波士頓南端將新添近千戶豪華住宅

            (Boston Orange)波士頓計畫發展局(BPDA)3日晚批准位於南端(South End)的兩項大型綜合用途項目，夏利臣街(Harrison Ave.)一代將新增974個住宅單位。

            波士頓計畫發展局批准的是Leggat McCall在夏利臣街，阿爾巴尼街(Albany)交界處的70萬平方呎項目，四周臨界東Dedham街，東Canton街，以及夏利臣街和阿爾巴尼街。在這一地塊的發展計劃包括翻修一棟有650個出租住宅單位的大樓，其中65戶將為可負擔住宅。有2萬平方呎的零售店面及文化空間，8萬平方呎的辦公室空間，以及有650個位置的停車場。

            另一項獲批准項目為瑞聯(Related Beal)集團位於夏利臣街370-380號的發展計劃，座落在以前的Quinzani烘培店，濠江芽菜所在地那兒，距離夏利臣街和阿爾巴尼街項目約一哩遠，預計要蓋324個全新的住宅單位，其中包括232個出租公寓，92個出售的共管公寓，以及8500平方呎的地面零售空間。大約有65戶將被定義為可負擔住宅。

這兩項發展計畫都在全國發展公司(National Development)的2億5000萬元綜合用途發展計畫，有出租公寓，共管公寓，餐廳及全食超市的”墨水塊(Ink Block)”旁邊。

黃勛蟬聯新英格蘭台學聯會長

同學會長座談聚焦多元互動　臺學聯會長榮膺連任

波士頓經文處教育組提供

　　(Boston Orange) 駐波士頓教育組每年度的新英格蘭地區中華民國(臺灣)同學會會長、副會長新春座談餐會，常是各校留學生代表引頸盼望的重要聚會，今年2月25日中午也不例外，計有來自19所學校、38位代表參加。除了新、舊任會長彼此認識、建立聯繫網路外，在眾望所歸的呼聲中，新英格蘭地區臺灣同學會聯合會（簡稱新英格蘭學聯）會長黃勛高票蟬連，贏得全場的掌聲與支持。

　　會議一開始，教育組黃薳玉組長溫馨關懷留學生與在臺家人的聯繫，傳達教育部關懷留學生在海外的安全與健康，提供經費補助同學辦理裨益身心的活動等，並請我留學生多加利用教育組在臉書上所提供的國內就業資訊、海外求職講座、駐地專題展演及留學生動態，以充實留學生活、建立人脈互動及增進人際和諧。最後並就前總統馬英九先生將於3月5日訪波，在麻省理工學院與留學生座談各項邀請與準備事宜，感謝會長們的全力協助。

　　會中同時舉行新英格蘭學聯會長選舉。與上次三位同學角逐的盛況相較，本次只有現任會長黃勛一人表達續任會長的意願。他在去年還是UMass/Lowell大學部學生，現已踏入同校企管研究所就讀。在政見發表中，除謝謝各校會長及幹部的包容外，也大力邀請研究生加入學聯核心領導，擴大服務範圍。並就過去經驗，預告下年度迎新、送舊、就業講座、專題等活動，把大方向聚焦在美國移民政策與我留學生的就業方向研討，以及建立為臺灣發光的文藝外交平臺方面。

　　在祥和的氛圍和全體同心的默契中，黃勛同學不負眾望，再度勝出。黃勛說，他擔任同學會副會長、會長多年，很樂意在學涯和職涯規畫中，仍有機會為留學生服務。這一任學聯將繼續擴展跨校性活動的面向與深度，讓每個活動有更好的迴響與效果。黃組長也在一片恭喜聲中，強調學聯對我留學生服務的特質和功能，且不具政治性，希望各校同學會支持學聯活動，並頒感謝狀給現任會長、副會長及幹部15人，表揚他們傳承學聯精神，繼續為同學們付出的動力。

　　即將卸任的副會長方曦平，對於在學聯連續兩年在不同崗位上服務，感到收穫良多又依依不捨。曾畢業於哈佛法學院、再度返回哈佛政府學院深造的謝佩芬同學，在這兩年留學期間，擔任哈佛大學同學會會長及學聯副會長，很珍惜這段留學經驗和友誼，讓她常保熱情滿滿，笑容可掬。會中幾位新任的同學會會長們，也不忘在一片新春祝福和分享聲中，藉機請教老練的會長，請他們發表經驗談。

　　最後，黃薳玉組長代表經文處賴銘琪處長致贈紀念品給所有的與會者，期勉大家繼續攜手同行，打造美好的明天。當大家都還意猶未盡地交換心得之際，黃組長於會後勉勵會長們，珍惜新英格蘭學術多元化的豐富，建立團隊合作及求新求變，讓更多人看見臺灣，駐波士頓教育組願意為同學搭起聯繫服務的橋樑，讓人共睹臺灣的新精神和活力。(圖，文:教育組提供)

僑委會辦理東南亞僑臺商攬才博覽會，落實新南向政策

僑務委員會辦理之「2017年僑委會東南亞僑臺商攬才博覽會」中區場次將於106年3月14日於臺中逢甲大學登場，北區場次將於4月15日於臺北火車站舉行，兩場次共有近2百家廠商參與，將提供超過1,800餘個職缺，竭誠邀請擁有熟悉當地優勢之僑生、外籍生或想赴海外工作之國內學生人才參與，尋找夢想職缺、共同開拓東協新興市場。

僑務委員會委員長吳新興表示，政府新南向政策啟動後，海外許多僑臺商均反映，僑生可成為企業拓展東南亞市場之尖兵，盼僑生畢業後無論是留臺或返回僑居地工作，均能為僑臺商企業所用。而僑委會在新南向政策中最重要角色即為人脈的鏈結，基此，為落實政府善用僑生人才結合僑臺商之發展計畫，積極媒合東南亞僑臺商企業與畢業僑生就業，僑委會106年將於3月14日於臺中逢甲大學體育館，4月15日於臺北車站大廳多功能展演區舉辦「僑委會東南亞僑臺商攬才博覽會」，時間從上午10時至下午5時。

本次攬才博覽會參與廠商，包含資訊科技業、食品業、化學（工）業、製造業、鞋業紡織業、建築工程業、零售貿易業、印刷業、金融保險業、教育業、觀光業、農業等相當多元。釋出之職缺遍及東南亞，包含菲律賓、越南、泰國、馬來西亞、印尼、寮國等國家，共釋出儲備幹部、行銷業務人員、財會稅務人員、法務人員、資訊及電機工程師等超過1,800個職缺。                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

僑委會透過成功的僑生政策，60餘年來培育超過12萬來自世界各地優秀僑生，每年在臺就讀之僑生人數多達兩萬餘人，為我國及僑居各國培育許多優秀人才。僑生不僅具多語優勢，文化、觀念與我國相近，又兼具在地與國際雙重特質，返回僑居地後如能為臺商企業所用，將有助臺商企業在海外發展，提升產業競爭力。僑委會積極建立僑臺商及畢業僑生接軌的橋樑。歡迎有意返回僑居地發展之優秀僑生、外籍生，以及想赴東南亞國家發展之國內學生踴躍參與。

Governor Baker Declares March “Massachusetts Maple Month”

Governor Baker Declares March “Massachusetts Maple Month”

WESTHAMPTON – March 3, 2017 – Governor Charlie Baker today declared March as “Massachusetts Maple Month” in an effort to support the Commonwealth’s many maple producers and encourage Massachusetts residents to purchase locally-produced maple products. To kick off Maple Month, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux joined local and agricultural officials at Steve’s Sugar Shack in Westhampton for a ceremonial sugar maple tree tapping. 

“I am proud to recognize Massachusetts’ long-standing tradition of declaring March ‘Maple Month,’ and encourage all residents and visitors to support our local maple syrup producers by purchasing Massachusetts maple products from one of the Commonwealth’s 300 maple producers,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“Producers throughout the Commonwealth represent an important maple sugaring industry that also supplements the income of many dairy farmers,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.  “‘Massachusetts Maple Month’ helps connect consumers with their local maple producers, sustain the industry, and encourages important local economic activity.”

Massachusetts is home to approximately 300 maple syrup producers, including many who are open to the public throughout the sugaring season.  Last year more than 77,000 gallons of maple syrup was produced and Massachusetts maple producers’ sales each year contribute more than $6 million to the Commonwealth’s economy.  The maple industry employs over 1,000 workers and Massachusetts sugar makers steward more than 15,000 acres of woodland.

“Producing maple syrup is a sustainable Massachusetts tradition, as maple producers are good stewards of the land,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton.  “The Baker-Polito Administration supports maple syrup producers throughout the year with state grants, including through the Farm Energy Grant Program and the Farm Viability Program, which have helped maple producers purchase state-of-the-art equipment and technology to advance the production of this natural agricultural product.”

“Visiting a Massachusetts maple operation is a great agri-tourism activity that the whole family can enjoy,” said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Lebeaux.  “Many sugarhouses serve a delicious breakfast featuring the ‘Taste of Spring’ as well as sell maple products including maple syrup, maple candy and other maple items.  Many also offer sugarhouse open houses and tours. 

“A sure sign of Spring is when the sugar houses are at their busiest producing Massachusetts maple syrup that is second to none,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I appreciate the hard working men and women who keep this important agricultural industry going and to all who support them by purchasing maple syrup products.”

“It's always great to have Commissioner Lebeaux come out to Western Massachusetts to highlight our great farms and food producers,” said State Representative Peter Kocot (D-Northampton). “I'm a big fan of maple products and my district produces some of the best maple syrup in the country.”

“Recognizing March as Massachusetts Maple Month is a wonderful reason to get out and visit a local sugarhouse, farm stand, farmers market or buy local shop,” said State Senator Adam G. Hinds (D- Pittsfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development. “Agri-tourism is a growing, vibrant and important sector of our cultural and farm-based economies. There are almost 70 locations statewide open and available that carry local maple products. This recognition supports their efforts.” 

While March has earned the distinction of Maple Month, tapping in Massachusetts can start as early as late January and continue through April. For the best sugaring, nights must be below freezing and days must be above freezing. Everything from the weather, soil, and genetics of the tree can affect maple syrup flavor.   

The Massachusetts Maple Producers Association (MMPA) will hold its 4^th Annual Maple Weekend March 18 and 19, and will feature open house events at sugarhouses throughout central and western Massachusetts.

Go to the MassGrown website and click on maple for a complete listing of maple sugar houses.

Northeastern University's Center for STEM Education to Host Nearly 400 BPS Students for the 71st Annual Citywide/MA Region Vl Science Fair

Northeastern University's Center for STEM Education to Host Nearly 400 BPS Students for the 71st Annual Citywide/MA Region Vl Science Fair

Boston, MA - Friday, March 3, 2017 - Tomorrow, Saturday, March 4, 2017, Boston Public Schools (BPS) will host the 71st annual Citywide/MA Region Vl Science Fair in coordination with Northeastern University's Center for STEM Education. Nearly 400 students from 21 schools will convene at Northeastern University's Cabot Center at 400 Huntington Avenue in Boston to showcase their STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Math) projects between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. "Opportunities with our valued, local university partners like Northeastern University provide an invaluable experience that helps ensure our students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "It is incredible to see students gain education from their research, while also pursuing the opportunity to enhance their interpersonal and presentation skills." Middle and high school students will represent approximately 300 exhibits, as they learn important science and engineering concepts and also how scientists and engineers investigate and make sense of the world. "The Committee is proud of our students for their participation in the citywide science fair," said School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "Each year, we continue to see fascinating projects that truly show our students' full potential." After competing in their school level fairs, students share their top-rated exhibits at the BPS Citywide/MA Region VI Science Fair, at which they demonstrate and celebrate their accomplishments in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). "Our students are connecting their creativity and innovation with exhibits that make science relevant to their lives," said Superintendent Tommy Chang. "The science fair is key to providing students an opportunity to showcase their work and be celebrated for their dedication." Competing students set up their exhibits on Friday, March 3rd and go through the safety-check process. The public is invited to the Cabot Center to view the exhibits on Saturday, March 4, 2017, from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. "I am always amazed to see the creative projects and questions that students propose," said John Tobin, vice pres­ident of city and com­mu­nity affairs for Northeastern University. "The Citywide Science Fair will be the step some students need to advance their potential and find their passion." At the 2016 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, AZ, James Magnasco, from East Boston High School, received the third-place award of $1,000 in biomedical engineering for his research titled: Utilizing Artificial Muscles to Enhance the Human Body. "The Science Fair has a great environment that allows participants to get a glimpse of what it's really like to be a scientist and have a curious mind," said last year's Citywide Science Fair winner, Chelsey Skeete. "Science is a collaborative effort and I highly recommend students pursue that experience through the Fair." Another student, Nadine Han, was one of the 15 young women nationwide, and the only middle school student selected from all of Massachusetts, to compete in the Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars) Competition in Washington, DC. The Science Fair awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 9th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bruce C. Bolling Building in the School Committee Chambers, located at 2300 Washington Street in Roxbury. Light refreshments will be provided beginning at 5:30 p.m. Award winners and their families are invited to attend.

BPDA Board Approves Planning Study Guidelines to Prevent Displacement, Promote Affordable Housing in JP/Rox

BPDA Board Approves Planning Study Guidelines to Prevent Displacement, Promote Affordable Housing in JP/Rox

Over 234 affordable residential units; Downtown Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan approved

BOSTON -  Friday, March 3, 2017 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency’s (BPDA) board of directors approved PLAN: JP/Rox, the Downtown Waterfront District Municipal Waterfront Harbor Plan and four development projects at the re-scheduled February meeting. In total the development projects represent 1,713 residential units, 234 of which are affordable, and are valued at $968 million. During construction, these projects will put 2,985 trades people to work and will create 980 direct jobs when construction is complete.

The projects include Tremont Crossing, a $500 million mixed-use project on vacant BPDA-owned land in Roxbury that will bring needed jobs and affordable housing and create a cultural and entertainment destination, including a new home for the Museum of the National Center for African American Artists (NCAAA).  

PLAN: JP/Rox sets new precedent for preventing displacement, creating affordable housing

The approval of the PLAN: JP/Rox guidelines set a new precedent for a collaborative approach to community-based planning. The guidelines approved create a plan to double the existing affordable housing stock in the study area, meaning 40 percent of future development is slated to be affordable. PLAN: JP/Rox has included 40 community meetings, 10 workshops, 13 Advisory Group meetings, and collaboration from a wide range of city departments.

PLAN: JP/Rox was launched in July 2015 in response to calls from the community to study the area covering Forest Hills, Egleston Square and Jackson Square, generally bounded by Washington Street, Columbus Avenue and Amory Street - an area approximately 250 acres in size with over 6,000 residents. With transportation access, parks, a diverse population and culture, the JP/Rox corridor is an attractive place to live and is experiencing significant market pressure for development.

The guidelines lay out a set of strategies to prevent displacement and promote affordable housing, including increased assistance through the City’s newly created Office of Housing Stability, and expanded protections for tenants facing evictions. PLAN: JP/Rox will protect existing businesses and create opportunities for new ones, create guidelines for urban design, and provide suggestions for improvements to transportation, connections, open space, sustainability, and the public realm for the Washington Street and Columbus Avenue corridors.

The Walsh Administration has made nearly $100 million in funding available to create affordable housing. Nearly 20 percent of Boston's housing stock is deed-restricted affordable housing (30% for the study area), which is among the highest shares in the nation. The guidelines approved Thursday represent one of the most progressive planning documents in the country. Over the next several months, the process will begin to codify the guidelines into zoning. PLAN: JP/Rox will be a living document that will need the continued engagement of the community to track progress towards desired goals.

Municipal Harbor Plan for the Downtown Waterfront District will enhance public access, use of waterfront

The approval of the Downtown Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) sets forth a plan for future development to enhance public access and use of the waterfront, support water dependent uses, as well as to protect and activate the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

The comprehensive, community-based planning process started in March 2013, and has included 40 public meetings and two working sessions, walking tours and community workshops, and two public comment periods. Public comments shaped the final plan.

This MHP includes flexible development standards for two key parcels: (1) the Harbor Garage site, where a new structure up to 600 feet tall and with 50 percent of the project site as open space replaces the existing 70-foot high structured parking garage that provides virtually no open space; and (2) The Hook Wharf site, where the temporary home of the James Hook Lobster Company will be replaced with a new structure up to 305 feet tall, with 30 percent of the lot coverage as open space.

Projects in the Downtown waterfront planning area will contribute over $11.5 million for offsite investments in public realm and watersheet activation infrastructure. The projects will also support a $500,000 design and use planning process that will provide guidance for new and enhanced public realm including conversion of the Chart House parking lot to open space and coordinating with the New England Aquarium’s “Blue Way”.

The projects will also lead to better public access via Harborwalk and improved views and connectivity of the Rose Kennedy Greenway to Boston Harbor. Furthermore, Chapter 91 license fees will be used to fund programming and maintenance of open space and to support water transportation throughout the inner harbor and to the Harbor Islands. The MHP will now go to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for approval.

Development Projects

Years in the making, Tremont Crossing (Parcel P-3) project moves forward with BPDA approval

Live: 727 total units of housing, 102 affordable units with a range of affordability, workforce housing, and Section 8 townhomes
Work: 1,519 permanent jobs, 650 office jobs, 799 retail jobs including destination retail and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) opportunities, and 2,000+ construction jobs
Connect: 436,000 square feet of cultural, retail, and entertainment space including the expanded National Center of African American Artists, a mix of destination and neighborhood retail, and a new pedestrian plaza

After nearly two decades of thoughtful and productive community process alongside the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee (RSMPOC), the Tremont Crossing project was approved by the BPDA board. Located along the south side of Tremont Street, just west of Ruggles Street, the proposed project is set to include office space, the National Center of African American Artists museum, retail space, a parking garage, two residential towers, and townhomes. Once complete, the project will not exceed a total of 2,235,272 square feet.

The Tremont Crossing project will generate 727 total units of housing, 102 of which will be designated as affordable with a range of affordability. The BPDA board voted to approve that the affordable units must be comparable in size, design, and quality to the project’s market rate units. Meaning that the affordable units cannot be stacked or concentrated on the same floors and that these units must be consistent in bedroom count with the project as a whole.

This project will also generate a number of public benefits in addition to the vast housing opportunities and construction of the National Center of African American Artists museum, including: the rehabilitation of the Good Shepherd Church, job training programs, community meeting space, a 20 year commitment to funding for the Alice Taylor Housing development and Whittier Apartments, rent contribution for local entrepreneurs for 15 years, approximately $3,252,417 to the Neighborhood Housing Trust and approximately $651,263 to the Neighborhood Jobs Trust.

The construction of the Tremont Crossing project is estimated to generate 2,000 construction jobs over a 30 month period. Once complete, the project is estimated to create 1,519 permanent jobs made up of 650 office jobs, 799 retail jobs, 10 residential management jobs, 10 museum jobs, and 50 jobs directly related to the project site.

Harrison Albany Block approval to revitalize vacant South End buildings; yield cultural and office space, housing

Live: 65 affordable units, $13 million payment to the Inclusionary Development Policy Fund
Work: 1,350 construction jobs, 290 permanent jobs, 80,000 square feet of office space, 2,600 square feet designated as Affordable Cultural Space
Connect: LEED Silver certifiable, installation of up to two Hubway Stations, 485 bike storage spaces

The Harrison Albany Block project site is located in the South End within a quarter mile of several MBTA bus stops, multiple bus routes, and within one mile of the MBTA Red Line, Orange Line and Commuter Rail service. The project site is currently inhabited by five buildings, four of which are vacant, as well as a large surface parking lot.

The proposed design for the project is based on four main buildings, each containing a mix of uses. Two of the buildings will include 600 residential rental units with the potential for a portion of these units to be used as artist live/work units. These buildings will also include 8,600 square feet of ground floor retail and affordable cultural space with a two-level parking garage constructed beneath. Two of the existing buildings will be renovated to create new office, medical, and retail space, along with 50 residential rental units.

In addition to the renovation of underutilized buildings and the creation of new cultural space, this project will also yield $500,000 for short and long term transportation infrastructure improvements for the South End neighborhood.

370-380 Harrison Avenue approval brings $400K toward transportation infrastructure improvements

Live: 251 market rate units, 63 affordable units, publicly accessible new mid-block connector
Work: 400 construction jobs, 40 retail jobs, 425 square feet designated as Affordable Cultural Space
Connect: LEED Silver certifiable, $400,000 toward transportation infrastructure improvements, creation of a public benefits fund

The 370-380 Harrison project will sit on the former Quinzani’s Bakery site and the former Ho Kong Bean Sprout Co. site. The project will include the construction of a 356,500 square foot, 14-story mixed use building facing Harrison Avenue and extending between Traveler and East Berkeley Street.

Once complete, the project will include up to 314 residential units with a mix of 218 rental and 96 condominium units, up to 8,500 square feet of ground floor retail space, and up to 180 off-street parking spaces in a below grade parking garage.

Through collaboration with the Boston Transportation Department (BTD), BPDA staff have established that this project will provide $400,000 for transportation infrastructure improvements planned for the South End neighborhood. In addition, a $250,000 public benefits fund will be established through the BPDA.

317 Belgrade Avenue approval brings housing, retail to Roslindale

Live: 18 market rate units, three affordable units
Work: 24 construction jobs, nine retail and property management jobs
Connect: $7.5 million of investment, two minute walk to Bellevue train station

The 317 Belgrade Avenue project will be located on approximately 9,633 square feet of land in the Roslindale neighborhood. The project was presented to the BPDA board as a four story, 34,224 square foot, mixed use building consisting of 21 residential rental units, 5,980 square feet of ground floor retail, and 24 below grade parking spaces.

The residential units will consist of 18 two-bedrooms, and three one-bedroom units. Three of the units will be designated as affordable units, satisfying the project’s Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) requirements.

Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Northeast Massachusetts Municipalities

Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Northeast Massachusetts Municipalities

Three Communities Receive $478,755 for Clean Energy Projects

NORTH ANDOVER – March 3, 2017 – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded Green Communities designation grants totaling $478,755 to North Andover, Rockport and Salisbury. The awards announced today will fund clean energy projects and they were presented by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito in a ceremony at North Andover Town Hall.

In February, 30 Massachusetts cities and towns were designated by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) as Green Communities, committing to an ambitious renewable energy agenda to reduce energy consumption and emissions. Over half of the Commonwealth’s municipalities have earned their Green Communities designation and 64 percent of residents live in a Green Community. Since the program began in 2010, DOER’s Green Communities division has awarded over $65 million in grant funding to the Commonwealth’s cities and towns through designation and competitive grant rounds.

“The Green Communities program is an excellent example of how state and local governments can work together to save taxpayer money and promote responsible energy policies,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our newest Green Communities will now have additional resources to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, locking in energy savings for residents and reducing their carbon footprints.”

“Our municipal partners continue to help us lead the way on renewable energy by adopting practices that allow them to reduce energy consumption, while saving money that can be directed to vital municipal functions, like public safety and education,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to continuing to provide cities and towns across the Commonwealth the tools they need to reduce energy costs, usage and emissions.”

The Commonwealth’s 185 Green Communities range from the Berkshires to Cape Cod and are home to 64 percent of Massachusetts’ population in municipalities as large as Boston and as small as Rowe. Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding, including reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent over five years. The 30 newly designated Green Communities have committed to reducing their energy consumption amounting to savings of $6,241,862 of energy costs and 2,234,090 MMBtu in five years, energy use equivalent to heating and powering nearly 2,718 homes, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 27,641 metric tons, equivalent to taking 5,819 cars off the roads. 

“When Massachusetts’ cities and towns invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs everyone wins, from taxpayers savings to a statewide reduction in emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beaton. “With these designations, DOER’s Green Communities program continues to prove an effective tool in building a clean, renewable energy future for the Commonwealth.”

“DOER is proud to work with cities and towns across Massachusetts as they take important steps in embracing renewable energy and energy efficiency at the local level,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judson. “These designations are simply the beginning of an important relationship between the Commonwealth and our municipal partners as we work towards our shared clean energy goals.”

DOER awarded funding for projects in these newly designated Green Communities include:

Municipality                        Award

North Andover                    $169,390

Rockport                              $148,670

Salisbury                              $160,695

A full list of projects funded by the Green Communities program can be found here.

“Leadership and action at the municipal level are essential to our state's success in conserving resources and capturing renewable energy,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Rockport and North Andover are making an important commitment to our future by becoming Green Communities, and receiving significant grant funding to propel initiatives that work for people in each town and will make a difference for our Commonwealth.”

“Congratulations to North Andover and Salisbury on being designated as Green Communities by the State's Department of Energy Resources,” said State Senator Kathleen O'Connor Ives (D-Newburyport). “Both communities have taken important steps in maximizing energy efficiency in their municipal vehicle purchases and in implementing energy conservation requirements for commercial construction, and have committed to further energy use reductions. Their efforts are to be commended.”

“This is fantastic news for the Town of Salisbury” said State Representative James Kelcourse (R-Amesbury). “Salisbury is taking an important step towards a more sustainable future and this grant will enable the town to continue investing in the environment.”

“I am pleased that the Administration is continuing its commitment to establishing Green Communities and has awarded funding to Rockport for its efforts,” said State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “I recognize the importance of this partnership with municipalities as they move toward their goals of clean energy and environmental protection.”

“North Andover's designation as a Green Community is a testament to the town’s unwavering commitment to reducing energy use and initiating projects that will lead to a clean and affordable energy future,” said State Representative Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen).

Under the Green Communities Act, DOER’s Green Communities Designation and Grant Program can provide up to $20 million annually to qualified cities and towns.  The goal of the Designation Grant Program is support communities’ investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the clean energy goals determined by the designated communities.  Initial Designation Grants are based on a $125,000 base for each designated Green Community, plus additional amounts tied to per capita income and population, and for municipalities that provide as-of-right siting for renewable energy generation.

“The Green Communities Program is an outstanding example of the strong partnership that the Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature have forged with cities and towns,” said Geoffrey C. Beckwith, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. “Communities all across the state will use these grant funds for innovative programs to reduce energy usage and invest in renewable energy projects, and the benefits will flow to taxpayers and the environment.”

Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from carbon allowance auctions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) paid by retail electric suppliers that do not meet their Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance obligations through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates.