BPDA BOARD APPROVES WHITE STADIUM PROJECT New affordable housing in Brighton, Fenway moves forward

BOSTON - July 18, 2024 - The Planning Department this month recommended approval of the transfer of the IDP program to the Mayor’s Office of Housing, and five new development projects to the BPDA Board, including the renovation of White Stadium. All were approved. The newly approved development projects represent approximately 459,266 square feet (SF). The new projects will create 484 residential units, including 99 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 441 construction jobs and 58 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city.  Development Projects White Stadium project to renovate and rebuild historic stadium for expanded BPS and community use with support from Boston Unity Soccer Partners Jobs: Prioritizing M/WBE contracts with a special focus on local businesses Community: More than triple annual programmable hours for BPS and community use, upgraded amenities for community events, designed in line with Franklin Park Action Plan, annual community benefits fund Sustainability: LEED Gold, 1 of only 3 Net Zero Carbon stadiums in the country, electric shuttle service commitment, public transportation-focused plan Located within Franklin Park, this project will renovate, rebuild, and reimagine White Stadium for BPS athletics through a unique community oriented public-private partnership with Boston Unity Soccer Partners. White Stadium, built in 1945, has been a cornerstone for Boston athletes and community members. However, decades of disinvestment and fire damage have left it in disrepair, lacking current safety codes and amenities for BPS athletics. In order to ensure this stadium will be a functional and significant amenity for the public, Boston Unity will rebuild the West Grandstand, as well as add new amenities on site, and the City of Boston will invest $50 million to rebuild the East Grandstand. Together, this project will create a world-class stadium for use by BPS students, community members, and a professional women’s soccer team. Boston Unity will maintain the renovated areas, freeing up City funds for other priorities. "This is a major milestone for a project that is decades overdue, finally giving BPS student athletes and community a beautiful new home at White Stadium” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This approval delivers greatly expanded hours of BPS and community use, world-class athletic and community facilities, more than an acre of additional green space opened up to the public, and guaranteed annual funding to invest in Franklin Park. I’m grateful to all the community leaders and partner organizations who continue to help us guide and improve this project that our students, neighbors, and park lovers will enjoy." Extensive community feedback has shaped the project, with more than 50 public and small group meetings and thousands of public comments over two years incorporated into the design and operational plans. The project will maintain a high level of engagement moving forward to ensure the renovation offers more open public space, enhanced amenities for community events, and closely aligns with the recommendations of the Franklin Park Action Plan. Additional community benefits include professional development opportunities and scholarships for BPS students, a $500K annual community benefits fund, and a commitment to a 50 percent threshold for M/WBEs and local businesses. This project will provide BPS with its first professional grass field, greatly expand public access hours, and serve as the home stadium for up to 20 National Women's Soccer League game days for Boston's first professional women’s soccer team.  Project at 112-114 Queensberry Street will build fully affordable homes in Fenway Housing: 24 units, 100 percent income-restricted  Jobs: Approximately 18 construction jobs Community: 97 transit score, 18 resident bike parking spaces  Sustainability: LEED Silver   Located in Fenway, this project will turn a vacant commercial building into a six-story, 24 unit residential building. All of the units will be income-restricted at 30 percent AMI or 60 percent AMI. Three units will be set aside for formerly homeless individuals and families. Residents will have access to an indoor bike storage room with 18 spaces. As a transit-oriented development, there are multiple MBTA bus routes nearby, as well as the D and E branches of the Green Line. The Emerald Necklace and Ramler Park are nearby green spaces available for residents.  Project at 2 Charlesgate West to build new housing in Fenway Housing: 400 residential units, 68 income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 297 construction jobs, 2,400 sq. ft. of retail space  Community: 2 Bluebikes stations, public restroom, 20 percent of site dedicated to public realm  Sustainability: 100 percent electric systems, LEED Silver This project will bring 400 residential units, including 68 income-restricted, and 2,400 square feet of retail space to the Fenway neighborhood. There will be 14,000 square feet of shared space for residents, including an indoor lounge, co-working space, a gym, communal kitchen, and roof decks. Another part of the project includes an accessible public bathroom for nearby park visitors. The project will make a $500,000 contribution to the Fund for Parks Boston Parks & Recreation to support open space close to the site. The project will also support tree care in the area with a $200,000 contribution to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation and a $30,000 contribution to the Fund for Boston Parks & Recreation. To support lighting infrastructure near the Leif Erikson Statue on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the project will contribute $40,000.00, and $300,000 will be contributed to the Fenway Community Development Corporation.  470 and 470A Western Avenue project to bring housing to Brighton Housing: 39 residential units, seven income-restricted Jobs: Approximately 40 construction jobs   Community: Long-term transportation improvements including a low-stress bike lane  Sustainability: LEED Gold  This project will turn an underutilized lot in Brighton into a six-story building with 39 residential units, including seven which will be income-restricted. Along with new housing, this project will bring new landscaping and public realm improvements to the neighborhood. New sidewalks will be put in along the project site and certain light poles will be moved to enhance walkability. To support alternative modes of transportation, 49 bike parking spaces will be installed, and a one-time $10,725 contribution will be made to the Boston Transportation Department to support Bluebikes. A low-stress bike lane on Western Avenue and a raised crosswalk at Kelly Court will also be installed. In terms of green space, six new trees will also be planted on site. 1905-1911 Centre Street project will build 21 new homes Housing: 21 homeownership units Jobs: Approximately 20 construction jobs, retail space Community: Improved public realm, new green space Sustainability: 250 sq. ft. of bicycle parking This West Roxbury project will convert a site with two vacant buildings into 21 new homes and retail space. Each of these homes will have two bedrooms. As a transit-oriented development, this project will be in close proximity to MBTA bus routes and Commuter Rail service. In support of the City’s bikeshare system, this project will contribute $6,201 to the Boston Transportation Department. In addition, this project will enhance the public realm on site, and add new green space.  In addition to these projects, the board approved: The extension of the Downtown Office to Residential Conversion Program through 2025. An update to the previously approved Fenway Corners West project which would make the site bigger, and add another building within the site. The authority to transfer the compliance of existing Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) affordable housing units from the Planning Department to the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH). This is a large part of achieving Mayor Wu’s vision for planning and development in Boston, in partnership with the establishment of the City of Boston’s new Planning Department. As part of the establishment of the Planning Department, the housing compliance staff in charge of the IDP Program have been transferred to work under the Mayor’s Office of Housing within the last year. Housing compliance staff monitors and enforces obligations under affordable housing agreements entered into under IDP. Since those staff members now work within MOH, the BPDA and MOH have agreed that all affordable housing agreements entered into under IDP should be formally and legally assigned to MOH.

CrowdStrike更新導致微軟視窗停擺 全球多家航空公司、銀行、醫院大受影響

            (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 2024年7月19日，美東時間的一大清早，許多人還在睡夢中時，一次電腦軟體更新錯誤，航空公司、銀行、醫院等大機構，瞬間無法正常運作，在世界各地掀起一片混亂，嚴重程度還在數小時中就升級了。

              美國有好幾家電視台的本地新聞播映，也都沒法播出。

              這大混亂的核心是CrowdStrike，一家為全世界許多公司提供軟體的網路安全公司。這家公司表示，當他們為使用微軟的電腦執行了錯誤的更新時，他們注意到斷網的背後因素，不是安全事故或網路攻擊。他們正在修理，只是從人們察覺問題發生後，直到下午1點半多，這問題都還未解決。

              網路 (Cyber) 專家James Bore表示，網路斷線帶來的真正的傷害是在重要時刻，人們依賴的系統沒法用。以醫院為例，就會因此無法整理出那些人最需要醫治的資訊，可能致人於死。

              德國資訊科技安全機構Claudia Plattner表示，這問題可能得持續一些時間，無法很快解決。

              微軟發言人Frank X. Shaw在電郵聲明中承認CrowdStrike更新是全球微軟視窗系統停擺的原因，他問題。們正在著手解決。

              波士頓市府多語言服務辦公室為此特地發出通告，說明市政府為民眾提供的各項服務，也可能受到影響，希望民眾及早致電相關機構，若有需要可撥打911急救電話。

波士頓市有100名警察加班費就領了10萬元

            (Boston Orange 整理摘譯) 波士頓市警察局有員工約3010人，2023年加班費就領了10萬多元的有100人。波士頓環球報日前以一篇長文描述情況，稱支持警察改革及關注市政財務人士都感到很沮喪。

            在2023年內，波士頓警察局的開銷約為4億1700萬元，其中20%，或曰8850萬元用來付了加班費，比預算訂定的4400萬元高了幾乎一倍，也幾乎比波士頓市府所有其他部門所支出加班費的總合還要高。

            儘管波士頓警察的加班費開銷多年來一直引人關注，最近的這些數目，在商業地產價值下跌，可能影響到波士頓市政府的未來預算之際，觸發了許多批評與疑問。

            從2021年迄今，波士頓警察領得年薪超過30萬元的人數，幾乎增加了一倍，從30人增加到56人。相比之下，波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)的年薪，才不過20萬7千元。波士頓市員工中有700人的年薪比市長高。

            波士頓市政府約有員工2萬人。根據波士頓市政府每年公佈的薪資數據，2023年共花了20億元在付薪水上，這包括了本薪、加班費，受傷賠償，教育獎勵，以及其他雜項。休班警員加班費 (detail)則是另外計算，並非來自納稅人的款項。換言之，波士頓市政府的年度預算，約有一半花在了員工薪金上。

            波士頓市的2022會計年度營運預算是37.6億元，2023年是39.9億元，2024年是42.8億元，2025會計年度的預算則是46.4億元。

            在整個市政府的2023年預算中，波士頓公校最高，約為11.9億元，其次為警察局的4億1700萬元，以及消防局的2億8100萬元。

            在市府捧得最多薪金回家的員工中，10個有8個是警察。此外則是波士頓公校總監Mary Skipper (38萬2095元) ，以及學區公平及策略長Charles Grandson (38萬1530元) 。

            在市府的員工薪資表上，最高薪的是波士頓副警監 (Lieutenant) Stanley Demesmin，年薪總額是42萬6000元，其中本薪為14萬6000元，加班費22萬1000元，休勤值班2萬4000元，教育津貼2萬9000元，另外還有6000元列在包括獎金、津貼，和解及賠償等的其他項。

            1993年涉嫌行為不妥的警長John Danilecki，也是波士頓市警察領薪最高的5人之一，2023年的薪資總額是38萬6000元，其中9萬7000多元是加班費。

            波士頓市警察局局長Michael Cox自己，去年薪資30萬元，全是本薪，在警察局內排名第55。

            波士頓市巡邏警察協會 (Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association)會長Larry Calderone表示，警察局人手不足是加班費高的原因之一，2023年就有259個警察職位空缺。

            根據警察工會和波士頓市政府的合約，加班費是以每4小時為單位計算，一旦加班，即使只加班5分鐘，就和加班滿3小時59分一樣，都得支付4小時的加班費。

            在警力不足，警察常被要求加班下，加班費高漲，就很理所當然。

            波士頓市的營運經費，有四分之三來自物業稅。吳弭市長提出了2025會計年度46億元，比2024年的34億餘元增加了8%的預算案時，受到企業界及房地產團體的批評。吳弭政府在2025會計年度撥給警察局3億4400萬元。(更新版)

大波士頓商會執行長James Rooney走馬上任ACCE董事會主席

              (Boston Orange 摘譯) 大波士頓商會主席兼執行長 James E. Rooney 開始擔任商會高階主管協會 (ACCE) 董事會主席。

ACCE 成立於 1914 年，是一個全國性協會，在全美有 1,600 多個商會、經濟發展組織、會議和旅遊局等的會員組織，代表 9,000 多名商會專業人士。 ACCE 商會總共有120多萬會員，各種規模的企業都有。

ACCE董事長及執行長Sheree Anne Kelly表示，ACCE致力協助全美商惠成功發展，該會董事會的領導力對整個行業的未來至關重要。James E. Rooney經驗豐富，行動力強，將對董事會及會內企業都有很大益處。 

James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber, Begins Term as ACCE’s Board Chair 

Rooney to lead National Chamber Organization with 1,600 Members  

BOSTON, MA —  James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, begins his term as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).  Established in 1914, ACCE is a national association with more than 1,600 Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, and convention and visitors bureaus as members across the country, representing more than 9,000 Chamber professionals. The combined membership of ACCE Chambers exceeds 1.2 million businesses of all sizes.  

“I am honored to serve as ACCE Board Chair, and I am eager to partner with President Sheree Anne Kelly and the ACCE team and Chamber executives from across the county.  During my term, we will build on the excellent leadership of my predecessors Carlos Phillips and Christy Gillenwater to continue elevating the importance of Chambers to the success of every Main Street and Downtown in America. Chambers lead in transforming lives, careers, businesses, and communities, and I am proud to ensure that our national, collective voice drives impact every day,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and ACCE Board Chair.  

"At ACCE, we are committed to the success of Chambers across the country, and the leadership of our Board is critical to the future of our industry. Jim Rooney brings years of expertise, action, and impact to his role as ACCE's Board Chair that will benefit the Board's vision as well as Chambers of all sizes across the country. I am looking forward to working with Jim to strengthen ACCE as well as the entire Chamber industry," said Sheree Anne Kelly, President & CEO of ACCE.   

"As Jim begins his term as ACCE Board Chair, I am confident that Jim will bring his thoughtful, bold leadership and passion for shared economic prosperity to this national role. As a trusted leader, Jim will lead the ACCE Board and inspire Chambers across the country while offering his expertise in economics, public policy, global meetings and conventions, transportation, and more,” said Corey Thomas, CEO of Rapid7 and Boston Chamber Board Chair.   

“The ACCE Board and membership are fortunate to have Jim Rooney serve as our next Board Chair. With Jim's vision and innovative leadership, ACCE will continue the important work of growing and uplifting the Chamber industry across the country," said Mark Eagan, President & CEO of the Capital Region Chamber based in Albany, NY.   

"As we begin a new Board term, I am excited to welcome Jim Rooney as our ACCE Board Chair. We have the immense opportunity to lead and inspire our Chambers and communities, and I am confident that Jim will harness our collective voice to keep moving the needle for our members and industry," said Katie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.  

ACCE delivers best practices, industry trends, corporate partners, networking, and new ideas to advance the priorities of Chambers. ACCE offers resources, industry information and data, and professional development opportunities through conventions, an award-winning digital magazine, online education, and other activities. To learn more about ACCE, visit their website.   

Download the press release here.

Ed Flynn等3名市議員訂18日晚 開緊急城鎮會議 討論交通及公安問題

                   (Boston Orange摘譯) 波士頓的Julia Mejia將和愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn)，Enrique Pepén等3名市議員合作，訂7月18日(週四)晚上7點至8點，在網上召開緊急城鎮會議，討論越來越嚴重，由摩托車、輕型機車、以及無牌車輛等對社區所造成的生活品質，安全等影響。

                     這一緊急會議將有活躍社區人士，Gayl Crump-Swaby博士，以及波士頓警察Elizabeth Amador，以及受相關議題影響人士參加。

                    Julia Mejia說，2020年，她的辦公室就曾召開虛擬城鎮會議，有350人參加，之後成立了一個工作小組，討論煙花等議題。她相信藉由為每一個人都會受影響的議題來把大家召集起來，就可以辨識出需要的資源與工具。

最近發生過包括100多人騎著自行車及小型滑板摩托車 (motor scooter)，上了90號州際公路，又有一名嫌犯騎著小型滑板摩托車造成了致命悲劇，都使得社區安全成為更多人的顧慮。

Julia Mejia同時為上週日，在牙買加平原被槍殺的Baez家族成員哀悼。

警方已查悉7月14日晚10點17分，在新華盛頓街和Arborway交界處被槍殺的男子是35歲的Andy Baez Manan。

警方表示，這是波士頓市今年以來的第七宗謀殺案，去年到現在這時候共發生了21宗凶殺案。

波士頓市議員Enrique Pepén說，今年二月，在Roslindale的華盛頓街和Bexley接交界處，也發生一宗類似的，讓人哀悼的公安事故。

波士頓市議員愛德華費連指出，在2月份的交通計畫會議中，他就要求市府關注、管轄市內以時速25英里開行的輕型機車，小型滑板摩托車。他說波士頓市各地居民都曾目睹街道上，人行道上的超速行為，以及闖紅燈，錯入單行道等狀況。他說任何一個在市內使用道路的人，都應該遵守交通規則。如果有人能夠把速度快到像開車那樣的每小時25英里，就應該取得牌照，註冊登記，並購買保險。

麻州長 Healey 提名5人進麻州高等法院

(Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 17日提名John Fraser、Keren Goldenberg、Julie Green、Matthew Nestor 和 Deepika Shukla等5人進麻州高等法院。這些獲提名人現在將由州長委員會考慮確認。

高等法院是麻州具有一般管轄權的初審法院，致力以尊嚴和速度提供高品質司法，在麻州14個郡的20個法院中共有 82 名法官。高等法院對一級謀殺案件擁有專屬初審管轄權，並對所有其他犯罪、超過50,000 美元的民事訴訟、當事方尋求公平救濟的事項以及當事方尋求禁令救濟的包括勞資糾紛在內的訴訟擁有初審管轄權。高等法院也擁有召集醫療事故法庭的專屬權力，對某些行政訴訟擁有上訴管轄權，並可在任何城市或城鎮舉行入籍審理。

  Governor Healey Nominates Five to Superior Court 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today nominated John Fraser, Keren Goldenberg, Julie Green, Matthew Nestor and Deepika Shukla to the Massachusetts Superior Court. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation.  

“I’m proud to nominate these experienced attorneys to the Superior Court, and I’m confident they will make excellent additions to our justice system,” said Governor Healey. “We’re grateful to the Governor’s Council for their consideration of the nominees.” 

"It’s clear that these nominees will make great additions to the Superior Court and we’re grateful that they are ready to continue their service to Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are excited to work with the Governor’s Council as they consider these nominees for confirmation.” 

The Superior Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts and is committed to delivering high-quality justice with dignity and speed. The court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 state counties. The Superior Court has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases, and has original jurisdiction of all other crimes, civil actions over $50,000, matters where parties are seeking equitable relief, and actions including labor disputes where parties are seeking injunctive relief. The Superior Court also has exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, has appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold naturalization sittings in any city or town. 

About the Nominees: 

John Fraser is a co-founder and the manager at Fraser Law Office, where he maintains an active trial practice in both criminal defense and civil litigation, having tried more than forty jury trials to conclusion.  On the criminal side, he has represented clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies at both the District Court and Superior Court levels.  On the civil side, his practice includes business formation, commercial litigation, personal injury, and product liability matters.  Attorney Fraser holds a Bachelor of Science from University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. He resides in Andover with his spouse and three children.

Keren Goldenberg is currently the principal attorney at the Law Offices of Keren Goldenberg. She practices criminal defense in the Massachusetts superior, district, and juvenile courts, and in federal court. Prior to that she was a trial attorney with the Committee for Public Services in Lowell and with the Legal Aid Society of New York City. Attorney Goldenberg is a member of the “murder list” for the Committee for Public Counsel Services and the Criminal Justice Act panel for the United States District Court in Boston. Her practice also includes Title IX representation in colleges and universities. Attorney Goldenberg is a board member for the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and serves as secretary of the executive board. She is also a faculty advisor for the Trial Advocacy Workshop at Harvard Law School. Attorney Goldenberg holds a Bachelor of Science from University of Toronto and a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law. She currently resides in Belmont. 

Julie Green is currently the Deputy Chief of the Constitutional & Administrative Law Division of the Government Bureau in the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General with a focus on appellate, trial advocacy and public law. Attorney Green is responsible for representing the Commonwealth and its agencies at the Supreme Judicial Court, Appeals Court and the federal courts. Before joining the office of the Attorney Genral, Attorney Green practiced litigation at Todd & Weld LLP. She also clerked for the former Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit William Norris. Attorney Green holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. 

Matthew Nestor currently serves as an Associate Justice on the District Court, where he has presided over his own courtroom for nearly 20 years. He began his legal career as a civil litigator, then served as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County before being appointed as Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth, overseeing the Securities Division prior to joining the bench. Judge Nestor has served as the Presiding Justice of the Peabody, Chelsea, and Lynn District Courts, as well as the Appellate Division of the District Court.  Judge Nestor holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University, where he was Captain of the Football and Lacrosse teams, a Master of Science in Public Affairs from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School.  He currently resides in Reading. 

Deepika Shukla currently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Springfield Branch Office at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. In this role, she supervises all federal criminal cases in Western Massachusetts and has represented the United States in criminal prosecutions of violations of excessive force, hate crime, terrorism, fraud, and violent crime statutes.  She also serves as an adjunct professor at Western New England School of Law.  Prior to these roles, she worked as a plaintiffs’ civil rights attorney at the Connecticut Fair Housing Center and in private practice. Attorney Shukla holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern California and a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. She currently resides in Northampton. 

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn再呼籲派專人負責 稱市府鼠患行動計劃不敷所需

               (Boston Orange 摘譯) 波士頓第二區市議員愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn) 今 (17)日公開指稱”波士頓市囓齒動物行動計畫(Boston Rodent Action Plan，簡稱BRAP)”，不符所需，呼籲指定專人負責。

              波士頓市議員愛德華費連早從2020年，甚至新冠病毒疫情爆發之前，就關注鼠患橫行情況，每年都為病蟲害議題召開公聽會，去年還到紐約拜訪該市”減緩鼠患 (Rodent Mitigation)”主任，有”鼠皇 (Rat Czar)”之稱的Kathleen Corradi，討論如何處理全美各地鼠患肆虐的生活品質問題。

              2023年1月，Flynn議員為設立病蟲害控制 (Pest Control) 辦公室召開公聽會，今年1月他在市議會提案，並為正式成立一個這樣的辦公室舉行公聽會。今年稍早，他也和波士頓市政府相關部門，以及Corrigan博士就報告及建議晤談。

              Flynn議員感謝Corrigan博士和相關部門合作，論了全面垃圾貨櫃化，減少齧齒類鼠患繁衍機會，針對商業區及下水道的巡視社區等的建議，但BRAP卻並未正式指派一名專人，只負責協調所有市府部門來解決蟲害鼠患危機。Flynn議員還表示，儘管波士頓市公共衛生委員會指出，目前老鼠並未對波士頓居民構成公共衛生威脅，但他堅定地不同意這說法。他聽過老鼠鑽進小孩搖籃的事，認為人們不可以淡化鼠患對居民生活品質影響的嚴重性。

CITY OF BOSTON LAUNCHES BOSTON RODENT ACTION PLAN

An extensive report by renowned urban rodentologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan lays out the foundation for City to build upon to greatly improve the delivery of basic city services, better target rat mitigation efforts, and increase coordination across city departments 

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP), a new coordinated, multi-agency initiative to mitigate the rodent population in Boston and maintain an excellent quality of life established for Boston residents, families, and visitors. The City of Boston also released the BRAP report, commissioned by the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) and authored by Dr. Bobby Corrigan, a leading Urban Rodentologist renowned across the country. The report details the factors contributing to the urgent rodent population in the city. It will serve as a foundation for the BRAP’s aim to improve ongoing City efforts to address this critical quality of life issue better impacting residents and neighborhoods across Boston.  

"Boston takes pride in distinguishing our city through delivering exceptional basic city services for safe and clean streets, beautiful public spaces, and responsive and accessible city government,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re working to make Boston a home for everyone. Except for rats. Our rodent action plan, which is informed by this data-driven report, will guide our approach across our neighborhoods."

In an effort to better address areas of concern and coordinate actions taken by city departments, the City also has established a Boston Rodent Action Plan working group to target better prevention and intervention measures to address Boston’s rat mitigation efforts. This group comprises relevant City departments including the Operations Cabinet, Inspectional Services Department, Public Works Department, Boston Public Health Commission, Parks and Recreation, Community Engagement Cabinet, Boston 311, Boston Housing Authority and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. The working group will ensure that we are using our City resources to address the root causes of rodent populations and drive engagement with residents and property owners to help keep neighborhoods and public spaces safe and clean. 

“Boston doesn’t like rats, and rat mitigation is one of the priority quality of life issues for this administration,” said Chief of Operations Dion Irish. “We are excited and optimistic about the enhanced collaboration amongst city agencies whose work impacts rodent mitigation.  Dr. Corrigan’s report will be a valuable resource that will aid us in building on the great work already being done towards developing and implementing an action plan that prioritizes addressing root causes, utilizes data & technology, and reduces environmental hazards.”

The report highlights various causes and effects of rodent infestation, including poor trash mitigation, storage, and removal. Given its position as one of the oldest cities in the Northeast, it also outlines Boston’s infrastructure as an inherent factor that significantly influences the rodent population. This, coupled with densely populated neighborhoods, intertwining alleyways, old sewer systems, and century-old cobble or brick streets and sidewalks, provide an environment for rodents to thrive.

“The Rodent Action Plan is a strong tool to coordinate multiple City departments that play a crucial role in approaching this complex issue,” said ISD Commissioner Tania Del Rio.  “By integrating best practices in waste management, public education, infrastructure improvements, and environmentally friendly pest control, we are confident the BRAP will yield positive results for Boston’s residents. The Inspectional Services Department is excited to be a part of this initiative."

“We strive to make our parks and green spaces feel like home to Boston residents, and addressing the rodent issue is a crucial part of that mission,” said Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods. “By integrating our efforts with the cross-departmental Boston Rodent Action Plan, we can ensure our parks and public spaces remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone in our community.”

“Every Boston resident deserves a home that is rodent free,” Boston Housing Authority Administrator Kenzie Bok said. “At BHA, we know that it takes coordination between all city agencies and departments to effectively combat rats in a neighborhood. I applaud Mayor Wu for leading on this issue and I’m confident that this initiative will make a significant difference for the quality of life for our BHA residents and for families across Boston.”

Broadly, the report outlines that the City take the following actions:

• Build on the City’s ongoing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Integrated pest management stresses addressing the environmental root causes first and from there utilizing various extermination approaches
• Ensure the goal of rat management program, whenever possible is preventative instead of reactionary 
• Utilize data related to complaints, physical inspections, geo-mapping, population cluster models, and additional emerging technology to target efforts
• Establish a Priority Action Neighborhood (PAN) plan for the top 3-5 most afflicted neighborhoods to reduce currently established rodent hot spots
• Incorporate specialized infrastructure-specific rat control for Parks, Sewers and Alleys, and major construction zones
• Move towards alternative baits and other effective tools for controlling rats that do not present environmental threats to wildlife 

Dr. Corrigan's report emphasizes how human behavior significantly contributes to the rodent population which he calls 'a modern-day city conundrum.’ Storing trash in unprotected plastic bags is a norm in some areas of the city, which is a key factor in the rodent population. Dr. Corrigan also establishes that the No. 1 driver of rat populations in all cities, including Boston, is the food refuse dynamic, often disposed of in plastic bags. The report outlines that the City in partnership with residents, business owners and property owners changing this behavior will be critical in ultimately reducing the rodent population, and it needs to be done consistently throughout the city for a sustained period of time. 

As Boston continues to grow as a city, tackling the rodent control challenge will require investment in data and technology aimed at mitigation. Dr. Corrigan, in the report, also suggests incorporating technology such as rodent sensors, remote rat monitor technology above ground, and shared routine camera scoping below ground/sewers to trace infestations and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the report highlights the need to manage trash in large housing complexes, parks, green spaces, sewers, and utility systems. Additionally, BPHC has determined that the current rodent population at this time does not pose a high public health threat to Bostonians.

The formation of this report and changes to the City’s approach were informed by an extensive community engagement process during the annual Spring Pest Management Campaign led by ISD that runs from March through July. City workers conducted various neighborhood walkthroughs and administered rodent control treatment services to impacted areas, which also greatly informed residents, business owners, and elected officials of the challenges posed by Boston’s rodent population. For more information regarding the Boston Rodent Action and an update on City efforts, please visit boston.gov/rats.

波士頓市今夏學童供餐點學童供餐點

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF SUMMER MEAL SITES ACROSS THE CITY PROVIDING HEALTHY MEALS AT NO COST TO YOUTH The City of Boston also encourages residents to utilize the farmer’s market coupon program with eligible community groups

BOSTON - Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced that over 30 Boston Summer Eats meal sites are open and will run until the end of August. Boston Summer Eats is an effort to close the summer food gap by making available freshly prepared meals at locations such as community centers and schools. Meals are available to all youth 18 and under. The program launched in 2017 with the goal of expanding access to free and healthy meals for youth and teens in Boston. The Boston Summer Eats program is a partnership of the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice (OFJ), Boston Public Schools, the YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston Centers for Youth & Families and Project Bread, which supports the statewide program in partnership with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and hundreds of meal providers, in Massachusetts.  “In the summer, it's essential that every child in Boston has continued access to nutritious meals. The Boston Eats program plays a critical role in ensuring our young people are well-fed and healthy, outside of the school year, regardless of their circumstances,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am proud of the strong partnerships we have built with organizations like the YMCA of Greater Boston and Project Bread, which, along with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, help make this program possible. We are also excited that the citywide farmer’s market coupon program will be continuing this summer, ensuring that all residents can access fresh, healthy food.” Residents who wish to access free meals for youth aged 18 and under can find meal sites at boston.gov/summer-eats or find additional locations across Massachusetts by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. Hours of operation at summer meal sites vary depending on the site, and most meal sites will offer breakfast and lunch, while some also provide snacks. No registration or identification is required. Due to federal regulations, this year, there will be no “grab and go” options available at sites. Youth will be required to eat on site.  “Ensuring our students have access to nutritious meals during the summer months is essential to their growth, health, and well-being," said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “The Boston Summer Eats program exemplifies our commitment to supporting our students throughout the year. By providing these meals, we help bridge the gap during the summer break, combating food insecurity. We are grateful for the strong partnerships with the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice, the YMCA of Greater Boston, Project Bread, and other community organizations that make this program possible.”  "As we continue our mission to end hunger in Massachusetts, the Summer Eats program is a vital resource ensuring children in Boston and beyond have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer," said Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread. "We are proud to partner with the City of Boston and other dedicated organizations to support the health and well-being of our youth. Together, we are making a significant impact in closing the summer food gap and providing essential support to families in need." "At the Y of Greater Boston, summer is prime time for learning, discovery, friendship, mentoring, and joy. None of this is possible without meeting the food and nutrition needs of our young people, especially at a time when school meals are not available," said David Shapiro, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. "The Boston Summer Eats program is a critical initiative that provides children and teens the nutritious meals they need to grow and thrive. We are proud to collaborate with the City of Boston and other partners to help deliver on this essential effort for thousands of young people in our care each summer day and help drive stability, health, and wellness for all our communities." “The Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition is thrilled to see the continuation of the farmer's market coupon program, which plays a crucial role in providing our community with access to fresh, healthy food," said Shavel’le Olivier, Executive Director of the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition. "This initiative, alongside the Boston Summer Eats program, ensures that families in our neighborhood have the resources they need to maintain a nutritious diet during the summer months. We are proud to partner with the City of Boston and other organizations to support the health and well-being of our residents." Additionally, all farmers markets in the City are open for the season, most of which will be continuing to operate weekly through the end of October in 22 Boston neighborhoods. The Office of Food Justice encourages residents who receive SNAP, Summer EBT, and WIC benefits to shop at farmers markets. SNAP recipients can use the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) at markets throughout Massachusetts to receive an extra dollar of fresh produce for each SNAP dollar spent on fresh produce. In addition, the City’s Farmers Market coupons are available for food insecure households from 33 community based organizations and community health centers in Boston, through federal recovery act funding. You can find a list of organizations distributing these coupons here. The goal of the Farmers Market Coupon Program is to support households who do not qualify for federal and state programs, including but not limited to immigrants and refugees. The Office of Food Justice partners with community organizations which distribute coupons to their local communities monthly between July and October. Distribution partners have limited coupons available. For more information about food resources available, visit here.

第六屆波士頓台灣影展訂9月28、29日舉行 中華公所支持捐款1000元

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝(左起)把捐款1000元的支票，
交給波士頓台灣影展協會共會長Andrew Lin。右為中華公所財政
陳余寶愛，TFFB董事吳淑瑋。(周菊子攝)

                波士頓台灣影展協會 (TFFB) 的第六屆影展，已訂9月28、29兩日，在波士頓廣場的AMC Boston Common 19戲院舉行，將以「波光倒影」為主題，放映5部長片，3部短片，並於9月28日晚在W酒店舉辦接待會。

              波士頓台灣影展協會共會長Andrew Lin和影展董事吳淑瑋7月13日在波士頓僑界慶祝雙十國慶籌備會上預告活動日期，籲請各界共襄盛舉。

              紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝和財政陳余寶愛趁著這天大家都在，拿出支票，捐款1000元，支持年輕人宣揚文化，參與社區，服務僑界。

              經過大半年籌備後，波士頓台灣影展協會目前訂定選映《老狐狸》，《春行》，《青春18x2往有你的旅程》，《蘭陵40：演員實驗教室》，《下半場》等5部長片，以及《野生之路》，《依諾物語》，《鷺鷲河》等3部新北市記錄片獎優選短片。

              其中由侯孝賢等3人監製，積木影像製作，以台幣3800萬元預算拍攝，票房只得新台幣1519萬元的《老狐狸》一片，被譽為”年度台灣最美電影”，不但在第60屆金馬獎中斬獲導演、男配角、造型、配樂等4大獎項，在第5屆台灣影評人協會中贏得最佳影片、導演、劇本、男女演員，特別表揚等6項大獎，日前又贏得第26屆台北電影節中贏得最佳劇情長片等14項大獎。

              義工團隊多達30餘人的波士頓台灣影展協會，跨入第六屆，由林致中和Andrew Lin接任會長後，積極拓展影協與其他影展團體的合作交流，組織義工到第三屆波士頓台灣夜市，第一屆新英格蘭香港節，牛頓臺灣日，以及亞美電影節 (BAAFF)和全美亞裔專業人員協會波士頓分會，以及愛默生學院麾下ArtEmerson項目合作的影片放映會等活動，已使波士頓台灣影展和臺灣在大波士頓有了更高的能見度。

              查詢波士頓台灣影展協會詳情，可追蹤 Instagram，帳號https://www.instagram.com/tffboston。 (更新版)