PLANNING DEPARTMENT ADVANCES NEW ZONING AND URBAN DESIGN INITIATIVE DOWNTOWN

BOSTON - September 18, 2025 - The Planning Department this month recommended approval of updated zoning for Downtown Boston and the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District to the BPDA Board. Planning also recommended approval of five new development projects representing approximately 638,876 square feet (SF). The zoning updates and development projects were approved. The newly approved development proposals will create 354 new homes, including 90 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 572 construction jobs and 289 permanent jobs. The plans and projects advanced today will help make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Planning & Zoning New zoning for Downtown moves forward The Board approved new zoning for Downtown, built off of the original PLAN: Downtown planning initiative which was adopted by the Board in 2023. This new zoning strengthens protections for Downtown’s historic and cultural assets, streamlines pathways for adaptive reuse of buildings, and enables the essential housing and mixed-use density that Downtown needs to grow as a vibrant and more inclusive neighborhood for generations to come. The zoning meaningfully prioritizes the ability to build new housing and mixed-use development across Downtown in response to the housing shortage, enabling increased density at the center of Boston’s transit network where it can best be supported. Residential uses will be allowed as-of-right throughout the new zoning districts, whereas large hotel, lab, and office uses will require further zoning approval. Any new buildings of significant height (more than 200’) in the Washington Street corridor must be predominantly residential. Building off of the success of the City’s Office to Residential Conversion program, the new zoning supports historic preservation by eliminating barriers to convert or adapt existing buildings, and also provides extensive design guidelines to ensure sensitivity and preservation of historic areas. Importantly, the updates also reinforce the need for any new development to comply with State Shadow Regulations, adding formal references to the state laws that protect the Boston Common and Public Garden from new shadow impacts. The zoning eliminates outdated and prohibitive land-use restrictions to encourage new and diverse businesses like coffee houses, bakeries, fitness uses, and entertainment uses to thrive, fill empty storefronts, and help drive foot traffic and activity Downtown. These zoning updates will now need to be approved by the Zoning Commission.  Planning staff also advanced an amendment to PLAN: Downtown. The amendment provides additional language to the plan about prioritizing housing growth Downtown, in alignment with the zoning’s additional focus on housing development. Reflecting the Planning Department’s commitment to growth alongside preservation, the amendment also adds new design guidelines for how to enhance and develop near historic assets.   Board approves updates to Groundwater Conservation Overlay District zoning regulations The Board advanced updates to the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District (GCOD) zoning regulations to streamline the review process for ‘Substantial Rehabilitation’ projects. The GCOD is regulated by Article 32 of the Boston Zoning Code, and prevents deterioration and promotes restoration of groundwater levels. The GCOD is mapped in areas of the City that are on filled land, where many buildings are supported on wooden piles. Certain development projects within the GCOD must incorporate groundwater recharge systems, which ensure that water infiltrates into the ground instead of onto the streets, and certify that there is no negative impact on groundwater levels from the proposed project. Currently, the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) must ultimately grant a permit for each of these projects. ‘Substantial Rehabilitation’ projects, which include the renovation of existing buildings, will still undergo permitting review for groundwater, but now will no longer require a public hearing at the Board of Appeal. Streamlining that process will help these projects move forward more quickly and efficiently.  Urban Design Board approves temporary art installation and six-week event on Winter Street in Downtown Crossing The Board authorized temporary use of Winter Street in Downtown Crossing for a multi-week event this fall known as ‘Color Flows on Winter Street.’ Winter Street will be transformed by colorful art installations, food trucks, interactive events, and cultural programming. ‘Color Flows’ is part of the City of Boston’s broader effort to reimagine how our streets and pedestrian zones can be safer, more engaging, and enjoyable for all. This installation builds off of recommendations in the Boston Design Vision, which lays out a five-year roadmap to guide future design strategies and recommendations intended to inform how the built environment is shaped to uplift identity and elevate quality design. The roadmap identified a series of projects, policies, and processes that could be leveraged to advance the Design Vision, including ways to activate pedestrian spaces like Winter Street. Programming will take place daily from 11am-6pm and will also include three large-scale events over the course of six weeks.  Development Projects Historic Building 108 site in Charlestown Navy Yard to be redeveloped into research and development, restaurant and retail space Jobs: Approximately 113 construction jobs, approximately 264 permanent jobs Community: Revitalizing what was formerly a dilapidated, contaminated powerplant site, connections to: Anchor Park, Ropewalk, Flirtation Walk Sustainability: LEED Gold This project will redevelop what was formerly a powerplant site at Building 108 in the publicly owned Charlestown Navy Yard into space for research and development, as well as restaurant and retail uses. This project will also improve the public realm by adding new landscaping on site, and new pedestrian and bike access to enhance connections to and from the Navy Yard. The Building 108 property formerly consisted of a vacant building which served as the central power plant of the Charlestown Navy Yard until decommissioning and transfer of the property to the Boston Redevelopment Authority in 1974. The building was in very poor condition, with portions of the roof missing, collapsed or severely damaged and many of the remaining walkways, stairs and/or platforms deteriorated or damaged beyond repair. In 2020, the BPDA Board approved a construction contract with S&R Corporation for the environmental remediation and demolition of Building 108. S&R Corporation completed the abatement of the building, the demolition utility work, and building dismantling as of late spring 2023.  The BPDA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the property in 2020 with a strengthened and clarified Diversity and Inclusion evaluation criterion weighted at 25 percent of the total evaluation of the proposals. The RFP’s design and development guidelines required any proposed redevelopment to be consistent with local planning efforts and historic preservation guidelines. In February 2021, the BPDA Board voted to tentatively designate Power House CNY, LLC for the redevelopment of the property and they have been working through City, State, and Federal approvals since that time. 1740 Hyde Park Avenue project will bring new homes to Hyde Park Housing: 42 housing units Jobs: Approximately 37 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements, new street trees  Sustainability: LEED certifiable standards, all electric This project in Hyde Park will demolish what is currently a one-story building and replace it with a five-story building with 42 housing units. The units include approximately 18 one-bedroom units, 22 two-bedroom units, and two three-bedroom units. There will also be a roof deck and 42 bike parking spaces for residents. The site is located very close to the Readville Commuter Rail Station. Public realm improvements to Hyde Park Avenue will include four new street trees, a wider sidewalk, and a new bike lane. This project will also contribute $11,500 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system. Hebrew Senior Life project at 1200 Centre Street to create income-restricted housing for seniors in Roslindale Housing: 78 income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 86 construction jobs, approximately 24 permanent jobs Community: Wraparound supportive service package and amenity spaces including: community room, fitness, wellness; partnership with the Arnold Arboretum and DCR for landscaping and public realm improvements focused on pedestrians and bicyclists Sustainability: LEED Gold, on site bike storage and nearby bus route Located in Roslindale, this project will create 78 new income-restricted homes for seniors. The six-story building will include 74 one-bedroom apartments, and 4 two-bedroom apartments. The building will also include common areas such as a multi-purpose room, a wellness room, a reception area/lobby, mail and package rooms, a library, a bike storage room, and a fitness area. This project will also include new outdoor patio spaces for residents. As part of the public benefits for this project, it will provide a bike-share station on site, as well as bike parking in and outside of the building. As this is part of the overall Hebrew Senior Life campus, the project will also provide health and wellness services and programming to all residents. Project at 43 Preble Street to build new homes, retail space in South Boston Housing: 30 homeownership units, five income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 34 construction jobs, retail jobs Community: Public realm improvements including wider sidewalks Sustainability: LEED Gold This project will convert the site of an autobody shop into five stories of new homes with ground floor retail space. Of the 30 homeownership units, five will be income-restricted. These units will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. This project is located within the PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue study area and is aligned with the plan. The building will be a transit-oriented development, as it is in close proximity to public transportation, and will have bike parking on site. It will also contribute $8,525 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system. As part of the community benefits for this project, it will contribute $30,000 to the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation for the upkeep of open space.  New homes at 990 American Legion Highway Housing: 204 residential units Jobs: Approximately 302 construction jobs Community: New traffic signal on American Legion Highway Sustainability: Adherence to City and State energy codes This project will build 204 new homes in Hyde Park, and will add a new traffic signal at a nearby intersection to improve safety for pedestrians, cars, and bikers. In addition to these projects, the board approved: An update to a previously approved project at One Mystic Avenue in Charlestown to reduce the height and unit number within the building, and to make a portion of the units homeownership units. An update to a previously approved project at 181-185 West First Street in South Boston to increase the amount of units and reduce the amount of parking on site.

中華表演藝術基金會第37季音樂會9/27開場 著名鋼琴家陳宏寬演奏

鋼琴家陳宏寬。（中華表演藝術基金會提供）

             (Boston Orange)中華表演藝術基金會將於9月27日晚，邀請著名鋼琴家陳宏寬在新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹廳（Jordan Hall）演奏，為第37季音樂會拉開序幕。

            陳宏寬是他那個年代最受尊重的著名鋼琴家之一，曾贏得許多大獎，包括魯賓斯坦（Arthur Rubinstein）、布索尼（Busoni）和安達（Geza Anda）等國際鋼琴大賽，以及青年音樂會藝術家國際鋼琴試奏比賽，艾佛瑞費雪職業獎學金（Avery Fisher Career Grant）。

            目前，陳宏寬是茱莉亞（Juilliard）音樂學院教授。早前他曾擔任上海音樂學院鋼琴部主席，同時也是新英格蘭音樂學院教授，耶魯音樂學校訪問教授，還出任範本克萊（Van Cliburn），布索尼（Busoni），上海，瑪利亞卡納爾（Maria Canals）和霍南斯（Honens）等著名國際鋼琴比賽的裁判。

            他的學生中，不少人已相當有名氣，包括王羽佳（Yuja Wang）， Lukas Vondracek，陳涵（Sean Chen），Maxim Lando 和張勝量（牛牛，Niu Niu）。

9月27日晚，陳宏寬將演奏德國作曲家巴哈 (Bach) 創作，義大利作曲家布梭尼 (Busoni) 改編給鋼琴演奏的「聖詠前奏曲《來吧，異邦人的救主 （Choral Prelude  “Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland），舒伯特（Schubert）最後一首鋼琴奏鳴曲，降B大調奏鳴曲，D.960，出自巴哈的《十二平均律鍵盤曲集》第二冊的降A大調前奏曲與賦格，BWV 886，蕭邦著名24首前奏曲之一的降A大調前奏曲，作品28第17號，蕭邦晚期最重要鋼琴作品之一，融合了波蘭舞曲與幻想曲特點的幻想波蘭舞曲，作品61，以及以高度技巧性和神秘主義色彩而聞名，是俄羅斯作曲家史克里亞賓（Scriabin）代表作的升F大調第五號奏鳴曲，作品53

音樂會門票＄20 （7到13歲），＄40，$60。6歲以下兒童不可入場。音樂會將提供免費票給14歲以上學生，需事先預訂。查詢可洽會長譚嘉陵，jialintan58@gmail.com, 617-968-7094，或者上網https://www.chineseperformingarts.net/tickets/index.html，https://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/season/20250927/index.html。

波士頓亞裔房東會正式成為501 (C) 3非牟利機構

波士頓亞裔房東會9月講座，由會長潘樹仁（前右）請胡美惠律師（前左）
談遺產規劃。（圖片由波士頓亞裔房東會提供）

             （Boston Orange 綜合報導）波士頓亞裔房東協會（BALA）日前宣佈，正式成為501(c)(3)非營利組織。

            波士頓亞裔房東協會創辦人潘樹仁表示，該會成立15年以來，致力服務房東，固定每月舉辦講座，為來自不同背景的房地產投資人和屋主創造一個溫馨友善環境，交流並學習買賣及管理個人房產的各種相關知識。

            該會在成立之初，以麻省理工學院為主要的舉辦講座地點，新冠病毒疫情期間，轉為在網路上聚會，最近這一兩年，改以會員住家為聚會場地，講座部分在網路上同步舉行。

            該會感謝11位創始董事一路真誠參與，為社區提供服務，也衷心感謝張宣業律師協助，讓該會成為在政府立案的正式組織。目前該會正在建立網站，歡迎有興趣者，透過www.joinbala.org，加入該會。

            9月13日，該會的上一場活動，從下午2點半開始聯誼，晚上7到8點為房東講座，請到胡美惠律師講談「為子孫後代規劃房地產 – 遺產規劃（Plan your real estate for generations – Estate Planning）」。

            晚上8點以後，還有晚餐聚會，該會理事劉伯岳，Clinton Koo Anthony Huang等人都出席了活動。

中華耆英會表揚蔣宗壬、Walter J. Ramos 宣佈建造「同心健康中心」計畫

中華耆英會主任梅伍銀寬（左），董事會主席陳建立（右），
頒發社區住宅影響獎，表揚華人經濟發展協會主席蔣宗壬。（周菊子攝）

                  (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 中華耆英會9月17日晚在波士頓帝苑大酒樓舉辦週年慶。主任梅伍銀寬宣佈啟動「同心健康中心」計畫，頒社區住宅影響獎，住宅公平領導獎，表揚華經會主席蔣宗壬博士，羅傑森社區董事長Walter J. Ramos。

嘉賓和胡清白鶴派醒獅隊合影。（周菊子攝）

中華耆英會邀波士頓市長吳弭（中）和獲獎人Walter J. Ramos(右三）合影。
左起，陳建立，梅麗梨，梅伍銀寬，張青梅，淋黎輝。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭（右一）和老人局局長Emily Shea(左）頒發表揚狀給中華耆英會，
由董事長陳建立右頒發（左二），主任梅伍銀寬（右二）代表接受。（周菊子攝）

                  當晚筵開38席，政要滿堂，波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu），麻州眾議員暨財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz），波士頓市議會議長Ruthzee Louijeune，市議員Erin Murphy，Ed Flynn，麻州參議員Nick Collins的代表，波士頓市老人局局長Emily Shea等人，不但到會，還送上表揚狀給中華耆英會，稱許該會為社區耆英服務已逾半個世紀。

其他的到會嘉賓，還有駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，組長黃耀良，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝等人。

                  作為中華耆英會董事之一的波士頓市消防局副局長黃瑞瑜，兼具紐英崙至孝篤親公所共同主席身份的波士頓市警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩，這晚也都是座上嘉賓。

                  在胡清白鶴派的瑞獅採青獻桔為周年慶拉開序幕後，司儀梅麗梨，林黎輝邀請嘉賓上台致詞，頒獎。

                  中華耆英會主任梅伍銀寬在會中感謝社區大眾的支持，強調該會為社區提供文化適切服務，鼓勵耆英在社區內有尊嚴的獨立生活。她在當晚發送的節目冊中也說明，該會在皮革區的林肯街216號，啟動了建造「同心健康中心（BeHeart Health & Wellness Center）」的最新計劃。

                  董事會主席陳建立則說明該會董事梅炳鈿早前辭世，請與會眾人默哀致意。

                  這場週年慶聯歡晚宴，也是中華耆英會每年一度的籌款晚會，在會場尾端擺有「黃金拍賣會」，餘興節目有譚達兒，吳皓等人的獻唱卡啦OK，以及彩券抽獎。中華耆英會董事會主席陳建立抽中1000元現金獎，竟大方的全捐回給中華耆英會，博得全場熱烈掌聲。

波士頓市議會議員們送上表揚狀給中華耆英會。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭稱許中華耆英會照顧的亞裔老人的需求。（周菊子攝）

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏讚揚中華耆英會屹立50多年。（周菊子攝）

中華耆英會2025年會由梅麗梨（右）、林黎輝（左）擔任司儀。（周菊子攝）

中華耆英會董事及嘉賓敬酒。（周菊子攝）

麻州參議員Nick Collins的幕僚長Haley Walsh代表出席，頒獎給中華耆英會。
（周菊子攝）

中華耆英會的員工們都來和波士頓市長吳弭（中）合影。

麥澤衡（左一）負責音響，譚達兒（右二）等人獻唱。（周菊子攝）

波士頓兒童博物館本週末將變身「嘉比娃娃屋」奇幻世界

波士頓兒童博物館提供。

            （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓兒童博物館（Boston Children's Museum）和夢工廠動畫（DreamWorks Animation）及兒童博物館協會合作，這週末將舉辦「MEOWseum 奇遇日」，帶參觀者感受來自「嘉比的娃娃屋（Gabby's Dollhouse）」，充滿貓咪魔法的奇幻世界。

這場將於9月20及21日舉行的「MEOWseum 奇遇日」特別活動，是兒童博物館協會和夢工廠動畫「嘉比的娃娃屋（Gabby's Dollhouse）」為期一年的全國性合作計畫活動之一，旨在把影集中的創造力、想像力與玩樂精神融入孩子們的日常生活中。

「嘉比的娃娃屋（Gabby's Dollhouse）」是動畫夢工廠最早於2021年5月在Netflix平台上首播的動畫系列，講述主角嘉比和她的夥伴Pandy Paws展開充滿可愛貓咪、有趣手工藝和繽紛魔法的冒險。開播以來熱度一直不減，最新的第11季在2025年2月首播。根據尼爾森（Nielsen）數據，在2024年的原創串流影集中，「嘉比的娃娃屋」的觀看次數排名第九高，在多達63個國家的 Netflix 電視節目排行榜中都曾進入前10名。

這週末，波士頓兒童博物館除了安排見面會，讓出席活動者與動畫主角嘉比相聚之外，館內還將舉辦一系列充滿樂趣活動，包括製作倉鼠貓咪，裝飾貓耳，聆聽精彩故事時間等。

見面會部分，線上預約已滿，現場將提供少量名額，採先到先得。

「嘉比的娃娃屋」電影版訂9月26日（週五）在全美各大電影院上映。

查詢更多活動詳情，請參考：官方網站：gabbysdollhouse.com/events/meowseum，嘉比《娃娃屋》社群平台：Instagram、Facebook。

Massachusetts Senate Advances Landmark Consumer Data Privacy Legislation

 Massachusetts Senate Advances Landmark Consumer Data Privacy Legislation 

Legislation Limits Corporate Overreach, Protects Minors, and Puts Consumers in Charge of Their Data 

(BOSTON—9/18/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today advanced the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act, sweeping new legislation that establishes some of the strongest consumer data protections in the nation. The bill protects young people, empowers consumers with new rights over their personal information, limits how businesses and tech companies can collect and use data, and creates robust enforcement authority. 

The legislation, S.2608, ensures that Massachusetts residents will have clear and enforceable rights over their personal data, including the right to know what information is being collected, the ability to opt out of having their data sold, and the power to obtain, correct, or delete their data. 

“This bill is about fairness, transparency, and personal control,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “For too long, corporations and the government have treated our most personal information as their property. We are setting the national gold standard for privacy—protecting our kids, our health decisions, and our right to live free from constant tracking. I am profoundly grateful to Majority Leader Creem for her leadership on this work, and to every Senator who contributed ideas to make this the strongest data privacy bill in the country.” 

“The Massachusetts Data Privacy Act makes clear that your personal data belongs to you,” said Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton). “By advancing these strong data privacy measures, Massachusetts is protecting individuals from invasive tracking, giving consumers more rights over their personal data, and creating much needed safeguards for our most sensitive information.” 

“This bipartisan, commonsense bill reported out by the committee today is arguably one of the strongest data privacy bills in the country. The legislation strikes a delicate and thoughtful balance, establishing clear guidelines for companies regarding the collection, storage, and use of consumer data,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “It rests squarely on protecting consumers, giving individuals greater control over their personal data during this era of rapid technological innovation.” 

The bill protects minors in Massachusetts by banning the sale of young people’s personal data and banning the use of personal information for targeted advertising.  

It sharply limits the data that private companies can collect from consumers. It would only allow businesses to collect data that is necessary to provide their product or service and ensures that sensitive data like biometrics are only collected when strictly necessary to provide the product or service.  

The legislation bans the sale of sensitive data for all consumers, including geolocation data, health care data such as reproductive information, biometrics, and data related to race, color, religion, national origin, immigration status, or gender.  

The bill additionally gives consumers the right to opt out of having their data collected or shared for the purpose of targeted advertising or to be sold to third parties.  

“With this bill, Massachusetts will continue to lead the way on economic innovation and consumer protection,” said Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover).  

“With so much of our lives happening online, it can be hard to know who is collecting your data, how much they know about you, and what they’re doing with that information,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The Massachusetts Data Privacy Act gives everyday Bay Staters the right to better control their data and grants them the ability to simply say no when it comes to invasive data collection practices. Further, it protects users’ most sensitive data from being sold or being used for targeted advertising, including information on race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and whether one has been a victim of a crime. This bill represents the most comprehensive and forward-thinking data protections for Bay Staters ever, and I’m thrilled to be working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this done. I’d like to thank Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for their urgency on this issue.” 

If passed, the legislation would give broad regulatory authority to the Attorney General to create regulations and enforce the law to protect Massachusetts consumers.  

The Massachusetts Data Privacy Act was reported by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on September 18, 2025. Votes of committee members are available online. The full Senate plans to take up the legislation during a formal session on Thursday, September 25. The session will be livestreamed online.  

Senate Approves Bills to Combat Opioid Crisis, Protect Residents, and Manage Car Rental Costs

 Senate Approves Bills to Combat Opioid Crisis, Protect Residents, and Manage Car Rental Costs 

Legislation Strengthens Fentanyl Testing Access, Updates Nicky’s Law, and Aligns Rental Insurance Rules 

  

(BOSTON—9/18/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Senate approved three bills aimed at combatting the opioid epidemic, protecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and managing car rental costs for residents.  

 

The approved legislation expands protections for individuals using testing equipment to protect against fentanyl, updates an existing protection law to close an unintended gap for day habilitation participants, and changes car rental insurance requirements to reduce costs for Massachusetts residents. 

 

“Today the Senate took action to protect some of our most vulnerable residents and manage costs for consumers,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Few responsibilities are more important, and I applaud the Senate for our decisive action today to protect people using testing equipment to protect against fentanyl, protect residents in day habilitation centers, and manage costs of rental cars. I’m grateful to Chair Rodrigues for his committee’s work on this legislation, and to each member for their leadership and support on these important bills.”  

 

“These three bills continue the Senate’s strong tradition of extending safeguards for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring legal protections for the use of fentanyl test strips and test equipment, and putting the Commonwealth in line with most states’ insurance coverage for rental car usage,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “These commonsense initiatives protect vulnerable people who would otherwise be disadvantaged by the current law. It’s particularly important to restore the original intent of the 2024 “Nicky’s Law,” which now extends protections to all care settings, regardless of their funding source. I’m pleased these loopholes will now be addressed with the passage of this legislation.” 

  

Protecting People Using Fentanyl Testing Equipment 

 

An Act relative to fentanyl test strips, S.1057, is intended to reduce the tragic toll of overdoses and make life-saving tools accessible to those who need them most. It explicitly exempts fentanyl testing equipment from the list of prohibited drug paraphernalia and expands liability protections to anyone who provides, administers, or uses the tests, including first responders.   

 

“Fentanyl test strips are inexpensive, easy to use, and, most importantly, they are an evidence-based tool that saves lives,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton), primary sponsor of the legislation. “By making them widely available, Massachusetts can give people one more way to prevent overdoses and protect families from tragedy.” 

 

“This legislation is critical for all first responders and any citizen who steps in to save the life of someone experiencing a fentanyl overdose,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-East Boston), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. “While September is reserved for National Recovery Month, it is important to recognize the impact of a bill that can help better protect our loved ones and those working to save lives in our communities. Fentanyl overdoses are devastating and should be treated with utmost precaution. This legislation will add necessary protection for anyone who provides, administers, or uses the test to help a victim. I want to thank Senator Creem for her excellent leadership on this legislation and Senate President Spilka for her support and efforts.” 

 

The legislation builds upon a 2024 law that provided criminal and civil liability protections for those in the harm reduction community who provide or use fentanyl test strips in good faith. According to the Department of Public Health, nearly 400,000 fentanyl test strips were distributed in 2024, and fentanyl was present in 88.6% of opioid-related overdose deaths that year. This legislation would expand the liability protections beyond those just in the harm reduction community and ensure police officers who seek to distribute the tests or others acting in good faith are afforded legal protection. A fact sheet with full details of the legislation is available online. 

 

Protecting Day Habilitation Residents 

  

An Act to update Nicky’s Law, S.165, strengthens protections for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who participate in MassHealth contracted day habilitation programs and ensures that participants in day habilitation programs are afforded the same safeguards from abuse as individuals in other care settings. 

 

“Placing your trust in a caretaker to ensure the safety and wellbeing of a child, parent, family member, or loved one with a disability is hard. When that trust is violated, it can feel like the ultimate betrayal of not only the caretaker who did it, but also the system that allowed it to happen,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury), primary sponsor of the legislation. “I introduced Nicky’s Law several years ago in response to the heartbreaking story of Nicky Chan, who was physically abused by his caretaker in 2014. I’d like to thank Nicky’s mom, Cheryl, as well as the Arc of Massachusetts and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission for their advocacy for this expansion of Nicky’s Law to cover day habilitation programs – their partnership has been invaluable during this process. This legislation represents another step toward making sure Nicky’s story does not happen to anyone else.” 

 

“When Nicky’s Law was first passed, it was about creating protections and accountability for some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. “Now, by expanding these safeguards to include day habilitation programs, we are making sure that no one falls through the cracks. We must continue to monitor, adjust, and pursue preventative measures, and I thank the Disabled Persons Protection Commission and the advocates who brought this critical update to our attention.” 

 

The legislation would ensure that the existing statewide registry that prevents individuals with substantiated abuse allegations from being hired in care positions would include day habilitation programs contracted by MassHealth. A fact sheet with full details of the legislation is available online.  

  

Promoting Affordable Car Rentals 

  

An Act relative to affordable car rentals, S.2367, aligns Massachusetts with the majority of other states by updating car rental insurance requirements to maintain liability coverage on a secondary basis, making rental companies responsible only if the renter is uninsured or underinsured.  

 

“When friends visited me on Cape Cod this summer, they were stunned at just how expensive it was to rent even a small sedan for the weekend,” said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), primary sponsor of the legislation. “And they're not wrong — rental car prices in Massachusetts are higher than almost anywhere else in the country, in part because we've kept an outdated insurance requirement on the books. We're one of the only states where rental companies, not your own insurance, are required to carry primary coverage, and the cost of that policy gets passed right along to consumers. By aligning Massachusetts with the rest of the country, we're helping lower rental car prices for families, travelers and anyone who needs to rent a car in a pinch. I'm proud the Senate has taken this step to make life just a little more affordable for our residents and visitors.” 

 

“As we continue to tackle affordability issues in Massachusetts, we need to eliminate this unnecessary insurance requirement that is out of alignment with most other states,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “As co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, I was proud to help advance this legislation that takes the burden of covering primary insurance off of car rental companies, which will in turn prevent raised prices for consumers. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for prioritizing a solution to this issue and Senator Cyr for his leadership on this measure.” 

 

By shifting primary liability to the renter’s personal auto insurance, the legislation helps make car rentals more affordable and accessible for Massachusetts residents, reducing costs while maintaining necessary protections. A fact sheet with full details of the legislation is available online. 

 

Votes taken by committee to advance the bills to the floor are available publicly on the respective bills’ webpages, along with summaries of the legislation. A recording of the Senate’s livestreamed debate and votes on the legislation can be found archived on the public website. 

 

Having been approved by the Senate, all three bills now advance to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CALL FOR BOSTON’S NEXT YOUTH POET LAUREATE

  MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CALL FOR BOSTON’S NEXT YOUTH POET LAUREATE

The Boston Youth Poet Laureate will champion youth voices through poetry, community engagement, and civic participation.

BOSTON - Thursday, September 18, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture today announced the City of Boston is seeking applications for its next Boston Youth Poet Laureate (BYPL). The program, created in partnership with national and local youth literary organizations—including the Boston Public Library, the Fine Arts Work Center, GrubStreet, Mass Poetry, 826 Boston, and Urban Word—celebrates the power of poetry to elevate youth voices and engage communities across Boston.

“The Youth Poet Laureate will serve as a symbol of creative and social impact, inspiring our communities through poetry, exploration of identity, and hope,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. We’re excited to announce the call for the next Youth Poet Laureate and look forward to using this opportunity to foster connection and empowerment for our young creative leaders.” 

The Boston Youth Poet Laureate is a ceremonial position with a two-year term, beginning in January 2026 and concluding in January 2028. During this time, the laureate will work in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture to develop inclusive and accessible programming that brings poetry to residents of all ages

As a literary ambassador for Boston’s youth, the Boston Youth Poet performs at civic events, leads public workshops and readings, visits schools and libraries, and collaborates with Boston’s current Poet Laureate, Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah, on events and programming. In addition to public engagements, the BYPL will develop and lead a signature project that uses poetry to uplift and connect young people across Boston. 

“In my career as a teaching artist I’ve been continually impressed by what young people can accomplish when given the resources, opportunities, and permission to create,” said Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah, Boston’s Poet Laureate. “I am super excited to work alongside Boston’s next Youth Poet Laureate, to see what their vision is for how the city of Boston could be a more vibrant place for young people, and the arts, and to help grow that vision into a reality.”

The current Youth Poet Laureate, Parker-Vincent Alva, a student and writer from Roslindale, has held the position since 2024. During his tenure, Parker released a chapbook, "Carnivores,” was featured in numerous workshops, readings, and appearances at the Boston Public Library, Greater Roxbury Book Fair, Grub Street Literary Center, “If You Feel It Speak It” poetry series, Boston Book Festival, the Museum of Fine Arts, and more. Parker served nationally as part of Mass Poetry’s Brave Voices Youth Slam Team and was a Summer Scholar at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown. 

Since the program’s inception in 2020, three young Bostonians have served in this role: Alondra Bobadilla, the inaugural Youth Poet Laureate; followed by Anjalequa Birkett; and currently, Parker-Vincent Alva.

“Poetry was just a way to process my thoughts about universal and personal topics,” said Alondra Bobadilla, Boston’s first Youth Poet Laureate. “Becoming Boston’s Youth Poet Laureate provided me the support and the platform to connect with Bostonians meaningfully through my craft, teaching me that poetry could be more than just a tool for self expression. This experience changed the way I see the intersection of arts and civic life and I am forever grateful that I had this opportunity.” 

“Boston’s Youth Poet Laureate program is about giving young people the space, support, and platform to speak their truth, connect with others, and lead with creativity and courage,” said Kenny Mascary, Interim Chief of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. “Having had the privilege of working directly with youth, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it is when young people realize that their voices truly matter. I’m excited to welcome a new Youth Poet Laureate to our city.”

The ideal candidate is equal parts artist, performer, leader, and advocate, with a tenacity to use poetry and the arts to amplify youth voices and inspire the city. In order to be considered for the role, applicants must:

• Be between 13 and 19 years old
• Be a Boston resident who has lived in the city since at least January 2025
• Be passionate about poetry and literary arts and demonstrate a strong commitment to the local literary community
• Demonstrate a commitment to community and public service through the arts and be comfortable performing their work in public

The position will be chosen by a Selection Panel consisting of poets, literary professionals, and youth development advocates. After an initial review of eligible applications, the panel will select a group of finalists for interviews, which will take place in December 2025. The next Youth Poet Laureate will be announced in January 2026.

Interested candidates can join Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah, Boston’s current Poet Laureate, and staff from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture for support with their application on:

• September 30, 2025 at 5 p.m. online
• October 9, 2025 at 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Teen Central at the Boston Public Library
• October 18, 2025 at 2 p.m. - 4p.m. at Teen Central at the Boston Public Library

The deadline to apply is October 29, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Applications can be submitted online or by mail. Digital entries are encouraged but all entries will receive equal consideration. 

Learn more and submit your application at boston.gov/youth-poet.

波士頓選務局將為市長和第7區市議員初選重新計票

 （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓初選落幕後，有2名落選者提出異議，選務局將於週六早上9點，在波士頓選務局的市政府大樓辦公室內，為第7區市議員選舉，以及市長選舉，辦理重新計票。

            由於在為市議員Tania Fernandes Anderson涉嫌貪污，被判入獄一個月，以洛士百利（Roxbury）為主的市議員第7區席位從7月起就出缺，共有11人參選，競爭激烈。選舉結果，得票第3高的Mavrick Afonso和得票第2高者，相差僅20票，申請驗票。

            市長選舉部分，則是在選舉中得票數排第3的Domingos DaRosa提出。

            波士頓選務局認可了Mavrick Afonso提出的要求，將重新計算第7選區6個投票站中的4個投票，4，9，12，13。選務局也認可了Domingos DaRosa提出的，重新計算22個選票站中5個投票站的票數，4，8，9，16，18。

            市長選舉部分，目前情況是，得票數第2高的John Kraft，由於得票率落後競爭對手吳弭（Michelle Wu）48%，已宣佈退選，這給了得票數排第3的Domingos DaRosa機會，只要證明他得到至少3000票，就可以取代John Kraft，成為11月4日大選時，名列選票的候選人。

            3000這數目，和Domingos DaRosa取得支持者簽名，以名列初選選票的數目一樣。根據波士頓市政府的選舉結果，Domingos DaRosa得到2409票。

            Domingos DaRosa說，要求重新計票是因為11月時，波士頓應該有選舉，而不是只是通過。

            波士頓第7區市議員選舉晉級大選的2名候選人是波士頓公校老師兼創辦了波士頓聯合田徑和越野項目的教練，Said “Coach” Ahmed，以及愉悅丘傳教浸信會教堂資深牧師Miniard Culpepper。在麻州州政府住宅及宜居社區廳工作的Mavrick Afonso，得票數和Miniard Culpepper只差20 票。他說，選民們有權確認每一票都被正確計算了。這不是政治，是保護民主的完整性。