退輔會華府新設據點長官倪邦臣到訪波士頓

退輔會華府組長倪邦臣(前左三)，秘書程國峰 (後左一)到訪，波士頓榮光會理事長袁建業(前中)等人歡迎。前排左起，池元真，張韻蘭，倪邦臣，
袁建業，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，薛劍童，池元山，後排左起，程國峰，王競芳，蔣碧如，江文玲，石家孝，蘇麗萍，鄭增壽，張偉林。
(周菊子攝)

波士頓榮光會理事長袁建業(右)送紀念照給華府退伍軍人事務組組長倪邦臣。(周菊子攝)

    (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 中華民國國軍退除役官兵輔導委員會今年一月在華府設立新據點，履新的組長倪邦臣，秘書程國峰4月15日特地到訪，探望波士頓榮光會，餐敘，聽取意見，溫馨交流。

             波士頓榮光會新任理事長袁建業與該會理事約十餘人，借用紐英崙中華公所接待。駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元因故未能到會，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮則出席在座。

華府退伍軍人事務組組長倪邦臣(左)送退輔會口罩給波士頓榮光會，由理事長袁建業代收。
(周菊子攝)

             具備役少將身份的倪邦臣組長和具備役上校身份的程國峰秘書，都是二年前才從軍職退伍，並通過公務員考試，成為退輔會在華府新設據點的首任工作人員。

           由於國府駐外單位的統一管轄政策，他們兩人編制為駐美台北經濟文化代表處退伍軍人事務組。

袁建業透露自己家六兄弟名字是「中華民國偉業」，彰顯著他父親的愛國心。(周菊子攝)

             倪邦臣表示，退輔會麾下的海外榮光會，在美國共有20個據點，其中18個在美國本土，另外2個，1在夏威夷，1在關島。華府新設退輔會據點，旨在和美國退伍軍人事務部建立聯繫管道，其次為和美國退伍軍人會社團加強關係，期以發揮影響力，推動美國國會通過友我法案。

             倪邦臣在會中還簡單介紹了自己，坦言他民國54年出生，陸軍官校畢業，以少將軍階退伍，由於在軍旅生涯中歷練完整，通西班牙文，曾有2次駐外經驗，1次在洛杉磯，1次在中南美洲的瓜地馬拉。他很高興這次外派，有機會來到他一直很嚮往的美國東岸。

             

張韻蘭(左)，蘇麗萍(右)都探問如何招募年輕新會員。(周菊子攝)

會上，榮光會理事們也一一自我介紹，報上各自的軍旅經驗，同時提出建言。

程國峰(左一)和薛劍童 (右一)都是成大畢業，學長、學弟互相敬禮。(周菊子攝)

            榮光會理事長袁建業表示，他去年7月才上任，之前在台灣住了一年半，幸好有前祕書長鄭增壽等人協助處理了許多事。他透露自己家六兄弟，名字的最後一個字排成「中華民國偉業」，可見他家是標準愛國家庭，父親及三哥都是空軍。他1982年來美唸書，後來進了麻州政府當工程師，大約1990年左右，加入波士頓榮光會。由陳昌等人創立的波士頓榮光會，旨在照顧榮民僑胞，和國內保持聯繫，在海外做國民外交。

波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝侃侃陳情。(周菊子攝)

             曾任波士頓國民黨常委的張韻蘭，以及已辭世丈夫殷尚堅曾任波士頓榮光會理事長的蔣碧如，已辭世丈夫王梵家族和張學良軍旅關係深厚的蘇麗萍等人都向倪邦臣請教，是不是有什麼好方法可以招募更多年輕人加入該會，傳承歷史。

             當年是香港僑生，到台灣進修時，接受過4個月大專集訓，曾親眼看見蔣經國到軍中巡視的池元山希望退輔會能與地方上的榮光會加強溝通，發行通訊，讓海外的榮光會員們知道更多在台灣發生的事情，政府的兩岸關係政策及做法，以及其他榮光會都在做些甚麼的消息。他表示，雖然他們年紀已大，但不是廢鐵，還能對國家有些貢獻。

         榮光會秘書長，在海軍眷村長大的鄭增壽敘述自己早於1995年，在朱自律擔任第五任理事長時間加入榮光會，很榮幸的，當年許多建言都獲朱自律採納，榮光會舉辦的活動也多了起來。後來他自己擔任第九，第十屆理事長時，採納了薛劍童的建議，和美國華裔退伍軍人會對口連接，從此參加每年一度的美國退伍軍人大遊行，成為唯一受邀參加該遊行的外國退伍軍人協會。

             當天出席會議的還有理事長夫人江文玲，前任理事長石家孝，監事池元真，以及王競芳，張偉林等人。

             僑教中心主任潘昭榮表示，波士頓榮光會和美國華裔退伍軍人會關係良好，又同是紐英崙中華公所董事成員，能夠堅守陣地，支持台灣，讓人很是欣慰。(更正版)

「波士頓團結日」跨入第9年 麻州長、波士頓市長聯袂獻花圈

麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker)和波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 一同把花圈放在紀念碑前後，和大眾一起默哀。(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange

獻花圈後，麻州長查理貝克和波士頓市長吳弭和即將卸任的波士頓
體育會執行長Tom Grilk 親切晤談。(周菊子攝)

周菊子波士頓報導) 麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 和波士頓市市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) ，以及波士頓體育會執行長Tom Grilk今 (15) 日下午聯袂來到2013年波士頓馬拉松賽爆炸案發生地點，在樂音飄揚中默哀，向當年的犧牲者致意。

奔跑團成員在「波士頓團結日」現場搶到和麻州州長查理貝克
 (Charlie Baker)合影機會。(周菊子攝)

                          這是波士頓馬拉松賽爆炸案發生後的第9年了。在這9年間，麻州歷經2位州長，Deval Patrick及查理貝克，4名市長，萬寧路 (Tom Menino) 、馬丁華殊 (Marty Walsh) 、代市長Kim Janey，以及去年底甫當選的吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 。

                        起初，每年一到4月15日這天，麻州州長、波士頓市市長都會來到這事發地點，邀請當年在爆炸案中死亡者的家屬一同祈禱，後來增加了在事發的2點半敲鐘，邀請全體市民一起默哀，後來還訂定「波士頓團結日 (One Boston Day)」，藉以期許波士頓市歷經劫難後，更加繁榮昌盛，人民更慈善友愛。           

             2013年時，在波約斯頓街馬拉松終點線前不幸喪生的人有Martin Richard、Krystle Campbell和呂令子。後來MIT警察Sean Collier在追緝爆炸案肇事者時，也不幸在劍橋市喪生。

第126屆波士頓馬拉松賽已揭開序幕。(周菊子攝)

             今年，州長和市長聯袂獻花圈的儀式照常舉行，但沒有人強調會敲鐘，請全市默哀了。或許因為天氣太好，獻花圈現場的圍欄外，許多人駐足觀看，拿起相機猛拍。不過吳弭市長在簡短講話中表示，「波士頓團結日 (One Boston Day)」是人們攜手為大眾服務，展現善意，彰顯波士頓為什麼那麼特殊的日子，無論是感謝前線工作人員，在地鐵上留一張鼓勵字條給一起搭地鐵的乘客，都是可以讓社區獲益的友善行為。

礙於新冠病毒疫情，已2年沒正常舉行的波士頓馬拉松賽，今年這2022年又回到傳統的愛國者日舉行，熱愛跑馬拉松的人也紛紛從世界各地趕了過來。根據波士頓體育會的資料，今年大約有3萬人參加。天氣預報說4月18日星期一會有大太陽，氣溫在華氏55度到42度之間，估計今年會有一個很美好的波士頓馬拉松賽。

第126屆波士頓馬拉松賽已從4月15日起陸續有博覽會，歡迎宴等馬拉松贊助廠商舉辦的活動。4月16日一大清早，在波士頓廣場和波士頓公園之間的查理街將有5K賽。

麻州總檢察官辦公室起訴一昆士市越南裔女子放高利貸

             (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州總檢察官奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今 (15)日宣佈，50歲的昆士市女子，Kimanh Le在恩可波士頓海港賭場 (Encore Boston Harbor Casino) 放高利貸，4月10日在賭場外被捕，預定6月24日到薩福克郡法院再出庭。

Kimanh Le是在3月31日時，由全州大陪審團起訴。她申訴無罪，法官Michael Doolin以她遠離恩可賭場及目擊證人，繳交護照，留在麻州為條件，讓她以個人名譽保釋在外。

犯罪式高利貸，也叫鯊魚貸，是以高於法定最高利率放貸給個人的一種犯法行為。 放高利貸者在提供高利貸的賭場內運作，針對有問題，財務困難或因某些理由，不願意向合法來源借貸的人為對象。

麻州總檢察官辦公室宣稱，Kimanh Le為賭博者提供現金或賭場籌碼，收取每天5%，或每週10%的利息，違反了麻州高利貸法規定的年利率最高20%上限。

指派給麻州總檢察官辦公室的麻州警察賭博執法小組及部門在麻州賭博局即恩可波士頓海港賭場的協助下，進行了調查，許多相關機構都參與支援。

CAPAC Members Mark One-Year Anniversary of Indianapolis FedEx Shooting

 CAPAC Members Mark One-Year Anniversary of Indianapolis FedEx Shooting

Washington, D.C. — One year ago today, a gunman killed eight individuals, including four Sikh community members, at a FedEx warehouse in Indianapolis, IN.  Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to mark the one year anniversary of this tragedy.

 

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):

 

“One year ago today, a gunman targeted a FedEx facility in Indianapolis and gunned down eight individuals, including four Sikh community members. As we mark the anniversary of this solemn day, I stand with the loved ones of the victims and the Sikh community to honor the lives of those who were killed and commit to addressing senseless gun violence, racism, bigotry, and xenophobia. We must work together to stop anti-Asian hate in all its forms.”

 

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice-Chair:

“Today marks the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting that occurred at a FedEx warehouse in Indianapolis. The perpetrator gunned down eight people, including four from the Sikh community, in a despicable and horrifying crime. My heart continues to be with the victims’ loved ones on this tragic anniversary. Let us honor the lives of these eight individuals and continue our efforts to combat senseless gun violence and xenophobia, hate, and racism whenever and wherever we see it.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“One year ago today, eight people were killed after a gunman opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. As we continue to mourn the loss of these individuals, many of whom were members of the Sikh community, we recommit to the fight to end gun violence. The time to act is now, and we urge the Senate to pass commonsense gun reform legislation to strengthen background checks and reduce gun violence.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

"Today, we remember the eight lives lost in last year’s horrific shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. My heart is with the loved ones of those who were killed and the Sikh community. I join my colleagues in condemning this attack and working to end the epidemic of gun violence in this country."

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“One year ago today, eight Americans were the victims of a horrific shooting targeting members of the Sikh community in a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. That shooting came just weeks after yet another racially motivated mass shooting in Atlanta, and hate crimes have continued to devastate communities across the United States in the year since. Today, I stand with members of the Sikh community to honor their loved ones and recommit to fighting against racially motivated violence and bigotry in every form. Tragedies like these are preventable, but unless we find the will to enact commonsense gun control and combat racist rhetoric, our society will continue to suffer from senseless violence.”

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):

“I stand with my CAPAC colleagues as remember the tragedy that occurred at the FedEx Ground facility in Indianapolis just one year ago. Violence against religious minorities, especially towards members of the Sikh community, must never be tolerated. On this solemn day, we remember the 8 lives that were taken from us, and we keep their families, friends, and loved ones in our hearts and prayers.”

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12):

"Today, we remember the lives taken in a senseless act of violence at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis last year. The shooting, which heavily impacted the Sikh community, is a tragic part of the gun violence epidemic in our nation and serves as a reminder that we can and must take action to help save lives. Gun violence in the U.S. is a public health crisis, and Congress needs to start acting like it. Thoughts and prayers have never been enough."

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“One year ago, a gunman opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, senselessly killing eight people, many of whom were Sikh. On this tragic anniversary, may we come together to remember and grieve the lives that were lost on this day. In the aftermath of the shooting, it was uncovered that the gunman’s mother had warned law enforcement that he may be a danger to himself and others. However, despite action from law enforcement officials, the gunman was still able to obtain a weapon months later and commit this horrific attack. The anniversary of this mass shooting serves as another painful reminder of the work that must be done to prevent and fight gun crime across the country. Today, I send my deepest condolences to the friends and family of the victims, and I extend my support and solidarity to members of the Sikh community in Indianapolis and across the country as they continue to grapple with this tragedy.”

亞美社區發展協會獲BPDA指定發展R1地段

              (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 波士頓計畫發展局 (BPDA) 4月14日暫時指定亞美社區發展協會 (ACDC) 承辦R1地段發展，預定蓋100戶可負擔住宅，以及永久性的華埠波士頓公共圖書館。

             R1地段座落在波士頓華埠內的乞臣街 (Hudson)和泰勒街 (Tyler)，以及荷蘭街 (Holland)交界處。  這塊地是波士頓市有土地，也是華埠內最後一塊可供作社區用途的土地，波士頓計畫發展局和社區工作小組已就該如何使用這塊土地研議許多年。

              獲挑選的發展者，必須符合波士頓計畫發展局的多元及包容評估標準，佔開發計畫總額的大約25%，並承諾在發展各階段，至少有30%的建築開支，以及33%的項目軟開支是由少數族裔及婦女，以及亞裔社區成員所擁有的企業承包。

            波士頓計畫及發展局制定發展標準後，發出了16份招標書，其中有10項已指定發展商。

             即將離任的波士頓計畫發展局主任Brian Golden表示，該局以建造可負擔住宅，在華埠內建造新的永久性華埠波士頓公共圖書館來致力支持周遭社區。

             波士頓計畫發展局早從2020年末就不斷開會，和社區討論發出招標書議題，2021年8月正式發出招標書。

             亞美社區發展協會 (ACDC) 主任劉安琪 (Angie Liou)表示，過去30年來，該中心致力為社區建造可負擔住宅，以期移民家庭可以穩定的生活。該中心將繼續和波士頓計畫發展局合作。

             波士頓公共圖書館董事長David Leonard表示，他們很高興這交給亞美社區發展協會的計畫，可把建造永久性華埠波士頓公共圖書館這事，又向前邁進一步。

             亞美社區發展協會提交的建築計畫是12層高的綜合用途樓宇，有110戶可負擔出租及出售單位，睡房數目，以及收入限制幅度很大。波士頓計畫發展局的暫時性指派亞美社區發展協會為發展商，可容許這一發展計畫進行第80章審核過程。

             2018年，波士頓計畫發展局協助波士頓華埠公共圖書館暫時落腳在波約斯頓街 (Boylston) 2號的中華貿易大樓時，是50年來第一次，波士頓公共圖書館又再進入華埠。

MAYOR WU APPOINTS HENRY SANTANA AS DIRECTOR OF NEW OFFICE OF CIVIC ORGANIZING

MAYOR WU APPOINTS HENRY SANTANA AS DIRECTOR OF NEW OFFICE OF CIVIC ORGANIZING Grace Burke to serve as Project and Digital Manager in the Office of Civic Organizing

BOSTON - Friday, April 15, 2022- Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Henry Santana will serve as Director of the new Office of Civic Organizing (OCO). The OCO will foster collaborative partnerships and programs that encourage Boston residents to participate in proactive community engagement, awareness, and service in Boston’s neighborhoods. The office will work to reduce barriers and expand opportunities for Boston residents to be active residents in their communities.  “A fundamental part of our recovery must be growing community connectivity,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This new Office of Civic Organizing will mobilize residents to get involved and shape how we support our communities. I know Henry Santana will use his passion for Boston and building community to grow activism across our neighborhoods.” The Office of Civic Organizing will oversee the Love Your Block program, the City Hall On the Go Truck, and various community service and beautification projects. The new Office will support and hold other City offices accountable for how they are engaging with residents and building a framework for the needs of Boston’s individual neighborhoods. As the inaugural Director of the Office of Civic Organizing, Santana will work with various departments to ensure community engagement and policy-making is being communicated to residents through proactive engagement. Santana was born in Bani, Dominican Republic and moved to Boston as a child. “The addition of the Office of Civic Organizing to the Community Engagement Cabinet builds on our commitment to empower residents to get involved with their local government through civic engagement,'' said Chief of Community Engagement Brianna Millor. “I am excited to welcome Henry Santana to the Cabinet and look forward to working with him to bring City Hall into our neighborhoods and drive engagement on the constituency level.”  “I am beyond honored and excited to serve under Mayor Wu’s administration and lead the Office of Civic Organizing,'' said Director of the Office of Civic Organizing Henry Santana. “I am ready to bring the skills and values I have developed in my previous roles and showcase them under this administration. I look forward to connecting residents to the City government in new and creative ways.”  Santana previously worked as an Associate at MFS Investment Management. Before that, he served as the Field Director for Councilor Kenzie Bok’s 2019 campaign and as her office’s Director of Operations and Mission Hill and Fenway Liaison following her election. Santana attended Lasell University where he graduated with a B.A. in History and Political Science.  Grace Burke will serve under Santana as the Project and Digital Manager in the Office of Civic Organizing. In this role, she will plan community events, organize civic engagement programs, and manage digital content. Burke grew up in the greater Boston area and recently graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester where she earned an honors degree in political science. She previously served as a senior field fellow on the re-election campaign of Senator Ed Markey and as an associate at the Blue Lab Campaign Consulting Group in Boston.  “I am thrilled and immensely grateful to be joining Mayor Wu’s historic administration as a part of the new Office of Civic Organizing,'' said Project and Digital Manager Grace Burke. “I am excited to work together with community organizers to empower residents to be active in their neighborhoods and in the city governing process.“ The Office of Civic Organizing has launched the 2022 Love Your Block Mini-Grant Program as one of its first programs. The program provides up to $3,500 in funding to support clean-up and beautification projects. Organizations and individuals interested in participating can submit an application here to propose a community beautification project by Friday, June 10 at 5:00 p.m. In addition to the mini-grants, the Office of Civic Organizing will also offer residents the opportunity to partner with the City on year-round clean-up events and a tool lending program that will help residents complete their neighborhood revitalization projects. Residents can request support for a neighborhood clean up here.

Sonia Chang-Díaz statement on Massachusetts Senate climate bill

Sonia Chang-Díaz statement on Massachusetts Senate climate bill

Calls for more urgency in climate action from Beacon Hill

BOSTON, MA - State senator and gubernatorial candidate Sonia Chang-Díaz released the following statement in response to the debate and passage of An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward:

“If we’re serious about addressing climate change in Massachusetts, we need to do better. I voted in favor of today’s Senate bill to advance some meaningful provisions to combat the climate crisis. This bill is the boldest climate plan proposed at the state level this year — and we need to be honest: it’s still not adequate to the scale of the problem. It fails to invest a single new cent in electrifying or incentivizing public transportation and only scratches the surface of cutting building emissions.

“We can and we must act with more urgency. We have the resources to electrify the MBTA bus fleet by 2030, make all MBTA & RTA buses fare free, expand and electrify our rail systems, and create tens of thousands of jobs at the same time. And there’s no reason we need to stop at piloting renewable building codes as the Senate bill does, when we could be ramping up the transition to renewable buildings across the state. The only thing we’re missing is political courage. Fixing that starts with the Governor’s office.”

Chang-Díaz released her platform for a Green New Deal for Massachusetts in December, which includes a sweeping and rapid approach to combating the climate crisis at the state level. The plan includes benchmarks to meet all of Massachusetts’ electricity needs with 100% renewable, carbon-free energy by 2030l; eliminate all carbon emissions from new buildings by 2030 and transition existing buildings to become zero-carbon by 2045; and expand, electrify, and make fare-free public transit systems across the state, including establishing East-West rail and robust regional transit networks. 

The plan also details that the Chang-Díaz Administration will immediately remove fares on all MBTA and RTA buses in its first budget, halt the purchase of any new fossil fuel-powered buses, and produce and execute plans for full MBTA bus fleet electrification by 2030 and full electrification of the RTA system and Commuter Rail by 2040, with three Commuter Rail lines electrified within the first three years of her administration.

Chang-Díaz’s opponent in the Democratic race, Attorney General Maura Healey, has not released any plan to address the climate crisis.

About Sonia Chang-Díaz:

Sonia was elected the Commonwealth's first Latina & Asian-American State Senator in 2008 and quickly became a driving force behind many of the state’s biggest progressive reforms — including landmark $1.5 billion progressive education funding reforms, criminal justice reform, LGBT equal rights, and police reform and accountability. For more information about Sonia Chang-Díaz and her campaign for Governor, please visit www.soniachangdiaz.com.

波士頓市長吳弭指派JOSÉ F. MASSÓ為人民服務長

MAYOR WU APPOINTS JOSÉ F. MASSÓ CHIEF OF HUMAN SERVICES

“The Human Services Cabinet is fundamental to providing direct, necessary services and supports to all Bostonians,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With José’s lifelong commitment to community-centered service, he brings critical leadership and focus as we continue to transform our City facilities and programs into hubs of opportunity and belonging for all Boston families.” “I am grateful to Mayor Wu for this exciting opportunity to serve the city I know and love. It is an honor and privilege to ensure the well-being of Boston residents, especially those with the greatest needs,” said incoming Chief of Human Services José F. Massó. “I will put my all into carrying on the legacy of community leaders before me, who have laid the foundation for transformational community work. We have an exciting administration focused on making sure city residents are able to do more than survive, that we are all able to thrive. I look forward to being a part of that team and to working with residents and community leaders to make this vision a reality.” Human Services represents one of the largest cabinets in the City, including the Age Strong Commission, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, Commission for People with Disabilities, Veterans Services, Youth Engagement and Employment, Returning Citizens, and newly joined by the Boston Public Library. The departments within the Cabinet prioritize delivering a more equitable city by ensuring that city services and opportunities for Boston residents are accessible and responsive to the needs of all. Along with external partners, departments enhance the life of Boston’s residents with meaningful programs and resources, deliver direct services, provide regulatory oversight, and build partnerships to help all of Boston’s residents thrive.  Massó is a non-profit leader, community organizer, and lifelong resident of Boston who has twenty-five years experience in building and leading large, complex mission-driven organizations. Most recently before joining the City of Boston, Massó served as the Co-Executive Director at United South End Settlements (USES), where he managed a large team, an annual budget and a portfolio of seven community-based programs. Under his leadership, USES supported children and families during the pandemic by offering learning pods for students and a food distribution program for families facing food insecurity.  Prior to rejoining United South End Settlements, Massó was the Executive Director of Child Development and Food Insecurity at the YMCA of Greater Boston, where he was responsible for overseeing afterschool programming and anti-hunger initiatives. Massó also held several positions at the Boston Public Health Commission, including managing a city-wide mayoral health initiative to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Early in his career, Massó served as a community organizer for Urban Edge, where he managed two weekly food pantries in Roxbury. He was able to convene a group of volunteers to beautify the existing food pantry by building food storage shelves, building benches for older participants to sit while waiting for their food, and painting the walls to create a more welcoming experience for participants. His focus on addressing food insecurity continues through his involvement as a board member of the Urban Farming Institute where he currently serves as Chair. Following his graduation from Boston Latin Academy, he attended Northeastern University. He later earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from University of Massachusetts, Boston. Massó resides in Hyde Park with his wife and two children. He enjoys cycling, swimming, table tennis and managing a small family ice cream truck business which he operates with his children. BOSTON - Thursday, April 14, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today appointed José F. Massó as the new Chief of Human Services. The Chief of Human Services is charged with making Boston a more equitable city by ensuring that City services and opportunities for residents are accessible and responsive to the needs of all. The Chief of Human Services will lead the implementation of the Mayor’s human services agenda for Boston, overseeing key departments that provide services to city residents, and working in partnership with social service organizations and service providers across the city. Massó’s first day will be in early May. The Mayor made the announcement today at BCYF Menino in Roslindale.

麻州房屋及經濟發展廳撥款6300萬元資助15項計畫約建679戶出租單位

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $63 Million for Affordable Housing Production

 

15 projects in 14 communities will create or preserve close to 700 units of rental housing

 

GLOUCESTER – Thursday, April 14, 2022 – Today, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy and Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox joined state and local officials in Gloucester to announce affordable housing awards for 15 projects located in 14 communities across the Commonwealth.  The awards will result in the creation or preservation of 697 units of rental housing with 479 units designated for low-income households and another 150 units designated for extremely low-income individuals or households often transitioning from homelessness.     Through the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded approximately $63 million in subsidy funding to the 15 projects.  DHCD also awarded federal and state low-income housing tax credits, which are expected to generate over $200 million in equity to support new construction and rehabilitation of existing housing.    “With this round of affordable housing awards, we continue to expand the Commonwealth’s portfolio of new housing units to meet the needs of households of all income levels,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “As we continue to tackle the state’s housing crisis, these projects will result in meaningful progress toward our goal of enhancing access to safe, quality, and affordable housing across Massachusetts.”       “Our Administration has made an unyielding commitment to creating more affordable housing and with these awards, we can continue driving great projects forward,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.  “Congratulations to all of today’s awardees and I look forward to continued success in our collective efforts to enhance access to affordable housing.”       “These projects are the result of key partners working together to produce needed new housing in Massachusetts and I’m excited we can provide important financial support to make these new units reality,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy.  “Affordable housing development is truly a team sport, and the cooperation and dedication to make these projects happen are incredible testaments to the strong affordable housing ecosystem in Massachusetts.”       “Today’s projects include a mix of new construction, historic rehabilitation, and transformative investments in our public housing stock. In Fitchburg and Springfield, we will see innovative, adaptive reuses of historic properties, and new construction will add vibrancy near the new Polar Park in Worcester,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “We are incredibly proud to invest in projects that will invite new residents to communities, enhance neighborhoods, and ensure current residents can access stable, affordable housing. Here in Massachusetts, we have a strong network of affordable housing developers, funders, and advocates who have helped us bring thousands of new affordable units to the market over the last five years, and we look forward to continuing this work.”    In Gloucester, the YMCA of the North Shore will undertake a project to create 44 new senior units at the downtown location of the former YMCA. All of the housing units will be affordable for low and very low-income seniors and provide essential services to residents.    “Access to safe and affordable housing is a major priority for my administration and the residents of Gloucester,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “I am grateful for the partnership with the YMCA of the North Shore and the Department of Housing and Economic Development. The 71 Middle Street project will create high quality, affordable and accessible housing for our city’s seniors. This award will have a lasting impact on our community.”   “Thank you to Secretary Mike Kennealy and Undersecretary Maddox for coming to Cape Ann for this major announcement,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante.  “The John J. Meany Senior Housing is an important project in the downtown fabric of Gloucester. Congratulations to the Cape Ann YMCA on this special project which affirms the value and worth of our families, veterans, and seniors.”   “We are incredibly grateful for this affordable housing award. It will support our transformational senior housing project in downtown Gloucester.  For more than 170 years, the Y has been committed to meeting the needs of the community and right now seniors in Gloucester need our help,” said YMCA of the North Shore President & CEO, Chris Lovasco. “More than half of our seniors are burdened by their housing cost and more than 400 seniors are currently on waitlists for existing senior housing. We know we can be part of the solution with our Middle Street location. This additional senior housing with specific units allocated for veterans will make a real difference in alleviating some of the housing issues we are facing in Gloucester. This project would not be possible without the support of the Office of Housing and Economic Development, we are thankful for their continued investment in our mission."    The Baker-Polito Administration has shown a deep commitment to increasing the production of housing across all income levels.     Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has invested more than $1.4 billion in the affordable housing ecosystem, resulting in the production and preservation of more than 22,000 housing units, including over 19,000 affordable units across the Commonwealth. In 2018, Governor Baker signed the largest housing bond bill in Massachusetts history, committing more than $1.8 billion to the future of affordable housing production and preservation.     In 2021, Governor Baker signed economic development legislation titled An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth that includes substantial new funding for affordable and climate-resilient housing, as well as targeted zoning reforms to advance new housing production.     Affordable Housing Awards    Mildred Hailey Building Phase 1A is one phase of a larger transit-oriented redevelopment initiative which will transform the massive campus formerly known as Bromley Heath in Jamaica Plain.  The sponsor is the non-profit The Community Builders, selected for the redevelopment initiative by the Boston Housing Authority.  DHCD will support Mildred Hailey Building Phase 1A with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The city of Boston and the BHA also are supporting the project with local resources.  Completion of Phase 1A will result in 100 total units.  Seventy-six units will be affordable to households earning less than 60 percent of the Area Median Income, with 17 units further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI, and in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. DHCD’s support for Mildred Hailey Building Phase 1A is in addition to committed funds for Phase 1B of this important redevelopment initiative and a $4 million MassWorks Award in 2021 to support street and utility improvements.     Rindge Commons Phase 1 is a new construction transit-oriented project located in Cambridge.  The sponsor is the non-profit Just-A-Start.  When completed, the project will offer 24 total units and retail space.  All 24 units will be reserved for households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with three units reserved for extremely low-income households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.  DHCD will provide federal low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds in support of Ridge Commons Phase 1.  The city of Cambridge will support the project with local funding.  The sponsor intends to build the project to Passive House standards.    Chester Commons is an occupied 15-unit rehabilitation project located in Chester’s town center.  The sponsor is the non-profit Hilltown Community Development Corporation.  DHCD will provide subsidy funds to support the historic rehabilitation of Chester Commons, with an emphasis on accessibility for tenants with disabilities.  All 15 units will be reserved for individuals or small households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with four units further restricted for extremely low-income individuals or small households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.    Fitchburg Arts Community is a historic adaptive re-use project located in Fitchburg.  The non-profit sponsor is NewVue Communities.  DHCD is supporting the project, located in proximity to the Fitchburg Art Museum, with federal and state housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  The city of Fitchburg will provide its own funds in support of Fitchburg Arts Community.  When complete, the project will offer 68 total units.  Forty-seven units will be affordable to households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with 14 units further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.    The John J. Meany Affordable Housing development located in Gloucester is a new construction project specifically for senior residents. The sponsor is the YMCA of the North Shore.  DHCD is supporting the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  The city of Gloucester will provide funds of its own in support of the project.  When the John J. Meany Affordable Housing is complete, the project will offer 44 total units with support services.  All 44 units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with eight units further restricted for seniors earning less than 30 percent of AMI.      Library Commons 2 is a 41-unit scattered site project located near downtown Holyoke.  The sponsor is the non-profit Way Finders, Inc.  DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  The city of Holyoke will also provide funds in support of Library Commons 2.  When complete, the project will offer 41 total units, all of which will be restricted for families earning less than 60 percent of AMI.  Eighteen units will be further restricted for extremely low-income families earning less than 30 percent of AMI.     Island Parkside Phase 2 is a new construction project located in Lawrence.  The sponsor is the non-profit Lawrence Community Works, which will develop and own 40 rental units built to Passive House standards.  SquashBusters will secure financing to develop the ground floor of Island Parkside Phase 2 as squash courts and ancillary space.  DHCD is supporting the 40 rental units with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  The city of Lawrence also will support Island Parkside Phase 2 with funds of its own.  All 40 rental units will be restricted for households earning less than 60 percent of AMI.  Eight units will be further restricted for extremely low-income households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.  The sponsor intends to build the project to Passive House standards.  Construction is just beginning on nearby Island Parkside Phase 1, also sponsored by LCW and supported by DHCD. In addition, EOHED provided a 2020 MassWorks award to support the development.    950 Falmouth Road is a new construction project located in Mashpee.  The sponsor is the nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing.  DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  The town of Mashpee will support the project with funds of its own.  When completed, 950 Falmouth Road will offer 39 total units.  All 39 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with six units further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.  The sponsor intends to build the project to Passive House standards.    117 Union Street is a new construction project located in downtown New Bedford.  The sponsor is the New Bedford Development Corporation.  DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  The city of New Bedford will support the project with funds of its own.  When construction on 117 Union Street is finished, the project will offer 45 total units.  Thirty-two units will be reserved for households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.      Knox II is a historic adaptive re-use project located in Springfield.  The sponsor is Gordon Pulsifer of First Resource Development. DHCD will support Knox II with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  The city of Springfield will support the project with funds of its own.  When construction on the long-vacant building is completed, Knox II will offer 41 total units.  All 41 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with six units further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.  In addition to supporting Knox II, DHCD awarded funds in 2021 to Knox I, which is expected to begin construction.    Van Der Heyden is a historic rehabilitation project located in Springfield.  The sponsor is Valley Management, Inc.  DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits.  The city of Springfield will support the project with funds of its own.  When construction is completed, Van Der Heyden will offer 45 fully rehabilitated units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60 percent of AMI.  Eighteen units will be further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.    Littleton Drive Family is a new construction project located in Wareham.  The sponsor is Pennrose.  DHCD will support the project with federal low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  The town of Wareham will provide funds of its own in support of the project.  When completed, Littleton Drive Family will offer 49 total units.  Thirty-nine units will be affordable to households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI.  Littleton Drive Family will be constructed adjacent to Littleton Drive Senior, which received awards from DHCD in a previous rental funding competition.     Maple Woods is a new construction project for seniors located in Wenham.  The sponsor is the non-profit Harborlight Community Partners.  DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  When completed, Maple Woods -- zoned through Chapter 40B -- will offer 45 total units with services for seniors.  All 45 units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with eight units further restricted for seniors earning less than 30 percent of AMI.    Helena Crocker Residences is a new construction project for seniors located in Westford.  The sponsor is Stratford Capital Group working in partnership with the non-profit CHOICE of Chelmsford.  DHCD will support the project with federal low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds.  The town of Westford will support the project with funds of its own.  When completed, Helena Crocker Residences will offer 18 total units with services for seniors.  All 18 units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60 percent of AMI.  Sixteen units will be further restricted for extremely low-income seniors earning less than 30 percent of AMI.    153 Green Street is a new construction project located in Worcester.  The sponsor is Boston Capital.  The project is located in close proximity to Worcester’s new Polar Park and will contribute significantly to the ongoing revitalization of the neighborhood.  DHCD will support 153 Green Street with federal and state low-income tax credits and subsidy funds.  The city of Worcester will support 153 Green Street with funds of its own.  When completed, the project will offer 83 total units.  All 83 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60 percent of AMI, with 14 units further restricted for households earning less than 30 percent of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.