MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES “FRIENDSHIP FOUR” TOURNAMENT FOR BELPOT TROPHY

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES “FRIENDSHIP FOUR” TOURNAMENT FOR BELPOT TROPHY

International College Hockey Tournament Result of Mayor’s Trip to Ireland

BOSTON - Friday, April 10, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today joined Councillor Arder Carson, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Northern Ireland and representatives from the hockey community to announce “The Friendship Four,” an international hockey tournament in Belfast from November 27 - November 28, 2015 featuring hockey teams from Northeastern University, UMass Lowell, Brown University and Colgate University competing for the Belpot Trophy. 

Last September, Mayor Walsh traveled to Ireland and signed his first sister city agreement with the City of Belfast.

“During my time in Ireland, I saw firsthand how sports, and hockey in particular, play an incredible role in bridging communities,” said Mayor Walsh. “I am thrilled to announce the first tournament for the Belpot Trophy this fall. I would like to thank former mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó Muilleoir for his original partnership in this ambitious exchange and his continued hospitality towards Boston and Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Arder Carson, and the Belfast City Council for their commitment to making this tournament become a reality.”

“The Sister City agreement which we signed with Boston last May is designed to foster stronger economic development, trade and investment, tourism, youth, cultural, faith based exchange and educational linkages between our two cities," said Lord Mayor, Councillor Arder Carson. "Bringing this prestigious tournament to Belfast is one of the first substantive results of the agreement, and we are delighted that, even before the first puck has been hit, there already is a commitment to play it here for a further four years.  It is our hope that the success of this tournament will help stimulate further exchanges, especially in terms of trade missions and educational links. Bringing this tournament to Belfast will be a great boost to our economy. The global media coverage this will attract is likely to bring a very positive offspin for Belfast too.”

“Ice hockey is a cross community sport in Belfast and this is one of the main reasons the Belfast Giants have been able to have success over the past 15 years,” said Eric Porter, Chairman of the Odyssey Trust,tournament hosts and owners of the Odyssey Arena, home to the Belfast Giants. “The Friendship Four will be the first time that teams at this standard of ice hockey will play in Belfast  and we expect our fans to be very excited about seeing it at their home arena. It is an opportunity to give back to the communities that have supported us over the years and we truly want to make this an event that is open to all."

The Friendship Four will be held at the Belfast Giants/Odyssey Arena.

The City of Boston is working with Secretary of State John Kerry’s Office of Global Partnerships and the Belfast Giants to incorporate educational components to the tournament weekend, including having student-athletes visit classrooms in Belfast.

The Mayor made the announcement at the Bobby Orr statue at the TD Garden.

“On behalf of ECAC Hockey, we are honored to be part of this tremendous endeavor,” said Stephen R. Hagwell, ECAC Hockey Commissioner. “We relish the opportunity to experience and have a positive impact on such a memorable cultural exchange."

"The Hockey East family is excited about this event, both from the hockey and cultural perspectives," said Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna. "We will work with everyone to make this first event a huge success and lay the groundwork for future such tournaments for others to experience."

Baker Administration Announces $900,000 Investment in Woodstove Rebate Program

Baker Administration Announces $900,000 Investment in Woodstove Rebate Program

WORCESTER - April 10, 2015 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a $900,000 investment in the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program, which provides rebates to homeowners who replace their older, inefficient woodstoves with cleaner, EPA-certified models that use less fuel and reduce energy costs.

“New, more efficient woodstoves will save homeowners money on wood costs, while improving public health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Woodstove Change-Out Program is an important part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to clean energy, and a healthy environment.”

Launched in 2012, the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program is administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

“This program is a perfect example of a multi-agency partnership that results in the use of lower-cost fuels and more efficient technology for Massachusetts' residents, which will ultimately protect air quality in our neighborhoods,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg.

The program has helped more than 850 residents swap out their dirty, inefficient stoves for newer, cleaner models, with more than 350 of these rebates going to low-income residents. Residents installing new stoves can expect to save an average of $2,000 for each cord of wood they are currently burning, over the lifetime of the stove.

EPA-certified stoves on average require one-third of the amount of renewable wood sources to produce the same amount of heat as older models, while releasing 70 to 90 percent less particulate matter, which has been shown to lead to health conditions like asthma.Every 100 new stoves burning one cord of wood each per year reduce an amount of greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking nearly 50 cars off the road.

“Clean energy comes in many forms, and this program will once again allow homeowners to take control of their energy use, improve their own environment and save money at the same time,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton.

“These rebates will make a big financial difference to those purchasing the cleaner and more efficient models,” said DOER Acting Commissioner Dan Burgess. “These new stoves will reduce emissions, heat more effectively and will improve the health and comfort for homes across the Commonwealth.”

Rebates range from $750 to $1,250, depending on emission levels and type of stove, and from $1,750 to $2,250 for residents who meet certain income requirements.

“This is an excellent opportunity for homeowners to upgrade, save, and innovate,” said Senate Majority Leader Harriette L. Chandler.  “I hope that many homeowners will take advantage of the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program.”

“The Woodstove Rebate Program is a great investment towards reducing our carbon footprint while also reducing energy costs for the citizens of Worcester and across the Commonwealth,” said State Representative John J. Mahoney

Residents must have an existing and operational non-EPA-certified woodstove to qualify for a rebate. To apply for a rebate, residents must visit a participating woodstove retailer, who will handle the application process on the residents’ behalf.

Rebate applications will be accepted until at least May 22, 2015, with the deadline being extended if funds remain. Residents can find a local participating woodstove professional by visiting www.masscec.com/woodstove.

華林功夫五月二日慶四十五週年

美侨学界：抗日战争中的湘西会战是中美合作的成功战例

美侨学界：抗日战争中的湘西会战是中美合作的成功战例

http://www.aacyf.org/?p=5345

美侨学界：抗日战争中的湘西会战是中美合作的成功战例

全美华人纪念抗日战争胜利70周年组委会、美国华人公共外交促进会、全美中华青年联合会、南加州华人华侨联合会、南加州华人历史研究会等机构日前在洛杉矶举办专题研讨会，纪念湘西会战大捷70周年，重点研讨美国在湘西会战中发挥的作用，一致认为湘西会战是中美合作的最成功战例之一。在纪念抗日战争胜利70周年之际，有必要重温这次战役，唤起美国民众对这段中美两国共同的“国家记忆”。

美国共和党亚太裔妇女联盟主席黄赵企晨出生在中国大陆，父亲曾经在中国经历抗日战争。她表示湘西会战的起因主要是日本认为湘西的芷江机场从1945年3月开始，就成了美国战略空军在华唯一的前方机场，也是盟军在远东的第二大机场。从该机场起飞的轰炸机不但沉重地打击了侵华日军的战略目标，也直接威胁着台湾一带的日军设施。日本侵华军队由此在1945年4月初发动了芷江攻略战。从这一点看，中美空军合作已经对日军的侵略形成了有效的打击。

罗省中华会馆主席伍尚齐、全美中华青年联合会理事长朱冰峰介绍，1945年2月中印公路打通后，每个月有近5万吨的美国援助物资输入中国保证了重庆政府的战斗能力，在美军总顾问魏德迈的规划下利用这些物资将当时中国部队重组成30个美械师。中国军队也因此调整将尚具战力的部队整併为第四方面军并接受美械补给，当时有第三、第四方面军在华中接受整补。他们认为，美国提供的战略物资为当时的中国军队提供了有效的物资和军械供给。

南加州华人历史研究会特邀研究员任向东指出，从这次会战发起的原因、战役发展过程、以及战役大胜结局，一方面中国的军民可歌可泣，另一方面美国参与这次会战合作的因素也随处可见。在湘西会战中，国民革命军已经开始使用美国军械装备，加上中美联合空军的空中支援，先将日军阻挡、随后并彻底击溃了日军的进攻能力，在两个月的时间内取得湘西会战的大捷。美军装备、中美联合空军的空中支援和美军军事顾问与中国军队的配合合作等，都在这次会战中发挥了重要的作用。可以说，湘西会战是在中国抗日战争期间中美合作的最成功战例之一，这也是中美两国人民共同拥有的“国家记忆”。

美国昭伦总公所元老谭振爙、美洲中华青年促统会副会长王颂、美国中国东北海外联谊会前会长刘新等在发言中表示，重温并分析这场会战，令人感到振奋，并为当年会战期间的中美合作感到骄傲。有必要让更多的美国民众知道和了解当年这场中美合作抗日的胜利战役，铭记中美在二次世界大战中的合作和友谊，并让这种友谊和精神延续下去。　

据史料记载，湘西会战，为抗日战争后期中国战场上最后一场由日军发动进攻的大型战役。主要作战时间为1945年4月至6月，战场位置位于在中国湖南省中西部。侵华日军发动此战的主要目的是争夺芷江空军基地，故又称“芷江攻略战”。1945年8月21日，侵华日军代表今井武夫在芷江签订洽降备忘录。（AACYF洛杉矶讯）

FORMER CAMBRIDGE RESIDENT CONVICTED OF SWINDLING MONEY THROUGH PREP SCHOOL ADMISSIONS BUSINESS

FORMER CAMBRIDGE RESIDENT CONVICTED OF SWINDLING MONEY

THROUGH PREP SCHOOL ADMISSIONS BUSINESS

 

BOSTON – The owner and operator of a prep school admissions business was convicted yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with his role in embezzling funds.

 

Mark J. Zimny, 43, was convicted by a federal jury on five counts of wire fraud, five counts of unlawful money laundering, two counts of filing false federal tax returns and one count of bank fraud.  The jury acquitted Zimny on an additional count of bank fraud.  U.S. District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2015.

 

Zimny owned and operated a business called IvyAdmit Consulting Associates that claimed to assist students in obtaining admission to elite American prep schools, colleges and universities.  In 2008, Zimny defrauded a couple from Hong Kong of more than $650,000 by promising that if they provided him large funds to give to prep schools in New England for "development contributions," he could influence admissions decisions to the schools on behalf of the couple’s two children.  Rather than delivering the funds to the schools as he promised, however, Zimny embezzled the funds for his own purposes.

 

Zimny was found guilty of tax violations for underreporting the gross receipts of IvyAdmit for tax years 2008 and 2009 in personal tax returns filed with the IRS.

 

Furthermore, Zimny defrauded Mt. Washington Bank (now part of East Boston Savings Bank) by providing the bank with false information, including fictitious tax returns that over reported his receipts from IvyAdmit, to support his application for a mortgage loan.

 

The charges of wire fraud provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine on each count; the charges of money laundering provide for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, two years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine on each count; the charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $1 million fine; the charges of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of no greater than three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine on each count.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor A. Wild of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit and Giselle J. Joffre of Ortiz’s Civil Division.

MAYOR WALSH TO LEAD MOMENT OF SILENCE AT 2:49 P.M. ON APRIL 15

波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin J. Walsh ）昨（九）日宣佈，將於四月十五日（週三）下午兩點四十九分，舉行“沈默哀悼”式，藉以誌記波士頓馬拉松賽爆炸案慘劇發生兩週年。

波士頓市內的各個教堂，將在那一刻，同時敲響鐘聲。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊早前已宣佈，把四月十五日訂為“波士頓團結日（One Boston Day）”，以之為新傳統，藉以彰顯波士頓人在因應2013年四月十五日發生那場慘劇時所表現出來的靈活，慷慨，堅強。

            波市府鼓勵個別人士，企業，社區組織在社交媒體上，用# OneBostonDay，來紀念“波士頓團結日”。

            四月十五日早上，波士頓市長馬丁華殊還將參與在波約斯頓（Boylston）街上升起榮譽旗幟，紀念受害者及倖存者的儀式。

MAYOR WALSH TO LEAD MOMENT OF SILENCE AT 2:49 P.M. ON APRIL 15

BOSTON - Thursday, April 9,  2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston will hold a moment of silence at 2:49 p.m. on April 15 to mark the two-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings. Church bells will then ring throughout the City.  

Mayor Walsh is encouraging people outside of the City, and around the world, to join Bostonians in the moment of silence. 

Mayor Walsh has previously announced that April 15 will be known as "One Boston Day," a new tradition to honor the resiliency, generosity and strength of the City of Boston.  The day will be an opportunity to recognize the good in our community and reflect on the spirit of grace and resilience of the people of Boston that was exemplified in the response to the loss and the tragedies of April 15, 2013. 

"One Boston Day" will encourage random acts of kindness and spreading goodwill.  The new tradition came together in compilation with the desire expressed by many survivors to pass on the kindness, generosity and support they received following the 2013 Boston Marathon. 

Individuals, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to share how they are marking "One Boston Day" on social media using the hashtag #OneBostonDay.  

On the morning of April 15, the Mayor will assist in raising honorary banners on Boylston Street to honor the victims and survivors of April 15, 2013. 

MAYOR WALSH SIGNS ORDINANCE TO DISCOURAGE FENWAY PARK ATTENDEES FROM USING RESIDENT PARKING SPACES DURING RED SOX GAMES

MAYOR WALSH SIGNS ORDINANCE TO DISCOURAGE FENWAY PARK ATTENDEES FROM USING RESIDENT PARKING SPACES DURING RED SOX GAMES

BOSTON - Thursday, April 9, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today signed an ordinance that will pilot raising fines from $40 to $100 for violating resident parking restrictions in the neighborhoods around Fenway Park during Major League Baseball games. With Opening Day on Monday, April 13, the legislation is aimed at discouraging Fenway Park event attendees from parking in curbside spaces designated as Fenway/Kenmore resident parking zones. Vehicles that do not have a Fenway/Kenmore resident parking sticker are subject to the increased fine. The ordinance was sponsored by Councilor Josh Zakim and worked through the City Council with Government Operations Chair Michael Flaherty.

“We’ve heard from residents that finding a parking spot in the Fenway and Kenmore neighborhoods during baseball games is a burden, and this legislation aims to improve that experience,” said Mayor Walsh. “Thank you to Councilor Zakim and Councilor Flaherty for your work on this, and for coordinating with the Boston Transportation Department to make this into an effective pilot program for residents and for the City of Boston.”

"This ordinance is a great step forward for residents of the Fenway, Kenmore Square, and Audubon Circle. These changes will help restore the parking balance in the neighborhoods around Fenway Park during some of the busiest months of the year - an issue I've consistently heard about for almost two years,” said City Councilor Zakim. “I'm gratified to have participated in a truly collaborative effort across city government, working with the Mayor, BTD, and my colleagues on the Council to deliver for our neighbors. I look forward to examining the pilot data at the end of the year."

"Given that over 10,000 resident parking violations have been issued over the last two years during Fenway Park events underscores a significant problem for the residents of Fenway/Kenmore District,” said City Councilor Michael Flaherty. “Increasing resident parking fines should be a disincentive for people to illegally park and an encouragement to take public transportation or to cycle."

The change will go into effect two hours before any Major League Baseball game played at Fenway Park, and will extend to two hours after the game. The ordinance also gives flexibility to institute this rule during other Fenway Park events on a case by case basis. The pilot will end on December 31, 2015.

The City Council passed the Ordinance on April 8.

Maura Healey's First Legislation – Protecting Health Care Consumers

This week marked an exciting time for me, my legislative agenda and, I think, the people of Massachusetts who I know share my concerns about the ever-escalating cost of health care in our state.

I was on Beacon Hill with House Majority Leader Ron Mariano from Quincy to file my first piece of legislation as Attorney General, a bill we think will significantly move the needle on the number one issue facing health care consumers – cost.

This is a critical time in Massachusetts health care. We have the highest quality care in the world and we continue to lead the nation in ensuring everyone has access to care. We’ve taken several important steps in addressing costs but more needs to be done to address that critical third leg of the stool.

While increased consolidation of providers in some instances may provide benefits like increased efficiencies and improved quality, we also know that many mergers often lead to increased market clout and higher costs.

Our state’s Health Policy Commission has been out front in addressing mergers that might drive up costs. The HPC’s reports have shined a bright light on these mergers and enhanced the ability of our office to block mergers which will hurt the marketplace.

Our bill seeks to make a good system better by giving more teeth to any referral sent by the HPC to the Attorney General’s Office. Specifically, the bill says an HPC cost or market referral is considered evidence of a violation of the Consumer Protection Act and allows us to go before a judge to stop mergers that might harm consumers.

This bill will help families and seniors who have seen the costs of health care cripple their budgets, help businesses who see health care costs eating up the bottom line and help taxpayers who know health care costs are the greatest buster of state and community budgets – by far.

Maintaining health care quality and access while controlling costs is a significant challenge. But it’s one we’re up to and we must tackle. This bill helps us get there.

I look forward to working with stakeholders, Leader Mariano, Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Rosenberg, the entire Legislature and Governor Baker to make it law. I hope you’ll join me in making sure it happens by sharing your support in your networks, with legislators and on social media.

This is one piece of our aggressive agenda and you’ll be hearing more about efforts around health care, energy, the environment, community engagement, fighting opiates and ensuring equality in the coming months. But the first bill is important to me – and to the people of our state.

Thanks for staying in touch on our agenda. We can’t do any of this without you.

All the best,

Maura

Governors Baker, Dalrymple Wager Friendly Bet for Frozen Four Semifinal

Governors Baker, Dalrymple Wager Friendly Bet for Frozen Four Semifinal

Boston University takes on the University of North Dakota at 8:30PM in the TD Garden

BOSTON – Ahead of tonight’s Frozen Four hockey semifinal matchup between Boston University and the University of North Dakota, Governor Charlie Baker and North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple have staked a friendly bet on the game’s outcome.

“Playing on home-ice where they already landed this year’s Beanpot, and with the backing of some lucky cupcakes, the Terriers are poised for victory and to move on to another championship game tonight,” said Governor Baker. “I’m looking forward to a great game between these two teams and in good fun, some chocolate-covered potato chips from Governor Dalrymple.”

Governor Baker has wagered the same lucky Boston cream pie cupcakes from the Koffee Kup Bakery in Springfield, Massachusetts that brought a Patriot’s Super Bowl trophy home earlier this year, while Governor Dalrymple has offered up a package of chocolate-covered potato chips from Carol Widman’s Candy Company in Fargo, North Dakota.

“UND has had a remarkable season and I’m confident that coach Hakstol’s team will advance to pursue their eighth national championship on Saturday,”Dalrymple said. “Tonight’s semifinal game should be an exciting matchup, and I look forward to a UND victory as well as Governor Baker’s Boston cream pie cupcakes.”

The two teams face off tonight at the TD Garden in Boston at 8:30PM.

Governor Baker Approves $200 Million in Chapter 90 Funding for Local Infrastructure

Governor Baker Approves $200 Million in Chapter 90 Funding for Local Infrastructure

Total of $330 million available for municipal roads, bridges and pothole repairs this construction season

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker has signed House Bill 3187 authorizing $200 million in Chapter 90 transportation funds for municipalities, bringing the total funding available this construction season to $300 million, with an additional $30 million allocated through the same Chapter 90 formula for winter pothole repair and paving projects.

“Our Commonwealth can only be as strong as every city and town, and Lt. Governor Polito and I are pleased to fulfill our commitment to support municipalities and grant access to critical funding for transportation improvements,” said Governor Baker. “After a rigorous winter, the timely delivery of these funds is a much-needed resource and welcome opportunity to spur economic growth in every zip code.”

The administration released $100 million in Chapter 90 funding on its first day in office, and in March announced $30 million for a Winter Recovery Assistance Program (WRAP) to provide additional resources to cities and towns after an unprecedented winter. Allocated through an existing fiscal 2015 bond authorization from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), WRAP was distributed through the same formula as Chapter 90.

“As we continue to build strong partnerships with our cities and towns in every corner of the Commonwealth, we are glad to release additional funds to municipalities to assist with local construction projects and boost recovery efforts after an unprecedented winter,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “I look forward to proceeding with my statewide tour to visit with local officials to talk about the important issues facing our cities and towns as we work collaboratively toward a stronger state for all families and communities.”

Through Chapter 90 bond issuances, cities and towns are reimbursed for eligible transportation projects, submitting qualifying costs to their local MassDOT Highway Division district for review by MassDOT’s Fiscal Department. More information about the Chapter 90 Program is available here:

http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/default.asp?pgid=content/stateaid01a&sid=about

MAYOR WALSH RELEASES FIRST EVER STUDENT HOUSING REPORT

MAYOR WALSH RELEASES FIRST EVER STUDENT HOUSING REPORT

Report finds more students living on campuses; report outlines policy priorities for upcoming year

BOSTON - Thursday, April 9, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today released “Student Housing Trends: 2014-2015”, the first ever comprehensive report on trends in student housing in Boston. The report was an inter-agency collaboration between the City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development, Inspectional Services Department, and the Boston Redevelopment Authority.  

Mayor Walsh called for the student housing report as part of his housing plan, “Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030,” which outlined strategic goals to ensure all students reside in safe, suitable housing, and to create 18,500 new dorm beds by the year 2030 in order to return 5,000 units of workforce housing to the market.  The data included in the new report allow the City to track progress against those goals.

"It is critical that we work with our colleges and universities to better understand how to provide safe and affordable housing for both our student population and our residents," said Mayor Walsh. "Our institutions of higher education make up the fabric of our City, and I thank them for their partnership in these efforts and look forward to continuing this work to create a thriving and healthier Boston." 

With more than 148,000 students enrolled in its colleges and universities, Boston has unique challenges related to its student population.  The data show that there are 21,425 undergraduates living in off-campus housing with the city of Boston this year; however, the new data show that the number of undergraduates living off campus has declined by 1,442 since the Fall of 2013. In addition, a total of 1,395 new dormitory beds came online in 2014, bringing the number of dormitory beds to 39,178 citywide.

The report lays out the Walsh administration’s three key student housing priorities for 2015: (1) ending the illegal practice of renting off-campus housing to five or more undergraduates as new leases are signed in spring and summer 2015; (2) establishing firm commitments and deadlines for the construction of additional on-campus dormitory beds from each college and university; and (3) unlocking additional dorm bed creation by creating pathways for private developers to build off-campus dormitories that meet specific community approvals. 

 

The data in the report was gathered from the results of the new University Accountability Ordinance, passed by the Boston City Council in the summer of 2014, which now gives the community full transparency on the housing situation of all Boston’s students. 

Other trends outlined in the report include:

• Enrollment has remained virtually the same at Boston’s colleges and universities. The number of students enrolled in institutions of higher education tracked in the Boston 2030 report increased by .27 percent, from 143,956 to 144,3442. 

• Of the 148,402 students enrolled in Boston’s institutions of higher education for Fall 2014, 46,763 (32%) live on campus and 99,869 (67%) live off-campus.

• Of the students living off-campus, 38,232 (38%) live in the City of Boston, while 61,637 (62%) live in other Greater Boston communities.

• More than half of Boston’s off-campus student population lives in properties of three units or fewer and condominiums.These students place particular pressure on the workforce housing market, as many properties of three or fewer units were originally built for Boston’s workforce, while condominiums are intended to be owner-occupied housing. Collectively, 8,500 students reside in 1-3 unit properties and nearly 6,000 students reside in condo units.

• There are currently 984 dorm beds under construction or soon to be under construction. An additional 902 beds are expected to receive approval and commence construction in the near future. These 1,886 additional beds are expected to come online by the end of 2018. With an additional 4,473 beds in the pipeline for future construction, this will bring the total number of dedicated student dorm beds citywide to 45,537.

• The City’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD) analysis of off-campus student addresses found 589 addresses to be potentially in violation of the Boston Zoning Code.  ISD has sent letters to the property owners of these is currently conducting inspections to ensure that there are no zoning or sanitary code violations. 

• ISD has also notified all colleges and universities of the addresses where students from their institutions may be living in overcrowded housing. A dedicated team of four housing inspectors, two building inspectors, and an ISD supervisor will be conducting inspections of all of these locations. When violations are found, the landlord, the tenant, and the school are notified. 

MassDOT, RMV Upcoming Overnight Service Interruption

MassDOT, RMV Upcoming Overnight Service Interruption

BOSTON – Thursday, April 9, 2015 – The MassDOT and Registry of Motor Vehicles Division websites and telephone services will be temporarily unavailable during the 12 hour period beginning on Friday night, April 10^th from 8pm to Saturday morning, April 11^th at 8am.

The service interruption will allow for MassDOT Data Center upgrades including backup power supply replacement to improve service reliability.

MassDOT and MassRMV.com and self-service telephone transactions at 857-DOT-8000 will be unavailable for customer transactions during the outage.

Two additional 12-hour service interruptions yet to be scheduled will be required prior to June to complete the upgrades.

The outages do NOT affect E-ZPass services. Customers can access their accounts online and make Pay by Plate payments online.

As always, RMV customers are encouraged to renew their driver’s license at least one week in advance of its expiration. Licenses may be renewed up to 12 months prior to the expiration date. Customers are also encouraged to renew their registration at least ten days in advance. Registrations may be renewed up to six-months prior to the expiration date. Commercial motor vehicles weighing 55,000 pounds or greater cannot be renewed through this service. More than 4 million Registry transactions were conducted online in 2014 up from 3.6 million in 2013. We apologize for any inconvenience these upgrades may cause.