Thursday, November 30, 2017

This Saturday (December 2) at the East Boston Library: Boston Mosaic: Music by Latin American Women Composers & Slide Lecture on Shen Yun

Boston Mosaic: Music by Latin American Women Composers 
Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 12 p.m.

As part of Boston MOSAIC, the Boston Philharmonic presents an interactive concert of music by Latina composers, in partnership with the Unitas Ensemble and The Musary.  The program  features not only a concert portion, but also opportunities to interact with the musicians, ask questions about the music, and even a chance to play the instruments at one of our Instrument Playgrounds.Sure to be a fun experience for the whole family. Free and suitable for all ages!


Shen Yun: Leap into 5,000 Years of Magnificent Culture
Saturday, December 2,2017 at 2 p.m.

Join us for a slide lecture on reviving the essences of traditional Chinese culture through Shen Yun.

For more information contact:

East Boston Branch Branch Library
365 Bremen Street
East Boston, MA 02128
(617)569-0271

Weekly Look-Ahead: Sumner Tunnel Toll Plaza Reconstruction


WEEKEND WORK:

This upcoming weekend, MassDOT will be performing enabling work to shift the Route 1A Southbound traffic lanes into the Phase 3 alignment to allow for continued construction of the mainline roadway and local streets. This weekend’s work will consist of forming the median barrier between Route 1A SB and NB at the viaduct to tie the precast concrete barrier into the existing bridge barrier.

The left lane closure will be implemented starting at the exit portal of the Callahan Tunnel north to the bridge viaduct. The left lane closure will be in place on Saturday 12/2 from 6:00am – 3:30pm and Sunday 12/3 from 6:00am – 2:00pm.

Period of December 3 to December 9, 2017

Throughout the period covered by this look-ahead, MassDOT’s contractor for the Reconstruction of the Sumner Tunnel toll plaza will continue to progress work at the job site. Work at Sumner Tunnel will be performed during standard working hours, between 6:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There will be weekend work on Sunday, December 3rd from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

At the Sumner Tunnel entrance this week, carpenters will be onsite Sunday, December 3 installing forms and rebar for the cast-in-place section of the median barrier and this work will require a daytime Route 1A northbound left lane closure as noted above.  Weekday work includes the paving of the section between the curbing and the median barrier, installation of the remaining curbing, stripping concrete forms, and installing the remaining asphalt patching along the new cast-in-place median barrier after the formwork is removed.  All this work is weather permitting.  


SWING LANE TIME:

MassDOT will be opening the Sumner “swing lane” from 3pm to 8pm on Sundays. This effort is to help support the Route 1A Sunday volumes that have been observed over the last several weeks.

All execution of this will be the same as has been on the weekdays and the District will continue to monitor all traffic.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Monday, November 20, 2017

Gove Street Citizens Association to meet on Monday, November 27

Here's the agenda:

GSCA Executive Board Election - Any GSCA voting member may nominate themselves, or any other eligible voting member, or members, for election to any of the following Offices for a two-year term: 

Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Director At-Large. Nomination signup sheets will be available at this meeting for a January 22nd monthly meeting election.

There will be no monthly meeting on December 25th, Christmas Day.

Update on status of GSCA area projects.

  • Suffolk Downs Project – Comprehensive planning, design & scheduling presentation. Tom O’Brien of HYM Associates.  
  • 158 Cottage Street – A proposal for a325-square foot pressure treated roof deck off the back bedroom of the house. Owner Frank Murray (2nd presentation / Vote to be taken.)
  • 18 Everett Street – A proposal to demolish the existing structure and erect a 9-unit residential building with 9 parking spaces. Attorney Richard Lynds (1st presentation / No vote at this time.) 
  • 23 Everett Street - A proposal to change the occupancy from a one-family dwelling to a two-family dwelling. Also, renovate the building by adding a 3rd story addition.  Attorney Jeffrey Drago (1st presentation / No vote at this time.) 
  • 128 Gove Street / Mt. Carmel –  A proposal to demolish the existing structures on the former Mt. Carmel Church property, with the exception of the church structure, and erect 4 multi-level buildings with 121 Units. The project will consist of fifty percent condos to 50 percent rentals. The project will also include an underground parking facility. Subject to a BPDA Project Review Process. Attorney Jeffrey Drago (1st presentation / No vote at this time.)


MEETING DATE: Monday, November 27, 2017 

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

LOCATION - The Noddle Island Community Room located on the first floor of the Logan Airport Rental Car Center situated at the end of Porter Street. Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Veterans News: Massachusetts Building Trades Council Honors Veterans with City Hall Ceremony and Helmets to Hardhats Program Donations

Boston- In recognition of Veterans Day, union affiliates of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council held a ceremony and fundraiser for the Helmets to Hardhats program at the Boston City Hall on November 9th.  

Helmets to Hardhats is a program that connects veterans with union jobs and training. Since 2007, the program has connected 575 military veterans to union jobs statewide. Massachusetts Building Trades Council has been an ardent supporter of Helmets to Hardhats and organized its affiliate unions to donate towards the program. 

Helmets to hardhats have provided a large number of veterans the opportunity to work in professions such painting, construction and much more. The program, headquartered in Washington D.C., is managed by Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment, and Veterans Employment.

"Joining a union through Helmets to Hardhats helped me go from an uninsured, underemployed hard worker to a highly trained well-insured worker with the pension. It's turned my life around and my family’s around," said Tom McEvoy, member of International Union of Operating Engineers, IUOE Local 4.

The jobs available for veterans through the program portal are well-paying union jobs that ensure best benefits, a promising career, and top-of-the-art training program. 





"Talking to veterans returning from duty, I would tell them that if they have any interest in construction they should definitely get involved. They will need to be patient because nothing happens overnight but it will be worth it," said Evan Donohoe, who served in the Marine Core from '06 to '10 and graduated from the sheet metal workers apprenticeship program in August of 2017.

The Massachusetts Building Trades Council recognizes the contributions of and the efforts made by Helmets to Hardhats program in providing our veterans with career opportunities. MassBTC is committed to providing the best training and job opportunities to our veterans. 

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 For nearly 100 years, theMassachusetts Building Trades Council (MBTC) had been dedicated to helping working people improve their quality of life. The organization is comprised of 74 member locals representing over 75,000 working men and women across the state.

Need a place to go on Thanksgiving? Go to Rep. Madaro's mid-day dinner at Sacred Heart


Thursday, November 9, 2017

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Massachusetts Building Trade Unions to Honor Veterans with City Hall Ceremony and Helmets to Hardhats Program Donations

BOSTON, MA - In recognition of Veterans Day, the unions of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council will hold a ceremony and fundraiser for the Helmets to Hardhats program. The event is expected to raise more than $25,000 in donations to the program. The donations come from a number of labor unions affiliated with the Massachusetts Buildings Trades Council (MBTC). 

Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans with union jobs and training in the construction industry. Since 2007, the program has connected 575 military veterans to union jobs in Massachusetts alone.  MBTC has been an ardent supporter of Helmets to Hardhats and has organized its affiliate unions in Massachusetts to donate towards the program. 

What: Ceremony Fundraiser for Helmets to Hardhats Program

Who: Veterans who have benefitted from the program; unions affiliated with MBTC; elected officials 

Why: To raise funds and awareness for the Helmets to Hardhats program to assist veterans in connecting to well-paying careers with benefits through the labor movement and construction trade unions

When: November 9, 2017, from Noon - 2pm

Where: Boston City Hall, Boston, MA, 02201

Veterans who have been a part of the program are available for interviews. 

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For nearly 100 years, the Massachusetts Building Trades Council (MBTC) had been dedicated to helping working people improve their quality of life. The organization is comprised of 74 member locals representing over 75,000 working men and women across the state.

Overview of the results from District 1 Boston City Council


My op-ed on the state's bid for Amazon HQ2

An argument for Massachusetts as the site for Amazon's second headquarters. (Subscription required). 

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Boston East Presents ‘Ten Great Reasons to Love (and Live in) East Boston'

Waterfront, great restaurants and unique cultural amenities are just a few things to love about East Boston

(Boston, Mass. November 2, 2017) – East Boston is one of the City’s hottest and fastest-growing neighborhoods, and Boston East – its newest residential community – is located directly on the waterfront in the heart of it all.

East Boston features a unique mix of great restaurants, arts and cultural amenities, outdoor activities, and outstanding views of the ocean and Boston skyline.

“East Boston is Boston’s hottest neighborhood and one of the best spots for residents and visitors to experience the waterfront and a host of arts and outdoor activities,” said Abby Goldenfarb, a Development Vice President at Trinity Financial. “We’re proud to be a part of this wonderful community and are pleased that Boston East reflects the eclectic, vibrant personality and character of East Boston.”

Located on Boston Harbor and in close proximity to Downtown Boston and the MBTA, Boston East is a boutique, mid-rise residential community that features 200 units, including six artist live-work-sell units. The interiors of Boston East’s common spaces and residential units were created by Cortney and Robert Novogratz – a Los Angeles-based husband and wife design team famous for HGTV’s Home by Novogratz and Bravo’s 9 By Design. The pair has conceived some of the most unique and amazing living spaces across the country.

The thriving community of East Boston is steeped in history, food and culture. For that reason, Boston East has created the Ten Great Reasons to Love (and Live in) East Boston.


1.       Great Restaurants: From the world’s best pizza to meat pies and tacos, East Boston has it all. Perhaps the neighborhood’s most famous restaurant is Santarpio’s Pizza, the winner of numerous awards and rave reviews. Restaurants such as Craft Table & Bar and Cunard Tavern serve fare inspired by local, regional, and even international influences. The Australian-inspired KO Pies offers its signature menu of savory meat and vegetable pies, seafood and seasonal salads. Rino's Place is the ideal spot for Italian food featuring Chef Anthony DiCenso, who was born and raised in Italy. The Reelhouse, which overlooks the Harbor, recently opened and offers an innovative take on fresh New England fare. And if you’re in the mood for tacos, Taquería Jalisco has you covered. They even deliver!

2.       Home of the Best Cider House Brewery: Cider lovers across Massachusetts, New England and beyond enjoy Downeast Cider House, founded by longtime college buddies Ross Brockman and Tyler Mosher. Only fresh-pressed juices and pure, natural ingredients are used in their cider, and patrons can enjoy everything a wide range of blends, including cranberry and pumpkin.

3.       Unique Arts and Culture: East Boston boasts a thriving commitment to the arts with many gallery exhibits, theater opportunities, movies, and music. The Atlantic Works Gallery and the East Boston Artists Group– located next to Boston East – showcases work from local and regional artists. The Boston East community also features an onsite art gallery and affordable artist live-work-sell units. The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) is also planning a major expansion on the waterfront in East Boston that will offer free admission. Events such as the ZUMIX Radio Block Party and weekly multicultural Friday films are commonplace.

4.       The Atlantic Ocean: The East Boston waterfront offers some of the most beautiful views in the entire city. It also features Constitution Beach – a hidden waterfront gem that is a popular spot for swimming. Boston East takes advantage of these gorgeous views with large, floor-to-ceiling windows and ample outdoor space with multiple patios, decks and a large rooftop lounge. Residents will also be able to utilize the Harborwalk and an onsite kayak and paddleboard launch.

5.       Beautiful Parks and Reservations: East Boston’s Belle Isle Marsh Reservation – the largest remaining, in-tact salt marsh system in Boston – is a beautiful spot to observe nature and wildlife without leaving the city. The newly-reopened Bertulli Park features a pedestrian promenade, a plaza, and a veteran’s memorial. The park is also ADA compliant. Visitors can also take in breathtaking views of the Boston skyline from Piers Park. Don’t forget to check out Condor Street Urban Wild, a former marine industrial site, and the waterfront LoPresti Park and Veteran’s Park is just a block away.

6.       Fun Outdoor Opportunities: The waterfront area has also recently been discovered by sport and fitness fanatics hoping to take advantage of the beautiful views and outdoor spaces. The Piers Park Sailing Center – a nonprofit organization – offers sailing lessons to kids, families and adults of all ages along with Harbor cruises and other youth programming. Boston Scuba offers classes and dive charters. Additionally, the recently opened “The Point” is the first Barre and yoga studio in East Boston and it offers bar, Pilates, and yoga classes.

7.       Rich History: East Boston has a vibrant history centered on the water, its famous marinas and shipyards and welcoming immigrant community. The Kennedy family once lived in East Boston and in 1954, John F. Kennedy visited the neighborhood with his wife Jackie. In a famous photograph, Kennedy is shown waving to a crowd in front of Santarpio’s Pizza. Boston East’s design – done by celebrity designers Cortney and Robert Novogratz – reflects the many influences from Boston’s rich history and the nearby marinas and shipyards in a non-traditional way. 

8.       Happy and Community-Oriented Place to Live: East Boston is a diverse, happy and welcoming neighborhood. Group activities that emphasize community are not hard to find. Whether it’s local festivals, group fitness classes or block parties, the emphasis on community is strong. East Boston also features strong and diverse schools, including the highly regarded Excel Academy Charter School.

9.       Pet-Friendly: With all the open space and parks, East Boston is a great place for a pet. The neighborhood features the Bremen Street Dog Park – one of the few dog parks in Boston, which has exercise equipment for dogs and water fountains for pets and their owners. Boston East is also pet-friendly and even offers an on-site doggie spa for furry friends.

10.   Location, Location, Location. Not only does Boston East offer the best views of the Harbor and Boston skyline, it’s conveniently located on the MBTA Blue Line, just minutes from downtown Boston.

About Boston East

Located directly on the waterfront, steps from Maverick Square and Central Square, Boston East is a $71 million boutique mid-rise residential community that features 200 apartment homes, including six artist live-work units. Boston East will allow residents to engage the waterfront through a kayak and paddle-board launch and experience uniquely designed apartments and amenity spaces with striking water views. Trinity Management, LLC will serve as Boston East’s property management company. For more information, please visit www.bostoneast.com or call 617-BOS-EAST.