Governor Baker Signs Bill Enabling Worcester Biomanufacturing Site

Governor Baker Signs Bill Enabling Worcester Biomanufacturing Site

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today signed legislation to facilitate the transformation of unused state-owned land in Worcester into a site for biomanufacturing. An Act Authorizing the Transfer of Certain Parcels of Land in the City of Worcester to Promote Economic Development (H. 4774) authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) to sell 44 acres of land at the Worcester State Hospital campus to the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC) for the purpose of developing the site into a biomanufacturing industrial park.

“When we first developed the Open for Business initiative, projects that could transform unused state property into revitalized centers for business and economic activity is exactly what we had in mind,” said Governor Baker. “Allowing DCAMM to work with the WBDC so that they can bring biomanufacturing jobs to Worcester is a tremendous opportunity for the Commonwealth and I want to thank Representative O’Day and Senator Chandler for their help making this possible.”

“Massachusetts is a national leader in the life sciences and advanced manufacturing technologies and the redevelopment of this site ensures a Central Massachusetts hub for a continually expanding industry,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “We look forward to collaborating on this important project with the City of Worcester, the legislative delegation, the WBDC, and all other stakeholders involved throughout the process.”

The redevelopment of the land is part of the Commonwealth’s ongoing Open for Business Initiative that seeks to redevelop underutilized state assets into productive pieces of our state economy. At full capacity the new site will have the potential to create over 500+ well-paying jobs in Central Massachusetts.

“This bill is critical to the continued growth and prosperity of my district,” said MA Senate Majority Leader Harriette L. Chandler.  “The statutory changes would provide the framework for a new biotechnology park, bringing jobs and opportunity to our community.  Worcester is on the cusp of becoming a destination for this burgeoning industry and this legislation is the next step towards a very bright future.”

“This parcel of land had been looked at for a long time as a potential economic development engine and now, thanks to Governor Baker’s Open for Business initiative, we were able to set a great example of how local government can take advantage of underutilized spaces to generate revenue and economic development.  This will bring initially 150 jobs to the city and the arrival of LakePharma can only mean good things for the city of Worcester moving forward. I’d also like to thank my colleagues in the legislature for such a swift passage of the bill,” said Representative James O’Day. “The Worcester Business Development Corporation has extensive local development experience and has successfully completed notable projects like the Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Park, Gateway Park, and Centech Park.

The legislation also authorizes DCAMM to transfer to the University of Massachusetts Medical School for no cost an attached parcel where the Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute was built and paid for by the school.”

The administration announced the “Open for Business” Real Estate Asset Leveraging (REAL) Strategy in October, 2015 which identifies unused or underutilized Commonwealth properties for redevelopment for affordable or market-rate housing, job creation, reduction in government expenses, increased revenue for the Commonwealth as well as local communities, capital investment in state properties, and open recreational space. Over 40 near-term opportunities throughout Massachusetts and across state agencies and authorities were first highlighted for public-private partnerships, of which 7 are currently under agreement.

昆士市宣佈 1/7 暴風雪停車禁令

昆士市政府宣佈，1月7日(週六)中午至1月8日(週日)中午，實施暴風雪停車禁令。巷弄街道的路邊停車，只准停在非緊急道路或偶數邊街道。如需援助，可打公共工程部熱線617-376-1927。申報停電，可打1-800-465-1212。

Snow Emergency Parking Rules In Effect On Saturday

Friday, January 06, 2017

Parking allowed on EVEN side of neighborhood streets

Snow emergency parking rules will be in place beginning at noon on Saturday, January 7, through Sunday at noon.  

Residents may park on the EVEN numbered side of non-emergency neighborhood streets, but should always park in driveways if available.

Parking is prohibited on all designated emergency arteries. Click here for a complete list of emergency arteries.

Residents on side-streets posted permanently as one-side parking should park on the side always allowed.

Cars parked in violation of emergency rules or impede snow plowing operations pose a public safety risk, and WILL BE TOWED.  For this storm, parking in business districts will be allowed under normal rules until the overnight hours.

For assistance, residents can use the City’s snow request application at snowhotline@quincyma.gov \ or call the DPW's snow operation hotline at 617-376-1927.

The forecast calls for high winds, which creates the potential for downed tree limbs and power lines. To report a power loss, call National Grid at 1-800-465-1212 or visit their Outage Central page at https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Storms-Outages/

For updates and emergency notices, please tune to Quincy Access Television; follow the City of Quincy’s Facebook page or via Twitter @CityofQuincy.

Residents are encouraged to sign-up for e-mail and text alerts via CityLink on the City’s website, www.quincyma.gov.

Drought Conditions Improve in Areas of Commonwealth, Rainfall Deficit Continues Across State

Drought Conditions Improve in Areas of Commonwealth, Rainfall Deficit Continues Across State

Monitoring of Water Resources to Continue, Indoor Water Conservation by Public Necessary

BOSTON – January 6, 2017 – Although many areas of the state experienced some precipitation in December and the early portion of January, large portions of the state continue to experience a water deficit. As a result, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today declared the following drought levels throughout the Commonwealth: a Drought Warning for the Connecticut River Valley, Western, Central, and Southeast Massachusetts, unchanged from the month of December; a Drought Watch for Northeast Massachusetts, down from a Drought Warning in the month of December; and a Drought Advisory for the Cape and Islands, unchanged from the month of December. The declaration was the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, comprised of state, federal and local officials, and will remain in effect until water levels return to normal in the affected regions.

“With below average rainfall over the course of the previous month, drought conditions have changed very little as the Commonwealth heads into the start of 2017,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “We all must continue to administer best indoor water conservation practices to ensure we avoid water sources from becoming stressed and are allowed to rebound faster.”

“While recent precipitation has helped to reduce the severity of the drought in parts of the state, drought conditions continue and the public is urged to take steps to reduce indoor water usage,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “Recovery from this long-term drought will require both continued conservation measures and above-normal levels of precipitation for the foreseeable future.”

A Drought Warning, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, indicates over six consecutive months of groundwater and stream flow levels being below normal, and larger reservoirs at below normal levels. This initiates a much more concerted set of government responses including instating water restrictions, and more intensified monitoring and coordination between the agencies. Areas within the Drought Warning regions are currently experiencing precipitation levels below normal for six out of seven consecutive months. A Drought Watch represents extremely low groundwater and streamflow levels resulting from prolonged periods of precipitation deficit, including a lack of snowfall in the winter months.  The declaration of a Drought Watch warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities. The declaration of a Drought Advisory indicates a level of dry conditions that warrants closer tracking by government agencies. 

The state continues to intensely monitor and assess the drought situation, and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts. Furthermore, the state asks the public to be mindful of the amount of water they are using, and to reduce indoor water use, address leaks as soon as possible, and for larger buildings and businesses to conduct water audits to ensure they identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation. All these steps will greatly help reduce water use to ensure essential needs such as drinking water and fire protection are being met, habitats have enough water to recover, and to stretch our water supplies into the spring.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) permits exempt certain water uses from mandatory restrictions, including: for health or safety reasons; the production of food and fiber; the maintenance of livestock; and to meet the core functions of a business. MassDEP continues to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies, as well as assisting towns on how to request a declaration of drought emergency.

“Drought conditions have persisted into the winter months, so people should continue to use water wisely,” said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Conserving water within the home, such as fixing leaky faucets, toilets and showerheads, will preserve the supply and save money.”

Task Force officials noted that although reservoir levels are recovering during this natural recharge period, most are still below normal. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan.

“While it’s still early in the season, we haven’t seen much of a snowpack yet out in the Quabbin area,” said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. “There are many ways to save water indoors, and we continue to urge residents and businesses to conserve water wherever and however they can.”

The declaration of a Drought Warning, Drought Watch, and a Drought Advisory requires the Drought Management Task Force to meet on a regular basis to more closely assess conditions across the state, coordinate dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare any responses that may be needed in the future. The Task Force will next meet in February. For further information on water conservation and what you can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page, the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s drought management page, and the MassDEP Water Conservation page.

MAYOR WALSH REMINDS BOSTON DRIVERS OF NEW 25 MPH SPEED LIMIT

MAYOR WALSH REMINDS BOSTON DRIVERS OF   NEW 25 MPH SPEED LIMIT New speed limit goes into effect on Monday, January 9

BOSTON - Friday, January 6, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh is reminding drivers the default speed limit on City of Boston streets will be reduced from 30 miles per hour (mph) to 25 mph effective this upcoming Monday, January 9, 2017. If no sign is posted, 25 mph is the maximum speed limit on that street. Drivers are advised to watch for posted signs that indicate a modification to the speed limit, such as in School Zones where the speed limit may be lower than 25 mph. State owned roadways in the City of Boston will not be affected by this new law. "Reducing the default speed limit will create safer roads for all, and I'm pleased our hard work and commitment to safer roads has created this new standard," said Mayor Walsh."This is an important milestone for Vision Zero, the City's commitment to bringing the number of traffic-related deaths to zero. With our new 25 mph speed limit, we are one step closer to achieving our goal." "No one wants to be involved in a serious traffic crash and slowing down vehicles can help to keep us all safe from harm," said Boston Transportation Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca. "People who drive, walk and ride a bike in Boston are all asked to be aware of others sharing the roadway and to travel on our streets with caution." The speed limit is being reduced from 30 mph to improve safety for all users of Boston's roadways. Studies show that the likelihood of a pedestrian suffering a fatal injury as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle decreases from 20 percent when the vehicle is traveling at 30 mph, to 12 percent when the vehicle is traveling at 25 mph. Slower speeds make it easier for drivers to stop when necessary. It also increases a driver's field of vision making it more likely for the driver to see a pedestrian in the roadway. The City of Boston is committed to providing local streets that are functional and safe for all users. New bicycle infrastructure, leading pedestrian intervals programmed into traffic signal timing, prominent pavement markings, speed radar boards, curb extensions, yield to pedestrian signs, and other traffic safety tools are all being used to meet this goal. Reducing the default speed limit to 25 mph will help to keep resident and visitors from being involved in serious crashes in the City. Boston drivers are asked to travel responsibly and voluntarily comply with the speed limit to preserve the safety of Boston's residents, daily commuters and visitors. The implementation of the reduced default speed limit in Boston is a key accomplishment of the City of Boston's Vision Zero agenda aimed at eliminating fatal and serious crashes in Boston by 2030.  More information on Vision Zero may be found at www.visionzeroboston.org.   For more information on the 25 mph default speed limit and to download informational material in a variety of languages, please visit www.boston.gov/departments/transportation/25-boston.

好事福街22到30號租客面對逼遷壓力

 (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓華埠租客居住權，近日又再面對挑戰。好事福街22到30號的19戶人家，1月4日晚派代表到華埠居民會(CRA)陳情，希望藉公眾力量逼業主出面談判。

            5、6名好事福街22到30號住戶的代表，1月4日晚到波士頓華埠居民會的月例會陳情，指新業主不維修，清掃樓宇，任令居住環境惡化，還從1月1日起，每月加租200元，顯然有意逼遷。他們多次發信，希望和業主協商，但幾個月過去都無回音，才在華人前進會協助下來到居民會陳情。

            呂振隆，鄒先生，Karen等租戶代表表示，他們在好事福街22到30號都至少住了七，八年到十幾年，一向平安無事，沒想到業主換人，居住環境馬上逐日變差，不但外牆塗鴉無人清洗，樓宇內燈壞了，排氣管不通，地板龜裂，水管漏水，都沒人管，逐漸出現老鼠，蟑螂，讓人十分困擾。最慘是冬天來了，竟經常出現沒有暖氣，熱水狀況，然後又收到新業主通知，要每月加租200元。

            他們指出，知道新業主也是夏利臣街25號業主，大約三個月前才到華埠居民會陳情過，有意在那兒建一座高20幾層樓的旅館，不明白新業主為什麼不肯和他們一起談，唯一的猜測就是以此形式逼遷。

            他們強調，尤其是有子女者，轉學實在很麻煩，大家都願意和新業主協商新租約，但得先做好樓宇維修，然後租約能一簽5年，200元的加租幅度分5年完成。該做的維修包括壞了的窗戶，排氣管，漏水的廚房，廁所都要修好，定期殺老鼠，蟑螂，定期清理走廊，樓梯，檢查大門門鎖，如有損壞，及時維修等等。

            華埠居民會共同主席余顯生提醒這些租戶要團結，一致行動，才有可能促使新業主出面和他們談判。華埠居民會執委陳丹心表示，居民會肯定支持租戶們爭取正義。

            華人前進會共同主席陳玉珍表示，好事福街22到30號租戶所面對的情況，在華埠一帶已不是單一事件，許多租戶都面對類似的業主刁難情況，但該會強調，希望社區能夠支持租戶，也當然會站在租戶這邊，提供必要支援。

            1月4日晚還有鄧肯圈(Dunkin Donuts)為波約斯頓街80號分店預定6月關門，將遷址天滿街(Tremont)147號，先做準備，到華埠居民會匯報。該鄧肯圈店董事長Sean Sullivan和生產設備主任Erik Lania由律師Lesley St. Germain陪同，向華埠居民匯報遷址意圖。匯報遷址意圖。

麻州眾議員就職 伊斯蘭主持加入祝禱行列

(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓整理報導) 麻州第190屆參眾議會議員們，1月4日在麻州正副州長，以及總檢察官，財政廳長，稽核長等要員出席見證中，宣誓就任。伊斯蘭教祈禱主持(Imam)加入領禱行列。

兩年一期的麻州議會，今年跨入第190期。1月4日早上11點，麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)，副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)，總檢察長奚莉(Murau Healey)，財政廳廳長高柏珂(Deb Goldberg)，稽核長蘇珊邦普(Susan Bump)等人分別到參眾兩會，見證議員們就任。

都曾經是麻州眾議員的波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)，麻州大學總校長馬丁米漢(Martin Meehan)也在主席台的嘉賓席上比鄰而坐。

同時締造華人進入麻州議會殿堂歷史的兩名華裔麻州眾議員，黃子安(Donald Wong)，陳德基(Tackey Chan)都順利連任，今年起展開第四個任期。其中陳德基無競爭對手，等額當選。黃子安以12,766票的55%得票率打敗競爭對手，順利連任。

轄區包括華埠的麻州眾議員麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)也順利連任。

麻州立法機構的參議會，共有40名參議員。去年底選舉時，有33人是民主黨，5人是共和黨，另有兩席空缺。

選舉時，有25人無競爭對手，等額當選。選後，13名競選連任的在位者，全都順利當選。共和黨籍參議員共6人。五月時贏得特別選舉，代表華埠的參議員Joseph Boncore，因無競爭對手，順利等額當選。有華裔血統的參議員陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang Diaz)也順利連任。

麻州眾議會，共有160名眾議員。去年年底選舉時，有123人是民主黨，34人是共和黨，有3席懸缺。選舉結果，116名眾議員在無競爭對手下等額當選。

根據麻州眾議會的就職儀式節目冊，一大早從8點就開始有早餐，參觀州政府大樓等活動。接著民主黨，共和黨黨團各自聚會，11點才開始正式的就職儀式，由在位時間最長的眾議員，Angelo M. Scaccia主禮。

今年的麻州眾議會議員宣誓就職典禮，強調族裔，宗教融合，在祝禱牧師行列中安排了一名新英格蘭伊斯蘭中心伊瑪目，更是破例之舉。

參眾議員就任後，參議長羅森柏(Stanley C. Rosenberg)，眾議長狄樂歐(Robert DeLeo)也都獲同僚支持，再度連任議長。

羅森柏當選議長後發表講話，呼籲麻州改革刑事司法制度，以及令人咬牙切齒的收入差距，令人矚目。

Kmart、梅西百貨、Sears三大連鎖店關店210家

(Orange 周菊子波士頓整理報導)美國經濟是怎麼了?波士頓環球報今(5)日刊出三大連鎖店在全美各地共關閉210家店面，其中5家在麻州的消息。

Kmart要關的店面數最多，高達108家。全都要在今年3月底前關門，只有康州 Cromwell的會在3月中關門，y94賓州Mechanicsburg的二月中關門。麻州有兩家要關，一家在Fairhaven，一家在South Attleboro。

梅西百貨(Macy’s)要關的店數居次，總共要關68家，裁減10,000名員工。其中幾家現在已經關門了，其餘的將在今春或年中關門。在麻州要關的有兩家，一家在Brockton的西門(Westgate)，有79名員工。另一家在Taunton的銀城廊(Silver City Galleria)，有82名員工。

在緬因州Bangor 商場的梅西百貨也會關門。

梅西公司此舉估計可為該公司每年節省5億5000萬元。該公司股價在收市後交易中下跌8%。

西爾斯(Sears)要在三月底前關42家店。南卡羅來納州Florence和賓州Camp Hill的兩家會在二月中關。麻州要關的這家在Swansea。