City of Boston - the funding update

 

The Funding Update

To Subscribe to The Funding Update, scroll down to the FUNDING tab here. Back issues with open deadlines are also listed there.   FEDERAL GRANTS Environmental Protection Agency, 10/5/2021 Brownfields Job Training Grants support programs that recruit, train, and place unemployed and underemployed residents with the skills needed to secure full-time employment in the environmental field. EPA estimates 15 awards at a maximum of $200,000. National Science Foundation, 10/12/2021 and ongoing One of the goals of the Racial Equity in STEM Education program is to institutionalize effective & inclusive environments for STEM learning, STEM research, & STEM professionals. Contexts include schools, municipal organizations, workplaces, media, and others. Prospective PIs are encouraged to send a one-page concept paper in advance of submitting a proposal. US Agency for International Development/Haiti-Port Au Prince, 9/24/2021 The successful applicant will implement the Continuity of Learning program. Funding goal: students ages 6-12 will benefit from a resilient education system that delivers uninterrupted access to a safe and quality education. A single award of $21.6M will be made, with a required match of $1.5M. National Institutes of Health, 10/29/2021 to 11/29/2021 Inviting applications to support integrated, multi-project research programs examining the pathways by which technology and digital media exposure and usage impact developmental trajectories and health outcomes in early childhood and adolescence. $3M is allocated for up to 2 awards for 5-year projects. National Institutes of Health, 10/30/2021 to 11/30/2021 Inviting exploratory applications for Learning Disabilities Innovation Hubs that address the etiology, manifestation, prevention and remediation of reading, writing and/or mathematics specific learning disorders. $1.6M is allocated for up to 3 awards for 4-year projects. Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 11/17/2021 The Weather Program Office announces six grant competitions focused on advancing science and technology from the research stage to transitionable outputs or prototype products. Funding goal: to improve weather and water forecasting through engagement with the external scientific community. NOAA expects to make 56 grants ranging from $100,000 to $1.5M. STATE GRANTS Massachusetts Service Alliance, 9/20/2021 AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that will engage AmeriCorps members in interventions to strengthen communities.  Executive Office of the Trial Court, 9/20/2021 Seeking applications to support the salary and expenses of licensed treatment providers who can provide regional Recovery Support Navigation services to court-involved persons dealing with substance use disorder and/or co-occurring disorders. Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development, 9/30/2021 The Regional Economic Development Organization Grant Program seeks proposals from eligible organizations to collaborate with MOBD to support Massachusetts businesses and regional efforts to nurture and facilitate economic growth and prosperity. Eligible organizations must operate regionally and service 10 or more contiguous cities/towns with interrelated economic assets. Department of Early Education & Care, 9/30/2022 Childcare Stabilization Fund grants can be used for 1) personnel costs, 2) facility costs, 3) personal protective equipment and cleaning or training costs, 4) professional development related to health and safety, 5) equipment and supplies to respond to COVID-19, 6) goods and services necessary to maintain or resume child care services, and 7) mental health supports for children and employees. Massachusetts Service Alliance, 8/25 - 9/10/2021 Youth Development Volunteer Initiative grants will support organizations to engage community members, including youth, in meaningful volunteer service, strengthen their capacity to recruit and retain volunteers and develop strategies to utilize volunteers effectively to solve problems facing Massachusetts communities. Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, 9/8/2021 Requests qualifications and bids to provide rape counseling, advocacy, and emotional support services to inmates and detainees. Max contract term: 5 years. Bids will be reviewed to determine the best value for the award. Executive Office of Education, 9/17/2021 Skills Capital Grants support purchase and installation of equipment and related improvements and renovations necessary for vocational and technical training. Awards range from $50,000 to $250,000. Town of Yarmouth, 10/1/2021 Requesting bids for a consultant to administer the Yarmouth Affordable Housing Buy Down Program. The budget is $475,000.   CITY GRANTS New This Week: Boston Centers for Youth & Families, 9/13/2021 Invites proposals from non-profit groups for the operation of the Thomas Johnson Community Center, with services to include financial oversight, tennis instruction, staffing, provision of equipment, and maintenance. Select EV00009610. Office of Economic Development, 1/3/2023 The Small Business Unit requests proposals to support the expansion of economic and entrepreneurial opportunity and capacity throughout Boston. Select EV00008374. On August 10, 2021, Mayor Kim Janey announced the launch of the “Let’s Go Better” listening campaign and a new taskforce for Boston’s equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which will help inform the investment of an additional $400 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Join these virtual community meetings to engage with the City and discuss your ideas: Affordable Homeownership - August 26 & September 16 from 5:30 - 7:30pm Supporting Small Businesses - August 31 & September 14 from 3 - 4pm Substance Use Disorders - September 1 from 12 - 2pm Access to Internet & Career Training - September 1 from 5:30 - 7:30pm Career Training for Quality Jobs - September 8 from 5:30 - 7:30pm Quality Jobs & Childcare - September 15 from 12 - 2pm Additional community meetings will be announced for October. Learn more.   Mayor’s Office of Food Access, 8/31/2021 Accepting applications from individuals and community-based organizations interested in having a raised bed installed at their home, property, or community site. Public Facilities Commission, 8/31/2021 Invitation for General Bids for Mattahunt Community Center, Project No. 7144. Boston Public Health Commission, 9/1/2021 Seeking a vendor to collaboratively build and guide the design and implementation of a Commission-wide core Racial Justice and Health Equity training. Treasury Department, 9/3/2021 The Community Preservation Act funds affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space or recreation. Interested applicants must complete eligibility forms by 9/3/2021, which will be reviewed by the City’s Community Preservation Act team. Eligible project proponents will be invited to submit an application during the period of 10/4/2021 to 11/12/2021. Department of Neighborhood Development, 9/24/2021  Seeking proposals from for-profit and nonprofit developers of affordable Rental, Cooperative and Ownership forms of housing.  Department of Neighborhood Development, Open  Applications are still being accepted for the Rental Relief Fund. Requests up to $15,000 are being processed by Project HOPE, Neighborhood of Affordable Housing and Metro Housing|Boston.  Office of Economic Development, through 3/31/2024 Seeking proposals from consultants to provide technical assistance services to cannabis equity applicants, under a maximum 3-year contract.  Boston Local Development Corporation, Open  Loans are available for small businesses in Boston to be used for working capital, equipment, utilities, expansion, and other business needs. Terms are flexible and there are no prepayment penalties. Loans range from $10,000 to $150,000. FOUNDATION GRANTS Cabot Family Charitable Trust, 9/1/2021 Funding priorities: arts and culture, education and youth development, environment and conservation, health and human services, and for civic and public benefit. The application process starts with a concept paper. Lumina Foundation, 9/2/2021  The fund is designed to directly support organizations and efforts working to eradicate systemic racism and to advance equity and justice for population groups that have experienced racial oppression. Lumina will support 7 - 10 organizations; max award $400,000 for two years., max. Allstate Foundation, 9/17/2021 Focus areas: Relationship Violence and Inclusive Leadership. Grants range from $25,000 to $200,000; at least 5 grants will be awarded for each focus area. A pre-application is required to confirm eligibility and alignment with program priorities.  The Sphinx Organization, 9/30/2021 The Sphinx Venture Fund supports highly impactful programs offered by nonprofit organizations that address cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performing arts, with an emphasis on classical music. The focus is on programs that will have field-wide impact, that typically go beyond a single geographic area, and that involve more than one partner. Grants generally range from $50,000 to $100,000. Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, 9/30/2021 (Quarterly) Examples of funded projects include land management and conservation, trail development and maintenance, safety and education, and outdoor recreation. Davis Educational Foundation, 10/1/2021 Implementation Grants support projects that improve the curriculum, the learning environment, assessment of undergraduate learning outcomes, faculty development, incentive systems, and administrative structures. Awards range from $10,000 to $25,000. Nellie Mae Education Foundation, 10/4/2021 Strengthening Partnerships, Coalitions, and Movements grants support efforts focused on advancing racial equity in our public education system at both the state and national levels. Awards will range from $50,000 to $100,000. NEA Foundation, 10/15/2021 Invites applications for Learning & Leadership grants ($2,000 to $5,000), which support professional development for NEA members.  The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, 10/28/2021 Thirty graduate school fellowships are awarded each year. Each Fellow receives $25,000 in stipend support, plus 50 percent of tuition and fees (up to $20,000), for 2 years max.  Enterline, 01/15/2022 Funding priority: services for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled community, worldwide. Project grant requests will be considered most competitive.    THE RESOURCE TABLE 2020 Census Research Courtesy of Boston Planning & Development Agency Research Division Understanding the National Eviction Moratorium Courtesy of Mass Legal Help COVID-19: Help for Boston Residents Resource listings for food, technology, health, housing, and more. Map of Food Resources in Boston Emergency Broadband Benefit Families and households that struggle to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic, can get connected to jobs, healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and more. Households may qualify for either a $50/monthly service credit or a $100 allowance toward a computer or tablet.  Apply online or contact a local broadband service provider. Housing Search Workshop Courtesy of Boston Center for independent Living Do you need data for a grant application? Check out our Resource page for blogs, reports, daily updates, and more.

Danielle Allen Continues to Press Mass Gov and DESE for Routine Process for Masking Advisories

With DESE Finally Introducing Needed Universal Mask Mandate for Schools, Danielle Allen Continues to Press Mass Gov and DESE for Routine Process for Masking Advisories 

“The Governor’s office and DESE need to deliver effective coordination across the whole Commonwealth by equipping our schools with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to keep everyone safe”

Cambridge, MA -- With public schools across Massachusetts returning to school in a week and DESE belatedly bowing to the realities of the Delta variant with a universal mask mandate for schools, gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen is calling on Governor Charlie Baker and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to improve process around safety measures for students, teachers, and school staff amid the continued COVID spikes by instituting a routine process of advisories linked to triggers of safety protocols. 

Danielle Allen spearheaded a multi-disciplinary, cross-sector COVID response team that led to the Biden-Harris Pandemic Testing Board, an interstate compact to build out COVID testing resources, and Covid Collaborative guidance on infection prevention and control in K-12 settings that has been disseminated nationally, including through the US Dept of Education. She worked with the Cambridge Public School District throughout the 2020-21 school year to achieve a successful return to healthy and safe in-person teaching and learning.

Two weeks ago, Allen called on Baker and DESE to develop and implement a system of COVID alerts and advisories, similar to weather advisories, to communicate the levels of risk operative in the state, our communities, and our schools as those levels rise and fall over time, which would then trigger safety protocols in schools. Allen also called on the Governor’s office to develop model municipal ordinances and policies, linked to the alert system, to support coherent consistent response across the Commonwealth. Those advisories would trigger universal mask mandates and other measures like increased frequency of testing.

Now, Allen has released the following statement regarding the safety of our students and school personnel this fall: 

“As our teachers and school staff continue to adapt their COVID response protocols in the best interests of our students and school personnel, the Governor’s office and DESE need to deliver effective coordination across the whole Commonwealth by equipping our schools with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to keep everyone safe,” said Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Allen. 

In addition to a mask mandate for everyone in school buildings, we continue to need

1. A routinized system of COVID advisories, similar to weather advisories, as I proposed earlier in August. These advisories would work to communicate the levels of risk operative in the state; when a COVID warning is in effect (as should currently be the case), school districts and other entities working with vulnerable populations would be mandated to require universal indoor masking and expected to implement other routine responses to the advisories to protect health and safety for all in the school community.

We also continue to need:

2.              An expansion of the vaccine mandate for state employees in the executive branch to apply to public school personnel.

3.              A Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) survey of all school buildings to assess ventilation, and further needs for upgrades.

4.              Ongoing free provision of pooled, screening testing for all schools.

5.              Ongoing provision of contact tracing for all schools.

6.              Technical assistance on developing ongoing infection prevention and control, strengthening health teams in schools, and partnering with community health centers.

With so much of the world unvaccinated, COVID variants and new waves will be an issue for the foreseeable future. With smart policy decisions and effective communication, Massachusetts can achieve ongoing pandemic resilience and set a leadership standard. Rather than force school districts, parents, educators, and students to make time sensitive, high-pressure decisions from scratch every few weeks, the Governor’s Office should proactively develop routine processes, in consultation with regional and municipal partners, DESE, and DPH, to keep students and school personnel safe, no matter where in the Commonwealth they go to school or work.

最後一名疫苗百萬富翁出爐

Final Round of VaxMillions Giveaway Winners Announced

 

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration, Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg and the Massachusetts State Lottery announced the final winners for the last of five drawings for the Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway. From the time that the program was announced on June 15 through the final day of registration, over 318,000 residents received a first dose of the vaccine, and over 440,000 residents became fully vaccinated.

As part of the giveaway, fully vaccinated residents ages 18 and older were eligible to enter to win one of five, $1 million cash prizes. Residents between 12-17 years of age who are fully vaccinated were eligible for the chance to win one of five $300,000 scholarship grants.

The winner of this week’s $1 million prize is Cynthia Thirath of Leominster. Cynthia chose to get vaccinated to protect those who are around her every day and to encourage others to get vaccinated. Cynthia plans to use her winnings to invest in her future.

The winner of this week’s $300,000 college scholarship is Gretchen Selva of Conway. Gretchen is entering this Fall as a Sophomore at Four River Charter Public School in Greenfield.  Her passion is music, and she has been playing the guitar for just over three years.  She plans to attend a college focusing on music writing and production and has already started researching potential schools in the New England area.  Gretchen received the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as she was eligible to protect herself, her family and to do her part in stopping the spread.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccination rates thanks to our residents stepping up and getting vaccinated,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Over 440,000 residents became fully vaccinated during the time that the VaxMillions program was running, and we are grateful to our partners at the Treasury and the Massachusetts State Lottery in helping to launch this program.”

“Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID and we are proud that over 5 million residents of Massachusetts have at least one dose,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our Administration’s goal remains getting every person who wants a vaccine a shot.”

“The Vax Millions Giveaway was about more than winning a lottery. It was about motivating people to get the vaccine to protect your friends, neighbors, and loved ones,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who chairs the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. “This did in fact encourage thousands who were not yet vaccinated, and at the end of the day that is a win/win for everyone.”

“The Mass Lottery is proud to have played a role in this important public health initiative and we congratulate everyone who participated for doing their part to fight this pandemic,” said Michael Sweeney, Executive Director, Massachusetts State Lottery.  “We thank the dedicated team members from multiple state offices and agencies for their collective contributions to the responsible execution of this program.”

Over 2.5 million people signed up for the VaxMillions Giveaway, including 2.35 million residents 18 and older, and 167,000 residents ages 12-17.

Massachusetts remains a national leader in vaccinations with over 4.4 million residents fully vaccinated and over 5 million residents with at least one dose (including J&J). 

Vaccination Locations

There are over 900 vaccination locations across the Commonwealth, with appointments and walk-ins widely available. Residents seeking a vaccine can visit mass.gov/COVIDVaccine to find a vaccine location that is convenient for them.

KIM jney宣佈增聘公共記錄人員

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF BOSTON’S PUBLIC RECORDS TEAM New Staff To Ensure More Timely, Transparent Government

 

BOSTON - Thursday, August 26, 2021 - Today, Mayor Kim Janey announced new staff positions dedicated to responding to public records requests. With roles added in both the City’s Law Department and in the Boston Police Department, this move will increase the number of staff members dedicated solely to public records transparency.   “I strongly believe that public transparency is the foundation for building public trust and ensuring public accountability,” said Mayor Janey. “Upholding the public records law is a critical way that we deliver a more transparent City government. Too often, it takes too long to review and respond to public records requests. This investment in public records staff will help the City responsibility respond to requests in a more timely manner.” Currently, the Law Department has two staff solely dedicated to responding to public records requests, in addition to one vacancy. Within the Boston Police Department, responding to public records requests is a shared responsibility across several staff members who also have other portfolios. Through this investment, an additional staff person will be added to the Public Records Division within the City’s Law Department and its current vacancy will be filled; in addition, a new staff person will be added within the Boston Police Department to focus entirely on responding to public records requests.   Over the course of this calendar year, the City of Boston has received over 3,000 formal public records requests, and fulfilled more than 80% of them.

MAYOR JANEY CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT MUNICIPAL HARBOR PLAN

MAYOR JANEY CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT MUNICIPAL HARBOR PLAN   City to tackle urgent environmental and equity concerns with new approach to waterfront development

BOSTON - Thursday, August 26, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced the withdrawal of the Downtown Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan, which included development standards for two key parcels: (1) the Harbor Garage site, where a new structure up to 600 feet tall and with 50 percent of the project site as open space would replace the existing 70-foot high structured parking garage; and (2) The Hook Wharf site, where the temporary home of the James Hook Lobster Company would be replaced with a structure up to 305 feet tall, with 30 percent of the lot coverage as open space. The decision to reevaluate Boston’s waterfront development comes in the wake of the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report that indicates coastal cities are especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, and as a means to continue addressing racism as a public health crisis. The City of Boston is committed to meeting these crises with urgent climate action to ensure our waterfront is as resilient as possible while enhancing community benefits.  “We have an opportunity and an obligation to meet this moment of the climate change crisis and protect our waterfront for generations to come,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “I look forward to working with local advocates and civic leaders to embed our shared values of resilience, equity, and access into the City’s development process Downtown and throughout all of our neighborhoods.”  Mayor Janey has also charged her administration with convening stakeholders to determine the future of equitable and resilient development throughout Boston’s waterfront neighborhoods. This group will include environmental justice organizations, residents, and experts in resilient, equitable, and accessible waterfront development. The goal of this process is to develop a new approach to waterfront development in Boston that generates community benefits and protection from extreme weather and pollution. During her announcement, the Mayor called for the waterfront development to include:  ·    Increased waterfront resiliency ·    Expanded access to the waterfront for all residents  ·    Net-Zero requirements for new development  ·    Maintained economic vitality during and after the proposed redevelopment  ·    Increased green space “We must meet the climate crisis with urgent action through maximizing resiliency, equity and accessibility in Boston,” said Chief Mariama White-Hammond. “As our City continues to evolve, climate change and racial justice must be at the forefront of our development process. I am grateful to Mayor Janey for leading on this critical movement to ensure Boston’s waterfront is resilient while providing equitable access for all Boston residents.”  Mayor Janey’s FY2021-2022 budget invests in accessible infrastructure funding to protect the most flood-vulnerable neighborhood of East Boston. The City has also engaged the Dorchester and South Boston neighborhoods to create a vision for a new, state-of-the-art Moakley Park that protects residents from extreme weather events while creating open space for play, performance, and community gardens. The Mayor has stated her commitment to implementing this vision. The City is also taking action in other neighborhoods, such as the Langone-Popoulo Park in the North End and the Ryan Playground in Charlestown. Climate Ready Boston is the City’s initiative to prepare for the long-term impacts of climate change and is in various stages of developing plans for East Boston, Dorchester, Moakley Park, South Boston, Charlestown, and Downtown and the North End.

Kim Janey競選市長支持者再下二城 PAC和Charles Yancey

           (Boston Orangey綜合 編譯)美國的更高高度政治行動委員會(Higher Heights for America PAC)和波士頓市前任市議員Charles Yancy相繼宣佈支持Kim Janey。

曾任波士頓市第四區市議員，以及市議會議長的Charles Yancy說，Kim Janey給所有那些曾經掙扎的人帶來希望。

更高高度政治行動委員會這唯一致力選出激進黑人女性擔任公職的政治行動委員會，宣佈在2021年的波士頓市長選舉中支持Kim Janey。

                                   該組織說，Kim Janey是波士頓洛士百利第四代居民，已盡其一生服務社區，”美國的更高高度”為支持她感到驕傲。

                         在2021年的紐約市長初選中，”更高的高地”支持2名候選人，Maya Wiley和 Dianne Morales。在2021年的波士頓市長初選中，該組織支持Kim Janey。

                   “更高的高度”從2014年以來，已協助選出美國第一位黑人女性副總統，還把一名黑人女性送進參議院服務，10名黑人女性當選聯邦眾議員，3名黑人女性擔任全州性職務，還支持了4名黑人女性在100個美國人口最多大城市中當選市長。(更新版)

Higher Heights for America PAC Endorses Mayor Kim Janey

BOSTON — Citing her dedication to community and public service, Higher Heights for America PAC – the only political action committee exclusively dedicated to electing progressive Black women to public office – has endorsed Mayor Kim Janey in the 2021 Boston mayoral race.

“Higher Heights for America is proud to endorse Kim Janey for Mayor of Boston, Massachusetts,” the organization said. “As a fourth-generation resident of Roxbury, Kim has dedicated her life to serving her community.”

In the 2021 New York City mayoral primary, Higher Heights endorsed two candidates: Maya Wiley and Dianne Morales. In the 2021 Boston mayoral primary, they are endorsing one candidate: Mayor Kim Janey.

“I am so honored and grateful to have the support of Higher Heights,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “As the first woman and first Black mayor of Boston, my life experiences inform how I govern – and how I lead our City – through a lens of equity, justice and love for every single resident. We are building our own tables and pulling up chairs for those who have been left behind – and there is enough space for everyone.”

Since 2014, with the support of their network of members, activists, volunteers and supporters, Higher Heights PAC has helped Black women grow their political leadership and representation. They helped elect the first Black and female Vice President of the United States, and sent one Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate; 10 Black women to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives; three Black women to serve in statewide office; and four Black women to serve as mayors for cities that rank among the country’s 100 most populated. 

Charles Yancey Endorses Mayor Kim Janey

BOSTON – Citing her understanding of “the hopes, dreams and aspirations of all who have struggled against the odds” former District 4 Boston City Councilor and City Council President Charles Yancey today endorsed Mayor Kim Janey in the 2021 Boston mayoral race. 

Yancey served District 4 for more than three decades and was Council President in 2001. During his years of service on the Council, he displayed a tireless dedication to the residents of his district and a passionate advocacy for Boston, and in particular, its public schools and libraries.

“It is my honor to endorse Kim Janey for Mayor of Boston,” said Charles C. Yancey, former District 4 Boston City Councillor who also served as City Council President. “I'm voting for Mayor Janey because she identifies with the people of Boston and understands the hopes, dreams and aspirations of all who have struggled against the odds. Mayor Janey is doing the job, and the City of Boston is in good hands with her. She has already demonstrated that she has the temperament, intelligence, sincerity, authenticity and competence to lead our city. Let's keep Mayor Janey working for us.”

“I am overjoyed to have the support of former City Councilor Charles Yancey in the race for Mayor,” said Mayor Janey. “His more than three decades on the Boston City Council representing Mattapan and Dorchester were marked by a passionate commitment to making the everyday lives of the residents of District 4 better. He has a fighting spirit that goes to his very core on behalf of the racial, social, economic and human rights of all the people of Boston — and beyond.”

Michelle Wu and City Councilor Lydia Edwards Call for Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Dangerous East Boston Intersection

 Michelle Wu and City Councilor Lydia Edwards Call for Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Dangerous East Boston Intersection

Michelle Wu

Boston, MA— City Councilor Michelle Wu and Lydia Edwards today joined pedestrian safety advocates and residents to call attention to needed safety improvements and upgrades to alleviate traffic congestion at Eagle Square in East Boston and across the city. Eagle Square is one of the most dangerous intersections in the neighborhood, and residents have called for critical infrastructure upgrades to eliminate traffic-related injuries and deaths and improve walkability and traffic flow.

Councilor Lydia Edwards

 “Safe streets should be the baseline that all our residents deserve across every neighborhood. The design of Eagle Square makes it one of the most dangerous intersections in the city, threatening the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. We need immediate action on urgent pedestrian safety improvements and changes that calm traffic flow in support of a broader vision for a safer, more connected Boston,” said Michelle Wu.

 

"Since being a district city councilor, I have repeatedly heard about traffic concerns from pedestrians. Michelle understands more than anyone that we need to build a people-centered city that is focused on pedestrian safety. We need sidewalks, crosswalks, and intersections that accommodate all of us, especially our family and friends with disabilities,” said Councilor Lydia Edwards. 

 

“Pedestrian safety is an accessibility issue. It’s an equity issue and ultimately an issue of justice. As Bostonians  we pride ourselves on being a multi modal city when it comes to transportation. Unfortunately, just because we do it all - it  doesn’t mean we do it well. We need to turn our focus to address these concerns and ensure that we’re keeping pedestrians safe and ensuring that we’re  keeping people moving as they live, work, recreate and conduct business in our communities,” said Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt, Policy Subcommittee Lead, East Boston Transportation Justice  Coalition.

 

"In recent years, even as driving has become marginally safer, we have witnessed a growing epidemic in pedestrian injuries and deaths. Remarkably, 50% more people are killed walking than a decade ago. These victims are disproportionately young, old, poor, and people of color. Smart cities, taking the Vision Zero model seriously, have been making their streets safer through design. There is no reason why Boston can’t become a national leader in pedestrian and bike safety,” said Jeff Speck, city planner, author of Walkable City, and Michelle Wu supporter. 

 

East Boston is full of long, straight sections of roadway with nearly no traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, flashing pedestrian lights or crosswalks. Despite ongoing advocacy from residents, East Boston has not yet been selected for the Neighborhood Slow Streets Program, a City of Boston initiative to help reduce speeds and improve street safety, after multiple attempts to apply by community groups.