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星期五, 2月 12, 2016
USA Science & Engineering Festival 4/16-17
$586 million in new projects approved at BRA’s February board meeting Board also votes to rename Boston Marine Industrial Park in honor of former mayor Ray Flynn
$586 million in new projects approved at BRA’s February board meeting
Board also votes to rename Boston Marine Industrial Park in honor of former mayor Ray Flynn
BOSTON – The Boston Redevelopment Authority’s board of directors approved eight new projects at last night’s meeting, as well as updated zoning for the South Huntington Avenue corridor in Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill and the Stuart Street area of Back Bay. All together the projects represent a combined investment of $586.1 million and will create approximately 700 units of new housing in the city. The projects are expected to generate nearly 1,400 construction jobs.
The board also approved changing the name of the Boston Marine Industrial Park in South Boston to honor the legacy of former ambassador and mayor Ray Flynn. Mayor Flynn held office from 1983 until 1993, when President Bill Clinton appointed him Ambassador to the Holy See. As Mayor, Flynn, who is a South Boston native with deep family ties to maritime commerce, is widely credited with reviving the industrial port and preserving blue-collar jobs. The recommendation to rename the area to the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park was made by Mayor Martin J. Walsh and a special commission formed by the Boston City Council.
Last night’s meeting was the first under a new format that aims to have meetings end earlier in the evening without diminishing the opportunity for members of the public to participate and offer testimony when appropriate. The change was instituted after several meetings in the past year ran late into the night.
Below is a summary of the new development projects that were approved.
After extensive vetting process, Equity receives approval to redevelop Garden Garage with several hundred apartments
Total Project Cost: $350,000,000
Total SF: 536,000
Construction Jobs: 499
Equity Residential’s proposed redevelopment of the West End’s Garden Garage won BRA board approval after a lengthy vetting process that dates back almost six years. The board heard three hours of public testimony at last month’s meeting before deciding to postpone a vote on the project so that the development team could work to address concerns raised by community members and the board. The approved project is smaller by approximately 6,000 square feet, and it includes 55 fewer parking spots than before. Equity also agreed to increase its affordable housing contribution by $1.2 million to $8 million total and to provide $1 million to implement traffic improvements related to the North Station Area Transportation Action Plan.
The developer originally filed a proposal for the project in January 2011, before filing updated proposals in October 2014 and October 2015. First proposed as a two-building concept, the approved project will be a single, 447-foot high, 44-story tower with approximately 470 rental units. It will also include 20,000 square feet of common area space, 2,300 square feet of retail space, 775 underground parking spots, and close to an acre of new public open space.
Elkus Manfredi Architects designed the building, and Carol R. Johnson Associates served as the project’s landscape architects. By replacing an unsightly above-ground parking structure with a new residential building and a significant amount of green space, Equity Residential expects the project to improve connections between the West End, North Station, and the Bullfinch Triangle. New lighting, landscaping, and walkways will be installed, and the outdoor spaces will be available for community events.
Transportation consultants from Howard Stein Hudson designed the project’s parking garage so that it has multiple entrances and an underground connection to the adjacent Longfellow Garage in order to improve pedestrian and vehicular circulation in the area, especially during major events at the nearby TD Garden.
Prime parcels in Allston to be transformed with new housing and retail
Total Project Cost: $47,000,000
Total SF: 121,000
Construction Jobs: 122
130 units of housing, along with 7,500 square feet of retail space and an on-site bicycle repair station, are slated to replace three brownfield parcels at 89 Brighton Avenue in Allston. The site, which is currently occupied by a multi-family house, a commercial building, and a truck rental facility, is conveniently located near the MBTA’s Green Line and multiple bus routes that connect the neighborhood to downtown, the Longwood Medical Area, and Cambridge.
Based on feedback from the community, the development firm Eden Properties reconfigured the project to include fewer studio apartments and more housing that is conducive to residents putting down roots in the neighborhood. No more than 54 of the units will be studio apartments, with the balance being a mix of one- and two-bedrooms. In accordance with the city’s Inclusionary Development Policy, the project will include 17 affordable units. There will be 69 parking spaces and covered storage for 140 bicycles. Residents will also have access to loaner bicycles to reduce the need for a car.
Prellwitz Chilinski Associates designed the project.
New housing approved for Orient Heights in East Boston
Total Project Cost: $9,000,000
Total SF: 49,000
Construction Jobs: 37
Two parcels of land near Suffolk Downs and the Orient Heights Blue Line station will be redeveloped with a four-story apartment building containing 44 two-bedroom units, six of which will be designated as affordable. The development at 1181 Bennington Street will significantly improve the state of the property, where a car repair lot that has received several environmental violations is currently located.
The development team, which won unanimous support from the Orient Heights Neighborhood Council after scaling down the project based on community feedback, will contribute $75,000 over ten years to support research and education at nearby Belle Isle Marsh. Community members expressed optimism at the prospect of cleaning up the site, and the project will include lighting and security cameras at the rear of the building to discourage loitering and illegal dumping. The developer will work with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to make substantial landscaping improvements to the property as well.
32-unit development approved for Cambridge Street parcel in Allston
Total Project Cost: $7,000,000
Total SF: 48,500
Construction Jobs: 35
Legend Development Group received approval to construct a five-story condominium building on the site of a parking lot that previously served a veterans hall that has been closed for several years. The 32-unit building at 392-398 Cambridge Street in Allston will include 28 two-bedroom units and four one-bedroom units. Four of the units will be designated as affordable.
The project’s 5,100 square feet of street level retail space will help to further enhance the neighborhood, which is already home to a mix of multi-family residential buildings and commercial storefronts. A 17-space surface parking lot will serve retail customers, and residents will have access to an underground garage at the rear of the building.
The developer hopes to complete the project within 12 to 15 months of breaking ground.
Boston University’s Myles Standish Hall to undergo first significant renovation
Total Project Cost: $140,000,000
Total SF: 203,000
Construction Jobs: 604
The Fenway neighborhood has seen a sweeping revitalization in recent years, but a Boston University dormitory at the corner of Beacon Street and Bay State Road has remained relatively unchanged for decades. That is about to change under a renovation plan approved by the BRA board last night. Myles Standish Hall and the adjoining annex, which were originally constructed in the 1920s, will be modernized during a three-phase, 30-month renovation that is set to begin this spring.
University officials won approval to fully rehabilitate the exterior of the building and to renovate the interior to house 730 student beds and associated amenities. The building’s original architectural features, such as the large arched windows and wrought iron detailing, will be restored to reflect their original charm. Key public realm enhancements associated with the project include new sidewalks, benches, street trees, pedestrian ramps, bicycle racks, and a 5,500 square foot pedestrian plaza.
During the renovations, students will be temporarily housed in a building that Boston University owns at 1047 Commonwealth Ave.
St. Mark’s neighborhood of Dorchester adds housing
Total Project Cost: $3,500,000
Total SF: 21,960
Construction Jobs: 16
Connelly Construction will develop a three-story residential building with 18 rental units, a fitness room, and bicycle storage at 8 Banton Street in the St. Mark’s area of Dorchester. The building will have 14 two-bedroom apartments, two of which will be designated as affordable, and four one-bedroom units.
Designed by Spalding Tougias Architects, the building’s exterior will be clad in multi-colored cement panels that give it a light and airy feel. Residents will be able to enjoy private balconies attached to the apartments.
The developer expects to begin construction this year.
Former rivet factory in South Boston to be renovated and expanded for commercial office space, retail, and fitness club
Total Project Cost: $25,000,000
Total SF: 78,700
Construction Jobs: 48
A three-story brick and beam building in South Boston that used to be home to the Standard Rivet Company will be renovated and expanded as part of a project that will result in nearly 52,000 square feet of new commercial office space and 12,000 square feet of ground-floor space to be used for retail tenants and a fitness club. Located within walking distance of Broadway Station on the Red Line, the project at 69 A Street will feature a three-story addition atop the existing structure and a six-story extension at the rear. A two-story building will be demolished to make way for the rear extension.
The developer expects the project to meet a unique need for commercial office space in the neighborhood, which has seen a flurry of residential projects in recent years. RODE Architects designed the addition and extension of the building with a sufficient setback so that it fits comfortably within the context of the surrounding area.
Condos set to take the place of tavern and diner in South Boston
Total Project Cost: $4,600,000
Total SF: 21,677
Construction Jobs: 16
A triangular shaped parcel of land at the intersection of West Third, West Second, and A Streets in South Boston will soon be cleared for construction to begin on a six-story condominium building near Broadway Station. Williams Tavern and My Diner, which currently occupy the site, will be replaced with nine condominium units and a small ground floor retail space that could be used for a restaurant. The building will contain eight two-bedroom units and one four-bedroom penthouse.
Residents will have access to a common roof deck, and the penthouse will have its own private roof deck.
Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Western Massachusetts Communities
Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Western Massachusetts Communities
Seven Towns Receive Over $1 Million for Clean Energy Projects
STOCKBRIDGE/HARDWICK – February 12, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded Green Communities designation grants totaling $1,087,505 to fund clean energy projects at two separate events in western Massachusetts. These municipalities became Green Communities in the ninth round of designations in December.
“Cities and towns are essential participants as the Commonwealth progresses toward a clean, affordable and resilient energy future,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These new Green Communities will use their grants to reduce energy use, improve their buildings, save money and help us reduce our carbon footprint.”
“The Commonwealth’s partnerships with cities and towns create many opportunities for municipalities to meet their economic, educational and safety goals,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program is a highly effective example of these partnerships and the local benefits of investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.”
Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) grants provide financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the designated communities’ clean energy goals. These two designees are now among 155 Green Communities, cities and towns of all sizes that range from the Berkshires to Cape Cod and are home to 54 percent of Massachusetts’ population.
“Clean energy projects in Green Communities reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “They also create savings that can be used to fund other priorities, like schools and public safety.”
“DOER collaborates with Massachusetts municipalities on opportunities to save energy and reduce costs,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “These partnerships continue to make a difference locally and statewide, with more than half of the Commonwealth’s population living in designated Green Communities.”
Municipality Grants
Adams $166,865
Bernardston $131,290
Egremont $138,570
Hardwick $150,510
Stockbridge $137,880
West Springfield $222,765
All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent over five years. These commitments amount to collective savings of 2,153,992 MMBtu, energy use equivalent to heating and powering nearly 17,000 homes, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 203,538 tons, equivalent to taking almost 39,000 cars off the road.
“The Green Communities Act remains one of the most effective tools at the Commonwealth’s disposal to combat climate change and promote clean energy,” said State Senator Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield). “Thanks to the Baker-Polito administration for coming out to welcome Adams, Egremont, Stockbridge and Windsor to the group of western Massachusetts communities leading the way toward our energy future.”
“I would like to congratulate the Town of Hardwick on being designated a Green Community,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D- Spencer). “Thank you to Commissioner Judson and Director Knapik for travelling out here today to make this announcement. Hardwick becomes the ninth community in my district to meet the standards required to be a Green Community.”
“The Town of Hardwick has shown their commitment to the environment with their Green Communities designation,” said StateRepresentative Donnie Berthiaume (R-Spencer). “This grant funding will help to further Hardwick’s pursuance to reduce their energy costs and consumption.”
“I am proud that the towns of Stockbridge and Egremont in my district have committed themselves to helping secure a healthy environment for future generations, and I’m grateful to have Commissioner Judson and representatives from other newly-acknowledged green communities with us in Stockbridge today,” said State Representative William Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox). “Together, we will celebrate the positive steps that all of these communities have taken, and renew our commitment to work towards a healthy environment for all of our children.”
Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from carbon allowance auctions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) paid by retail electric suppliers that do not meet their Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance obligations through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates.
2016 Seafood Excellence Awards finalists announced
2016 Seafood Excellence Awards finalists announced
By Cliff White, Editor
Published on Friday, February 12, 2016
- See more at: http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/foodservice-retail/2016-seafood-excellence-awards-finalists-announced?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=eNewsletter#sthash.N4PQLQVO.dpufTwelve of the best new products in seafood will compete for two prestigious 2016 Seafood Excellence Awards, recognizing the best new products released in the North American market over the past 18 months.
Four products are up for the Best New Foodservice award, while eight will compete for the Best New Retail Product award. The winners will be announced at the Seafood Expo North America & Seafood Processing North America event, taking place 6 to 8 March in Boston. Each finalists’ product will be showcased during the three-day event.
Vinh Hoan Corporation’s Char Marked Barramundi, High Liner Foods’ Simply Sauce Seafood Bites, Azuma Foods Internationals Inc.’s Tobikko Umami and Trident Seafoods’ SeaFusions Pacific Cod Bites will compete for the prize in the Best New Foodservice category.
The eight products competing for Best New Retail Product are: Bantry Bay America Inc.’s Mussels in a Creamy Stout Sauce, Santa Barbara Smokehouse’s Honey Glazed Oak Roasted Salmon, Aqua Star’s Crab & Shrimp Seafood Feast, Premier Marine Canada’s Waterview Market Shrimp with Sauce, Phillips Foods’ Shrimp Toast, Alaskan Jack’s Seafood Corporation’s Frontier Harvest Alaskan Jack’s Gold Premium Pineapple-Teriyaki Sockeye, Absolutely Lobster’s Absolutely Lobster Homemade Tomato Sauces and French Creek Seafoods’ Kickin’ Seafood Chili.
The 2016 finalists were selected from nearly 60 entries in the exposition’s New Product Showcase. The products were evaluated by three seafood industry experts based on their uniqueness and appropriateness to the market, taste profile, packaging, market potential, convenience, nutritional value and originality.
Winners of the competition will be presented during the Seafood Excellence Awards ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, 6 March 2016 at 3:30 p.m. EST, in the Demonstration Theater at the Expo.
Show organizer Diversified Communications, the parent company to SeafoodSource.com, will present the awards, which were created to feature, recognize and showcase the best new seafood products available on the showroom floor in Boston annually.
- See more at: http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/foodservice-retail/2016-seafood-excellence-awards-finalists-announced?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=eNewsletter#sthash.N4PQLQVO.dpuf
Call for Student Leader Applications - Due Feb. 26
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Washington DC - February 12, 2016 - Announcing the first annual Emerging Technologies Student Leaders Conference co-located with the 2016 TechConnect World Innovation Conference and 2016 Nanotech Conference & Expo, Gaylord National Convention Center, Washington DC, June 22-25.
The Student Leaders Conference will bring together undergraduate emerging technologies and nano technology student group representatives from across the United States. This program is seeking out active student group leaders in order to highlight undergraduate research and connect students with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, venture capitalists, and representatives of federal agencies funding research in emerging technologies. Additionally, in its role to support the National Nanotechnology Initiative, the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office is helping to establish the U.S. Nano and Emerging Technologies Student Network in partnership with the participating community.
To apply to join the Student Leaders Conference, please submit your information for review through the linked form. Participation is welcome from student leaders in any science, technology, and business domains. Submit your information Today!
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NEW JERSEY STOCK PROMOTER IDENTIFIED IN UNDERCOVER OPERATION SENTENCED TO PRISON
NEW JERSEY STOCK PROMOTER IDENTIFIED IN
UNDERCOVER OPERATION SENTENCED TO PRISON
BOSTON – A New Jersey stock promoter was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Boston for his involvement in a scheme to artificially manipulate the stock price of Massachusetts-based company, Amogear Inc.
Michael Affa, 36, of Toms River, NJ, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 33 months in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $1 million. In September 2015, Affa pleaded guilty to conspiracy, securities fraud, and wire fraud.
In 2013 and 2014, a federal undercover operation monitored in real-time, Affa’s participation in the scheme to manipulate the stock price of Amogear. In February 2014, the SEC suspended trading in the securities of Amogear as the attempted manipulation of its stock was underway. Prior to the suspension, Affa and his co-conspirators, who were all stock promoters, carried out a scheme to create a false appearance of an active market in the stock, including a false media campaign designed to increase the price of the stock, knowing that Amogear was a shell company without any real operations. Affa and his co-conspirators planned to sell the stock into the market at artificially inflated prices from which they would profit. What Affa did not know was that Amogear was controlled by the FBI and used to obtain evidence of their attempt to manipulate the market.
The case arises from a multi-year investigation focusing on preventing fraud in the microcap stock markets. Microcap companies are small, publicly-traded companies whose stock often trades at pennies per share. Fraud in the microcap stock markets is of increasing concern to regulators as such markets have proven to be fertile grounds for fraud and abuse. This is, in part, because accurate information about microcap stocks may be difficult for the average investor to find, since many microcap companies do not file financial reports with the SEC.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vassili Thomadakis of Ortiz’s Criminal Division and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Forni and Andrew Palid of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Governor Baker Files for $200 Million in Chapter 90 Transportation Funds for Cities and Towns
Governor Baker Files for $200 Million in Chapter 90 Transportation Funds for Cities and Towns
Legislation also includes authorization requests for a small bridge program and federal aid highway program
Legislation also includes authorization requests for a small bridge program and federal aid highway program
BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration filed “An Act Financing Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges” that included $200 million for local transportation infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth, otherwise known as Chapter 90 funds. Additionally, this legislation includes a request to authorize funding for a small bridge program and a separate authorization request for the federal aid highway program.
“We are pleased to file $200 million this year to support local officials and are committed to maintaining the same funding level for three years to support long term planning and economic growth,” said Governor Baker. “Every city and town depends on access to these flexible transportation funds and these investments will ensure municipal improvements remain front and center.”
Chapter 90 funding is issued by municipality and predetermined by a formula that factors in a municipality’s population, road miles, and employment.
“Our partners at the local level understand best that building stronger communities starts with making the short and long-term improvements to guarantee a reliable transportation network,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We look forward to the legislature’s thoughtful review and continued efforts to place our cities and towns at the forefront.”
Chapter 90 reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. Cities and towns must submit receipts to the MassDOT Highway Division district in which they are located which verifies that the expenditures qualify for reimbursement under Chapter 90. The Highway Districts in turn submit these receipts to the Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Department which facilitates the reimbursements to cities and towns.
Part of the legislation includes a request to authorize $50 million for a five-year small bridge program. The funding will support approximately 1,300 bridges on municipal roads across Massachusetts that span lengths between 10 and 20 feet. The new program will target small bridge projects that are not eligible for federal aid under existing bridge replacement or rehabilitation programs, and are a high risk for full or partial closure in the near future due to their present condition.
Another part of the bill filed today includes a $750 million authorization request for the federal aid highway program. While the authorization request must be for the full $750 million, the Commonwealth will be responsible for $135 million of that spending.
Also included in “An Act Financing Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges” are technical corrections to previously approved pieces of legislation, including a change that would bring bonds issued for the Rail Enhancement Program in line with similar projects like the Accelerated Bridge Program by making them exempt from the statutory debt limit.
The Baker-Polito Administration also filed a mid-year supplemental budget today. The $169.5 million proposal addresses known deficiencies at some state agencies, like Emergency Assistance and the Committee on Public Counsel Services.
More information about the Chapter 90 Program is available here.
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