人生一定要有的八個朋友：
推手(Builder)、
支柱(Champion)、
同好(Collaborator)、
夥伴(Companion)、
中介(Connector)、
開心果(Energizer)、
開路者(Mind Opener)、
導師(Navigator)。
chutze@bostonorange.com
*******************
All rights of articles and photos on this website are reserved.
座談主持人光子基金(Photon Fund) 執行董事李忠霖則以他個人經驗指出，臺灣創業者普遍較弱的一環是做簡報，創業動機與緣由的故事講得不夠清楚，以至影響募資機會。他也提及，從事生命科學領域投資，投資回報年期，一般至少8年以上，如許恒源博士所提，從麻省理工學院衍生出來，偏重做硬科學研發的「引擎
(The Engine)」初創企業孵化機構，投資回報年期更是長達12到甚至20年之久。
Healey-Driscoll
Administration Announces Largest Housing Development Incentive Awards in
Program History
LOWELL – Today, Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor
Kim Driscoll and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus
announced $27 million in Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) awards to
create 547 total new units in 11 Gateway Cities across the state.
“We expanded the HDIP program in our tax cuts package
because it has a proven track record of spurring housing development in Gateway
Cities and lowering costs,” said Governor Healey. “Our Gateway Cities are vital
centers for industry and culture while also being positioned to help provide
the housing we need to meet the demand. These funds help make projects possible
that will create hundreds of homes, revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen our
communities.”
Last fall, as part of a $1 billion tax cuts package signed
by the Governor, the annual HDIP program cap was raised from $10 million to $57
million in 2023 and will be $30 million annually going forward. That increase
allowed the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to fund all 13
project applications this round.
“This funding boost helps us do even more to address our
housing needs now,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “In approving all of
these projects, we’re able to make a big impact to cities across the state as
we work to make Massachusetts more affordable for everyone.”
HDIP is a tool for the state’s Gateway Cities to create more
market rate housing to support economic development, expand diversity of
housing stock and create more vibrant neighborhoods.
“These projects are a direct result of the governor’s tax
relief bill,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus. “Our
vacancy rate is at an all time low, and these awards will create much needed
multi-family housing across our state. We look forward to continuing to work
with the legislature to pass the Affordable Homes Act this year to create
much-needed housing across all income levels in the state.”
"I am thrilled to welcome the announcement of tax
credits for market-rate housing development through the Housing Development
Incentive Program (HDIP). This initiative will significantly benefit our
community, particularly through the development of the Hildreth Building and
Isobel Lofts,” said Lowell Mayor Daniel P. Rourke. “We are grateful to Governor
Healey and her administration for their commitment to addressing housing needs
and fostering economic growth in our city."
“Today’s announcement of the first 2024 HDIP awards marks a
significant step forward in addressing economic development in Lowell's central
business district,” said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “We are
proud to collaborate with Governor Healey and the Healey-Driscoll
Administration in this effort. The HDIP program is a vital tool for cities like
Lowell, fostering residential growth, economic development, and neighborhood
stabilization. The Hildreth Building and Isobel Lofts projects will provide 76
new residential units. This development is an exemplary model of what can be
achieved through state and local partnerships, and we are excited to see the
positive impact these developments will have on our community.”
Below are the thirteen awardees:
Linnell Landing – Barnstable
·Sponsor: Jacob Dewey of CCR Holdings
·HDIP award: $690,000
·Total units: 15
Ringside Residences –Brockton
·Sponsor: Joseph Goncalves of New Vision Enterprises
·HDIP award: $2,500,000
·Total units: 50
Sacred Heart Lofts – Fall River
·Sponsor: Charles Haijar of Hajjar Management Company
·HDIP award: $2,500,000
·Total units: 36
Union Belt Company Lofts – Fall River
·Sponsor: Anthony Cordeiro of Downtown Development.
·HDIP award: $2,500,000
·Total units: 46
Franklin Block – Haverhill
·Sponsor: Jonathon Cody of AtlanticInvestments
·HDIP award: $1,300,000
·Total units: 21
Wrights Block – Holyoke
·Sponsor: Bill Womeldorf of Urbanist Development
·HDIP award: $2,000,000
·Total units: 19
The JAV – Lawrence
·Sponsor: Johan Lopez of Jowamar Companies LLC
·HDIP award: $2,200,000
·Total units: 24
Hildreth Building – Lowell
·Sponsor: David Steinberg of RCG LLC
·HDIP award: $2,500,000
·Total units: 50
Isobel Lofts – Lowell
·Sponsor: Justin McFarlane of Nine Zero Two Development
Healey-Driscoll
Administration Highlights First Year Successes of State-funded Universal Free
School Meals
21 million more meals served; thousands more students
participating, many eating locally sourced food
EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released data from the first year of
state-funded universal free school meals, showing major increases in student participation compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes at a time when recent data analysis from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that state universal free school meal policies reduced food insufficiency among children.
The 2022-23 school year was the first for state-supported universal free school meals, and compared to the 2018-19 school year:
·12.2 million more lunches were served
·61,500 more students ate lunch every school day
·9 million more breakfasts were served
·43,400 more students ate breakfast every school day
“Almost 7 out of 10 Massachusetts students are eating school lunch, which means over half a million students are getting nutritious meals,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We were proud to make universal free school meals permanent with the Legislature, and the combination of state and federal funding means that breakfasts and lunches are available to all students to help them stay healthy and succeed in school.”
“In addition to benefiting students and families, the state’s investment in universal free school meals has also been an investment in school nutrition programs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “With more predictable revenue, schools and districts have been able to invest in locally sourced food and have produced impressive menu options.”
Universal free school meals have provided districts with a more stable and dedicated nutrition
funding stream. Districts can use that funding to invest in meal quality, including offering more locally sourced options. Some of this year’s school cafeteria offerings were featured in the Terrific Tray competition, a contest run by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in partnership with Massachusetts Farm to School. Each month, schools submitted a photo and description of their best tray, and a winner was chosen. At the end of the school
year, the public voted on the winning tray. This year’s winner was Littleton Public Schools for their chicken fajita bowl; mozzarella cheese, balsamic, and tomato stack with produce from a farm in Sharon; a corn salad with cherry tomatoes from a farm in Acton; and apples from an orchard in Groton.
“We’re proud to be at the forefront as Massachusetts leads the way in using state funds to support our students’ food security, health and wellbeing, especially due to leadership from Governor Healey and the state legislature. This data shows what we know to be true – universal free school meals increase participation and reduce food insecurity,” said Education Secretary Patrick A. Tutwiler. “That stability is good for students and schools alike, and schools have produced some beautiful meals!”
A few of the Terrific Tray winners:
Waltham Public Schools
Littleton Public Schools
Pittsfield Public Schools
(November winner)
(2023-24 school year winner) (March winner)
“Students’ basic needs must be met in order for students to excel at grade level or beyond, and supports like universal free school meals build the foundation for that work,” said
Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
“It’s great to see school meals using local ingredients, and I’m happy to highlight the important work of school nutrition staff.”
The 2022-23 school year was the first year of state-supported universal free school meals, and with Governor Healey’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Massachusetts became the eighth state to make universal free school meals permanent.
Total meals served and participation from the first year of universal free school meals in Massachusetts (2022-23):
·97.5 million total lunches served,
·557,000 students ate lunch every school day,
·44.5 million total breakfasts served, and 243,000 students ate breakfast every school day.
CITY OF BOSTON OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES NEW PLANNING DEPARTMENT
BOSTON - Monday, July 1, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today marked the first official day of the City of Boston’s new Planning Department. This is the first time in 70 years that Boston has had a Planning Department, restoring planning as a core function of City government. The majority of Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) staff have transitioned into jobs with the City of Boston and are now employees of the new Department.
The establishment of the Planning Department is a major piece of Mayor Wu’s vision to transform planning and development in Boston, and complements other initiatives including a home rule petition to end urban renewal and establish a new mission focused on resilience, affordability, and equity; the establishment of the Planning Advisory Council; citywide zoning reform, including the “Squares + Streets” initiative to increase the availability of housing near transit, the modernization of the development review process and a design framework for guiding future development.
“Our goal to make Boston a green and growing city depends on planning together for our brightest future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With our new Planning Department, we will be able to unlock a future for our City that truly centers Bostonians’ needs and brings communities together in making Boston home for generations to come.”
“I’m glad we could see the Mayor’s vision through and create a Planning Department for the City of Boston,” said Chief of Planning Arthur Jemison. “This was a tremendous effort led by dedicated and determined staff who focused on every detail to support our employees through this transition. I am excited to launch this new Department, which will shape the future of our great City, and ensure it is planned equitably, for years to come.”
The Planning Department is charged with developing comprehensive short and long term plans for Boston’s built environment, establishing a consistent and predictable zoning code for the city, advancing exceptional and inclusive design standards, providing predictability to guide development that is responsive to community needs, and planning for the effective use of public real estate. It is through these actions that the Department will address Bostons’ greatest challenges of resilience, affordability, and equity. The Planning Department will work to build trust with communities through transparent processes that embrace predictable and responsible growth.
The new Planning Department includes the divisions of planning & zoning, development review, urban design, and real estate, as well as support staff. Moving forward, the Planning Department budget will be reviewed through the City’s budget process, like all other City departments. Staff of the Department will support the BPDA Board, which will remain the City’s Planning Board, reviewing development projects, planning and zoning initiatives, and land acquisitions and dispositions. Planning Department staff will also support the other parts of the Planning Cabinet which includes the Boston Civic Design Commission, Zoning Commission and provide recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeal.
