曾文棣“家園”公共藝術展 促人遙想華埠昨日，今日

畫家曾文棣。（周菊子攝）

1930年代的洗衣店老闆，1940年代的小兄妹，1950年代的兩名雜貨店伙計等等，共12幅真人大小的油畫肖像，這幾天豎立在波士頓華埠街頭的不同角落，和過往的穿梭行人交織成一幅時空拉長了的畫面。

創作藝術家曾文棣說，這些人物肖像都是從紐英崙歷史協會的資料照片中挑出來的，放大後，再上色彩、油墨，尺寸比例和真人一樣，就為讓人體會，在同樣的這塊華埠土地上，當年站著的是這些“古代”人，進而比較今昔，察覺整個社區環境的風貌變遷。

曾文棣在展覽期間，還在華埠牌樓旁豎起一幅以歷史中華埠景觀為背景的巨幅圖片，邀請路過的當地居民，工人，或路人，站在歷史中的華埠前拍張照。他打算將來把這些人的照片，也做成真人大小般的肖像，好和早年的那些華人肖像輝映，對比。

曾文棣說，這項公共藝術名叫“家園（Home Town）“，旨在強調土地發展持續的影響了從1800年代末期形成，一度居民12,800的社區。

他說，波士頓華埠已有一段很長的歷史了，在那兒生活，工作的華人都已傳承了幾個世代。“家園”這創作，是要讓波士頓市府，社區，以及隨興來到的遊客都知道，華埠在這兒已有很長一段時肩了。

華埠座落在波士頓市的金融區和劇院區之間，從1950年代，就不斷面對政府為打造跨州高速公路，不惜拆除排屋，切開道路所施加的壓力。

            塔芙茨大學醫學院以及健康科學校區的擴展，更是其後幾十年的衝突焦點。

            波士頓市近年來的土地發展，更增加了這種壓力。新的豪華高樓大廈在華埠周邊如雨後春筍般冒出來，還有好幾個在華埠邊緣蓋小型旅館的提案。

            新英格蘭藝術基金會提供了10,000元給這項創作藝術。項目經理Kim Szeto表示，波士頓是個有豐富歷史的城市，每個故事都有很多不同面貌。在快速改變的現代環境中，不要忘記這些歷史，很重要。

            波士頓華埠社區中心主任李隆華表示，在地方上的發展商以及越來越多的人們，來到華埠購物，用餐之際，這展覽有如提醒著人們，華埠最初是個住宅區。 在這地區發展得有越來越多人到這兒購物，用餐之際，我們也必須保持住這是個人們居住地的傳統。

在曾文棣的展覽之外，彰顯華埠豐富過去的還有紐英崙華人歷史協會和塔芙茨大學推出的檔案圖片展，藉舊報紙，社區佈告，來展示華埠內書面文字的重要性。華埠還計畫著要重建華埠圖書館。

根據新英格蘭藝術基金會（NEFA）網站資料，經由曾文棣提名，提供照片給“家園”項目的紐英崙華人歷史協會獲得NEFA的1000元“創意城市社區夥伴獎助金。曾文棣本人獲得10,000元資助來創作“家園”這公共藝術品。

文宣資料上，合作單位還包括波士頓華埠社區中心（BCNC），華人前進會（CPA）。創意城市則是Barr基金會的項目。

家園

重新呈現波士頓華埠是個人們居住的地方，以前和現在。

九月十日至十八日，2016年

藝術家：曾文棣

助理藝術家：Jasmine Lee

 ”家園“是一個藝術項目，支持過去數年來，波士頓華埠抵制威脅社區完整性的密集城市發展及貴族化的行動。

1. 呈現歷史：10-12個真人大小，從合作夥伴紐英崙華人歷史協會的檔案中挑出歷史照片，複製，裁剪出來的真人大小人物，放在華埠街頭展覽一週。

2. 呈現現在：展覽期間，曾文棣將於不同時間，在華埠內的不同地點，架起一個有歷史背景圖的攝影站，邀請居民，打工人士，路過者，正式的擺個姿勢拍張肖像照，藉以創作一份約有300到400幅肖像的社區相簿。

9月17日，週六，下午2到6點，是下一場肖像拍攝環節。

查詢活動詳情，可上網https://www.facebook.com/events/576038122583988/。

12幅肖像，以及放置地點如下：

1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12放在華埠牌樓旁往林肯街一號大樓方向的綠路兩旁，5, 6在夏利臣街和益士石街交界處，8在必珠街與尼倫街之間的夏利臣街上，10在華盛頓街和益士石街交界處，11在過了尼倫街的夏利臣街上。

1. 教授
2. 洗衣工人
3. 男孩和女孩
4. 男人和手杖
5. 美女和男孩
6. 男人和風扇
7. 媽媽和寶貝
8. 兩姐妹
9. 推著嬰兒車的奶奶
10. 夫婦：
11. 三名士兵



家園展海報

12. 兩個店主

9月17日（週六）晚7:30 到9:30，在靠近必珠街的好事福街那兒，將有紐英崙華人歷史協會資助的“讀讀好事福街公共藝術”活動，主題為“這些字：波士頓華人社區裡一世紀的印刷，書寫及閱讀”。

9月21日（週三）晚6 到8點，在昆士市湯姆斯鶴公共圖書館（Thomas Crane Public Library, 40 Washington St., Quincy）舉辦影片放映及討論會，放映探討誰有權力成為美國公民的記錄片“14: Dred Scott, Wong Kim Ark & Vanessa Lopez“。

家園展肖像放置地點是意圖。

該片藉由引人注目的故事，很專業敘述的歷史來檢視第14號修正案裡的公民權條款。在第14號修正案中，“所有在美國境內出生或入籍者，須受憲法管轄，因此是美國公民，也是他們所居住州的公民。該片藉三名普通，但不凡的美國人的一生，闡述他們以勇氣挑戰強權現狀，改變了歷史的故事。

9月30日（週五）晚6點，在帝苑大酒樓（Empire Garden, 690 Washington St, Boston），紐英崙華人歷史協會將將舉行年會，頒獎表揚阮陳金鳳，華人醫務中心。購票可洽華史會辦公室2 Boylston St, Suite G-6, Boston, MA 02116。

9月10日至9月17日，在這為期一星期的時間內，波士頓華埠一代，擺出了不下12幅真人大小，從1930年代起的人物肖像。

年逾八十的畫家曾文棣說，這個主題為“家園”的公共藝術創作，旨在強調土地發展對1800年代形成，當時人口約12,800的華埠社區的影響。他以不同年代人物肖像，來彰顯這一地段與社區的變化，包括塔芙茨大學不斷擴充，對波士頓華埠的衝擊，以及該機構與華埠社區曾經發生的對立。

曾文棣的這作品由新英格蘭藝術基金會撥款一萬元資助，紐英崙華人歷史協會提供人物肖像原形。

綠路保護會在華埠公園辦燈籠節，預祝今年9月15日的中秋節正日到來。

1930年代的洗衣店老闆，1940年代的小兄妹，1950年代的兩名雜貨店掌櫃等等，共12幅真人大小的油畫肖像，這幾天豎立在波士頓華埠街頭的不同角落，和過往的穿梭行人交織成一幅時空拉長了的畫面。

畫家曾文棣製作的真人大小肖像，昭告過往行人，百餘年前，
這般穿著的華人，曾經站在這同一片土地上。（周菊子攝）

創作藝術家曾文棣說，這些人物肖像都是從紐英崙歷史協會的資料照片中挑出來的，放大後，再上色彩、油墨，尺寸比例和真人一樣，就為讓人體會，在同樣的這塊華埠土地上，當年站著的是這些“古代”人，進而比較今昔，察覺整個社區環境的風貌變遷。

曾文棣在展覽期間，還在華埠牌樓旁豎起一幅以歷史中華埠景觀為背景的巨幅圖片，邀請路過的當地居民，工人，或路人，站在歷史中的華埠前拍張照。他打算將來把這些人的照片，也做成真人大小般的肖像，好和早年的那些華人肖像輝映，對比。

曾文棣說，這項公共藝術名叫“家園（Home Town）“，旨在強調土地發展持續的影響了從1800年代末期形成，一度居民12,800的社區。

他說，波士頓華埠已有一段很長的歷史了，在那兒生活，工作的華人都已傳承了幾個世代。“家園”這創作，是要讓波士頓市府，社區，以及隨興來到的遊客都知道，華埠在這兒已有很長一段時肩了。

華埠座落在波士頓市的金融區和劇院區之間，從1950年代，就不斷面對政府為打造跨洲高速公路，不惜拆除排屋，切開道路所施加的壓力。

            塔芙茨大學醫學院以及健康科學校區的擴展，更是其後幾十年的衝突焦點。

            波士頓市近年來的土地發展，更增加了這種壓力。新的豪華高樓大廈在華埠周邊如雨後春筍般冒出來，還有好幾個在華埠邊緣蓋小型旅館的提案。

            新英格蘭藝術基金會提供了10,000元給這項創作藝術。項目經理Kim Szeto表示，波士頓是個有豐富歷史的城市，每個故事都有很多不同面貌。在快速改變的現代環境中，不要忘記這些歷史，很重要。

            波士頓華埠社區中心主任李隆華表示，在地方上的發展商以及越來越多的人們，來到華埠購物，用餐之際，這展覽有如提醒著人們，華埠最初是個住宅區。

           

DISCUSSION: PUBLIC ART AND IRISH INFLUENCE ON ART IN BOSTON

DISCUSSION: PUBLIC ART AND IRISH INFLUENCE ON ART IN BOSTON

Featuring artists Caoimhghin Ó Fraithile and Michael Dowling at the Central Library in Copley Square

BOSTON –  September 15, 2016 – On Sunday, September 18, at 2 p.m. Boston Public Library President David Leonard will welcome Caoimhghin Ó Fraithile (Ireland) and Michael Dowling (Boston-US/Ireland) to the Central Library in Copley Square for a discussion about public art, the Irish influence on art in Boston, and their work which is featured in the temporary public art project, Tír na nÓg, now on view in the Back Bay Fens.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible energy around public art installations in Boston,” said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. “Projects like Tír na nÓg promote public discourse, bringing people together in conversation and helping us reach the goals of the Boston Creates Cultural Plan. We are thrilled to see it in the Fens and look forward to hearing from the artists.”

“The Boston Public Library is a supporter of arts and culture in the City of Boston and we’re thrilled to lead this conversation exploring themes of creativity, healing, public art, space, and inspiration with these two internationally acclaimed artists who are enlivening one of Boston’s beloved parks this summer and fall,” said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library.

Caoimhghin Ó Fraithile is a visual artist who creates drawings and large-scale temporary and permanent site-specific works that reflect the transient nature of the world, humanity, and our place within nature. His work is also featured as part of Hy-Brasil: Mapping a Mythical Island, an exhibition currently on display in the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library. For twenty five years, Michael Dowling has been harnessing his art and his artistic vision to create needed places for people to gather and to heal. He has served as the Artist in Residence at multiple organizations, most recently at Brandeis University.

Medicine Wheel Productions, a community-based arts organization in South Boston, is the lead organization for the Tír na nÓg  project and is working in collaboration with the Fenway Alliance, a non-profit membership service and advocacy organization dedicated to the prosperity and growth of the Fenway Cultural District. The two artists were commissioned by Medicine Wheel Productions under the curatorial support of MWP Chief Curator Kathleen Bitetti to create two site-specific artworks in the Back Bay Fens section of Boston’s Emerald Necklace Park System designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Ó Fraithile’s floating piece, "South of Hy-Brasil," and Michael Dowling’s piece, "Well House,” can both be viewed from the banks of the MFA Lagoon in the Back Bay Fens. 

Tír na nÓg is part of Culture Ireland’s 2016 Centennial - a global initiative to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising which set Ireland on it path for independence.

WHERE: Rabb Hall, Central Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston Street, Boston

WHEN: Sunday, September 18, at 2 p.m.

WHO:     

·         Boston Public Library President David Leonard

·         Caoimhghin Ó Fraithile

·         Michael Dowling

·         Stephanie Cyr, Assistant Curator of the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library

Baker-Polito Administration Awarded $2.5 Million Federal Grant to Improve Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Baker-Polito Administration Awarded $2.5 Million Federal Grant to Improve Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Funds will increase training opportunities for young people in Massachusetts

BOSTON, MA, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016….Massachusetts was one of only six states awarded $2.5 million yesterday by the federal government to help people with disabilities find employment.

The grant will target youth and young adults, ages 14 to 24, in Hampden County and the Greater Lowell area by expanding access to credential-based education and training.

The U.S. Department of Labor yesterday announced $14.9 million in grants to six states as part of the Disability Employment Initiative.

“We know that, unfortunately, people with disabilities face much higher rates of unemployment, and we have been developing plans to tackle that problem for over a year now. One of the first executive orders I signed was to create a task force to look at ways to help people with barriers to employment find and keep jobs,” Governor Charlie Baker said. “This award from the federal government will help us continue that important work, and create more opportunities for young people with disabilities to find fulfilling careers.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, people with disabilities make up only 19.8 percent of the nation’s workforce. In Massachusetts, it is estimated that 15 percent of Persons with Disabilities are unemployed.

“We look forward to partnering with employers to create jobs, training, and education opportunities for people with disabilities,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “The Commonwealth is fortunate to be one of six states to receive this grant and will use these funds to increase the access to our growing economy for disabled workers in Massachusetts.”

In Massachusetts the funds will also be used to create partnerships with local employers to increase hiring opportunities for young people with disabilities, and expand short-term subsidized work programs. The grant will provide job-retention and placement services to young people who have difficulty finding work due to their disability.

“This is the first initiative where we will completely focus on youth and young adults with disabilities in order to help them find and keep employment,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II said. “We are thrilled to be one of only a few states to receive this grant, and it will enable us to continue the work started by the task force for people facing higher employment.”

The grant is expected to serve more than 350 youth and young adults with disabilities.

The other states to receive grants were Connecticut, California, Idaho, Minnesota, and Maryland.

While Massachusetts’ unemployment rate is lower than the national average, at 3.9 percent in August, 2016, certain populations face chronically higher rates of unemployment, including African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Persons with Disabilities, Native Americans, and recently-returned veterans.

On March 12, 2015, Governor Charlie Baker signed Executive Order 561 , creating a task force to look at the reasons for the higher unemployment rates among these groups, and find ways to improve economic opportunities. The Task Force released its recommendations in January.

100 Massachusetts School Committees Vote to Oppose Question

100 Massachusetts School Committees Vote to Oppose Question 2

Growing Grassroots Opposition to Charter Ballot Question from Local Elected School Officials

Southborough, MA — More than 100 democratically elected Massachusetts school committees have now voted to oppose Question 2, the ballot question that would allow significant expansion of privately run charter schools anywhere in the state, take millions of dollars away from successful local district public schools, and cause the elimination of music and art programs, increased class sizes, and other damaging cuts in the schools that most families choose.

Not a single school committee or city council has voted to support Question 2.

“Proponents of Question 2 have made it clear that this ballot question is about stripping control of our local schools away from democratically elected local officials and turning it over to unelected state bureaucrats and secretive private organizations,” said Paul Schlichtman, a member of the Arlington School Committee. “School committees across Massachusetts are standing up against the private takeover of public education that takes millions away from the local public schools that 96 percent of Massachusetts students attend.”

At Tuesday’s UMass debate on Question 2, former State Representative Marty Walz, speaking for the Yes on Question 2 campaign, announced that “the idea here is to get away from locally controlled schools.” She was responding to a question about an Annenberg Foundation report that found 60 percent of Massachusetts charter schools lack even a single parent on their governing boards.1

The 112 school committees, along with 11 city councils that have also voted to oppose Question 2, represent a total of more than 150 local communities.2 They are joined by dozens of organizations including the Massachusetts PTA and the Massachusetts Municipal Association in opposing Question 2. A full list of the school committees and city councils that have voted to oppose Question 2 can be found here.

"School committee members recognize that the expansion of charter schools in Massachusetts creates an unfair two-tiered system of education, draining taxpayer dollars from our local schools and sending them to charters, which are unaccountable to locally elected school committees,” said Jake Oliveira, President of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and a member of the Ludlow School Committee. “I'm pleased to see so many local elected officials taking a stand to support public education. School committees are where community conversations about public education are debated.”

Every time a new charter school opens, it takes funding away from the public schools in that school district. Statewide, 231 local school districts will lose a projected $451,338,729 to charter schools in FY17, even after state reimbursements.3

A statewide commission recently reported that public schools in Massachusetts are already underfunded by more than $1 billion, even before Question 2.4 If passed, Question 2 would allow the state to approve 12 new charters schools a year, every year, forever, with no limit on how much money a single district could lose. This would nearly triple the number of charter schools in just 10 years and take away an additional $1 billion each year from our local public schools. After 20 years, local public school districts would be losing nearly $4 billion a year to charter schools.5

Local communities and their school committees have no say in the approval or operation of charter schools. The state approves charter schools even when the communities where they will be located are opposed to them. This has happened in Brockton, Gloucester and many other communities.

“My school district already allots ten million dollars per year out of its school budget to charter schools, whose decisions about whom they choose to educate and whom they do not cannot be questioned by our democratically elected officials,” said Pia Cisternino, a Cambridge parent. “Our public schools are overseen by school committee members who've been elected by the community. Charter schools, on the other hand, are not overseen by our elected officials. If the cap is lifted, imagine what that will mean for our democracy. More and more schools will be funded with public money yet not held accountable.”

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Milestone for Energy Efficient State Buildings

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Milestone for Energy Efficient State Buildings

Over 50 State Owned Buildings Earn LEED Certification

LOWELL – September 15, 2016 –The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that over 50 state owned buildings have received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification recognizing advanced energy and environmental design. Currently 55 state buildings, totaling over 8.4 million square feet across 29 state agencies, authorities, and campuses, are LEED Certified. The LEED standard, established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), awards certifications in Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels for clean energy, energy efficiency and environmental design integration. Over 60% of the state certified buildings are certified at the top two levels of Gold or Platinum.

“This important milestone proves by working collaboratively across state agencies, authorities and campuses, the Commonwealth is committed to leading by example on clean energy innovation,” saidGovernor Charlie Baker. “By building energy-efficient buildings, Massachusetts continues to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, which saves precious taxpayer dollars."  

“The Baker-Polito Administration is proud that nearly one-third of the LEED buildings have been certified since the beginning of 2015, a testament to our commitment to innovation and Massachusetts’ clean energy future,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “I commend our state building agencies for continuing to find and embrace creative approaches to help achieve our shared energy and environmental goals.”

In an effort to reduce energy costs and reduce emissions by state facilities, Massachusetts’ LEED Plus standard requires all state buildings larger than 20,000 sq. ft. to achieve LEED certification as well as meet energy performance that is 20% better than the existing Massachusetts energy code. The Commonwealth’s state owned buildings constitute more than 90% of greenhouse gas emissions in the state portfolio.

“As someone who’s career began in the construction industry, I know the challenges that come with choosing clean energy and energy efficient construction over traditional methods,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Our state building authorities have consistently shown that LEED certified buildings can be built at similar costs to traditional construction while realizing exponential savings in energy costs and emissions reductions over the lifetime of the building.”

“Through our Leading by Example Program, DOER is pleased to oversee efficient state construction standards as well as provide fiscal and technical support for many of these innovative projects that help to drive clean energy and sustainability initiatives forward,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “Today’s milestone marks the beginning of an important trend toward energy and environmentally conscious construction in the Commonwealth.”

Today’s announcement was made at UMass Lowell’s 227,000-square-foot University Crossing, which serves as a hub of student activity and connects the university’s three campuses. The building was certified LEED Silver in May and is the third UMass Lowell campus building certified this year, resulting in four LEED-certified buildings campus-wide. University Crossing’s advanced sustainable features include innovative use of the building’s glass front and skylights paired with reflective panels to diffuse natural light throughout the building that, combined with systems that automatically adjust artificial light levels, have reduced energy use. Centrally controlled energy systems exceed standard efficiency requirements by 20% and water conservation measures are in place, such as low-flow toilets, automated faucet sensors and the use of rainwater from the roof to irrigate plantings.

“As UMass Lowell has grown in recent years, so has our commitment to sustainability, including making it part of our ‘UMass Lowell 2020’ strategic plan, conducting important research by faculty and students in clean energy and climate change, and opening an Office of Sustainability. Securing LEED certification for our newly constructed buildings is an important achievement for our campus and we are glad to be part of the Commonwealth’s work to lead the way in energy innovation,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney. “We are also proud to say that UMass Lowell’s efforts have earned a gold STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, achieving one of our 2020 goals four years in advance.”

The Commonwealth has seen an acceleration of LEED certification in 2016, with 9 buildings receiving certification this year alone and over two dozen more buildings targeting certification or undergoing the certification process. Newly certified state facilities include a Department of Correction facility, a fitness center at Salem State University, science buildings at UMass Boston and Mass College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, a LEED Platinum rating of Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s Library, and an operational certification of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. A complete list of state owned LEED certified buildings can be found here.

“It is essential that our communities, from businesses to public institutions, embrace innovative methods in order to reduce our carbon footprint. This achievement reaffirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to environmental sustainability and our promise to dramatically reduce the damaging effects of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Senator Eileen Donoghue (D-Lowell). “I am proud of the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s ongoing efforts to become an environmentally friendly institution of higher learning and I look forward to working with them on their future endeavors.”

“As a Commonwealth, we rolled up our sleeves and created comprehensive environmental standards for the construction of our state buildings.  The result is over 50 innovative buildings that achieve the cost savings and emission reductions needed for a truly clean energy economy,” said Representative Thomas A. Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell), Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “I couldn’t be more proud of the collaborative work that has been done on the UMass Lowell campus and give full credit to all of the hard-working individuals at UMass Lowell, DCAMM, and the UMass Building Authority for making it happen.”

Massachusetts’ leadership in green buildings extends beyond just state government facilities. Earlier this year, the Bay State earned recognition from the USGBC as the state with the third most LEED certified buildings per capita in 2015, up two spots from the year prior.

"I am very pleased that Governor Baker and his environmental team have decided to make this important announcement at UMass Lowell's University Crossing. This continues the partnership we have seen between the city and state in their efforts to promote energy efficiency, and the increasing number of LEED certified buildings at the university and across the state are proof that sustainability and conservation are affordable and attainable goals,” said Representative David Nangle (D-Lowell). “I am sure I speak for the rest of the delegation in saying I look forward to working with state energy officials to further increase our number of LEED state certified buildings in Lowell and throughout the Merrimack Valley.”

"State facilities are integral parts of the landscape of our neighborhoods and communities. Making sure they are as efficient as possible, with that efficiency achieved by collaboration across all stake holders, shows our cities and towns we care about the role State Government plays in keeping our environment clean,” said Representative Rady Mom (D-Lowell). “When we ask our private industry to step up and follow higher and higher standards, it’s important that Commonwealth leads on those standards as well."

We salute the leadership and hard work that the Commonwealth has mustered to produce this stunning portfolio of awesome LEED certified buildings. These inspirational places are great for workers, visitors, and the communities they serve,” said Grey Lee, Massachusetts Executive Director of the U.S. Green Building Council. “Congratulations to everyone in state government who has had a hand in this achievement, Leading by Example is a shining pathway for other large building owners to follow and benefit from.”

This LEED milestone was achieved through the work of many of the Commonwealth’s agencies that oversee construction, including the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), the Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA), UMass Building Authority (UMBA), Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), MassDOT, and MassPort.

NEW BEDFORD LANDLORD TO PAY $100,000 TO SETTLE CLAIMS OF ILLEGAL ASBSETOS WORK

NEW BEDFORD LANDLORD TO PAY $100,000 TO SETTLE CLAIMS OF ILLEGAL ASBSETOS WORK

Settlement Requires Defendant to Conduct Audit of Properties and Remediate Any Damaged Asbestos

            BOSTON — A landlord who owns and operates dozens of properties in New Bedford will pay $100,000 to settle allegations that he allowed contractors to perform illegal asbestos work on four properties he owned or operated in the city, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

            The consent judgment, entered today by Judge Joseph Leighton Jr. in Suffolk Superior Court, settles a lawsuit filed by the AG’s Office in October 2012 against Ronald Oliveira for improper asbestos work on four New Bedford homes he was renovating that risked exposing the public and his workers to the harmful effects of asbestos.

The consent judgment requires Oliveira, individually and as a trustee of the Roso Investment Realty Trust, to hire a consultant to perform an audit of 20 properties selected by the AG’s Office and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to determine whether all asbestos-containing materials onsite are being properly maintained. Oliveira also must ensure future asbestos work on his properties is conducted legally.

            “If asbestos is not handled properly, it can pose serious health risks,” said AG Healey. “We will hold accountable those who put the health of workers and residents at risk by allowing illegal mishandling of asbestos – especially those in environmental justice neighborhoods, which already suffer more than their fair share of environmental risks.”

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been historically used in a wide variety of building materials, from roofing and flooring, to siding, wallboards, caulking and insulation. If asbestos is improperly handled or maintained, fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, and may over time cause serious lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a seriously progressive, long-term non-cancer disease of the lungs for which there is no known effective treatment. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin membranes of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart, and may not show up until many years after asbestos exposure. For these reasons, the regulation of asbestos handling is exceedingly important to protect human health. Working together with MassDEP and DLS, the AG’s Office has a longstanding commitment to vigorous enforcement of these requirements.

            “The asbestos abatement rules are in place to ensure that any demolition or renovation work performed in suspect buildings is handled properly and doesn’t put workers or the public at risk,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Today’s court settlement requiring the auditing of 20 properties will safeguard the health of those who reside in those buildings.”

“Most people have forgotten about the dangers of asbestos. So we find a lot of building owners who don’t know better or contractors who try to cut corners, and then put themselves, residents and employees at risk,” said Michael Flanagan, chief of safety and health programs for the Department of Labor Standards “DLS is pleased we were able to work with the Attorney General’s Office closely on this case, which highlights the importance of keeping people safe from the dangers of asbestos that still exist.” 

            The complaint alleges that Oliveira contracted for or allowed asbestos work that risked the health and safety of the public and workers at four properties he owned or operated in New Bedford:

·         During the renovation of a triple-decker house on Merrill Street in September 2009, Oliveira’s contractors began cleaning and painting asbestos-containing shingles with a high-pressure power washer, covering themselves, their tools, their vehicles, and the possessions of the home’s residents with asbestos-containing dust and debris. The contractors were not wearing protective equipment.

·         In January 2011, Oliveira hired contractors to renovate a three-family house on Weld Street allegedly without informing them that the siding contained asbestos. Without wearing protective equipment, the contractors cut and broke asbestos siding and demolished a second floor front deck and left the debris in an open dumpster, putting local residents and passerby at risk of asbestos exposure.

·         In March and April 2011, Oliveira arranged for contractors to renovate the exterior of a three-family house on Harmony Street, which was covered in asbestos-containing siding. As a result, the contractors broke the siding and left the debris dry and exposed to the air in the yard around the house, putting the public and workers at risk of asbestos exposure.

·         In July 2013, Oliveira’s contractors broke asbestos-containing ceiling tiles in the basement of a house on Pleasant Street. The contractors allegedly put the public and workers at risk of asbestos exposure after leaving the debris exposed for approximately a month.

Of the $100,000 in civil penalties, $35,000 is suspended pending full compliance with the consent judgment.

This case was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Louis Dundin and Peter Downing, of AG Healey’s Environmental Protection Division, with assistance from Daniel d’Hedouville, MassDEP Senior Regional Counsel, and Environmental Engineer Andrew Cooney in the Southeastern Regional Office of MassDEP in Lakeville, as well as from Industrial Safety and Health Inspector Avelina Correia of the Department of Labor Standards Regional Office in New Bedford.