MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EVENTS IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE 2013 BOSTON MARATHON

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EVENTS IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE 2013 BOSTON MARATHON   City to observe One Boston Day with acts of kindness & community service

 

BOSTON - Monday, March 27, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced two One Boston Day remembrance events on Boylston Street planned for April 15, 2023 to honor the victims, survivors, and first responders of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Additionally, more than a dozen One Boston Day volunteer events will be hosted by City departments and neighborhood organizations in recognition of our City’s spirit of care for one another in response to the tragic events of April 15, 2013. Residents are encouraged to participate in one of these acts of service or take part in their own act of kindness. One Boston Day volunteer events are being held Citywide and a full list is on boston.gov/one-boston.  “Every year we come together on One Boston Day to remember the courage, strength, and resilience shown by our City’s people in 2013,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we mark ten years, we will gather together in community on April 15 to remember the lives that were lost, the many injured, and the spirit of humanity displayed that day. As we honor those forever impacted, people in all corners of our City will be giving back in a number of ways and I encourage everyone to get involved.”  The City of Boston and the B.A.A. will honor the day with two remembrance events on Boylston Street on Saturday, April 15, 2023. The first will be an early morning private gathering and wreath laying at the memorial sites for the families who lost loved ones at the 2013 Boston Marathon. Honor guards, including the Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department, Boston Emergency Medical Services, and Suffolk County Sheriff Department’s Honor Guards, will be present at the memorial sites throughout the day. After the B.A.A. 5K race, the City will open Boylston Street between Dartmouth and Fairfield Streets for members of the public to visit the memorial sites.   At 2:30 p.m., the public is invited to join members of the One Fund Community, Governor Maura Healey and Mayor Wu, first responders, hospital leaders, B.A.A. leadership, and local running groups at the Boston Marathon Finish Line for a dedication of a new commemorative finish line, the ringing of bells, and the unveiling of a One Boston Day marker on Boylston Street.  WCVB will be the pool television camera for the morning gathering on Boylston Street. The B.A.A. will provide an on-street pool camera tv feed for the 2:30 p.m. remembrance, but media will be able to film this afternoon event in other designated areas. More detailed media guidelines will be sent closer to April 15.  “As One Boston Day approaches, we continue to honor the strength and resilience of our community,” said Jack Fleming, B.A.A. President and Chief Executive Officer. “This year, our theme for the Boston Marathon is oneBOSTON, symbolizing the unity and spirit witnessed after April 15, 2013. This year, we will gather on Boylston Street as one with the City of Boston and runners from around the world in reflection and remembrance.”  Mayor Wu made a call to action last month for City departments and local organizations to register their One Boston Day acts of service events on boston.gov/one-boston. Many organizations including hospitals, neighborhood civic groups, and City of Boston departments are hosting service events in honor of One Boston Day, and are open to the public to volunteer. Service events range from a shoe drive held by Cradles to Crayons, Parkway Running Club, and West Roxbury Main Streets; to a Dorchester neighborhood cleanup hosted by Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association & John Hancock Investment Management. A full list is available on boston.gov/one-boston and will be updated as more volunteer opportunities are submitted.  "This time of year evokes a strong emotion for so many of us across the City and the people touched by the tragedy ten years ago. But the most prevailing one is that Boston is indeed strong, and that our communities show up for each other in times of need,” said Jacob Robinson, West Roxbury Main Streets Executive Director. “Over the course of the pandemic, we've seen the same mentality and resilience throughout Boston's neighborhoods and Main Streets districts. It's that spirit which is so important to admire and keep aflame. We're honored to participate in the One Boston Day volunteer event with Mayor Wu, the City of Boston, Parkway Running Club, and the many other groups and individuals coming together on Saturday, April 15."   “Cradles to Crayons is committed to making life better for children by providing the essentials they need. We are grateful to partner with West Roxbury Main Streets and the Parkway Running Club to collect new and gently used sneakers as part of the One Boston Day events,” said Aubrey Henderson, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Massachusetts. “What better way to celebrate our community’s resilience, generosity and strength, than by giving back to help others.”  “That day on April 15, 2013 uprooted our community in many ways but Boston united in strength. Since that day, our communities have continued to come together and give back in their own way to bring people a sense of purpose as reinforced with the Martin Richard Foundation,” said Desmond Rohan, Board member of Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association. “The feeling of giving back in whatever way is a fulfilling feeling for anyone.  It’s also a great way to know your community and its citizens.  Boston needs a little love after the winter months and our event of a community cleanup will make our neighborhood shine a little more as we head toward spring.”  Groups interested in registering their events can continue to do so here. Mayor Wu is also encouraging Boston residents to take part in their own individual acts of kindness, including those on the 2023 One Boston Day Acts of Kindness Checklist. Examples from the checklist range from buying a cup of coffee for a stranger to donating blood. Like in years past, people are welcome to share their reflections and acts of service plans for One Boston Day on social media with the hashtag #OneBostonDay.  More on One Boston Day can be found at boston.gov/one-boston.

麻州州長Maura Healey 宣佈從紐約聘伍華偉任麻州地鐵總經理

新任麻州地鐵總經理伍華偉 (Philip Eng)首度露面。 (周菊子攝)

          (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)辦公室今 (27)早宣佈，紐約州長島鐵路歷史中的首位華裔主席伍華偉 (Philip Eng)將從4月10日起出任麻州地鐵總經理，成為麻州地鐵歷來的第一位華裔總經理，而且年薪最高，將近半個一百萬元。

麻州州長Maura Healey(前)表示她第一次見到伍華偉時，就已認定這是
麻州地鐵需要的人。 (周菊子攝)

                    今日下午2點半多，州長奚莉和副州長Kim Driscoll，交通廳廳長 Gina Fiandaca ，原任麻州地鐵代理總經理的Jeff Gonneville，和伍華偉聯袂來到位於牛頓市Riverside的綠線地鐵站，宣佈這一消息。

                奚莉州長在一份聲明中表示，伍華偉正是麻州地鐵改善交通系統安全，恢復民眾信心所需要的那種領導，他了解能夠發揮作用的交通系統是經濟運轉的基礎，而且他有著掌管掙扎中的公共交通系統，然後戲劇性改善服務的紀錄。

麻州州長Maura Healey (左一)  和副州長Kim Driscoll (右起)， 交通廳廳長
 Gina Fiandaca，以及伍華偉，其妻Carol ，其女Catherine在宣佈儀式後合影。
(周菊子攝)

今日下午在綠線地鐵站，奚莉進一步表示，這大概是她當麻州州長以來，必須要做的各項指派中，最重要的一項指派。而她第一次見到伍華偉時，已經覺得，就是這個人了。

             父母來自中國廣東，自己還能說一點中文，取了個洋人妻子的伍華偉，在記者會中走到講台前的第一句話是「麻州下午好」，然後說抱歉，他不是洋基迷 (Yankees)，但是願意為紅襪隊加油。他強調自己是工程師，喜歡解決問題，將來麻州地鐵會創新，願意接受新想法，還會在規範之外思考解決方案。他覺得能為大眾服務是讓人驕傲的事，所以他很珍惜再次在公共交通領域服務的機會。他說，很明顯的麻州地鐵還未達到它應有的服務水平，現在是用新方法改變麻州地鐵做事方式的時候了。在麻州州長奚莉等人支持下，他相信一點一點的，麻州地鐵會有正面改變。

          從6月起，伍華偉一直是工程顧問公司Liro集團的副總裁。這家公司為公家或私營機構提供工程、交通，以及基礎設施項目的諮詢顧問服務。從2018年到去年初，他宣佈因個人原因決定退休前，他擔任長島鐵路(Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)) 董事長 。

               在那之前，他曾任都會交通局 (MTA) 營運長，以及紐約州交通廳副廳長，在工程領域有大約40年工作經驗。

伍華偉擔任LIRR主席時的年薪是32萬多元，上任麻州地鐵總經理，5年何月的基本薪資是47萬元一年，比麻州地鐵的前任總經理Steve Poftak多了大約13萬元。到2024年7月時，他還可享有留任獎勵，約等於本薪10%的3萬元，到2025年時，再漲薪15%。再過幾年這獎金部分會增至20%。

當年是在LIRR這通勤鐵路系統18年來表現最差的時候上任主席一職，帶領麾下7000員工，在新冠病毒疫情期間，交出這交通系統前所未有的準時紀錄。

在麻州州長辦公室發佈的通知中，伍華偉表示，現在是在麻州地鐵以新方式做事的時候了。作為一名工程師，一名有40年經驗的交通專業人士，一名通勤者，他將以雷射般的聚焦來找出解決複雜問題的創新方法，並以永遠把顧客放在第一位的那種急迫感來處理事務。

他也承諾支持辛勤工作的，保持麻州地鐵運作的員工，將加速聘僱，以確保麻州地鐵有足夠人力來提供乘客所需的可靠服務。

伍華偉上任後，除了改善麻州地鐵營運，還將面對麻州地鐵和中車公司 (CRRC)簽有 8億7千萬元，建造紅線、橘線地鐵車廂共404輛合約，但竣工日期已展延至2026年，橘線地鐵應交車152輛，迄今只交了78輛等狀況。

代表大約6000名MBTA員工的波士頓Carmen's   Union，本地589工會特地派員出席這場宣佈會，並發出新聞稿稱他們相信奚莉州長真心為乘客、地鐵員工及社區著想，他們也都聽到了些關於伍華偉的好話，歡迎他到麻州，更對他有相當的期望。

該新聞稿並稱麻州地鐵若私營化，只會使得費率更高，對乘客，地鐵員工都不是好事。

伍華偉和妻子Carole 已從紐約   Smithtown 搬到麻州，落腳牛頓市。他女兒Catherine即將從東北大學畢業，將在麻州的Sage Product Development 工作。 (更新版)

MBTA 2024-2028年度投資計畫邀民眾給意見

 MBTA Invites Public Comment on the Proposed Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028

 The Proposed Fiscal Years 2024-2028 MBTA Capital Investment Plan includes all planned capital investments over the next five years.

 BOSTON – The MBTA released the proposed Fiscal Years 2024-2028 MBTA Capital Investment Plan (FY24-28 MBTA CIP) for public comment, marking the beginning of a 30-day public comment period. 

The CIP is the five-year financial plan that funds all the MBTA’s capital projects. Capital projects are investments or activities related to acquiring, renewing, constructing, improving, or maintaining a capital asset, including project planning and design. The CIP is updated annually to ensure that we are continuing to:  

1. Advance key safety projects that are instrumental to reducing safety risks, increasing system reliability, lowering maintenance costs and improving system performance.
2. Improve the reliability of the MBTA’s transit system and modernize existing assets to accommodate current or anticipated growth.
3. Make targeted investments in the expansion of the transportation network to increase capacity or provide riders with more options across transit modes. 

The proposed FY24-28 MBTA CIP includes 600 unique capital projects to modernize, expand, and increase the safety and reliability of the MBTA transit network. 

The proposed CIP is now available on mbta.com/cip. The CIP document includes an overview of the Authority’s capital planning process, summaries of investment programs, and the full list of capital projects in the proposed five-year CIP. 

The MBTA encourages members of the public to provide input on the proposed FY24-28 CIP before April 24, 2023. 

The MBTA will host two virtual public meetings and one in-person public meeting to provide an overview of the proposed FY24-28 CIP and invite attendees to share their feedback: 

1. Thursday, March 30, 2023, 6:30 PM
   This virtual public meeting will take place via Zoom with more information available at mbta.com/events. 

2. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 6:30 PM
   This meeting will be held in person in the State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston. 

3. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 6:30 PM
   This virtual public meeting will take place via Zoom with more information available at mbta.com/events.

Meeting registration links, presentation materials, and recordings will be made available on mbta.com/cip and mbta.com/events. 

Members of the public who are unable to attend a public meeting are invited to provide comments by: 

1. Completing the online CIP comment form.
2. Sending an email to cipengagement@mbta.com.
3. Mailing a letter to:
   MBTA Capital Investment Plan
   c/o MBTA General Manager
   10 Park Plaza
   Suite 3830
   Boston, MA 02116

Public feedback is important to the CIP development process and we appreciate your input. All comments will be reviewed and considered by MBTA staff and summary responses will be shared after the release of the final CIP. 

For more information, visit mbta.com/CIP or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, or TikTok @thembta.

 

2024年起，波士頓馬拉松賽將主要由美國銀行贊助

 Bank of America to be Presenting Partner of the Boston Marathon

 Beginning in 2024, Boston Athletic Association and Bank of America will partner on all B.A.A. events and programming, marking next great era of running

L to R: B.A.A. President and CEO Jack Fleming, 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden,
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu,  President, Bank of America Massachusetts  Miceal Chamberlain,
and Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of America  David Tyrie.
Courtesy photo from B.A.A./Frances Ramirez 

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today Bank of America will be the presenting partner of the Boston Marathon^® beginning in 2024. The world’s oldest annual and most historic marathon has teamed up with one of the world’s leading financial institutions on a decade-long agreement, which will extend far beyond the finish line of the annual Patriots’ Day event. 

“We embark on the next great era for running in Boston and around the world with Bank of America as our partner in all that we do, most notably the Boston Marathon.

“With alignment in values and commitment to both communities and leadership, we’ll work together to enhance one of the world’s great participatory sporting events.  Bank of America will partner with us at every stage to grow, broaden and innovate new pathways in running,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the B.A.A. 

CLICK HERE FOR "THIS IS BOSTON" VIDEO 

“We are privileged and honored to partner with the B.A.A on this next leg of the journey for the historic Boston Marathon,” said David Tyrie, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for Bank of America. “Through this partnership, we will broaden our ability to help communities around the world thrive, creating positive impact for small businesses, charities, runners, and teammates on race weekend and throughout the year.” 

Central to Bank of America’s presenting partnership of the Boston Marathon are its four core values: deliver together; act responsibly; realize the power of its people; and trust the team. The B.A.A. shares these principles in its mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, and focuses on connecting with participants, volunteers, community members, and supporters throughout the year. As a running and community leader, the B.A.A. will work hand in hand with Bank of America to bring the Boston Marathon’s impact and reach to new heights—both on a national and global scale—in the years ahead. 

“The Boston Marathon is one of the most iconic and beloved events our City holds all year, bringing tens of thousands of people together to enjoy Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We as a City are grateful to John Hancock for their many years of support, and look forward to building a new partnership with Bank of America and the Boston Athletic Association to elevate this historic event and welcome more people into our community.” 

Bank of America is also the title sponsor of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, where millions of visitors contribute more than $386 million to local economy, providing the equivalent of more than 2,800 jobs at a time of year when tourism in the city would otherwise experience a seasonal decline. In addition to the economic impact, runners make a meaningful charitable impact, totaling more than $246 million from 148,000 runners since 2002 going directly to nonprofits in Chicago, across the U.S and around the world. 

Together, the B.A.A. and Bank of America will strive to make running more accessible and broaden its impact. Bank of America is committed to growing the Boston Marathon’s non-profit, engagement and philanthropic initiatives, and extending the event’s presence through the hundreds of qualifying races in the bank’s nearly 100 markets across United States and communities around the world.   

In recognition of the Boston Marathon’s 127-year heritage and iconic stature, Bank of America has elected that the organization’s name will appear after the words “Boston Marathon” in the event’s new official title, beginning in 2024: The Boston Marathon^® presented by Bank of America. 

Fleming added, “Together, the B.A.A. and Bank of America will keep Boston front and center to ensure the Marathon remains a source of pride and passion for so many. Through this new partnership with Bank of America, we will expand social, economic and inclusive programs for local residents, businesses, neighborhoods and communities.”

In celebration of the announcement, City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Bank of America, and Boston Athletic Association gathered at Bank of America’s office at 100 Federal Street in Boston for a ceremonial start to the partnership.

紀念亞特蘭大槍擊案受害者 波士頓亞裔電影節/藝術愛默生 3/25 放映「三月中的一天」

Two Years After the Atlanta Spa Shootings: What are We Doing in Boston?

ArtsEmerson presents Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March with Director Titi Yu and Community Leaders Film & Conversation | Paramount Center | SATURDAY | MARCH 25 | 2PM Followed by a conversation on activism and combating hate and discrimination with: Nina Liang, City Council President, Quincy Titi Yu, Director, One Day in March & Emerson Alum Mai Du, Community Advocate and Sifu/Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy with Moderator Susan Chinsen, ArtsEmerson/BAAFF GET FREE TICKETS! ONE DAY IN MARCH (Trailer) Directed by Titi Yu: In March 2021, a 21-year-old man murdered eight people, including six women of Asian descent, at three spas in Atlanta, Georgia – a horrific attack in a year of widespread anti-Asian violence. Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March pays tribute to the lives lost, examines the rise of anti-Asian racism, and documents a growing movement to fight back and stop the hate. For many, the tragic events became a galvanizing moment, reigniting a sense of collective identity and political engagement within AAPI communities. Now, as violence against AAPI people continues to surge nationwide, this documentary chronicles the troubling escalation of hate and spotlights the movement to turn grief and anger into action.  Free tickets available at ArtsEmerson.org    Presented with support from:

3/25 大學沙龍第178期宋怡明主持主持 鄧鋼彈經濟史學方法論之辯

 大學沙龍（原哈佛沙龍）第178期

鄧鋼——經濟史學方法論之辯

 ■ 時間與報名信息

 美東時間：2023年3月25日 週六早上9點

北京時間：2023年3月25日 週六晚上9點

zoom報名鏈接

■ 講座內容

各種研究方法，除了素材和過程的不同，也都隱含了不同的底層假設，比如：對研究對象應當如何概念化、構成支持或者反駁觀點的證據需要滿足什麼條件、乃至研究的總體目標可以或者應該是什麼等。方法選擇會影響獲得可靠結論或理論的效率，甚至在某些情況下，相同的事實材料可能在不同方法下得出截然不同的結論。這使得方法論即對方法本身的研討批判，成為每個學科不可或缺的基石之一。經濟史學有經濟學和歷史學兩方面的淵源，方法方面有更多選擇，也使得經濟史學方法論更必要和更重要。

本次講座將會從“先驗主義”和“經驗主義”，“表象”和“本質”，“歐洲中心論”和“中國中心論”，“生產函數”和“消費函數”，“實值”和“估值”，“無效R2”和“偽替代變量”等多個角度探討經濟史學方法論。

■ 演講嘉賓

主講人: 鄧鋼

倫敦政治經濟學院教授，英國皇家史學會終身院士，Palgrave Macmillan出版社經濟史研究系列主編。研究專長：中國長周期經濟增長、東亞現代化、中西經濟發展比較。研究方向：中西方古代、近代和現代經濟發展的條件、模式和效果比較。研究涉及政治地緣、自然禀賦、產權、生產要素效率、市場交換、經濟結構、都市化、物質生活水平。曾出版多部著作，截止2022年1月的谷歌學術統計，所發表的學術論文和著作已被引用1722次。

主持人: 龍登高

清華大學社會科學學院教授，經濟史研究中心主任，孫冶方經濟科學獎獲得者，長江學者特聘教授。主要從事經濟史、企業史、國際華商研究等。兼任中國社科院經濟研究所學術委員會委員、南洋理工大學華裔館董事、《華人研究國際學報》合作主編、“社會經濟史譯從”主編，曾任國家社會科學基金重大項目首席專家。 

主持人: 宋怡明

哈佛大學東亞語言文明系教授，費正清中國研究中心前主任。研究領域：明清社會經濟史；中國農村歷史；歷史人類學。擅長將傳統文本研究和當代田野調查相結合。著有《被統治的藝術》，《實踐中的宗族》等多部力作。

大學沙龍的微信公眾號被永久封號，後續請重點關注沙龍郵件並廣為流傳，新平台創建後將通知大家，也請大家持續關注哈佛大學費正清中心全球交流網絡。感謝對大學沙龍的支持。

Tech Goes Home Announces Results of Pilot Program Expansion in Essex County

Tech Goes Home Announces Results of Pilot Program Expansion in Essex County 

 

BOSTON, March 24 -- Today, Tech Goes Home (TGH), a leading nonprofit working to advance digital equity, announced the results of its pilot programs in Essex County. Based on responses from the households that participated in the pilot, TGH found that the combination of a free digital device, reliable internet, and 15 hours of digital skills training helped program graduates better participate in work and education, connect with loved ones, access healthcare and wellness resources, and more.

 

TGH has been offering its proven digital inclusion programming in Greater Boston for more than 20 years and, in 2021, TGH partnered with Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) to expand access for residents of Essex County. TGH utilizes a “train the trainer” model and delivers its programming through deep partnerships with community-based organizations. In Essex County, the program expansion kicked off with a pilot covering 50 households across five program sites in five different municipalities: Lawrence CommunityWorks, MakeIT Haverhill, North Shore CDC, Latino Support Network, and Wellspring House. 

  

Every participant in the TGH programming completes 15 hours of tailored, culturally responsive digital skills training and, through their completion of the training, has the opportunity to earn both a digital device (computer or tablet) and a year of free, reliable home internet access. When the Essex County pilot concluded in May 2022, more than 100 learners had completed the program.

 

Among those graduates:

• 100 percent reported learning digital skills that can help improve their lives;
• 80 percent said they are more likely to use the internet for education purposes;
• 67 percent said they are more likely to use the internet to communicate with colleagues, friends, and loved ones;
• 47 percent said they are more likely to use the internet for job resources; and,
• 45 percent said they are more likely to use the internet for health and wellness.

“We are incredibly encouraged by the results of our pilot programming in Essex County,” said Dan Noyes, CEO of Tech Goes Home. “In communities across Essex County – and especially in Gateway Cities and other historically underserved communities – digital inequity remains a persistent barrier to education, economic opportunity, health, and more. The responses from learners who participated in TGH’s initial courses in Essex County reaffirms that connecting people to digital devices, internet access, and training holds enormous potential to create positive, long-lasting impact – for individuals, families, and entire communities. We look forward to continuing to work with Essex County Community Foundation, our current partners, and other community-based organizations to make TGH programming and resources available to even more people across Essex County.” 

 

Building on the success of the pilot programming, TGH is continuing to partner with ECCF to expand its services in Essex County. TGH is in the process of onboarding new community-based partners, and has set a goal to reach 800 households in Essex County through TGH programs by 2024.

 

“When we launched our digital equity initiative at ECCF, we knew we needed to partner with nonprofit leaders who have a true understanding of how deeply digital inequity impacts so many aspects of a person’s life,” said ECCF Executive Vice President and COO Stratton Lloyd. “We couldn’t be more proud of our collaboration with Tech Goes Home and the success that this pilot program has already had on so many Essex County residents. When 100 percent of participants say they have learned digital skills that will help improve their lives, that data gives us a real sense of the positive impact we can continue to grow together.”

 

About Tech Goes Home

 

Tech Goes Home is a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the digital inequities that pose a significant barrier to opportunity and success for thousands of students, workers, and families in Greater Boston and beyond. Working in partnership with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, Tech Goes Home provides curated support - including access to digital devices, network connectivity, and robust training in how to utilize digital resources - to help individuals and families pursue economic mobility, support academic achievement, access critical resources, and engage with their community and loved ones. You can learn more about Tech Goes Home’s work, and ways to become involved, at techgoeshome.org.

麻州政府鼓勵經濟發展項目批准3計畫 估計新創、保留700職位

Commonwealth's Economic Assistance Coordinating Council Approves Three Projects for the Economic Development Incentive Program

Projects are Expected to Create 230 New Jobs, Retain 487 Jobs, and Leverage Approximately $115 Million in Private Investment

BOSTON – Today, the Commonwealth’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved three projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), a program that seeks to create new jobs and help businesses grow by offering credits to lower taxes in exchange for job creation. These projects are expected to create 230 net new jobs and retain 487 jobs throughout Massachusetts while leveraging approximately $115 million in private investment. Of the applicants this quarter, three are manufacturers and one is located in Gateway City.

Additionally, the EACC approved one new Vacant Storefront Project in a Gateway City that will receive refundable tax credits of $10,000. The Vacant Storefront Program helps municipalities of the Commonwealth in their efforts to revitalize their downtowns and commercial areas.  

Additional details on the projects are below. 

CERTIFIED PROJECT

UFP Site Built, LLC (Chicopee) - UFP Site Built’s primary products include the manufacturing of roof trusses, floor joists and wall panels that are sold to the construction industry. Since the company's Belchertown location is inadequate to handle manufacturing products for two of UFP's business lines, the company plans to relocate the site-built manufacturing process to Chicopee. They are looking to lease a 152,000 square foot facility, invest $1.3 million in the property and develop three to five acres of land for exterior storage for lumber. Additionally, they will relocate $5 million of machinery and equipment to Chicopee and invest another $3.5 million in new equipment. This project will result in the creation of 60 full-time permanent jobs, the retention of 60 jobs and a total private investment of $4.9 million. The Commonwealth awarded $975,000 of EDIP tax credits and the City of Chicopee awarded a five-year TIF valued at $32,423.

LOCAL-ONLY PROJECTS

Electric Hydrogen Company (Devens) - Electric Hydrogen is on the leading edge of the green hydrogen industry and is focused on bringing to market new electrolyzer technology that provides zero-carbon generation of hydrogen for industrial applications. Founded in December 2020, the company has headquarters in Massachusetts and California and is backed by the most prolific capital and strategic partners in the field of clean technology. The proposed manufacturing process facility would include a fit-out of 187,000 square feet of space, including tenant improvements totaling $48.2 million and equipment for manufacturing totaling about $50.3 million. This project will create 70 new permanent full-time jobs and retain 15 employees. It represents a private investment of $90 million. Devens awarded the project a five-year TIF valued at $1,920,949.

SMC Ltd./Mack Devens Development LLC (Devens) - Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Wisconsin, SMC is a privately held, global manufacturer and leader in medical device development and automated assembly technology solutions. The company currently occupies 220,000 square feet of manufacturing space in a 300,000 square foot building in Devens. Due to customer demand, SMC needs additional space and now plans to expand their manufacturing footprint to include medical device manufacturing at their existing location. This project will result in the creation of 100 new permanent full-time jobs, the retention of 412 employees and a private investment of $20 million. Devens has awarded the project a 10-year TIF valued at approximately $619,080.       

VACANT STOREFRONT PROJECT

Rise & Grind Café (Fitchburg) - Located in the heart of Fitchburg a short distance from Fitchburg State University, this will be Rise and Grind's second location. They plan to provide coffee, protein smoothies, and healthy options for local students, commuters, and surrounding businesses. The location will also offer unique clothing designs and hopes to attract the local art community due to its proximity to Fitchburg’s art museum and theater. The City of Fitchburg has offered a zero percent interest, five-year loan with final six months forgiveness valued at approximately $13,158, and a $25,000 store improvement grant from the Reimagine North of Main partnership. The Commonwealth has approved $10,000 in refundable tax credits to support this project.

麻州能源及環保事務廳廳長宣佈領導團隊成員

 Massachusetts EEA Secretary Tepper Announces Leadership Team

BOSTON – Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper announced her leadership team today at the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA). The following individuals have joined the Office of the Secretary and will help shape the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy, environmental protections, and public lands. 

“We’ve assembled a team of visionary thinkers and dedicated public servants to lead the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at this pivotal time,” said Secretary Tepper. “Working with our departments, we are committed to guiding an equitable transition to clean energy, protecting our precious natural resources, and building healthy, resilient communities. I’ve charged our team to view their work through an environmental justice lens so that no community is left behind as the clean energy economy grows and the climate heats up.” 

Kathleen Glunz Skarin – Chief of Staff 

Prior to joining the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Skarin spent 25 years in high-intensity political and professional working environments at all levels of government. Most recently, Skarin served as senior engagement officer at RIZE Massachusetts. Before joining RIZE, she was director of strategic partnerships at the New England Aquarium. As chief of staff at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office for nearly a decade, Skarin was a member of the sheriff’s command staff and led on executing priority initiatives, including criminal justice reform efforts. She also served as staff director for the Joint Committee on Public Health and later the Joint Committee on Financial Services. During this time, she managed the daily operations of the committees and developed the policy agenda with the chairman and committee staff. Her career began in Washington, DC as a member of the legislative staff of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and later in Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s Washington office, where she spent seven years working with Congress and the executive branch on issues important to the city of Chicago, including expanding and improving the city’s transit system. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University. She started on February 27. 

As Chief of Staff, Skarin oversees the daily operations of the agency, handling the Secretary’s agenda and schedule, facilitating inter-agency collaboration, and serving as a primary point of contact with the Governor’s Office. 

Paolo DiFabio – Deputy Chief of Staff 

Paolo DiFabio comes to EEA from the British Consulate-General in Boston, where he served as Head of Politics, Press, and Public Affairs. In this role, he organized numerous UK business and political delegations, major events like bringing the Red Arrows to Boston, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, and the 2022 Earthshot Prize visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Since COP26 DiFabio has been helping to lead the UK’s efforts to tackle climate change and support green energy development in the region. Previously, he spent twelve years as a university administrator leading academic degree development and student recruitment for Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, as well as other roles in political campaigns and business startups. He holds a Bachelor’s from Ithaca College and a Master’s of Fine Arts from Boston University. He starts on March 27. 

DiFabio will work closely with Skarin and other members of EEA leadership to coordinate the daily operations of the agency and provide support to the Secretary. 

Peter C. Mulcahy – General Counsel 

Peter Mulcahy is an experienced energy and environmental law advocate in both the public and private sectors. Mulcahy previously served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Environmental Protection Division under then-Attorney General Healey, working on some of her Office’s highest-profile environmental initiatives, including the investigations of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions fraud and ExxonMobil’s decades-long deception of the public regarding the role of fossil fuels in climate change. He defended key environmental regulations against challenges from the Trump Administration and won settlements against corporations and individuals who flouted laws protecting the environment and public health. He also co-led several policy initiatives, including novel drives to pull together stakeholders across the state government and non-profit sector to raise awareness, change policy, and increase enforcement to protect the public from toxic exposures to lead and asbestos. While at the Attorney General’s Office, he also served as co-chair of the Environmental Litigation Committee of the Boston Bar Association. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Mulcahy was a senior associate at Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale & Dorr LLP in Boston, practicing in the firm’s Investigations and Criminal Litigation group. Most recently, he was a senior associate in the White Collar and Investigations group at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., also in Boston. He grew up in Shrewsbury and holds a bachelor’s degree in government and a law degree, both from Harvard. He rows on Lake Quinsigamond and lives in Shrewsbury with his daughter, Amalia, and his dog, Scout. 

Mulcahy will advise the Secretary and EEA leadership on a variety of legal and policy issues, including legislation, regulations, and statutory authorities, and will advise and coordinate with department-level legal staff. 

Katherine Antos – Undersecretary of Decarbonization & Resilience 

Katherine Antos has served as the Deputy Executive Director for Planning & Sustainability at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) since 2022. At MAPC, she leads the Clean Energy, Environment, Land Use, Transportation and Arts & Culture Departments on plans, technical assistance and initiatives that advance a more resilient Greater Boston region. She partners with cities, towns, state agencies and organizations to promote sustainable development, advance equity, address climate change, and foster regional collaboration. Prior to joining MAPC, Antos worked at the Washington, D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Director and the Chief of the Partnering and Environmental Conservation Branch. She oversaw the development and execution of priority initiatives to advance watershed restoration, environmental education, workforce development, community engagement, climate mitigation and resilience, and urban agriculture. Antos also served as the first Ambassador for the Anacostia River under the Urban Waters Federal Partnership and in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Chesapeake Bay Program Office. She has received national and regional recognition for her work to reduce pollution, build partnerships, cultivate stewardship among diverse communities, and lead change at DOEE and the EPA. Antos grew up in Massachusetts and holds a Master’s degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Brown University. She lives in Arlington, Massachusetts, with her husband and children. She starts on March 27. 

As the Undersecretary of Decarbonization & Resilience, Antos will integrate EEA's climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in response to the climate crisis. She will oversee the implementation of the Clean Energy and Climate Plan, the Commonwealth's roadmap to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and efforts to prepare for and increase resilience to climate change impacts. As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's agenda, Antos will focus on reducing impacts to communities disproportionately burdened by flooding and extreme heat and creating opportunities in the clean energy economy. 

Stephanie Cooper – Undersecretary for the Environment 

Stephanie Cooper joins EEA as Undersecretary for Environment after serving in a range of roles throughout the Secretariat. Most recently, Cooper was the Deputy Commissioner for Policy & Planning for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In this role, she led agency regulatory development efforts and managed priority initiatives related to air quality, climate change, hazardous waste clean-up, solid waste and recycling, and water resources. She previously served as Chief of Staff for DEP. For eight months in 2021 and 2022, she took a leave from DEP to serve as Acting Commissioner for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), where she oversaw a successful agency-wide strategic evaluation process. Previously, as Assistant Secretary at EEA, she guided the state’s policies and investments relative to land protection, forestry, and urban parks. Prior to that, as Chief of Staff for DCR, she helped manage DCR’s diverse responsibilities across a 450,000-acre forest and parks system. Before coming to Massachusetts, Stephanie served the City of New York in a variety of roles, including Chief of Staff for Operations at the NYC Department of Transportation, and in the Mayor’s Office, where she was a liaison to transportation, environmental protection, and capital construction agencies. Her other prior experience includes environmental consulting, community organizing, and non-profit work. She holds a Bachelor’s in political science from Middlebury College and a Master’s in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. She lives in Brookline with her daughter. She started on March 6. 

As Undersecretary for Environment, Cooper will oversee and partner with the environmental agencies – the Departments of Environmental Protection, Fish and Game, Agricultural Resources, and Conservation and Recreation – to protect, preserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s environmental resources while ensuring a clean energy future for all. She will serve as a key advisor on environmental issues and coordinate specific programs, including land conservation, park investments, toxics use reduction, and coastal zone management. 

Michael Judge – Undersecretary of Energy 

Michael Judge joins EEA as Undersecretary for Energy from the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), where he has served as the Vice President for Policy since September 2021. In this role, Judge managed CCSA’s Policy Team, leading its policy advocacy at both the federal level and across the more than 20 states in which the organization’s members are active. Prior to his time at CCSA, he spent over 12 years in various roles in Massachusetts state government, including over two years as Director of Electric Power, Regional, and Federal Affairs at the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), in which he managed the DPU’s Electric Power Division and its oversight of the Commonwealth’s investor-owned electric distribution companies and licensed competitive retail electricity suppliers and brokers. He also advised the Commission on matters pertaining to electric power supply, reliability, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, grid modernization, interconnection, renewable energy, and storm and emergency planning. Prior to his time at the DPU, he spent over nine years at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), including four years as Director of its Renewable and Alternative Energy Division. During his time at DOER, he was responsible for the administration of the Commonwealth’s Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standards and oversaw the development and implementation of other programs supporting clean energy and energy storage, such as the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Energy Target (SMART) Program. He holds two Bachelor’s degrees from UMass Amherst and lives in Boston. He starts on March 27.  

As the Undersecretary for Energy, Judge will coordinate the execution of energy policy for EEA. He will work directly with DOER, the DPU, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and other agencies on the development of policy priorities and the implementation of Massachusetts energy laws and regulations. 

Previously, Secretary Tepper appointed María Belén Power as the first-ever Undersecretary of Environmental Justice & Equity, who will lead the newly established Office of Environmental Justice. Jason Marshall will serve as Deputy Secretary and Special Counsel for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs, and Mary Louise “Weezie” Nuara will join as Assistant Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs. Tepper also named Maria Hardiman as Director of Communications. Olivia McCaffrey will remain Chief Financial Officer, Faye Boardman to continue as Chief Operations Officer, and Johannes Buchannan will stay on as Assistant Secretary for Government Affairs. Tori Kim continues as Assistant Secretary and Director of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office, and Lisa Berry Engler remains Director of the Office of Coastal Zone Management. Danielle Burney continues as Deputy Director of Communications. 

FOLLOWING HOUSING DISCRIMINATION INVESTIGATION, AG’S OFFICE REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH MANAGERS OF OUR LADY’S GUILD HOUSE

FOLLOWING HOUSING DISCRIMINATION INVESTIGATION, AG’S OFFICE REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH MANAGERS OF OUR LADY’S GUILD HOUSE  

Settlement Requires Management to Protect Tenants from Eviction and Rent Increases While Sale of Building is Pending; Building Will Permanently Remain Affordable Housing 

  
            BOSTON – Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced today that the owners and managers of Our Lady’s Guild House (OLGH), a single-occupancy apartment building for women in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood, have agreed to pay $115,000 and to provide protections against evictions and rent increases while the sale of the building is pending, settling allegations of age and disability discrimination against long-term tenants. The settlement with the AG’s Office also requires the property owner to put deed restrictions in place, ensuring that the property be used for affordable housing in perpetuity and that six long-term tenants be allowed to remain in the building. 

 

“Our elders and residents living with disabilities deserve more than just our respect. We owe them an opportunity to live long and healthy lives, free from discrimination and the fear of being pushed out of their homes,” said AG Campbell. “This settlement provides stability and safety for the women who have called Our Lady’s Guild House home for years, and our office will continue to protect access to affordable housing across the Commonwealth.” 

 

              “Residents of OLGH first filed discrimination complaints in 2018 when the management of OLGH brought no fault eviction proceedings to rid the building of long-term tenants in violation of fair housing laws,” said Margaret Turner, Senior Attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services. “The residents are very pleased that their discrimination case is finally resolved.  OLGH has now decided to sell the building and residents are urging the new owners to keep it as SRO [Single Room Occupancy] housing for women, so that OLGH can continue to provide much needed safe, affordable housing for women, as well as the gender diverse. We appreciate the support and hard work of the Attorney General’s Office.” 

 

“The enforcement action brought by the Attorney General against OLGH and this settlement represent a significant win for both the long-time residents of OLGH and for tenants throughout the Commonwealth,” said Pattie Whiting, Clinical Instructor and Lecturer on Law at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. “It sends a clear message to landlords that they will face significant consequences if they choose to engage in behavior or practices that are discriminatory or otherwise unlawful, and that the Attorney General takes violations of Massachusetts’ consumer protection and discrimination laws very seriously.” 

 

The assurance of discontinuance settles an investigation by the AG’s Office into allegations that Our Lady’s Guild House, Inc. (OLGH) and MRR Management violated the state’s consumer protection and antidiscrimination laws by discriminating against current, former and prospective tenants on the basis of age and disability. The AG Office’s investigation specifically found that the property owner and manager illegally targeted elderly long-term residents for no-cause evictions, advertised and imposed tenancy restrictions based on age and ability, imposed residency time limits that resulted in the displacement of elderly long-term tenants and failed to provide reasonable accommodations and modifications to the building requested by the tenants. The AG’s Office further alleged that the entities failed to comply with security deposit and rental fee requirements under the law. 

 

The AG’s Office began investigating the entities’ practices after receiving several complaints from tenants at the property that alleged discriminatory practices by OLGH and MRR Management. 

 

Specifically, the assurance of discontinuance requires the property owner and manager to dismiss pending eviction claims against current tenants and to place deed restrictions on the property to ensure that the buyers utilize the building for affordable housing in perpetuity; allow six current long-term tenants to live at the property for as long as they choose, subject to limited rent increases; and provide a community space at the property. OLGH and MRR Management are also required to pay the state a total of $115,000 in penalties, most of which will be distributed to seven long-term tenants at the property who were harmed by the alleged discriminatory practices. The assurance prevents OLGH and MRR Management from taking any adverse actions against tenants and raising rents until the property is sold; from retaliating against any tenants; and from forming or affiliating with a separate entity for the purpose of circumventing the settlement. 

 

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office is committed to enforcing the state’s antidiscrimination laws and encourages those who have concerns about housing discrimination to call the office’s Civil Rights Division at 617-963-2917 or to file a complaint online. To view a copy of the AG’s guide to landlord and tenant rights click here. For information on our state’s fair housing laws click here. 

  

Today’s settlement matter was handled by Deputy Division Chief Shafaq Islam of AG Campbell’s Civil Rights Division.