Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $8.7 Million to Compliant MBTA Communities in Support of New Housing

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $8.7 Million to Compliant MBTA Communities in Support of New Housing 

MBTA Community Catalyst Funds Will Unlock Up to 2,332 New Housing Units, Lower Costs 

BOSTON – Today the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $8.7 million in MBTA Community Catalyst Funds to 10 fully compliant MBTA communities in FY25. 

Cities and towns across the state are working hard to develop housing for their residents in new multifamily districts created by the MBTA Communities Law. In recognition of this progress, the administration established the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund competitive grant awards to support activities related to housing creation, from improving or expanding critical infrastructure, to funding the acquisition of land for new development. 

“The MBTA Communities Law is already paving the way for new housing for Massachusetts residents, and today we are proud to award the first round of MBTA Community Catalyst Funds in support of cities and towns that are working hard to bring down housing costs for their residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “From the start, our administration has been committed to working closely with communities to not only come into compliance with the law, but to also provide resources to help them turn their plans into reality. These funds will be crucial for supporting housing creation and infrastructure upgrades so that we can make housing more affordable across the state.” 

“The MBTA Communities Law is a crucial tool for making housing more affordable for all Massachusetts residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today’s Catalyst Fund awards will help compliant cities and towns invest in critical infrastructure improvements and land acquisitions to support the development of even more new units and lower costs.” 

The MBTA Community Catalyst Fund is a new funding source created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration available to fully compliant MBTA Communities and works in partnership with the MassWorks and HousingWorks competitive grant programs to provide funding for local infrastructure projects and improvements to help unlock housing production. The administration has capitalized the MBTA Catalyst Fund with $15 million. 

“The Catalyst Fund is yet another state funding source to help communities jumpstart housing production,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “Increasing the supply of housing helps lower costs for all residents and these grant awards give our communities a hand as they work to build the housing they need.” 

In total, awarded projects are expected to unlock up to 2,332 housing units in 3A districts, including units with affordability, by facilitating acquisition of land or funding infrastructure improvements, making future development possible. 

Community	Award Total	Project Description	Unit Potential Supported by Award
Arlington	$1,000,000	Arlington will pass through funds to Housing Corporation of Arlington (HCA) to acquire parcel adjacent to an existing project.	88
Chelsea	$1,000,000	Chelsea will design water and sewer improvements to serve its 3A district and support planned housing development projects.	780
Easton	$300,000	Easton will extend sewer to serve a new housing development in its 3A district	53
Grafton	$1,560,029	Grafton and Claremont Companies will construct and install an ADA-accessible ramp to the North Grafton commuter rail station.	233
Harvard	$1,145,000	Harvard will extend water and sewer utilities to its 3A district and leverage Minco Development Corporation’s construction of 220 new units.	220
Lincoln	$430,000	Lincoln will design phase II of water main extension servicing its 3A district	(3A district-wide project)
Revere	$1,000,000	Revere will pass through funds to The Neighborhood Developers (TND) to acquire a parcel to build up to 300 new units.	300
Salem	$1,000,000	Salem will improve water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure in its 3A district to support housing development projects.	123
Somerville	$1,000,000	Somerville will pass through funds to Somerville Community Land Trust to acquire a parcel and partner with Habitat for Humanity to build up to 5 affordable homeownership units in 3A district.	5 (affordable ownership units)
Westford	$300,000	Westford will conduct pre-development activities for critical transportation connectivity in its 3A district to leverage new development.	530

The 10 municipalities receiving a competitive award in FY25 are fully compliant with the law and submitted specific projects to be supported by the Catalyst Fund. When making awards, EOHLC reviewed each project’s location within a multifamily district, project readiness, financial feasibility, support for affordability, and total units to be supported by the project. Additional awards are expected in FY26. 

There are currently 50 fully compliant MBTA communities; 119 communities that have adopted zoning intended to comply with the law and over 3,700 housing units in the development pipeline thanks to newly created multifamily zoning districts. 

Governor Healey Visits Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility to Promote Plan to Stabilize MBTA Finances

 Governor Healey Visits Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility to Promote Plan to Stabilize MBTA Finances 

Governor’s Transforming Transportation Road Show is highlighting her $8 billion transportation plan that includes $1.4 billion in investments for the MBTA  

SOMERVILLE – Today, Governor Maura Healey continued her Transforming Transportation Road Show at the MBTA Boston Engine Terminal, a commuter rail maintenance facility in Somerville, to promote her plan to stabilize the MBTA’s finances. Joined by Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, the group toured the maintenance and storage facility, met with commuter rail maintenance workers, and highlighted Governor Healey’s proposed $1.4 billion in investments toward the MBTA included in her historic transportation plan. 

“The people of Massachusetts rely on our transportation system to get them to work, school, doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, family and friends’ homes safely and on time. Our transportation plan will make historic investments to upgrade our roads, bridges and public transportation all across the state – especially on the MBTA,” said Governor Maura Healey. “General Manager Eng and his team have proven that, when given the resources they need, they will deliver safer, more reliable service for T riders. Their success removing slow zones through the Track Improvement Program last year is a great example of that. Now, it’s on us to continue providing the funding they need to stabilize their finances for the long term and improve the system top to bottom. That’s what our transportation plan will do.” 

"Investing in transportation means investing in people. Our transportation plan puts dollars into ensuring people across the state can get to where they need to go when they need to be there, and the investments in public transportation further our commitment to making the T safer and more reliable,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re grateful to GM Eng and his team for all the work they’ve done improving the MBTA, and we look forward to our continued partnership as we work to make our public transportation system even stronger.” 

“As we tackle the challenges of climate change and adapt to evolving travel patterns shaped by remote work and other factors, the Healey-Driscoll administration remains committed to making strategic investments that maintain and expand public transportation across the state,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget prioritizes improvements across all modes of travel—particularly setting the MBTA on a path for long-term, transformative infrastructure upgrades.” 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to transportation across Massachusetts is unprecedented, improving quality of life for all. This $8 billion investment will allow us to continue rebuilding our workforce to deliver a best in class mass transportation system that the Commonwealth deserves,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phil Eng.  “This historic increase to our operating budget will provide us the stability we need as we continue to deliver improved service to meet the needs of today while we build for the future.  I’m blessed and proud to be part of Team Massachusetts as we deliver a more reliable, efficient, and resilient system for years to come, benefiting the communities and visitors who depend on the T." 

"Governor Healey’s continued investment in the MBTA is a critical step toward a stronger, more sustainable future for our region. Here in Somerville, we see firsthand how transit investments improve daily life," said Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. "It connects residents to jobs, schools, and opportunities while reducing congestion and emissions. We’re grateful for the state’s leadership and proud to partner in building a transportation system that truly serves the people who rely on it every day." 

“A successful 21st century MBTA is the linchpin for the regions vibrant and thriving economic future. The key to meeting our current and future challenges in housing, education, jobs, and quality of life is the investment we make toward that goal,” said MBTA Board Chair Thomas McGee. “Governor Healey and her administration’s strong support in bringing these dollars to the MBTA builds on the progress the agency has made under Phil Eng’s leadership and toward our shared vision of a world class transportation system.” 

The Governor’s transportation plan proposes an $8 billion investment over the next 10 years to improve the state’s roads, bridges and regional transportation system and immediately stabilize the finances of the MBTA. The plan includes a $1.4 billion in investments at the MBTA for new commuter rail coaches, Red and Orange Line cars, station accessibility and resilience, track improvements and power system resiliency.  

It also maximizes existing Fair Share Funds to more than double support for the MBTA’s operating budget to $687 million in FY26 and immediately address the agency’s budget shortfall, putting the MBTA on a path of long-term stability. This increase comes after the Governor’s doubled the operating budget to $314 million in FY25. The plan also includes $10 million for the MBTA Workforce Academy, $400 million to address workforce and safety initiatives identified as necessary by the Federal Transit Authority, and $25 million for Regional Transit Authority workforce recruitment and retention. 

Last month, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll kicked off the Transforming Transportation Road Show at the Brockton Area Transportation’s Intermodal Transportation Centre to promote the ways in which the plan will support the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities, and at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4 in Medway to highlight the ways the plan will create up to 140,000 jobs across the state.  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches “Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies” Education Project in Celebration of Massachusetts 250

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches “Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies” Education Project in Celebration of Massachusetts 250  

Announcement made during Civic Learning Week; students encouraged

to submit story of a Massachusetts ‘revolutionary’  

 

PLYMOUTH – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today launched “Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies,” where students in K-12 schools across Massachusetts are encouraged to submit a project of their choosing that tells the story of a particular ‘revolutionary’ figure from Massachusetts. Students are encouraged to highlight stories that have not often been told in the state’s history. Entries can take whatever format best fits the student or group of students’ voice(s) and talents, including a visual product like artwork with brief description, a narrative essay, a brief documentary video or a performance piece. 

 

This announcement was made during Massachusetts Civic Learning Week at Manomet Elementary School in Plymouth, where Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler and other state and local officials observed a 5^th grade Investigating History lesson. The theme for this year’s Civic Learning Week is “Civic Learning for a Strong Democracy.” 

 

“We know that a strong democracy starts with people, especially our young people, who are informed, engaged and empowered. I was proud to sign a proclamation making this week Massachusetts Civic Learning Week,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our new Revolutionaries project aims to inspire students to explore the stories of our state’s historical leaders and carry these legacies into the future, as well as inspire them to make their own legacies here in Massachusetts.” 

 

“The 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring people together and showcase what makes Massachusetts revolutionary,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re excited to engage students who are our next generation of leaders to celebrate our history and continue making change into the future.” 

 

In September, the administration launched Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy. The initiative highlights the state’s rich history and amplifies untold stories of the Revolution through hundreds of cultural and community events over the next two years. Today’s announced education project is part of Massachusetts 250’s initiatives to get young people involved in learning from Massachusetts Revolutionary history so that they can be the leaders of today and tomorrow, carrying forward these incredible legacies. 

 

“As a former history teacher, I am thrilled to open up this opportunity during Civic Learning Week for students across Massachusetts to learn about our state’s rich history,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Our students today are our leaders tomorrow, and I encourage them to get involved with local and state governments on projects like this because when they get involved, they can make a difference, not only for themselves, but for their communities.” 

 

DESE’s freely available Investigating History curriculum, which Manomet Elementary uses, provides Massachusetts students in grades 5–7 with high-quality, civically relevant social studies learning. Investigating History represents one of the first times a state education agency has taken on the work of developing a comprehensive social studies curriculum. The curriculum is currently used in over 125 districts across Massachusetts. 

 

“Investigating History is designed to engage students more fully in their learning,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston. “Asking students to identify and research revolutionary historical figures is a great way to make the 250^th anniversary of our nation more meaningful.” 

 

“Through inquiry-based learning and real-world experiences, the Plymouth Public School district aligns its learning approach with the Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework, ensuring that students are not only learning about civics, but living it,” said State Representative Michelle Badger. 

 

“A strong society is built on engaged citizens who understand their history and their power to shape the future. The ‘Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies’ initiative gives students the chance to explore the people and movements that have defined Massachusetts,” said State Senator Dylan A. Fernandes. By investing in civic education, we are not just teaching history, we are preparing the next generation to lead. As we commemorate Massachusetts 250, Plymouth is the perfect place to reflect on where we’ve been and inspire young people to shape what comes next.” 

  

“Massachusetts 250 is the perfect time to dive into the stories that shaped our state—and the ‘Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies’ project invites students and families to both discover those stories and experience them firsthand,” said Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox. “From historic sites and museums to walking tours and reenactments, there are so many ways to explore Massachusetts’s revolutionary past. This project gives young people a chance to connect with that history in a fun, creative way—and maybe even leave their own revolutionary mark along the way.” 

 

After reviewing submissions over the summer, the Executive Office of Education will announce a series of statewide winners, culminating in a celebration in tandem with MA 250 in the Fall of 2025. Students should submit their entries by June 30th at Massachusetts250.org.  

 

“As Superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools, I want to thank Secretary Tutwiler for visiting our amazing community today. It was an honor to host them during such an exciting time for our state and students. The ‘Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies’ project is a great opportunity to inspire our students to explore Massachusetts' rich history and engage with underrepresented stories. At Plymouth Public Schools, we are committed to civic education, empowering all students to understand and shape their future. This initiative helps reinforce that mission, encouraging students to actively participate in our democracy,” said Plymouth Public Schools Superintendent Christopher Campbell. 

 

“The Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition (MCLC) is excited to join the Healey-Driscoll Administration in announcing this new initiative as we believe that for all students to become active and informed participants in our democracy, they must have a firm grasp of the history of the nation and frequent practice with the skills that make thoughtful engagement possible. MCLC is a non-partisan coalition of over 60 nonprofits, educators, universities, and other partners committed to renewing our democracy by ensuring that all students gain the knowledge and experience of civic engagement to become thoughtful and active participants in building a better tomorrow. We believe that civic education has a vital role to play in the health of democracy and that everyone has a stake in the civic life of our communities, state, and nation,” said Massachusetts Civics Learning Coalition Director David Buchanan. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND BOSTON UNITY SOCCER PARTNERS ANNOUNCE WHITE STADIUM ADVISORY GROUP TO BOOST CONTRACTING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND BOSTON UNITY SOCCER PARTNERS ANNOUNCE WHITE STADIUM ADVISORY GROUP TO BOOST CONTRACTING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

The City of Boston and BUSP will aim to award 50% of all total contracting dollars, for the design, construction, and ongoing operations of the White Stadium renovation project, to minority- and women-owned business enterprises.  

BOSTON - Thursday, March 13, 2025 – Today, Mayor Michelle Wu, the City of Boston’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, and Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP) announced the formation of the White Stadium Supplier Diversity Advisory Group. This coalition of community leaders and small business organizations will support the City and BUSP’s commitment to awarding 50% of all contracting dollars across all three phases of the White Stadium renovation—design, construction, and operations—to local, minority-owned, and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). The Advisory Group Members are as follows:

1. Andre Barbour, Commissioner, Black Men & Boys Commission
2. J.C. Burton, Commissioner, Boston Employment Commission
3. Edsel Cadet, Pastor, Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church
4. Katrina Conrad, Board Member, Mass. Minority Contractors Association
5. Eric Esteves, Executive Director, Boston Main Streets Foundation
6. Jen Faigel, Executive Director, Commonwealth Kitchen
7. Ron Marlow, VP for Workforce Development & Alternative Education, ABCD, Inc.
8. Nicole Obi, President & CEO, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA)
9. Roxanna Sarmiento, Head of Marketing & Communications, ALX
10. Norman Stembridge, Co-Chair, Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee
11. Rickie Thompson, President, Franklin Park Coalition
12. Robert Wint, President, Boston Caribbean American Association

“Boston is built on our local business owners and the renovation of White Stadium is an exciting opportunity for local economic development in the community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Together with the Boston Unity Soccer Partners, we are working to ensure our local minority- and women-owned businesses are connected to this opportunity early and often during all stages of this project.”

The White Stadium renovation will be a transformational investment in BPS Athletics and Franklin Park, serving as a hub for youth sports, community programming, and professional soccer with dramatically expanded public access. The upgraded complex will feature state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities, including modern locker rooms, a sports medicine suite, a strength and conditioning center, a professional grass field, an eight-lane track, and community event spaces. Previously limited to weekday hours of 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. public access will now expand to 15 hours a day, seven days a week, for more than 345 days a year. White Stadium will also become home to Boston’s new professional women’s soccer team, hosting up to 20 NWSL game days annually. This commitment to reach 50% WMBE contracting was one of the community goals and benefits the City announced when signing the lease agreement. 

The new Stadium will be completed through a dual-construction model, bringing together two design and construction teams to deliver a modern, sustainable, and accessible facility. This model reinforces the need for early coordination, ensuring businesses of all sizes and backgrounds can actively participate in the renovation process. 

Key objectives of the Supplier Diversity Advisory Group include: 

• Increase access to contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses by streamlining information and outreach.
• Support businesses in navigating procurement processes and securing contracts.
• Strengthen partnerships with local organizations to ensure long-term economic benefits for local communities.
• Provide ongoing oversight and accountability to track progress toward business participation goals.

“We are not just setting goals—we are building real pathways for local minority- and women-owned businesses to thrive at every stage of this project,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion for the City of Boston. “By leveraging the Supplier Diversity Advisory Group’s expertise, we will ensure that local businesses—both emerging and established—have access to meaningful opportunities to grow, contribute, and be part of the long-term success of White Stadium.” 

The City, BUSP, and the Advisory Group will host a series of Contracting Opportunity Fairs this spring and summer. The first will take place Tuesday, March 18 at the National Center of Afro-American Artists at 6:00 p.m.. The events will introduce local contractors to the project timeline and procurement processes and provide networking opportunities with the construction teams. Businesses interested in attending can use this form to register.  

Additionally, the City of Boston will launch a Supplier Diversity Dashboard on its White Stadium project webpage, providing updates on MWBE participation and progress.

"The inclusive construction approach at White Stadium in Franklin Park represents Boston's commitment to building infrastructure that truly serves all communities,” said JocCole "JC" Burton, Founder of the SRGE Construction Accelerator. “By prioritizing diverse business participation and neighborhood engagement throughout the renovation process, this project sets a powerful standard for how urban development can create both physical and economic opportunity for historically underrepresented stakeholders."

The partnership with Boston Unity Soccer Partners to deliver a renovated White Stadium with expanded public access hours will also bring a range of other community benefits, such as:

• Annual Community Benefits Fund: A $500,000 annual contribution, increasing by 3% annually, to support local organizations and initiatives. 
• Franklin Park Preservation Fund: A $1-per-ticket contribution from every National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) game to fund Franklin Park Action Plan projects.
• Tree Bank Establishment: The planting of more than 500 trees within Franklin Park.
• Jobs: Estimated creation of 500 new construction jobs and 300 new permanent jobs.
• BPS partnerships: Scholarships, internships, and mentorship with the NWSL team to expand career pathways for Boston youth.

“From the start, our commitment has been to build more than just a stadium—we’re investing in the community,” said Jennifer Epstein, Controlling Manager of Boston Unity Soccer Partners. “The Supplier Diversity Advisory Group will help ensure that Boston’s local businesses are at the center of this transformation, creating real economic opportunities that last well beyond game days.”

For additional information please visit the City of Boston’s White Stadium webpage and Boston Unity Soccer Partners’ White Stadium webpage.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT ADVANCES NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ALLSTON, DOWNTOWN, AND MISSION HILL Planning Department shares new RFP to create Planning and Design Academy for Boston residents

BOSTON - March 13, 2025 - The Planning Department this month shared information on a new initiative the Planning Department is launching and recommended approval of five new development projects to the BPDA Board, including an office to residential conversion project. All were approved. The newly approved development projects represent approximately 488,599 square feet (SF), will create 171 new residential units, including 107 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 584 construction jobs and 1,052 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Urban Design Implementation of Boston Design Vision: Planning and Design Academy Planning Department staff shared information about a recently released Request for Proposals (RFP) to create a new Planning and Design Academy, which is part of the implementation of the Design Vision. The Academy is meant to empower Bostonians to take a more active role in shaping their neighborhoods by giving them the necessary education to better understand planning and design processes. The City is seeking consultants to create a curriculum for an eight-week program, set to launch later this year. Development Projects Office at 15 Court Square to be converted to new homes Downtown Housing: 80 residential units, 16 income-restricted units  Jobs: Ground floor retail space Community: Bringing more residents Downtown Sustainability: Compliant with Stretch Energy Code As part of the City’s Office to Residential Conversion Program, this project will renovate what is currently an 11-story mixed-use office building into 80 new homes in Downtown Boston, 16 of which will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. There will also be bike parking for residents on site. The project will maintain the building’s current retail space on the ground floor.  This project is one of 15 applicants in Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to create 760 units from the conversion of 20 vacant office buildings. The project at Court Square is also the fourth largest project in the program. Project at 65-79 Seattle Street in Allston to build new income-restricted homeownership opportunities Housing: 43 income-restricted homeownership units Jobs: Approximately 45 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements, bike parking, community room and courtyard for residents Sustainability: Energy efficient design, LEED Gold, Stretch Energy Code compliant This project will create 43 new homeownership opportunities across three different buildings. These will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Building A will have 24 units, Building B will have nine units, and Building C will have ten units. Five units will be made accessible to those with mobility, hearing and visual impairments. The project is located in the study area of the Allston-Brighton Needs Assessment, adopted by the BPDA Board in January 2024. This project aligns with the assessment, which identified affordable and accessible housing as a community need in Allston-Brighton. The project will contribute $11,825 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system as a community benefit. This project was enabled by the community benefits package for the Harvard Enterprise Research Campus Phase A project, which provided this site to be dedicated to affordable housing. New income-restricted homes to be built at 77 Terrace Street and 778-796 Parker Street in Mission Hill Housing: 48 income-restricted homeownership units Jobs: Approximately 49 construction jobs Community: New public open space, 50 new community garden plots, bike racks for residents, close proximity to public transportation Sustainability: Passive House What is now vacant land will become 48 new income-restricted homes in Mission Hill. This formerly City-owned land will be developed into housing, open space, and a new community garden. The housing component will be a five-story building with a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. This will be a transit-oriented development as it is in close proximity to public transportation. Terrace Street has been evolving with a mix of small apartment buildings and small businesses, and this fully income-restricted project aims to positively add to that ongoing change. This project is another example of the Planning Department’s commitment to use public land for public good and further the goals established in Mayor Wu’s land audit.   150-year-old Allandale Farm in Jamaica Plain to build new store and greenhouse Jobs: Revitalized retail space Community: New crosswalk on site, enhanced ADA access, better availability of seasonal farm products Sustainability: EV charging and solar stations, solar powered buildings Allandale Farm in Jamaica Plain will be replacing their primary store with a new retail Market Barn that will act as the headquarters for all retail operations and has been designed to improve environmental sustainability and better reflect the Farm's character. This project will also replace the retail greenhouses on site with one, more efficient greenhouse next to the new Market Barn. The new structures will allow the farm to better meet demand for farm products and plants year-round. New open space between these structures and the parking lot will also be used for seasonal outdoor retail events. This project will improve the parking lot and surrounding public realm to make the farm more accessible, as well as pedestrian and bicycle friendly. This project will also allow the farm to enhance the availability of local produce year-round. 17 Bradston Street project to bring innovative business to Newmarket Jobs: Approximately 472 construction jobs, approximately 1,013 permanent jobs Community: Public realm improvements Sustainability: Planting 35 new street trees to combat urban heat island effect, LEED Gold Located in the Newmarket Innovation District, this project will develop a new building including commercial, life sciences, and light industrial uses. PLAN: Newmarket and its corresponding zoning provides the vision and tools for the Newmarket neighborhood to continue to be a key center of employment for Boston residents, and an area primed to attract investment in the industries of tomorrow. This project and its proposed use aligns with the recommendations outlined in the plan. As part of its community benefits, this project will contribute: $106,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system, $75,000 to the City’s Fund for Parks, $25,000 to the nonprofit The Base, $25,000 to the nonprofit New England Culinary Arts Training, $25,000 to the nonprofit The Record Company, and $25,000 to the Newmarket Business Association Job Placement Program. In addition to these projects, the board approved: The 2025-2035 Harvard University Allston Campus Institutional Master Plan (IMP). This IMP commits Harvard to the following: another ten years of continuing the Harvard Ed Portal, $250,000 to support the Honan-Allston Library, the continued contribution of $200,000 per year towards the Harvard Allston Partnership Fund, improvements to Roberts Park, continued funding for the All Bright Homeownership Program, support for Allston-Brighton youth sports, and other benefits as outlined in the board approved memo. An update to a previously approved project at 120 Braintree Street to reduce the amount of parking on site. An update to a previously approved project at 151 Liverpool Street to reduce the amount of parking on site. An update to a previously approved project at 1318 River Street to reduce the amount of parking on site. An update to a previously approved project at 20 and 22 Drydock Avenue to add a pedestrian bridge to connect two of the buildings. An update to a previously approved project at 279 Maverick Street to change the residential units from rental to homeownership. The disbursement of $200,000 from the Harvard Allston Partnership Fund to 25 nonprofit community organizations in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood.

Governor Healey Unveils Exhibition Celebrating Women Veterans and Legacy of Former Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers

 Governor Healey Unveils Exhibition Celebrating Women Veterans and Legacy of Former Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers

BOSTON – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Governor Maura Healey unveiled an exhibition, in partnership with the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) and 3-5-0 Girls, displaying uniforms of Women's Army Corps (WAC) from World War II through 1978 when the WAC was integrated into the Army. The uniforms represent veterans of the Women's Army Corps, first introduced and championed by former Massachusetts Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers. The exhibit also highlights many of the women stationed at Massachusetts military installations like Fort Devens, Bedford Army Air Field (now Hanscom Air Force base) and Westover Field.  

Former Congresswoman Rogers served in the U.S House of Representatives from 1925 to 1960 in what was Massachusetts’ 5th District stretching from Lowell to Groton to Ayer. Congresswoman Rogers was instrumental in shaping policies that provided veterans with essential support. Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (which became the WAC in 1943) and advocated for benefits for women veterans. Congresswoman Rogers’ advocacy for veterans and women's rights helped create a pathway for women to serve in the military while ensuring they receive the proper recognition and benefits for their service.  

“Here in Massachusetts, we are proud to honor the women who have served our country with honor, courage and distinction,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This exhibition will highlight their incredible service and the role of former Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers, who laid the foundation for a more inclusive military and for women veterans to get the recognition they deserve.” 

“This exhibition is more than homage to the women veterans – it’s a celebration of the women who have served our country with bravery and honor,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As we highlight their stories, we are reminded that their patriotism knows no bounds and, here in this state, we will honor and shine a light on their contributions to our history. 

Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized revitalizing veterans' services in Massachusetts. In March 2023, Governor Healey established the state’s Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) and appointed Jon Santiago as the Commonwealth’s first-ever Secretary of Veterans Services to spearhead the transformation of a cabinet-level secretariat focused on veteran care. Over the past two years, EOVS has overhauled operations and existing programs to redefine how veterans are cared for in Massachusetts, including expanding the Women Veterans Network (WVN)—a statewide initiative designed to connect, support, and uplift women veterans through tailored resources, outreach, and community-building. 

“Women have stepped up to serve their country since the Revolutionary War, yet their contributions have often gone unrecognized. This exhibition is an important reminder of their service and sacrifice—but it’s also a call to action,” said Secretary Jon Santiago of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services. “At EOVS, we are committed to ensuring women veterans get the recognition, resources, and support they deserve—today and every day.” 

3-5-0 Girls is a local women- and veteran-led organization based in the MetroWest area, named in honor of the 350,000 women who served during World War II. Their mission is to make women's military history visible and accessible through living history, their traveling exhibit, presentations and lectures, community outreach, and hosting public events. 

“3-5-0 Girls’ mission is to make Women’s Military history visible and accessible and to give it context within the larger tale of history,” said Executive Director of the 3-5-0 Girls Mel Bloom. “Now, more than ever, it is important to remember that these women blazed a trail that thousands, including myself, have followed to proud military service.”