Baker-Polito Administration, Transportation Officials Visit Green Line Extension Project

 

Baker-Polito Administration, Transportation Officials Visit Green Line Extension Project

Posted on October 1, 2020

Today Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, and others joined Green Line Extension project staff at Lechmere Station to tour ongoing GLX work. 

In conjunction with the MBTA’s $8 billion Building a Better T program, GLX will extend the Green Line approximately 4.7 miles north along 2 branches from a relocated Lechmere Station to Union Square in Somerville and College Avenue in Medford. To date, the project is over 50 percent complete and progressing as scheduled. When complete, GLX will provide service in areas that did not previously have access to reliable public transit, and will significantly reduce vehicle emissions on the road by supporting anticipated increased ridership.

MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, Governor Charlie Baker, Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, GLX Project Manager John Dalton, and others tour GLX construction.

“The Green Line Extension is a transformational project for the region, and will improve access to jobs, housing, and education across eastern Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud of our administration’s work to set this project on the right track and are thrilled to be able to spotlight ongoing construction today. We’re grateful for our collaboration with local and federal partners and for the hard work of the GLX project team as we look forward to the project’s completion.”

“By working with local communities, federal partners, and many others, the Commonwealth was able to advance the Green Line Extension Project, and we’re excited about its ongoing progress,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to the completion of this important project that will significantly improve our transportation system and provide benefits for residents across the Greater Boston area.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is proud of how this project has moved from dream to reality after being jumpstarted several years ago when $1 billion in savings were achieved and 2 communities contributed funding,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “I want to express my gratitude to the project team, MBTA capital delivery, and our municipal partners for closely collaborating on track, bridge, and other core work that will give community members Green Line service at 6 new station stops by the end of 2021.”

“With construction of the Green Line Extension more than 50 percent complete, we’re well on our way to delivering new rail service to transit-dependent communities in Somerville, Medford, and Cambridge, and providing access to more economic, educational, and recreation opportunities,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “I want to express my continued appreciation to the Baker-Polito Administration for their leadership, our municipal partners for their collaboration on essential work in propelling this project forward, and the entire GLX team for the remarkable progress.”

GLX Project Manager John Dalton shows Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack and Governor Charlie Baker GLX construction progress.

The total project cost is nearly $2.3 billion, which includes other project components such as real estate, professional services, contingency, and the procurement of 24 new trolleys to augment the existing Green Line fleet. Construction is staffed daily with approximately 650 management and field staff personnel with over 2.5 million design and construction job hours expended as of August 2020. Nearly 77,000 square feet of retaining walls have been installed within the project corridor, 39,000 cubic yards of concrete have been installed, the installation of caissons supporting the viaduct is 100 percent complete, and the installation of viaduct steel is nearly complete at 95 percent. The complete reconstruction of 2 bridges at Broadway and Washington Streets has been finished with these bridges reopened.

When complete, GLX will have installed 100,000 railroad ties, 21,000 linear feet (nearly 4 miles) of pilings, 22 million pounds of steel girders, 17 miles of permanent track, and 2 miles of multiuse community path.

波士頓急難救助協會10/4辦"防疫無所不在"講座

 

(Boston Orange)波士頓地區急難救助協會和新英格蘭臺灣心理諮商小組、波士頓華僑文教服務中心、I Taiwan Window及慈濟波士頓聯絡處合作，訂10月4日 下午 2點舉辦”COVID-19 防疫無所不在”線上講座。

⼼理諮商師吳佳璇、劉禹秀，以及由精算師轉行學中醫的慈濟人醫會成員陳慧盈，將以”穩定心情、正向面對疫情”為主題，分別講談。

吳佳璇目前在東北大學的健康輔導服務部門任職，擅長輔導學生。劉禹秀專長創傷、家庭婚姻療法，精通中文、英文、台語、日語以及客語，目前在Bright Approach Counseling Center服務。陳慧盈是麻州新英格蘭中醫學院二年級學生，也是泰式按摩治療和系統組合列引導師師。

他們三人將介紹在疫情期間安定心靈的途徑，中醫的養身安神作法，以及必要時如何尋求協助。

講座的會議ID: 857 6513 2386，密碼: 1004。(波士頓僑教中心提供)

 

麻州單日新冠確診數上衝708 全州有23個紅色高危社區

 

麻州州長查理貝克宣佈部分社區從10月5日起可進一步開放。(檔案照片)

           (Boston Orange編譯)美國總統川普，第一夫人米蘭妮在10月1日證實新冠病毒確診，麻州新冠病毒(OVID-19)的單日確診人數，也在這天攀升至708人，創下自5月30日以來的最高單日確診數紀錄。死亡人數新增23。

麻州的累計確診人數為130,461，死亡人數9,265。州政府人員表示，又有18,159人做了病毒檢測，現在全州做過新冠病毒檢測的人數超過220萬了，另外有167人做了抗體檢測，累計也有120,585人做過抗體檢測了。

連續7天的新冠病毒確診率，早前持平在0.8%，現在升至1.1%。

目前有436人因新冠病毒住院，其中84人住在重症病房。

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)重申政府的最大憂慮是人們在大型的非正式集會中忽視健康規範。傳染病最容易在聚會中散佈，反而不是在工作場所。

麻州現在有23個社區跨入新冠病毒的紅色高危區，波士頓市和春田市也剛剛從中等危險，升等至高危區了。

根據麻州公共衛生廳資訊，在過去14天內，每天都是每10萬人就有8人確診的高危市鎮包括 Attleboro, Avon, Boston, Chelsea, Dracut, Everett, Framingham, Haverhill, Holliston, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Revere, Springfield, Winthrop and Worcester。

按照麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)訂定的重新開放標準，麻州共有29個社區還不能進入第三階段的第二步。這些社區為:Attleboro, Avon, Boston, Chelsea, Dedham, Dracut, Everett, Framingham, Haverhill, Holliston, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Monson, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Plainville, Revere, Saugus, Springfield, Tyngsborough, Winthrop, Worcester, and Wrentham。

麻州州長查理貝克在9月29日時已宣佈，危險程度處於灰，綠，或黃等顏色區的社區，從10月5日起，可以開始第三階段第二步驟的開放，意味著這些社區的室內，戶外表演活動容量，可增加50%，或高至250人。

這容納量增加至50%的限制放寬，也適用於蹦床，障礙到，溜冰場，機光標籤等活動，以及這些社區的體育館，博物館，圖書館，駕駛或飛行學校等地方。

波市府廣場升五星旗 港、藏、維吾爾、越南團體抗議

 

波士頓香港人權組織舉旗抗議。(周菊子攝)

           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓市政府廣場今(9月30)日升起五星旗，但現場無人仰望，致意，倒是大約30名抗議人士的喊口號，揮舞藏獨旗，港獨旗，越南旗與標語，帶出一點氣氛。

                 抗議人群在波士頓市政府廣場前展示抗議訊息一個多小時，打電話進市政府，要求面見市長，不得要領，但獲悉市長將在市府大樓前舉行記者會，於是留在現場，繼續抗議。

早上11點15分以後，當馬丁華殊在市政府大廳內向出席記者匯報疫情時，抗議人群在市府大樓入口處透明的玻璃門外，大聲呼口號。馬丁華殊在市府大廳內朗讀疫情報告時的表情，也明顯可見他的心情受影響。

香港，西藏，維吾爾，越南，法輪功等團體聯袂在波士頓市府廣場前抗議升五星旗。
(周菊子攝)

         波士頓前鋒報(Boston Herald)在提問時間問馬丁華殊，屋外那麼多人大聲抗議，他有什麼看法。但馬丁華殊只說”我現在沒有意見可說”。記者會結束後，該記者再追問，馬丁華殊也仍然不置一詞。

            波士頓環球報訪問住在安多福鎮(Andover)的高秉浩醫生時，他說，”那(五星旗)是踐踏人權的象徵，壓制少數族裔，無視人類自由和人權的象徵，不應該出現在波士頓”。

            在香港長大，現已退休的Anita Ng則說，她希望香港內的警察暴力可以停止，中國當局得為在半自治領土內的鎮壓執法負責。她指著五星旗說，”這裡是自由的土地，你怎麼能讓那升上去?”。

波士頓市長在市政府大廳內匯報疫情，抗議人士在玻璃門外舉旗喊口號。(周菊子攝)

             今早在波士頓市府廣場抗議的人群，除了支持香港獨立，呼籲”光復香港，時代革命”，”制止香港警察暴力”的波士頓香港人權組織外，西藏，越南，法輪功等團體，分別舉出標語牌，寫有”西藏自由”，”維吾爾種族滅絕”，”杯葛中國"，"中國共產黨不等於中國人”，”中國共產黨是最糟的病毒”等。他們還喊出”波士頓支持人權”，”中共說謊，人民死亡”等口號。

                其中比較讓人奇怪的標語牌是”解雇佛奇(Fired Fauci)”，意指美國最頂尖的傳染病專家Anthony Fauci。

            十月一日是中華人民共和國的國慶日，波士頓的華人僑胞在這天前後，聚在波士頓廣場前舉行升旗典禮，安排表演活動慶祝，已逾10年，每次都有至少一、兩百人出席。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)不願意表示他對抗議升旗活動的意見。
(周菊子攝)

          因為新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)疫情，政府對戶外群聚人數有限制規定等情況，波士頓僑學界國慶籌委會對外發言人梁添光表示，今年只升旗，在華埠街頭掛串旗，十月一日在星島日報上登全版彩色廣告，此外沒有任何的其他慶祝活動。

波士頓華人前進會9月28日在微信上發出的通知，也說由於疫情，今年的升旗典禮訂9月30日在市政府廣場舉行，但無聚集性慶祝活動。

據悉，波士頓僑界有福建同鄉會、商會等組織於9月27日在一民宅舉辦了小型的十一慶祝會。梁添光表示，雖然波士頓僑學界國慶籌委會成員之一的梁利堂也參加了該慶祝會，但該活動和有20多人組成的波士頓僑學界籌委會無關。(更新版)

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND GRANTS

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND GRANTS  This round of funding represents $472,984 to 10 community organizations   BOSTON - Wednesday, September 30, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee today announced the next round of Boston Resiliency Fund grants, totalling $472,984 in funding to 10 community organizations. Of the nonprofits receiving grants this round, 54 percent are led by a person of color and 27 percent are women-led.  "The Boston Resiliency Fund has been vital to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in partnership with our nonprofit organizations has been fundamental to bringing resources and support directly to Bostonians in need," said Mayor Walsh. "Thank you to all of the community organizations who continue to work together with the City of Boston and help our most vulnerable residents." Since launching the Boston Resiliency Fund in March, $33.2 million has been raised, and Mayor Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee has distributed $27.4 million to 351 organizations. Of the nonprofits to have received a grant, 54 percent are led by a person of color, 57 percent are women-led and 27 percent are immigrant-serving. A map and list of every organization that has received funding from the Boston Resiliency Fund can be found here. "Mujeres Unidas Avanzando (MUA) appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Boston Resiliency Fund to give Latinx families as well as other English Language Learners (ELLs) in our community-based Adult Basic Education (ABE) and allied health training job program gift cards to buy nourishing food for their households," said Johannah Malone, Co-Director of Mujeres Unidas Avanzando. "MUA is beyond thrilled to see families have generous amounts on their gift cards to fill their cart with the foods they most like to eat, colorful produce, necessary toiletries that might otherwise stretch their household budgets, and a treat or two. Thank you, Boston Resiliency Fund!"    "Six months later Boston families are continuing to struggle with the real life consequences of COVID-19. Layoffs, childcare issues, and a general reduction in income leave families with difficult choices about how to spend what they have," said Matt LiPuma, Executive Director of the Family Nurturing Center of Center. "Thanks to the Boston Resiliency Fund, Family Nurturing Center is continuing to provide families in its programs with food, diapers, and other personal items." This round's grantees represent organizations working across the City of Boston to increase access to food and other basic needs:  Breaktime: Breaktime will use the funding to increase their meal delivery capacity. Using this grant, Breaktime will distribute fresh produce and groceries to East Boston, Roxbury and Dorchester. They will also use this funding to empower young Bostonians experiencing homelessness with job opportunities.  Boston BullPen Project Inc.: The Boston BullPen Project continues to help people avoid eviction, homelessness, food insecurity, technology deficits and medical crises while maintaining their dignity. Their partner agencies identify individuals/families in a crisis situation and they financially help prevent the crisis from worsening. Cape Verdean Association of Boston: Using the Boston Resiliency Fund grant, the Cape Verdean Association of Boston will continue their distribution of groceries, fruits and vegetables, and PPE to families and seniors in need.  Dress for Success Boston: Funding from the Boston Resiliency Fund will enable Dress for Success Boston to continue its Suiting Program virtually. Women who contact them for professional attire will be connected with a volunteer stylist via Zoom. Clothing will be paid for by Dress for Success Boston and shipped directly to the client. With funding from the Boston Resiliency fund, Dress for Success would be able to cover the cost of clothing that is purchased online. Family Nurturing Center of MA: Using this grant from the Boston Resiliency Fund, the Family Nurturing Center will be able to continue to provide food, diapers, wipes, and cleaning supplies for families in need. The Food Project: The Food Project will use this Boston Resiliency Fund grant to continue to grow and distribute affordable, nutritious food to residents all over Boston during their harvest season. Mujeres Unidas Avanzando (MUA): Mujeres Unidas Avanzando (MUA) will use the grant from the Boston Resiliency Fund to purchase grocery store gift cards to distribute to low-income families. New England Baptist Hospital: NEBH will use BRF funds to mitigate food insecurity by distributing prepared meals, grocery gift cards, and clothing to low-income families in Mission Hill and Roxbury, working with the Roxbury Tenants of Harvard, Maria Sanchez House and the Tobin Community Center. For elderly neighbors who are homebound, NEBH is coordinating fresh food/meal delivery weekly. Funds will also be used to purchase basic necessities such as cleaning supplies.  Wilahmena's Place Inc.: Wilahmena's Place Inc. will use this BRF grant to sustain their efforts to provide non-perishables, fresh fruit and vegetables, toiletries, sanitizer, soap, cleaning supplies and gift cards to students, elders and families in need, with a focus on the Grove Hall neighborhood.  YMCA of Greater Boston: Using this Boston Resiliency Fund grant, the YMCA of Greater Boston will be able to continue the operation of meal sites at 11 area YMCAs, in addition to delivering grocery bags to schools and other community-based locations.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT ROUND OF APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS   $25 million available to distribute to projects that build affordable housing, preserve historic sites or create open space and recreation   BOSTON - Wednesday, September 30, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the release of eligibility forms and timeline for applications for the upcoming round of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. For Fiscal Year 2021, the City of Boston has made $25 million available for CPA projects under three categories consistent with statewide guidelines: affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space or recreation. Interested applicants must complete eligibility forms by October 16, 2020 that will be reviewed by the Community Preservation Act team. Candidates deemed eligible by the CPA team will be invited to submit an application for historic preservation, and open space and recreation projects. Applications will open on October 5, 2020 and close on November 13, 2020.  "Now more than ever, we must remain committed to making investments that directly benefit our residents and our communities," said Mayor Walsh. "Projects funded by the Community Preservation Act are proposed and implemented by community members and build affordable housing, preserve historic sites and create open space or recreation. I encourage everyone with projects to get familiarized with the application process and take advantage of this opportunity  that will directly benefit our neighborhoods." In August, Mayor Walsh announced $30 million available from the Department of Neighborhood Development and Community Preservation Act funds for Requests for Proposals for affordable housing. "I, along with my fellow committee members, feel honored to be tasked with the worthwhile challenge of reviewing the applications and working on CPA funding recommendations to present to Mayor Walsh and the City Council," said Felicia Jacques, chair of the Community Preservation Committee. "This is a great opportunity for organizations to embark on transformative projects that will have a tangible impact in our community." Organizations, nonprofits and community groups are all encouraged to apply. Staff from the City's Community Preservation Program will be hosting virtual application information sessions on October 7, 2020 and October 14, 2020 for historic preservation and open space and recreation projects to provide a detailed overview of the application process and requirements. Those interested are asked to submit their RSVP to here.  After the end of the application period, the Community Preservation Committee will review applications by January 2021 and vote on a list of proposals in February to recommend to Mayor Walsh. Mayor Walsh will make a recommendation of CPA awards to be voted on by the City Council. The Community Preservation Fund is capitalized primarily by a one percent property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills that began in July 2017 after Boston voters adopted the measure in November 2016. The last round of CPA awards in February 2020 funded over $24 million to 40 projects across the city, including affordable housing developments and programs, parks and open space, and historic preservation projects consistent with statewide guidelines.  The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is committed to broad community participation, supporting accessible and visible projects that have a positive impact on neighborhoods and residents. CPA staff has been hosting community conversations in various neighborhoods to explain the eligibility requirements and the application process to residents and organizations interested in applying for funding.  As part of his legislative agenda, Mayor Walsh advocated for adjusting the surcharge on fees for recording deeds to increase the State CPA match, protecting the Act that more than 170 cities and towns depend on for the creation of affordable housing, open space, and historic preservation. The FY20 State budget increased the match, raising an estimated additional $36 million in revenue, putting the state match at around 30 percent and allowing us to invest more in our communities. For more information about the Community Preservation Act, visit here. For individuals interested in completing the eligibility form, visit here.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW FALL AND WINTER SUPPORT FOR RESTAURANTS

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW FALL AND WINTER SUPPORT FOR RESTAURANTS   BOSTON - Wednesday, September 30 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the expansion of the Reopen Boston Fund to ensure restaurants in Boston are able to purchase necessary equipment for outdoor dining this fall and winter. This opportunity will include costs to cover heaters, storage equipment, and propane. In May, Mayor Walsh announced the $6 million Reopen Boston Fund, which provides debt-free grants to support the safe and healthy reopening of small businesses in Boston. To date, the City of Boston has issued more than $2.5 million in direct grants to 1,325 qualified small businesses to implement necessary public health measures and to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. The Reopen Boston Fund continues to offer grants to eligible small businesses of up to $2,000 (for non-restaurants) to assist with reopening costs, now with the expanded fall and winter relief category for restaurants up to $3,000 (for restaurants). Applications are now open, and will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. "As we head into the cooler months, we want to support the restaurants and businesses that bring so much to our neighborhoods," said Mayor Walsh. "Restaurants have continued to face incredible challenges during this pandemic, and we remain committed to supporting them, whether it's through expanded outdooring dining, or additional funding."  The new fall and winter relief opportunity is available for restaurants operating in the City of Boston with under 25 employees, and which has been approved by the Licensing Board for the City of Boston to operate outdoor dining through the temporary extension permitting process. Any restaurants that have not yet applied for or received funding from the Reopen Boston Fund can apply for up to $3,000 to cover reopening costs associated with outdoor dining. Restaurants who previously received Reopen Boston funds are eligible for additional funds and may re-submit an updated budget that includes fall and winter relief and does not exceed $3,000 in total. Eligible expenses include outdoor heating equipment, including heaters, storage, and propane; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); and outdoor seating materials like tables, chairs, barriers. Information and applications are available at boston.gov/reopen-fund.  On September 15, the Licensing Board for the City of Boston issued an advisory regarding the extension of the City's Temporary Outdoor Dining Program and the use of approved heaters. Restaurants utilizing public sidewalks and parking lanes for outdoor dining may continue the approved use of those spaces until December 1, 2020, weather permitting or until further notice or until the Boston Licensing Board issues further guidance. Outdoor dining on private property has been extended for the duration of the COVID-19 related public health emergency. In addition, application fees will be waived for businesses that apply for a permit for outdoor propane heaters from the Boston Fire Department.  All restaurants applying for the additional grant must have an approved Extension of Premises License and a permit from the Boston Fire Department for any outdoor heating requirements. Licensees interested in the Temporary Outdoor Dining Program that have not previously applied may do so via the online application process. If businesses need support through this process, please email smallbiz@boston.gov for technical assistance. A list of restaurants with outdoor dining is available on boston.gov. Today's fall and winter relief announcement builds on the work the Walsh Administration has undertaken to support small businesses during the City's COVID-19 response and through the reopening of our economy. In total, the City of Boston has dedicated over $12.6 million in City, federal, and private funding to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.  Through the Small Business Relief Fund, Mayor Walsh has announced that nearly $6.5 million in debt-free grants have been distributed to over 1,800 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston. The City of Boston has also created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Open Businesses in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents to supporting local establishments. The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/covid19-businesses. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit  boston.gov/coronavirus.

Greater Boston Chamber Announces Partnership with Project Beacon for COVID-19 Testing Solutions

 Greater Boston Chamber Announces

Partnership with Project Beacon for COVID-19 Testing Solutions

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce announces a partnership today with Project Beacon to make additional testing available to employers and institutions. Project Beacon is a non-profit founded by the Broad Institute, F Prime Capital, and GV focused on providing low cost, end-to-end COVID 19 testing solutions.  

Employers can work with Project Beacon to implement a testing regimen, set up a site, or develop a testing strategy for employees. Costs range from $40 to $90 per test depending on the scope of testing services involved. The tests are processed by labs at the Broad Institute, and test results are generally provided within 24 hours.  

“In addition to limiting COVID spread, widespread testing will help employees feel safe when they return to the workplace,” said James E. Rooney, Chamber President and CEO. “We’re proud to partner with Project Beacon because it leverages the world-class Broad Institute to get us one step closer to the ‘anywhere, anytime’ standard for testing.” 

“Project Beacon is thrilled to partner with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce,” said Muz Mansuri, Executive Director of Project Beacon. “Expanding testing to employers is key to both containing and recovering from the COVID pandemic. This partnership will enable us to help employers in Boston access the testing they need.” 

Employers interested in learning more can contact Kevin Chu at info@beacontesting.com.