Michelle Wu and Advocates Urge Transit Improvements, Affordability

 Michelle Wu and Advocates Urge Transit Improvements, Affordability

At Event, Transit Experts and Leaders Endorse Michelle Wu For Mayor of Boston

Boston, MA— Today, Michelle Wu and community leaders redoubled the call for urgent investments in our transit system to better serve every resident and neighborhood, ensure climate resilience, improve the Fairmount Line, electrify the bus fleet, and expand fare-free transit programs. The urgency of transit action has been clear in the past few weeks, as multiple life-threatening events on MBTA infrastructure have shaken the city of Boston.

At the event, she received the endorsement of former State Transportation Secretaries Jim Alosi and Fred Salvucci, as well as former MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board Chairman Joseph Aiello. The event was also attended by advocates and leaders Mela Miles, director of Transit-Oriented Development with Alternatives for Community & Environment, Collique Williams, organizer with Community Labor United and the Public Transit Public Good coalition, Stuart Spina with the T Rider’s Union and Clint Richmond, Executive Board member, Massachusetts Sierra Club, who joined Wu in the call for transit equity. 

The coalition urged:

• Investments in reliable green transit infrastructure, including on the Fairmount Line, to improve service, create healthy communities, and generate green jobs. The City of Boston has already identified improvements on the Fairmount Line as a key transportation priority. And a recent report from TransitMatters and the Sierra Club found that full electrification of the MBTA’s bus fleet by 2030 would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 97%, save the MBTA more than $175 million in lifetime operating costs, and save residents $9 million annually in avoided healthcare costs, while improving quality of life through improved air quality, particularly for residents with asthma and other respiratory diseases. 

• Use of new federal and state resources and work with the new Fiscal Management and Control Board to provide fare-free transit. In a Boston Globe op ed in January 2019, Michelle called to make the T free for the economic and social benefits that fare-free public transit provides, and called for the MBTA’s 28 Bus route to be free at the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board meeting in February 2019. In partnership with Mayor Janey, the 28 Bus has been engaged in a fare-free pilot program since August. In July of this year, in partnership with Northeastern University’s Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, her office released a roadmap for a wider fare-free bus pilot, beginning with the 28, 66 and 116 buses, building toward system-wide change.

• Bus-only travel lanes and transit signal priority to reduce traffic and speed travel times. Wu successfully advocated for a bus-only travel lane pilot – now permanent – on Washington Street, between Roslindale Village and Forest Hills Station, that reduced travel times for bus riders by up to 25% during the crowded morning commute. Boston currently has the worst traffic in the country, and Black bus riders in Boston spend 64 more hours every year sitting in traffic than white riders. As Mayor, Michelle has pledged to accelerate the creation of new dedicated bus lanes and transit signal priority to speed up bus service. Fare-free service will also reduce delays by allowing passengers to board more quickly and through both front and back doors, reducing dwell time and the harmful local pollutants that come with it. 

• Multi-modal transportation infrastructure to solve our transportation crunch and promote Boston’s continued economic development, including streamlining processes between the Transportation Department and Public Works and building up in-house capacity for design and engineering, and setting clear benchmarks for progress to move through the backlogged pipeline of pedestrian, cyclist and transit infrastructure projects.

“Public transit connects our neighborhoods and drives our city’s economy. A safe, accessible, and sustainable transit system is the lifeblood of Boston. We’ll keep fighting for what our residents need, which is a transit system that truly serves every community and neighborhood,” said Michelle Wu. “I’m honored to have the support of these transit leaders who I have admired for so long, and look forward to working with them to create the system we deserve.”

“I’m with Michelle Wu because she’s been an energetic advocate for a better T that can secure the economic and social health of Boston by improving service, capacity and affordability as we transition to a low carbon future,” said former State Transportation Secretary Fred Salvucci.

“I’m a lifelong Boston resident. I’ve come to know Michelle Wu as a strong and reliable partner in the transit advocacy arena who delivers results, makes impactful change and is passionate about building a stronger, more inclusive, sustainable future for Boston. She has empathy, vision, political courage and a moral core that make her the most extraordinary candidate for mayor I’ve seen in my lifetime,” said former State Transportation Secretary Jim Aloisi. 

“The next mayor of Boston will have the opportunity to shape the city’s economic future in this century, and transit is a key component of that. In my experience Michelle Wu was always present when and where it counted, pushing effectively for outcomes that will help Boston grow equitably. I believe that Boston will grow and thrive under her leadership,” said former MBTA FMCB Chairman Joseph Aiello.

“The State has spent hundreds of millions to create a solution for equitable transportation in this corridor of the city. How do you make good on good intentions? Short term, fare-free transit for the Fairmont Line boarding at the city stations. Mid term, implement DMU trains so they can offer passengers a realistic alternative. Long term, convert all commuter rail to electric and end using diesel,” said Tim Lasker, President of OPEIU Local 453.

“We need world-class public transportation. Boston should be the leader, as it was first in the nation with public transit options. Two issues are of high priority for residents: fares and electrifying the service. We fought for equitable fares for Fairmount, but it still hasn’t been completely fixed. The destination stop Readville is still Zone 2, with fares three times higher than other stops. Hyde Park is more diverse now. We need fare equity so that all can afford to ride,” said Mela Miles, Director of Transit Oriented Development at Alternatives for Community & Environment.

“The Massachusetts Sierra Club stands with Michelle on sustainable transportation for all. Fast, frequent, affordable, and universally accessible electric buses and trains will reduce pollution in our environmental justice communities while improving mobility for residents, workers and visitors in the City of Boston,” said Clint Richmond, Executive Committee member, Massachusetts Sierra Club.

“Massachusetts' future depends on public transit, so we need affordable fares across all modes. We can pay for it by making sure that wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fare share. When public transit is equitable, affordable, and sustainably funded, we all benefit,” said Collique Williams, organizer with Community Labor United and the Public Transit Public Good Coalition.

Michelle has also been a fierce advocate for bolder leadership from City Hall and closer collaboration between the City, the MBTA, and state and federal partners, including arguing in a 2019 op-ed for a stronger, more accountable governance structure, including a rider representative and a permanent seat for the City of Boston on the FMCB. 

In 2016 and 2017, as City Council President, Michelle hosted the first-ever Boston City Council policy briefing series focused exclusively on transportation. During the briefings, Michelle convened transportation policy experts, community advocates, and residents to discuss how the City of Boston could advance a low stress bicycle network, pedestrian service and safety, systematic safety and VisionZero, transit signal priority, and parking management. She has been a consistent advocate for safe, protected cycling infrastructure.

Michelle Wu is an endorsed by an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr., Boston City Councilors Ricardo Arroyo, Liz Breadon and Lydia Edwards; State Senators Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, Sonia Chang Diaz and Julian Cyr; State Representatives Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Jay Livingstone, Adrian Madaro, Vanna Howard, Natalie Higgins, Liz Miranda, Tram Nguyen, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas, and Tommy Vitolo; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements. 

波士頓雙十國慶書畫展琳瑯滿目 介紹神筆小孩基金

部分出席者合影。(周菊子攝)

   

紐英崙中華書林卓培(左)林卓培(左)送特製紀念品給波士頓僑教中心
主任潘昭榮，請經文處處長孫儉元(中)代收。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange ) 紐英崙中華書法會主辦的「雙十國慶書畫攝影展」，10月9日在紐英崙中華公所會議廳隆重揭幕，四面牆壁掛滿真草隸篆的各色書法，花鳥山水的各色繪畫，又一年在波士頓展現中華傳統文化之豐富優美。

             這一展覽照例由紐英崙中華書法會、紐英崙中華公所、紐英崙藝術學會、波士頓中華書法會，中華表演藝術基金會，以及波士頓僑教中心等共同舉辦。

紐英崙中華書法會共同會長黃周麗桃(右)說明送給波士頓經文處
處長孫儉元，寫有他名字的馬克杯是伍振中特別製作的。
(周菊子攝)

             展覽揭幕式由書法會共同會長黃周麗桃主持，林卓培致詞。林卓培指出，從1984年至今的過去37年來，除了一年外，每年都舉辦這雙十書畫展，今年新冠病毒疫情未消，是否繼續，他們的確掙扎考慮了許久。決定舉辦後，所有的書法家、藝術家們都熱烈響應，還協助佈置會場，才又有了這墨香四溢的場面。唯一遺憾的是攝影作品部分，因為運送有困難，未能列入，但整體而言這是個令人開心的展覽。

             駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元在致詞時表示，雙十書畫展為雙十慶祝活動增添了藝術氣息，格外有意義。他為僑胞們的支持，舉辦這展覽而感動，在瀏覽現場作品時，更是覺得波士頓臥虎藏龍，高手在民間。

             當天的致詞嘉賓還有曾任紐英崙中華公所主席的陳家驊，以及因故無法到場的紐英崙中華公所主席鄭慧民的代表，中華公所行政主任朱蘇珊，以及紐英崙藝術學會會長梅宇國。

紐英崙中華書法會共同會長黃周麗桃(右)介紹小孩基金。
(周菊子攝)

           陳家驊在致詞中笑說，小時候上過書法課，但只學了一點，在台灣上大學時，國文老師要求看看他們書法寫得如何，但在他來說毛筆重逾千鈞，實在為難。這時一名女同學願意幫忙代寫，讓他一見鍾情的情定終生後，結婚相守50年，可見書法很重要。

             在開幕式中，紐英崙中華書法會共同會長林卓培、黃周麗桃送上特製禮物給波士頓經文處處長孫儉元，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，由會員伍振中特製，以草書寫上他們姓名的馬克杯。

             黃周麗桃特地解釋，會員伍振中成立有「神筆小孩」基金，和愛默生學院合作，每星期二從幼稚園到12年級學生中抽選得獎者，贈美金50元，鼓勵他們學習書法、繪畫。伍振中的油畫、淡彩等畫作，精美程度令人讚嘆，有的售價餘萬元，但所有畫作出售的收入，全數用於支持「神筆小孩」基金，捐贈給慈善機構。她鼓勵大家，有小孩的可參加神筆小孩活動，有熱心的可支持該基金，也別忘了欣賞會場中的所有作品。

                       展覽預定展至十月十五日下午三點。

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW DEVELOPMENT REVIEW GUIDELINES TO REDUCE TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW DEVELOPMENT REVIEW GUIDELINES TO REDUCE TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION

 

BOSTON - October 12, 2021- Mayor Kim Janey today announced that the Boston Transportation Department, in partnership with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and the Environment Department, has launched guidelines for new developments over 50,000 square feet, which will facilitate a more efficient and transparent development review process. As part of the new guidelines, developers of large projects must complete a demand management point system tool to increase access to sustainable transportation for their tenants.  The transportation demand management point system provides developers with proven strategies to accomplish this, such as using subsidized transit passes, bike share passes, carpooling, car share, and parking pricing. This will result in fewer people driving from new developments. Developers may choose different combinations of strategies to meet the new requirement, and must submit them as part of the transportation development review process. The guidelines also include new maximum parking ratios that model the amount of parking built based on a development’s walkability and mobility choices. The maximum ratios will urge developments in walkable, transit-rich areas to build less parking than developments with fewer mobility options. Building parking in Boston can cost up to $50,000 per parking space, and that cost is passed on to tenants, increasing housing costs. Instead, the money and space can be better used to build more affordable housing units and parks.

 

 

The new guidelines are a result of a two-year stakeholder engagement process and are part of a larger effort to create a more transparent, consistent, and certain process for transportation development review. The maximum parking ratios for new large developments can be found at boston.gov/max-parking-ratios. “As development grows in Boston, we need to keep working toward a City that works for everyone,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “These transportation management standards will help our City expand in the right way, by making sure building does not come at the expense of green space and encouraging use of public transit.” “By reducing the number of required parking spaces in areas well-served by transit, we can lower the cost of new housing and decrease the amount of traffic in our neighborhoods,” said BPDA Director Brian Golden. “I thank the Boston Transportation Department and our planners at the BPDA for constructing these policies that will ensure that Boston grows in a more sustainable way, for both the environment and affordability of the City.” The City of Boston has been committed to making transit, pedestrian, and bicycle improvements that promote the health, equity, and future of Boston’s communities. This includes installation of new bus lanes on high-ridership corridors and over seven miles of a connected network of protected bike lanes through the Healthy Streets program, which was developed as part of the City’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. Reducing congestion is in adherence with our Go Boston 2030 goals to reduce drive-alone rates in the city and increase the use of public transportation. Less congestion means fewer hours lost to traffic, better commutes, better air quality, and making the most of limited space on our roads.    "The new transportation demand management guidelines will significantly reduce our City's carbon emissions and is a major step towards achieving our goal of carbon neutrality, as laid out in the 2019 Climate Action Plan," said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. "Through equitable transportation planning, we can ensure residents have more efficient commutes, cleaner air and a more sustainable future."  These guidelines were developed with support from the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge. The Climate Challenge is an initiative that empowers 25 of the largest U.S. cities to implement near-term climate goals and become primary drivers of progress towards meeting America’s pledge on climate. Recognizing that cities account for more than 70 percent of global carbon emissions – and that mayors have significant authority over cities’ highest emitting sectors: transportation and buildings – the Climate Challenge aims to enhance the work already being done by mayors across the U.S. and to support cities in the fight against climate change.

Governor Baker Activates National Guard to Support School Testing & Contingency Planning at DOC

Governor Baker Activates National Guard to Support School Testing & Contingency Planning at DOC

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued orders activating up to 450 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to help support two missions. The Governor’s orders activate up to 200 members of the Guard to support COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools throughout the Commonwealth and up to 250 members to offset potential staffing shortages at the Department of Correction (DOC).

 

“We are grateful that the National Guard has stepped up once again, as they have throughout the COVID-19 response, to serve the Commonwealth where needed,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Today’s activations will ensure that we have additional staffing support for our school testing programs to help kids stay safe and will allow DOC to respond to possible staffing shortages. While we are overall pleased with the progress we are seeing with Commonwealth employees submitting vaccination attestations, we will take whatever steps are necessary to safely run all correctional facilities.”

 

“The Guard has a long history of supporting our communities in times of need, and have answered the call time and time again during the pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We thank the servicemembers on these missions who will provide critical support to these two areas.”

 

School Testing Mission

 

The Commonwealth has developed a nation-leading COVID-19 testing program to help K-12 students remain in school safely. Over 2,200 schools have currently signed up to participate in at least one of three types of testing: test and stay, symptomatic testing, and pooled testing. Since the beginning of the school year, results from pooled testing show pool positivity rates of less than 1 percent, and test and stay, which is used to test close contacts, has saved approximately 25,000 school days for students who would have otherwise had to quarantine.

 

As these testing programs continue to ramp up, up to 200 members of the National Guard will be activated to expand testing support at schools across the Commonwealth. The Guard members will begin training this week and begin administering COVID-19 testing in selected schools on Monday, October 18.

 

“We are very thankful to the men and women of the National Guard for their assistance to help school districts handle some operational challenges in order to continue to keep students, teachers and staff safe,” said Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley. “The National Guard was there when we needed them to drive some children to school due to a nationwide bus driver shortage, and now we are thankful they are once again willing to serve the children of the Commonwealth with COVID-19 testing.”

 

To read the order, click here.

 

Department of Correction Contingency Planning

 

Governor Baker will also activate up to 250 Massachusetts National Guard personnel as a contingency measure in anticipation of possible staffing shortages at DOC. This week Guard personnel will begin training to assist the DOC, if necessary, with transportation and exterior security functions. 

 

In close coordination with public safety officials, the DOC continues preparations for the possibility of a reduction in DOC staffing levels due to non-compliance with Executive Order 595, which requires all Executive Department employees to demonstrate proof of vaccination against COVID-19 by October 17. Activating the Guard in advance of the deadline allows for Guard personnel to immediately begin job-specific training and assume roles, if needed, in the event of a reduction in DOC staffing levels.

 

The availability of support from the National Guard will safeguard DOC operational continuity and continued access to services and programming for inmates. The DOC is further prepared to augment correction staff with the return of retired correction officers in addition to Guard personnel.

 

“DOC staff has performed remarkably throughout the pandemic. As we continue to navigate an unprecedented public health crisis, well-being and safety remain our priority, and we appreciate the large number of staff who have submitted their vaccination attestation forms ahead of the deadline,” said DOC Commissioner Carol Mici. “We are grateful for the Guard’s assistance in supporting the DOC’s mission as we continue to encourage our staff to comply with the vaccination mandate.” 

 

Under this contingency plan, Guard personnel will assume external functions which do not involve direct contact with inmates.  When Guard personnel assist with providing transportation to inmates, a correctional officer will accompany them. 

 

These missions will not interfere with the Massachusetts National Guard’s ability to respond to and assist in emergencies within the Commonwealth.

 

The Massachusetts National Guard trains regularly with law enforcement, civilian, and other military agencies to provide a broad spectrum of services in support of security, logistics, disaster relief, and other missions. The Guard has a proven track record of success supporting civilian authorities. Their frequent side-by-side training with state and local first responders makes them well-suited for a variety of missions.

 

To read the order, click here.

State House Leaders from the Greater Boston Area endorse Michelle Wu for Mayor

State House Leaders from the Greater Boston Area endorse Michelle Wu for Mayor

Boston, MA— Today, City Councilor and Candidate for Mayor, Michelle Wu received the endorsements of a broad coalition of Massachusetts legislative and political leaders from across the commonwealth, who believe in her bold vision for the City of Boston and are ready to partner with her to deliver much needed change for our communities.

“I’m honored and excited that our broad, multigenerational, multicultural, multilingual coalition grows today with leaders — representing regional partners and cities across the Commonwealth — who have each delivered change and continue to reshape what’s possible in our communities. I look forward to partnering with them to boldly address our shared challenges, from housing to transportation and climate change,” said Michelle Wu. 

“I'm proud to endorse Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston. She is a leader who gets things done and is not afraid of new ideas. From work on climate justice, fare-free public transit, affordable housing and rights for immigrants, Michelle listens to community members and delivers results. I look forward to continuing to partner with her as Mayor,” said Representative Christine Barber. 

“As a lead sponsor of legislation to lift the statewide ban on rent control — and as a strong proponent of free public transit and a Green New Deal — I’m very proud to endorse Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston because she has a vision for bold, systematic change and a proven ability to bring people together to make progress for all residents,” said Representative Mike Connolly. 

“The election of Michelle Wu as our mayor will be one of the most exciting moments in Boston's history. As the first woman and person of color to be mayor, Michelle will lead Boston into a new progressive era that celebrates the amazing diversity of our residents,” said Former State Representative Paul Demakis. 

“I’m with Michelle because Boston needs a mayor ready to lead on climate action and face our biggest challenges head on. She is the candidate in this race who will ensure folks in every pocket of the city realize their full potential,” said Former Senator Ben Downing. 

“I am proud to endorse Michelle Wu to be the next Mayor of Boston. I have been consistently impressed with Michelle's vision to serve the people of Boston, including addressing the housing crisis, combating climate change, and advocating for racial justice, throughout her public service career and run for Mayor of Boston. Michelle has the energy, dedication and bold ideas to make Boston city government work for all of its residents," said Senator Jamie Eldridge. 

“I am proud to endorse my friend Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston. I know that she will work with state partners to make our systems more equitable, addressing our climate, housing and transportation challenges directly. I look forward to continuing to partner with Michelle to build communities across the Commonwealth that are healthy, safe, and resilient,” said Representative Sean Garballey. 

“I have known and worked with Michelle for many years, and have seen first hand her character, determination, and vision. She changed the debate on transportation access, and I look forward to working with her on building a modern, affordable, and reliable  rail and bus system for Boston and our entire Commonwealth. She is a leader who brings people together and follows vision with hard work and collaboration — that’s exactly what we need right now,” said Senator Eric Lesser. 

“I am proud to endorse Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston. Since joining the city council in 2014, Michelle has been a bold, progressive leader with a welcoming and inclusive vision for Boston. On so many issues -- from the Green New Deal to affordable housing to racial equity to transportation access -- Michelle has led the way. Michelle understands what is at stake for our children and sets a respectful tone that combines fierce urgency and civility. She will be a terrific mayor,” said Former Democratic Lt. Governor Nominee Quentin Palfrey. 

“I am proud to endorse Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston. She has a proven record of working across all levels of government to get things done and advocate for working families. I look forward to continuing to partner with Michelle to fight for progressive policies that matter to residents across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Jack Patrick-Lewis. 

“Michelle and I first joined forces to push for riders to have a voice on the MBTA oversight board. Now, it’s a reality. Whether it’s public transit or climate action or uplifting fellow families with young children, Michelle delivers results. She’s the mayoral partner we need on Beacon Hill and she’s the justice-driven leader Bostonians deserve. I am proud and thrilled to endorse Michelle Wu for Mayor,” said Senator Becca Rausch. 

These legislative endorsements adds to an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr., Boston City Councilors Ricardo Arroyo, Liz Breadon and Lydia Edwards; State Senators Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, Sonia Chang Diaz and Julian Cyr; State Representatives Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Jay Livingstone, Adrian Madaro, Vanna Howard, Natalie Higgins, Liz Miranda, Tram Nguyen, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas, and Tommy Vitolo; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, Teamsters Local 25, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements. 

GROUNDBREAKING OF 50 AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NUBIAN SQUARE

MAYOR KIM JANEY, CONGRESSWOMAN AYANNA PRESSLEY, PRESERVATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, NUESTRA COMUNIDAD AND CITY OF BOSTON’S DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCE GROUNDBREAKING OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NUBIAN SQUARE   The Kenzi at Bartlett Station will create 50 new units for older Bostonians     BOSTON – October 12, 2021 – Mayor Kim Janey announced the groundbreaking of new affordable housing to be built on the former MBTA Bartlett Station Lot D in Nubian Square. United States Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, the Department of Neighborhood Development, Nuestra Comunidad, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), and partners celebrated the initiative with a groundbreaking Tuesday. The $27 million project, to be named The Kenzi at Bartlett Station, will create 50 units of supportive, affordable housing for older adults and is part of the five-phase redevelopment of the former bus yard now owned by Nuestra Comunidad and Windale Developers. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony builds on the City of Boston’s commitment to creating more affordable housing, especially for older residents.    “I am thrilled that the next stage of the Bartlett Station development has begun. These new affordable rental apartments for older Bostonians will provide much-needed housing in Roxbury,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “This project will build on the larger inclusive development that is transforming Nubian Square. I want to thank Nuestra, POAH, MassHousing, and all of our partners for helping to realize our vision to turn a contaminated brownfield into new housing and a commercial hub for this community. The City of Boston continues to be committed to creating and preserving affordable housing that provides older residents a safe place to call home.”   "While we’re in the midst of this debate around what is infrastructure, again I affirm that housing is infrastructure and against the backdrop of a national reckoning on racial injustice, housing is a racial justice issue, it is an economic justice issue, and it is a climate justice issue," said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. "Housing is a fundamental human right, and that goes for every member of our community, especially our seniors. Everyone deserves more than shelter, they deserve a home, and that’s what they will have here at The Kenzi."    The Kenzi at Bartlett Station will create 50 units of housing for older Bostonians with 41 affordable one-bedroom units, 3 affordable two-bedroom units, and 6 market-rate two-bedroom units. All residents at the new 57,576 square foot building will have 24/7 access to on-site concierge services and a resident service coordinator. Additional wellness services will be available once construction is complete. The new housing development will create 44 new affordable units restricted to Bostonians over the age of 55 who earn at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), or $77,350 for a two-person household. The development’s affordable housing also includes five units of housing for formerly homeless individuals.    “The Kenzie at Bartlett Station will help seniors to age in the community with access to services through a unique partnership with the Boston Medical Center,” said Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO, Preservation of Affordable Housing. “We are also proud that the development will achieve the highest levels of energy-efficiency while providing significant contracting opportunities for local minority and women-owned businesses.”   “Our older neighbors in Roxbury have told us they need affordable, comfortable homes in which to age, sustain their health and enjoy their community without fear of displacement,” said Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation Executive Director David Price. “A key to success in helping Roxbury seniors is the partnerships created for this project, starting with POAH and Nuestra, and also including neighborhood leaders and organizations who have helped guide this visionary senior housing project and other developments at Bartlett Station.”    The construction of these new homes at The Kenzi at Bartlett Station also aligns with the City of Boston’s housing goals to produce more affordable housing for older Bostonians, as outlined in Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. The City’s housing plan set a target of creating 2,000 low-income elderly units by 2030. In the last five years, 552 new senior units have been completed or are currently in construction in the city of Boston. Of these, 515 or 93 percent of these units are income-restricted units for individuals 55 and older, with 494 created for low-income individuals making at or below $56,400 or 60 percent AMI, and 21 were created for moderate-income individuals with income limits at or below $67,700 or 80 percent AMI. Recently, Hearth at Four Corners created 54 new units of supportive, affordable housing for older adults in Dorchester and the Barton Rogers School in Hyde Park is under construction. The City of Boston has nine more housing developments for older residents in the pipeline that will create another 365 income-restricted units.     “The latest phase of Bartlett Station is a major component of the revitalization of the Nubian Square area,” said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay. “This a transformative endeavor for Roxbury that will bring new housing and economic opportunities to the neighborhood, and we are pleased to be part of the development and financing team.”    The Nubian Square site is being redeveloped by Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation and Windale Developers, Inc. and will ultimately create approximately 383 new homes for working families, including 166 homes for purchase, 217 rental apartments, and 30,000 square feet of commercial space. The development project is anticipated to generate approximately 100 retail jobs and 900 construction jobs, with 60 percent of the jobs going to workers of color.   The Kenzi at Bartlett Station will employ environmentally friendly design features throughout that meet the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Homes Silver certifiable standard. The development also meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star standards.    The development of the Kenzie at Bartlett Station was made possible in part to funding from $15 million in state and federal housing tax credit investments from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), $4 million from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, $1.5 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, $1.75 million in Community Preservation Act funding, $750,000 from the Neighborhood Housing Trust, $700,000 investment by Preservation of Affordable Housing, and $500,000 from the Boston Medical Center.     From left to right, Nuestra resident Jacquelyn Anderson, MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay, Nuestra Executive Director David Price, POAH Managing Director Rodger Brown, POAH Board Chair Georgia Murray, State Representative Chyna Tyler, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Deputy Director for Neighborhood Housing Development for the City of Boston Jessica Boatright    ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT (DND)   The Department of Neighborhood Development is responsible for housing people experiencing homelessness, developing affordable housing, and ensuring that renters and homeowners can find, maintain, and stay in their homes. As part of the ongoing coronavirus response, the Office of Housing Stability is administering Boston’s Rental Relief Fund, which has given out more than $20 million to more than 4,000 households and is also conducting tenant’s rights workshops to educate residents about the eviction moratorium and their rights. The Boston Home Center continues to provide down payment assistance to first-time home buyers and home repairs for seniors and low-income residents. The Supportive Housing Division works with various partners around the city to rapidly house individuals who are experiencing homelessness. For more information, please visit the DND website.   ABOUT NUESTRA COMUNIDAD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION    Nuestra Comunidad has been working in the Roxbury community and nearby Boston neighborhoods since 1981. One of Boston’s oldest and most successful community development organizations, Nuestra CDC has developed 800 affordable rental homes and built and sold 200 affordable homes. Nuestra’s Home Center has trained more than 3,000 people in homeownership and helped more than 500 families to purchase their first homes. With roots originally in Roxbury’s Latino community, Nuestra CDC has helped to lead the ongoing revitalization of Nubian Square neighborhood business district and Roxbury’s Blue Hill Avenue corridor. Nuestra Comunidad is a chartered member of the NeighborWorks America Network.   ABOUT PRESERVATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING (POAH)   POAH is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve, create and sustain affordable, healthy homes that support economic security, racial equity, and access to opportunity for all. POAH owns and operates more than 12,000 affordable rental homes in 11 states and the District of Columbia, including 5 housing communities in Boston: Kenmore Abbey (Kenmore Square), Franklin Square House (South End), Blackstone Apartments (West End), Flat Nine at Whittier, a mixed-income, multi-use rental and homeownership community on the site of the former Whittier Street Public Housing and The Loop at Mattapan Station, a mixed-income, transit-oriented housing community under construction in Mattapan Square that is also a collaboration between POAH and Nuestra Comunidad. POAH is celebrating its 20th year anniversary this year.   ###     ‌ ‌