment Authority to combine MBTA land with City-owned land, enabling the Winn Companies to build a 120-unit mixed-income housing project, including 48 affordable units, next to Salem Station. This project was a key priority for Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll during her tenure as Mayor of Salem.
  
  
• Winchester: Similarly, in Winchester, the MBTA collaborated with the Town to sell a parcel of land, which was combined with the Town’s property to facilitate Civico’s 56-unit housing project at Winchester Station, featuring 40 affordable units.
  
  
• Boston: In Boston, the MBTA relieved the nonprofit Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services of an outstanding mortgage obligation on a former MBTA property, allowing the nonprofit to advance a 100% affordable housing project of up to 94 units near Roxbury Crossing Station.
  
  
• Swampscott: Lastly, the MBTA also provided a long-term easement to the Winn Companies in Swampscott, enabling a 114-unit mixed-income housing project adjacent to MBTA tracks, with 76 affordable units.

 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made key investments in both housing and transportation across the state,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Today’s event reinforces our commitment to delivering a transportation system that can strengthen the state’s economy, provide access to employment and housing, and improve the quality of life for all our residents.”

 

Looking ahead, the MBTA is working to advance redevelopment at key transit hubs such as Quincy Center, Riverside, and Alewife stations. The Agency is also supporting the construction of over 1,800 units of market-rate housing and 500+ units of affordable housing in communities across its service area, with an additional 6,000 units in the design and planning review phases.

 

“We appreciate the support of the MBTA to increase the land offering for our project and look forward to the successful expansion of housing opportunities in Attleboro,” said Attleboro Redevelopment Authority Chairperson Rose Larson.

 

The land surrounding the Attleboro Station has a long history of industrial use and contamination. The site of Renaissance North and bus loops was once home to Automated Machine Products - North, while the site of One Wall Street housed Automated Machine Products - South and the Old Barn. The area immediately south of the Commuter Rail platform was previously occupied by a police station, Department of Public Works laydown yard, and municipal landfill. Further south, the land at Olive Street was once a chemical company site, with an outbuilding that caught fire. Over the decades, these parcels were contaminated by various sources. Through the collaborative efforts of MassDevelopment, MassDEP, MassDOT, the FTA, the City of Attleboro, and the Attleboro Redevelopment Authority (ARA), these parcels were acquired and remediated to allow for dense residential use. This massive undertaking has prepared the land for its future purpose.

 

Looking ahead, the ARA is set to release a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) as the first of two steps in selecting a Master Developer to guide the redevelopment of the transit-oriented development land. The RFQ will enable the ARA to identify a pool of qualified development teams with the necessary experience and financial capacity to undertake a project of this scale. In addition to assessing the qualifications of interested developers, the ARA will use the RFQ to better understand each team’s abilities, portfolio, and vision. This information will help the ARA craft a more prescriptive Request for Proposals (RFP) in the second step, which will be released directly to the developers selected in the RFQ process. The RFP will require certain project elements, such as a minimum percentage of affordable units, open space, and engagement of woman- and minority-owned businesses in the development.

 

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

 

State Representative Adam J. Scanlon:

 

“Housing insecurity is the largest generational challenge that Bristol County has been tasked with yet, but every challenge presents an opportunity. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in the City of Attleboro in their effort to expand housing production to make our Commonwealth competitive and affordable. Our region has the best schools and quality of life services that our Commonwealth has to offer. It is up to all of us to ensure that the next generation can continue to enjoy those services, but most importantly, call places like Bristol County home.” 

 

Representative State Jim Hawkins (D) 2^nd Bristol District, Attleboro:

 

“This opportunity to plan for the future began with a vision from the past and will be realized present time. Transit-oriented development has proven to make cities like Attleboro more sustainable, people-centered places. Rethinking old patterns of expansion will allow for more employment opportunities, grant access to quality public spaces, reduce air pollution and energy consumption, and enhance economic activity. Secretary Augustus and General Manager Eng have shown support for those of us advocating at the local and state levels, commitment, and forward-thinking in their respective areas of expertise. Together, we are dedicated to growing and changing the Commonwealth for the better.”

 

State Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), whose Senate district includes the City of Attleboro:

 

“For many Attleboro residents, living in the community means taking advantage of the city’s proximity to both Boston and Providence through the downtown MBTA Commuter Rail station. Attleboro’s work to co-locate housing within its downtown footprint represents the very best of what transit-oriented development can be, and it ought to serve as a model for these types of planning initiatives across the Commonwealth. I commend the collaborative work and ongoing partnership between state and municipal officials who for decades have worked together to overcome hurdles and build investments that provide Attleboro residents with new transportation and housing opportunities they deserve.” 

 

For more information, visit mbta.com or connect with the T on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA and @MBTA_CR, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, Threads @thembta, or TikTok @thembta. 

麻州2024四月失業率2.9%

           (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州勞工和勞動力發展執行辦公室17日宣佈，麻州 4 月份總失業率為 2.9%，與 3 月份修正後的 2.9% 估計值持平，比全美失業率的3.9% 低 1.0 個百分點。

根據美國勞工統計局 (BLS) 的報告，3月份，麻州就業居民人數增加了1萬零100名，失業人數為4100。4月份私人企業就業率增幅最大的是教育和衛生服務、專業、科學和商業服務，以及貿易、運輸和公用事業。 目前就業人數為 3,733,000 人。

 自 2020 年 4 月就業低點以來，馬薩諸塞州增加了 669,500 個就業機會。

美國勞工統計局估計，從 2023 年 4 月到 2024 年 4 月，馬薩諸塞州增加了 21,800 個就業機會。 年比增幅最大的是教育和醫療服務、休閒和旅館以及政府類。

在4月份的統計數據中，麻州有 3,659,900 名居民就業，109,200 人失業，勞動力總數為 3,769,200 人。 失業率為 2.9%，與 3 月修正後的 2.9% 持平。

在年度修訂後，勞動力人口比 2023 年 4 月估計的 3,747,900 人增加了 21,300 人，就業居民增加 33,600 人，失業居民減少 12,400 人。

MAYOR WU APPOINTS FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE BYRON RUSHING TO CITY’S REPARATIONS TASK FORCE

MAYOR WU APPOINTS FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE BYRON RUSHING TO CITY’S REPARATIONS TASK FORCE

BOSTON - Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston Reparations Task Force recently announced the appointment of former State Representative Byron Rushing to the Reparations Task Force. With this appointment, the task force members will continue to build and convene around Boston’s work regarding research and community engagement around reparative solutions for the descendants of enslaved persons.  “Byron Rushing is a groundbreaking leader and legendary advocate for justice whose work has moved our city forward,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Throughout his life, he has always fought for voices who have gone unheard and uplifted communities across the state. I’m grateful for Byron’s service on the Reparations Task Force and know that he will be an invaluable member guiding this critical work.” Rushing’s appointment adds a range of experience and strong understanding of Boston’s communities that will build on the task force’s composition and current work. The Reparations Task Force consists of community leaders in law, academia, community organizing, and education and represents diversity in age, gender, and discipline to fully encompass the Black experience in Boston. The task force is currently working with two teams of research partners who are studying and documenting the City’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.  “As the Boston Reparations Task Force conducts our examination of the historical and present impacts of slavery in the City of Boston, we are pleased to welcome State Representative. Byron Rushing (Ret.),” said Joseph D. Feaster, Jr., Chair of the Reparations Task Force. “We thank Mayor Wu for her leadership in appointing Representative Rushing. I am delighted with his appointment because of the thoughtful deliberations he will bring as we, in collaboration with the community, work towards presenting recommendations for a reparations plan for Boston.” Former State Representative Byron Rushing has served as a vital advocate for  Black communities across Boston and Massachusetts. During his time in the State House, Rushing represented the 9th Suffolk District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1983-2018. Rushing rose to become Assistant Majority Leader, the highest-ranking leadership role ever held by a person of color in the Massachusetts State Legislature. “The task of determining reparations is one of utmost importance in this moment as Boston and communities across the country take on helping people reconcile, move forward and recover,” said Byron Rushing. “This work will not be easy because it begins with the history of Boston’s  involvement with  slavery and the slave trade. I’m thankful to Mayor Wu and look forward to working closely with every member of the task force and community to ensure that we center this work on equity and justice and truth.” Before his service as a legislator, Rushing participated in the civil rights movement and worked in various capacities for the Congress of Racial Equity (CORE) and the Northern Student Movement before becoming President of Boston’s Museum of African American History. As State Representative, Rushing worked to pass a groundbreaking law to ban discrimination the basis of sexual orientation, led Massachusetts’ fight against apartheid in South Africa, championed marriage equality, and worked to address racial disparities in our legal system. In January, Mayor Wu and the City of Boston Reparations Task Force announced the selection of two teams of historians who will research and document the City of Boston’s involvement in and historical connections to the transatlantic slave trade, as well as the institution and aftermaths of slavery. The research teams are in the process of conducting original historical research and a comprehensive review of major themes and findings on the City’s history from 1620 to the present. For more information about the task force, visit boston.gov/reparations.

BPDA approves teams to redevelop public land in Roxbury and on the South Boston Waterfront Board votes to fund City’s new Planning Department

BOSTON - May 16, 2024 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors Thursday approved the redevelopment of public land on the South Boston Waterfront into an EMS Station, and land in Roxbury into open space. The Board also approved three new development projects representing approximately 625,525 square feet (SF). The new development projects will create 290 residential units, 43 of these units are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 555 construction jobs and 1,098 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city.  The Board also approved the FY 2025 budget, allowing the transfer of funds, staff, and services to the City of Boston for its new Planning Department. Mayor Wu’s ordinance to create a Planning Department was approved by the Boston City Council in March. The Board’s vote today, alongside the City Council’s review and approval of the FY 2025 City of Boston budget, will enable the launch of the Planning Department on July 1st, 2024.   Real Estate New EMS Station to be constructed on BPDA-owned land The BPDA Board of Directors authorized a lease agreement between the BPDA and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) for the construction of a new Emergency Medical Services ambulance station on Parcel Z in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP) to serve the South Boston Waterfront. Currently, the EMS station on West Broadway in South Boston serves both that neighborhood, and the South Boston Waterfront. However, the number of people living in the South Boston Waterfront has grown by 200 percent over the last ten years, increasing demand for emergency services. According to Boston EMS, call volume has doubled due to this increase, and also due in part to the increase in visitors to the area taking advantage of its many cultural attractions. With the area expected to continue adding residents, as well as new development, an added EMS station will help meet the increase in demand. This new location in the RLFMP has direct access to Drydock Avenue to help expedite ambulance response times. The new station will be vital for serving one of the fastest growing sections of the city and supporting the South Boston Waterfront’s emergency medical service needs well into the future. Construction is slated to begin this fall.  Board awards tentative designation to the Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association for the redevelopment of BPDA-owned land into open space The BPDA Board of Directors awarded tentative designation to the Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association for the redevelopment of Parcels S-20 and S-21, 48 Townsend Street, and 16-20 Townsend Street. Each of these pieces of land will be redeveloped into new open space in the Roxbury neighborhood.  Parcels S-20 and S-21 will become a zen garden named for Alma Wright, a retired Boston Public School teacher and Roxbury pioneer. The vision for this garden is for it to be an area where students and staff from the nearby Trotter Elementary School and community members can enjoy nature and learn about their community. The zen garden will use design elements to relay the stories of pioneers rooted in the Roxbury neighborhood. The space will serve as an outdoor classroom, gathering space, and place to learn about local Roxbury history. The vacant land at 48 Townsend Street will be converted into a community garden. The goal of this project is to create an agricultural oasis for community and educational use. There will be space for the community to learn to garden, and gather outdoors. This space is also meant to provide opportunities to grow fresh food to address food insecurity in the community. The vacant land at 16-20 Townsend Street will become an urban wild open space. The space is envisioned to be an area where people in the community can enjoy nature and take in tranquil views amongst native plants and trees, and can gather outdoors for social, mental, and physical well being.  BPDA authorizes new public art exhibit in Charlestown Navy Yard The BPDA Board approved a license agreement that will allow nonprofit Now and There Inc. to use BPDA owned-land at Dry Dock #2 in the Charlestown Navy Yard to display a public art exhibit. Now and There Inc. has been involved in several public art displays throughout the city and previously in the Charlestown Navy Yard. The interactive exhibit is a combination of 3D technology and woodworking techniques that created a unique 14-foot boat titled “The Gulf Stream.” It was most recently exhibited in the Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City. The vessel will be on display from June - November. Development Projects New units, revamped outdoor space to be added to Brighton assisted living/memory care facility at 50 Sutherland Road Live: 16 additional assisted living units Work: 78 construction jobs Connect: Close proximity to MBTA Green Line Sustain: PV & EV Ready, MA Stretch Opt-in Code compliant   This project will add 16 units to an assisted living/memory care facility in Brighton to help address the growing demand for senior living in the city. The project will also provide updates to the building’s common areas, create a deck for the memory care residents, and improve landscaping. Since a daycare will be leaving the building, the area currently used as a playground will be converted to open space. Raised garden planters, designed for people of all abilities to use, will be put in and 15 new trees will be planted. The project will also include new community meeting space for local groups.  Project at 180 Western Avenue in Allston to create new mixed use development including new housing and retail Live: 274 residential units, 41 income-restricted units Work: Approximately 160 construction jobs, retail space Connect: Bluebikes dock, bike parking, protected bike lanes Sustain: LEED Gold, Passive House, all-electric residential units  This project in Allston will convert what are currently several vacant commercial buildings and parking lots into a new mixed-use development including residential, retail, and restaurant spaces. This will be a seven-story building with 274 residential units, 41 of which will be income-restricted. The building will include bike storage, as well as publicly accessible short-term bike parking. Improvements to the public realm will include new sidewalks and an ‘active cafe zone.’ This project aligns with the Western Avenue Corridor and Rezoning Study’s (WACRZ) affordable housing requirements and public realm improvement recommendations. New street trees on site will significantly increase and diversify the urban tree canopy, reducing the area’s urban heat island effect and providing shade for the café zone that could accommodate outdoor seating. In support of sustainability goals, the residential areas of the building will be all-electric. The building will also be solar ready, and pursue Passive House certification. In support of City transportation goals, this project will contribute $81,615.75 to the bikeshare system, as well as provide space for a Bluebikes dock on site.  232 A Street project to build new mixed use development, add resilience measures to Fort Point Live: $3 million in Linkage funding for affordable housing Work: Approximately 317 construction jobs, approximately 1,081 permanent jobs Connect: Creation of waterfront park, public art installation, $560,000 in Linkage funding towards jobs training, public realm improvements, contribution to City bikeshare system, public facilities on ground floor Sustain: Improved resiliency for neighborhood provided by the construction of a new berm, existing parking lot converted into new open space, LEED Gold, Net Zero Carbon ready Located in Fort Point, this project will convert what is currently a parking lot into a mixed use development including office/laboratory, retail, civic, and cultural space. Improvements to this area will include new public sidewalks and bike lanes, improvements to the Harborwalk and South Bay Harbor Trail, and a berm to protect the Fort Point neighborhood from flooding due to sea level rise or storm surge. The vegetated berm will be integrated into the Harborwalk and South Bay Harbor Trail along the Fort Point Channel. In addition to reducing the risk of flooding due to sea level rise, this planted flood barrier will also serve to aid in stormwater management, help reduce urban heat island effect, improve wildlife habitat, and improve air quality along the waterfront. The building will be elevated to comply with the requirements of the Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District (CFROD) and align with the Climate Ready South Boston flood projections. In support of City open space goals, this project will also create more than an acre of publicly accessible open space along the Fort Point waterfront. The ground floor of this building will include 8,000 square feet of civic/cultural space which will be offered at a heavily subsidized rent. Tenanting the space will be done in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. In addition to these projects, the board approved: The renewal of the Institutional Master Plan for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. An update to the previously approved Alexandra Hotel project to change the use from residential to hotel, as it was originally proposed in 2019. Updates to Article 25 of the Zoning Code regarding new FEMA flood insurance rate maps, to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.

涉嫌詐騙耆英20餘萬元 一華裔女子被捕

               (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 一名麻州安多福鎮 (Andover)華裔女子，涉嫌夥同他人，詐騙多名耆英，共謀奪20多萬美元。3月4日被新罕布夏州總檢察官辦公室逮捕，訂6月20日到Merrimack高等法院出庭。

              新罕布夏州總檢察官辦公室是在3月14日時，逮捕了現年25歲的麻州安多福鎮女子Rachel Chen，稱她涉及該州Nashua 和 Allenstown的多宗詐騙案，其中至少2宗的受害人是年逾60及70的耆英。

              Allenstown的受害者是一名60多歲耆英，去年12月收到仿冒的微軟訊息，說她的電腦中毒，金融帳戶被駭。接著有自稱銀行代表者打電話去，要她把錢轉進另一個帳戶，以保護錢財。

              Nashua的受害者75歲，也是一名冒充微軟的人和她聯絡，同樣說她的金融帳戶被駭。然後有假扮銀行代表者命令她把2萬現金裝進密封盒子，並說會有聯邦調查局雇用的人到她家取走盒子。

              有關當局表示，Rachel Chen假扮聯邦調查局人員，真的在3月4日從這位老婦人位於Nashua的家，拿走了裝有2萬元縣近的盒子。

              新罕布夏州總檢察官辦公室說，這些受害人在2024年寄出總額共20多萬元的多張支票，進入她們以為是自己的銀行帳戶。

              檢方表示，Rachel Chen將面對每一項控罪入獄7年半到15年，以及罰款4萬元的刑罰。

麻州政府撥款19萬5千元 10月21-25日舉辦STEM高峰會

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $195,000 in Grants During

Computer Science Workforce STEM Summit 

Grants awarded to five organizations to provide STEM opportunities to students in the fall 

BRIDGEWATER – The Healey-Driscoll Administration yesterday hosted the 2024 Massachusetts STEM Summit at Bridgewater State University that focused on the evolving computer science education and workforce landscape. As the computer science workforce continues to grow, the administration is promoting opportunities that enable more diverse and inclusive pathways for interested students.

At the Summit, the Administration announced that Massachusetts STEM Week will take place next year from October 21 - 25, 2024. To gear up for STEM week, the Administration also announced $195,000 in grants going to five educational organizations to support STEM-related hands-on learning opportunities for students in the fall. 

“In Massachusetts, we want to open doors for our young people, especially to STEM pathways. I want to encourage students, regardless of their circumstance, zip code, or socioeconomic status, to explore every option available to them. By empowering them to see STEM as a viable, exciting pathway to their future, we will inspire the next generation of innovators,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am looking forward to next year’s STEM Week and all of the exciting opportunities our STEM Design Challenge Awardees will provide for students.” 

“It was wonderful to be with students, educators, workforce partners, colleagues and more at our STEM Summit to highlight the importance of computer science and the impact educational opportunities in this field can have on students and our state. We will continue to lift up these careers for all students, strengthening our tech workforce pipeline and economy, driving our competitiveness and building a brighter future for all,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, co-chair of the STEM Advisory Council. 

At the Summit, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Education Secretary Tutwiler, and other state officials first toured Bridgewater State’s Cybersecurity Training Center and Biology Labs. Then students from the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School shared their perspectives on computer science education and the impact of meaningful computer science and IT career exposure opportunities. This was followed by a panel discussion on the role of mentoring and career exposure to advance workforce development and generate awareness about the growing workforce needs in the cybersecurity industry with the Mass Cyber Center.    

“I want to thank Bridgewater State University and President Clark for hosting the STEM Summit. Their Cybersecurity Training Center and Biology Labs were impressive examples of the STEM opportunities available for students across the Commonwealth. I am leaving the Summit energized and optimistic about the future for so many reasons. Among them are the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School students who shared their stories and how the state’s investments are setting them up for success,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I also want to congratulate the 2024 STEM Design Challenge Awardees and look forward to how they continue to engage Massachusetts students in STEM.”

“As a computer science major in undergrad myself, I was fortunate to be surrounded by incredible educators, peers, mentors and workforce development opportunities,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Snyder. “The STEM Summit is illustrative of what these partnerships mean to today’s students who represent the future of our statewide workforce, and I am so glad these opportunities and resources, like the Bridgewater State’s Cyber Range, exist right here in our backyard. We know these rapidly growing fields in emerging tech need highly skilled, diverse, workforce-ready individuals to step up in the coming years, and it is clear the STEM Advisory Council is a major driver toward that goal.” 

The STEM Summit is organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council. The STEM Advisory Council was established to expand access to high-quality STEM education for students across Massachusetts, and is currently co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, U.S Congressman Jake Auchincloss and Chairman, President and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Dr. Jeffery Leiden. 

“Massachusetts continues to have all the essential pieces and partnerships to sustain a robust workforce pipeline to support companies and transform lives across the Commonwealth,” said Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Acting CEO and Vice President of Economic Development and Partnerships Jeanne LeClair. “We are incredibly proud of our support for Bridgewater State University as it demonstrates our shared mission to grow our life sciences ecosystem and broader STEM workforce on a regional basis.” 

2024 STEM Design Challenge Awardees 

Museum of Science – In the year of the EarthShot, the Museum of Science is launching an environmental engineering challenge for students in grades 3-5 to raise awareness about the prevalence of plastic pollution. Students will consider the effects of plastics on ecosystems and communities as they engineer filters to reduce plastic waste entering bodies of water. This challenge can also be modified for students in grades 6-8. 

Wade Institute for Science Education – This Design Challenge, “Extreme Zoo Makeover: A STEM Approach to Habitat Design,” will engage students in grades 5-8 in a unique experience that integrates science and engineering concepts in a series of inquiry-based investigations that lead up to a student-driven challenge. The Wade Institute is partnering on this design challenge with the Lloyd Center for Environment and Buttonwood Park Zoo. 

Kids In Tech – STEM Goes Green: The STEM Challenge introduces students to a range of environmental topics, emphasizing how human activities impact water resources. Through hands-on activities, like a simulation demonstrating overfishing with goldfish crackers and a model of ocean gyres in a bottle, students gain practical insights into the issues facing marine ecosystems. It also covers plastic pollution and its journey through watersheds, encouraging students to brainstorm solutions to reduce environmental impact. Students learn about the water cycle, exploring concepts like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, and they perform water quality tests to understand the importance of clean water for human health. By the end of the unit, students will be better equipped to think critically about water sustainability and contribute to positive environmental change. This challenge is geared towards elementary/ middle school students. 

PBL Works – The Future of Work is a high-quality, meaningful K-12 applied project-based learning experience for Mass STEM Week aligned to Massachusetts standards created by PBLWorks for middle and high school students. Students have the opportunity to investigate in-demand careers and dialogue with industry experts. For a final product, student teams use what they learn to develop a website that will prepare and inspire students in their community to pursue the career they have chosen to explore. They engage in peer critique and use it to revise their designs. Students combine their team websites into one class website to share with an authentic audience of students in their community. This website becomes a resource for college and career counseling services at their school site and others in the district.

WPI STEM Education Center – For STEM Week 2024, the STEM Education Center will expand the “I Am STEM” Lesson Library (PK-7) with up to 8 additional lessons. In addition, a new category of CS will be established and some of the newly created lessons will be aligned with digital learning and computer science (DLCS) standards. Following teachers’ requests, they will create letters to families/caregivers to be added to all lessons in the library. Lastly, they will conduct a series of teacher training about the lessons. As in previous years, the Center will hire a team of expert STEM teachers to develop the additional lessons.

6月30日起 10個週日Newbury街變身行人徒步區

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES OPEN NEWBURY 2024 Pedestrian-only tradition kicking off in June, expanding into winter

BOSTON - Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Newbury Street will be open to pedestrians-only for 10 consecutive Sundays in the summer beginning June 30 through September 1. New this year, Open Newbury will also be held on two days in December to encourage holiday shopping in the Back Bay, with exact dates to be announced later. Since Open Newbury was first piloted in 2016, thousands have enjoyed food, shopping, and dining along the mile-long, eight-block stretch from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue.  “Open Newbury has become a beloved summer tradition in Boston, and I’m grateful to the many small business owners who work together with the City to make this possible. This year we’re excited to add themed days for more special experiences, including a winter holiday Open Newbury,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I encourage residents and visitors to come again and again starting this June, to experience dining, walking, and shopping in the heart of Back Bay.” Newbury Street will be car-free from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The route will be the same as previous years, with Newbury Street closed to cars from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue. Parking will be restricted on Newbury Street and adjacent streets, with enforcement beginning at 5:00 a.m. Signs will be posted informing drivers of the change. The City encourages Newbury Street businesses to activate their outdoor spaces with programming with family-friendly activities, pop-up parklets, brand activations, and much more. “Open Newbury creates the opportunity for Bostonians and visitors alike to explore one of our City’s most vibrant streets from a different perspective free from cars," said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the local business community to enhance the experience for all.”  “I am so excited to see what was once an experiment becoming a tradition on Newbury Street. Open Newbury is coming to represent summer not just to residents of the Back Bay but those across the City and visitors coming from all over,” said City Councilor Sharon Durkan. “With over 250 diverse businesses on Newbury Street, we sought to incorporate their feedback and diversity of patrons, who travel in all modes of transportation. I believe the City is striking the right balance with 10 Open Newbury dates, which will help maintain a special quality to each of the chosen days and provide a chance for businesses to plan.” The Streets Cabinet, along with members of the Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Cabinet, worked with small business owners and residents of Back Bay to improve on Open Newbury. This year, the Streets Cabinet will work with local businesses to establish additional pick-up and drop-off zones on the adjacent streets to better accommodate deliveries throughout the day. Another addition will be a cancellation policy in the event of severe weather, with rain dates being announced the Friday evening before a scheduled Open Newbury Sunday.   “I am excited for this enhanced version of Open Newbury, which will bring new opportunities for residents and visitors to support our small businesses and enjoy the Back Bay,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “Thank you to the Back Bay Association and small business owners for partnering with the Administration to improve this program and ensure it supports the needs of all stakeholders.”  "Open Newbury improves our relationship with the community by being more accessible to everyone. That accessibility increases our exposure to the community, which in turn brings us more traffic and business,” said Nick Saunders, Store Manager at Bo Concepts.   “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks once again. As a Black business owner on Newbury Street, I greatly benefit from the increased foot traffic that Open Newbury brings,” said Romel Sanday, Owner of Canadian Park Training. “This initiative has been incredibly supportive, and it makes me feel valued and heard.”  Open Newbury Street will occur on these days in 2024: June 30 July 7, 14, 21, 28 August 4, 11, 18, 25 September 1 Two winter dates TBD More details on Open Newbury can be found here.  The expansion of Open Newbury builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to reimagining our streets and making Boston a home for everyone. This year, the Mayor also announced the expansion of Open Streets, a similar event series where more than a mile of roadway is closed and transformed into a pedestrian-only zone. This year’s Open Streets routes are in Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, East Boston, and Allston-Brighton, with events throughout late spring, summer, and early fall. More on Open Streets 2024 can be found here.

華人前進會等38組織600人遊行 呼籲麻州管制租金最低時薪提高至20元

38個組織約600人遊行到麻州州政府大樓前，呼籲「提高薪資，限制租金」。
(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 華人前進會 (CPA) 和1199/SEIU工會，全民安居(Homes For All)等38個組織約600人，今(15) 日走上街頭，從波士頓廣場 (Boston Common) 遊行到州政府前，呼籲「提高薪資，管制租金 (Raise Wage, Cap Rent)」，要求把最低時薪提高到每小時20元。

              華人前進會主任陳玉珍率領約70名華裔民眾參加遊行，沿路高呼「全民安居 (Home for All) 等口號，並為上台發言民眾翻譯。

華人前進會主任陳玉珍(左一) 率該會群眾參加遊行。(周菊子攝)

其中一名華裔民眾透過陳玉珍的翻譯，敘述她的薪資收入有一半以上繳了房租，最近又獲悉她工作的那家廠即將於6月21日左右關閉，失業救濟可能只夠付房租，很是擔心今後將如何生活。幸運的是，她租住在波士頓華埠土地信託會購買的房屋，該會正在想辦法降低她的租金。

遊行隊伍繞行波士頓廣場。(周菊子攝)

陳玉珍在回應本刊提問時說明，近年來人們的薪資漲幅趕不上租金高漲的速度，許多人面對越來越重的生活壓力，所以他們這些團體攜手遊行，希望促使政府通過法令，提高工資，加強對居家服務行業的監管，把至少80%補助撥款，撥進工人手中。還有管制租金，增建房屋，尤其是要增撥款項建造更多可負擔房屋。

全民安居主任Carolyn Chou率先發言。(周菊子攝)

陳玉珍指出，有些人認為只要增建房屋，就可解決房荒問題，但是更重要的是需要建造各種不同類型房屋，尤其是可負擔房屋，才能解決問題。她們認為解決之道包括政府鼓勵建造可負擔房屋，增加補助撥款，還有就是通過租戶購買機會法 (TOPA)，徵收高價房屋轉手附加費，用於補助建造可負擔房屋，以及她們這天遊行的主要訴求，「提高薪資，控制租金」等。至於近來政府面臨稅收減少狀況，她們認為只要政府重新檢視給大財團及富有人士的稅額減免，就可調整。

遊行團體繞行波士頓公園，再匯聚於州政府大樓前之後，由全民安居(Homes For All)的執行主任Carolyn Chou率先發言。她指出，如果不是有穩定租金，提高薪資的需要，人們不會走上街頭，遊行來到州政府之前。她說”我們是在為我們的生活、權力、未來而抗爭”。

根據全國低收入住房聯盟(National Low Income Housing Coalition)的2023

陳玉珍(左) 為發言者翻譯。(周菊子攝)

年度「遙不可及」報告，麻州是全美租金第三高的州，僅次於夏威夷及加州。大波士頓在全美的都會區中，也排名第六貴。

華人前進會遊行隊伍。(周菊子攝)

根據該報告，麻州的最低時薪為15元，租住2睡房的房屋， 時薪得41.6元才夠。在麻州，一睡房的市價租金平均為1772元，2睡房平均為2165元。麻州總共約272萬戶人家，其中100萬戶多租屋而住。要負擔得起租住零睡房的房屋，年收入得約6萬5千元，一睡房得有7萬1千元，倆睡房得有8萬6千餘元。

但是對於一名賺取最低時薪，並能一週40小時全職工作的人來說，每月780元才是他們負擔得起的房租。

包括城市生活 (City Life/ Vida Urbana)等參與這次遊行組織的發言人們，這次聚集那麼多個組織大規模遊行，是因為他們覺得問題已嚴重到迫在眉睫，他們不能再沉默等待，必須促使政府及立法機構加強關注，採取行動。

遊行群眾拉出的標語還包括「免於驅逐區」。 (周菊子攝)

約600人在「擁抱」雕像前集合，為呼籲提高薪資，限制租金而遊行。(周菊子攝)

華人前進會志工劉健儀這天協助維持現場安全。(周菊子攝)