Mayor Walsh announces contract with Sterlingwear to produce gowns for first responders

BOSTON - Monday, August 17, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston has signed a contract with Sterlingwear of Boston, a locally-owned, third generation East Boston garment manufacturer, to produce up to 150,000 medical gowns for Boston's first responders and frontline workers. The partnership has helped re-employ highly skilled garment workers while providing needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  "During these challenging times, I am pleased that the City of Boston has been able to support a long-time, locally owned business, while producing needed, high quality PPE to support Boston's first responders," said Mayor Walsh. "We will continue to support our local and small businesses that employ our residents and fuel our neighborhoods." The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a worldwide shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and Mayor Walsh and the Greater Boston Labor Council (GBLC) worked closely together to identify a way to support both a locally-owned business and workers, while increasing the supply of PPE for Boston's first responders and frontline workers. Prior to pivoting operations to produce medical gowns, Sterlingwear of Boston was set to close after the federal government ended a 45 year contract to manufacture the traditional U.S. Navy wool peacoats earlier this year.  Sterlingwear of Boston is the last remaining garment manufacturer in the City of Boston. "Our members at Sterlingwear of Boston are very proud to apply their craft in the service of protecting frontline workers right here in the City of Boston. The work of garment workers can often go unnoticed, but we're thankful to the Greater Boston Labor Council and Mayor Walsh for working with us and Sterlingwear of Boston to highlight the important work that our members do in the needletrades," said Warren Pepicelli, Manager / International Executive Vice President, New England Joint Board UNITE HERE. "This is an important example of why we should value manufacturing work and what is possible when we put our neighbors back to work."  "As a family owned company now in its third generation Sterlingwear of Boston is no stranger to making high quality garments for our nation's heroes," said Frank Fredella, CEO and Owner, Sterlingwear of Boston. "Over the past 55 years we've been proud to make uniforms for almost every branch of the US military from our East Boston factory. We're immensely proud to be putting our years of experience in the garment industry to work by manufacturing critically needed PPE for frontline workers during this pandemic. It is fitting that Bostonians will be wearing PPE made right here in their city. We hope they'll wear them with the same pride we take in making them." In addition to supporting the City's first responders, Sterlingwear of Boston is expected to manufacture medical gowns for small and local businesses, including community health centers, and assisted living and nursing homes.  The City of Boston has created a platform to help businesses source the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies they will be required to have available in order to ensure the safety of employees and customers as industries reopen.  Along with industry-specific reopening requirements, the page includes a list of self-identified, local suppliers of PPE and cleaning supplies, information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' vendor database, and partner organizations helping to connect businesses with vendors.

Mayor Walsh announces ordinance allowing plastic bags extended to Sept. 30

BOSTON - Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston's executive order to exempt all establishments from the plastic bag ban ordinance will stay in place until September 30.  This transition period will allow stores to use up any single-use plastic bags that they have purchased during the emergency. The five-cent per bag fee will also not be in effect. "In March, we suspended the City's ban on plastic bags and the 5-cent fee for paper bags in order to give both stores and customers more flexibility during this difficult time," said Mayor Walsh. "While we're extending that suspension to best serve businesses and residents, I want to be clear that the Boston Public Health Commission and the state Department of Public Health have said that reusable bags are safe and people should feel free to use them." On October 1, all provisions of the plastic bag ban ordinance will come back into effect. This includes the elimination of most single-use plastic bags and the requirement for the five-cent fee.  The ordinance still allows the ISD Commissioner to grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis. Residents in Boston are now able to use reusable bags if they would like to. More information about the City's plastic bag ban is available on boston.gov. The City's previous guidance on allowing plastic bags during the COVID-19 health emergency is available on boston.gov.

City to deploy sound trucks in East Boston with stay-at-home message, Covid-19 information to Boston Neighborhoods

BOSTON - Saturday, April 18, 2020 - Tomorrow at noon, the City will deploy seven Boston Public Works trucks with sound equipment to broadcast a message about COVID-19: stay home as much as you can, wash your hands often, cover your face when out, and keep your distance from others. The message will be broadcasted in seven languages, depending on the community, including: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Arabic, Somali, and Cabo Verdean Creole. 

"This weekend we are launching new tactics to get the message out in the places that we know are hardest hit," said Mayor Walsh. "We need everyone to know that we are in a public health emergency and we need everyone to do their part. We also continue to work on expanding access to testing for our residents, because every community deserves full access to the level of testing and communication that meets the needs they have."

The trucks will be deployed to the neighborhoods that have COVID-19 rates higher than the rest of Boston, including Hyde Park, Mattapan, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury and Roslindale. According to the latest data from the Boston Public Health Commission, Hyde Park had 413 reported cases of COVID-19, Mattapan had 298, Dorchester had 1,274, East Boston had 410, Roxbury had 335, and Roslindale had 302. 

The City is phone banking essential small businesses and will be providing posters in multiple languages that ask customers to cover their faces and practice distancing. The City is also putting up on street signs and other infrastructure. 

During the weekend of March 21, a thousand City of Boston employees and volunteers delivered printed information on COVID-19 to all homes in Boston. The pamphlet outlined details about the virus, a list of preventative measures to mitigate the spread, and a compilation of city resources, including food access sites, in: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cabo Verdean Creole and Russian. The City has been delivering literature in multiple languages to essential businesses.

Residents who have questions are encouraged to call 311 to be connected with a telephonic interpreter, or through the Mayor's Health Line at (617) 534-5050. Updates in 10 languages can additionally be accessed through boston.gov/coronavirus#multilingual-help. Each language has its own page and hosts multilingual print materials distributed citywide. Residents and organizations interested in volunteering their language skills for COVID-19 communications can sign up here. 

Mayor Walsh announces small business relief fund

New resources created to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19 receive immediate capital relief and navigate the evolving financial assistance landscape BOSTON - Thursday, April 2, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the creation of the Small Business Relief Fund, established to assist Boston's small businesses most directly impacted by closures, policies, or general loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This newly created fund, administered and managed by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED), is designed to quickly and strategically disburse grants to local businesses through a streamlined process that does not require businesses to assume additional debt. The Fund will begin accepting applications on Monday, April 6, 2020.  "We are committed to helping Boston's small businesses during this unprecedented time by providing strategic, accessible, and critical financial resources to help them stay afloat and pay employees," said Mayor Walsh. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our neighborhoods. As the response to COVID-19 continues to evolve, we want to make this resource as straightforward as possible for business owners and work one-on-one to ensure they have the most up-to-date information on financial assistance available." The Small Business Relief Fund will be administered through OED's Small Business Financing program, and is funded by a combination of funds from the City of Boston, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and private institutions. Eligible small businesses - a for-profit entity with fewer than 35 employees, and less than $1,500,000 in annual revenue, which is registered and operating in Boston - will apply through a single application and be considered for one of three grants based on the size of the business. Grants can be used to address rent, fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, lost sales, lost opportunities, and other working capital expenses. The Fund will kick-off with an initial $2 million in resources available to small businesses, which includes city operating funding and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that the City of Boston receives annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding will also include an additional $50,000 contribution from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.  "The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of everyone in Massachusetts and our small businesses have been hit especially hard," said Attorney General Maura Healey. "I thank Mayor Walsh for his leadership and the opportunity to contribute to this fund to assist these businesses during this difficult time. I'll continue to collaborate with my partners in government to help all those affected by this crisis - we will get through this together." As business owners, employers, and employees navigate an evolving COVID-19-related assistance landscape, OED has created a Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document, both of which are continuously updated. Small Business conference calls will continue every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. to communicate policy updates, answer questions, feature relevant City of Boston departments, and troubleshoot the ecosystem of funding available from the state, federal, and private industry. For any business interested in joining these weekly calls, please email smallbiz@boston.gov.  OED has created a number of useful guides and resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the Commonwealth's  Non-Essential Services and Stay At Home Order. Open Businesses in Boston: a tool for essential businesses to publicly share that they're open, share gift-card information, and which (if any) delivery/take-out services they use. This guide is available for residents to utilize, and explore what local businesses are open in their neighborhoods.  Support Boston Restaurants: a web page for restaurants to publicly share that they're open, share gift-card information, and which (if any) delivery/take-out services they use. This guide is available for residents to utilize, and explore what local businesses are open in their neighborhoods.  Takeout and Delivery Guidebook: a guide on how to establish food takeout and delivery services now that the City of Boston has lifted licensing regulations.  Small Business Survey: the third of four surveys for small businesses to pinpoint the help and services they need during this time.  The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/small-business or under the Local Resources "Economic Development Response" on  boston.gov/coronavirus.

In State of the City Address, Mayor Walsh announces East Boston Transportation Action Committee

BOSTON - Tuesday, January 7, 2020 - Building on his commitment to ensuring Boston's streets are safe, equitable and reliable for all, Mayor Martin J. Walsh during his State of the City address tonight announced the creation of an East Boston Transportation Action Committee.

"This year, we will build on our community planning in East Boston, launching a Transportation Action Committee to address the traffic challenges there," said Mayor Walsh. "Transportation is crucial to ensuring our residents can get to their homes, their jobs and their schools, and my Administration will continue working hard to create the best transportation options for residents in Boston. I look forward to working with the East Boston community to make transportation better for all."

Important projects under consideration include improving bus reliability on Meridian Street, designing Bennington Street to be safer and more bike friendly, and re-imagining Day Square with additional public space.

In his speech, Mayor Walsh announced new efforts to reduce congestion and improve in Boston, including launching a Transportation Action Committee in East Boston to address the unique circumstances in the neighborhood. The committee will include local residents, advocates and stakeholders.

Since launching Boston's safety plan, Vision Zero, the City has cut fatalities on Boston roads by half. Mayor Walsh again called for Boston to have a seat on the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board, noting Boston is the largest payer into the MBTA--but doesn't have a voice at the table. In addition to this advocacy, Mayor Walsh urged Boston's partners at the Massachusetts Legislature to take up transportation financing, and enable Boston to use Regional Ballot Initiatives (RBI) to fund its transportation initiatives.

Last year, the Boston Transportation Department resurfaced over 30 miles of roads, repainted over 1,000 crosswalks, rebuilt sidewalks, installed safety signage all throughout Boston, cut the ribbon on North Square in the North End, and broke ground on new streets and sidewalks in Roxbury. The Boston Transportation Department has also worked to improve active transportation options, improving bike connections from Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, and the South End to downtown. Additional work includes rethinking how our connections operate, designing bridges in Charlestown, South Boston, Hyde Park and Long Island that work for everyone.

In November, Mayor Walsh announced a significant milestone reached on the implementation of the City's Go Boston 2030 transportation plan, with more than half of the 58 projects and policies identified in the plan currently underway. The comprehensive plan was unveiled in 2017 and is designed to provide, by the year 2030, a safe, reliable and equitable transportation system that also supports Boston's climate goals. In just two years, the Boston Transportation Department and its partners have made significant progress on their planning goals, designed to increase safety, accessibility, equity and affordability in transportation for all residents. Twenty-one projects are already in implementation and another 17 are in design.

Source: Mayor's Press Office

Mayor Walsh issues 1,000 new Section 8 vouchers for Boston families and residents

Vouchers will provide housing assistance to Boston chronically homeless individuals and families

BOSTON - Friday, April 26, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh together with the Boston Housing Authority and local shelter providers yesterday gathered in Roxbury to announce the release of 1,000 new rental housing vouchers for chronically homeless residents and families in Boston. The vouchers are funded through the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will increase the BHA's portfolio of vouchers to 13,500.

"I am incredibly proud that through these 1,000 rental housing vouchers we'll be able to provide more residents and families with a home," said Mayor Walsh. "These vouchers are more than a rent subsidy -- they represent a foundation for stability, support and self-sufficiency. We will continue working together to create these homes for our residents and be a city where every single person matters and every single person is cared for."

Through partnerships with DHD and DHCD and the network of shelter providers and service providers, voucher holders will receive housing search assistance, funds for relocation, and stabilization services for at least six months.

"These vouchers not only help homeless residents and families find permanent affordable housing, they offer them the stability they need to pursue new opportunities and better their lives," said BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle.

The BHA will issue the 1,000 new vouchers through the Coordinated Access System referral program, the Rapid Rehousing program, the Moving On program, and the Leading the Way Home Program.

Rapid Rehousing is a form of supported housing designed to rehouse families who have recently become homeless. Moving On is a program that will assist formerly chronically homeless tenants who currently occupy traditional housing that has supportive services, and are no longer in need of those services, transition to independent housing. The  Coordinated Access System was developed under the Mayor's Action Plan to End Veteran and Chronic Homelessness and prioritizes matching the most vulnerable homeless individuals, including veterans, youth and young adults and long-term chronically homelessness individuals to housing opportunities. Leading the Way Home is a form of supported housing designed to help families transition out of emergency shelters by offering 18 months of supportive services focused on stabilization and self-sufficiency, along with Section 8 rental assistance.

In addition to the tenant-based Housing Choice Vouchers, the BHA will offer up to 150 project-based vouchers to preserve affordability in developments subsidized through the expiring Mass Housing 13A mortgage program. 13A developments may use these vouchers to help tenants remain in their homes and prevent any risk of homelessness.

BHA was able to secure approximately $28 million in additional funding for vouchers this year after they initiated a rent survey and appealed HUD estimates for Fair Market Rent (FMR) in the Boston area last fall. The survey demonstrated the need for a higher FMR, which sets the payment standard housing authorities can set for voucher-subsidized rents, and determines subsidy levels for voucher holders. The previous HUD FMR rate lagged significantly behind the Boston region's rising rental market. The new rate and additional funding will allow BHA to issue at least 1000 new housing vouchers. The BHA last issued new vouchers in late 2017.

"The Section 8 voucher provided me with the ability to find a place for my children and I to call home. With this new stability, I have been able to maintain a decently paying job along with childcare for my children." said Paulina Morillo, a voucher holder from Dorchester. "These vouchers will do the same for many families like mine."

In addition to today's announcement, Mayor Walsh last week announced his FY20 recommended budget, which includes $4 million to support the creation of approximately 50 new units of permanent supportive housing each year. Creating new permanent supportive housing is a critical component of Boston's Way Home, the City's action plan to end veteran and chronic homelessness in Boston.

In addition, the FY20 recommended budget includes $1 million to provide connections to employment, rental assistance and supportive services for youth, building on the City's action plan to support young Bostonians experiencing homelessness. These funds will help support early identification and outreach, increase access to effective supports, and develop a collaborative system to create pathways to opportunity for those experiencing homelessness. This investment is in addition to a $4.9 million Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The FY20 budget proposal also includes a $300,000 investment that will fund four formerly homeless individuals to work as peer navigators across Boston shelters to connect individuals currently experiencing chronic homelessness with permanent housing pathways. Peer housing navigators will help clients with their housing applications, gathering documentation needed for housing, and mentoring others as they transition from homelessness to housing.

Earlier this week, Mayor Walsh celebrated a $30 million capital investment to revitalize Boston Housing Authority's Bunker Hill Housing development in Charlestown, the first time in the City's history that City bond dollars have been invested directly into a BHA project.

Photo credits: EastBoston.com

Mayor Walsh announces 2019 Environment and Transportation Legislative Agenda

(BOSTON - Tuesday, January 8, 2019) - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced his environment and transportation legislative package, the second of four legislative packages the City of Boston will be submitting to the Massachusetts Legislature. The six-bill package will strengthen the Commonwealth's commitment to the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and the City's goals to be carbon neutral by 2050. Mayor Walsh's legislative agenda builds upon the work of the Administration to ensure equity, opportunity and resilience for all residents by strengthening current systems and creating new tools to adapt, mitigate and invest in local transportation and the environment.

"Addressing the threat of climate change and making sure we keep up with our transportation needs goes beyond city limits. That's why we must work together with the Massachusetts Legislature on issues of climate mitigation and adaptation, and do everything we can to address congestion and increase safety in our streets," said Mayor Walsh. "I'm proud to propose legislation that will explore incentives to reduce pollution and create a statewide vehicle to work on resiliency projects, as well as proposals that would provide investment in transportation infrastructure."

Environment

Mayor Walsh's second legislative package of the year focuses on Boston's shared commitment and leadership with the Commonwealth to be robust environmental stewards, strengthening our ability to address climate change and its impacts. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to be in line with the Paris Agreement while preparing for rising sea levels and extreme weather events is a shared responsibility that requires immediate legislative action. To that end, the environmental bills proposed seek to create a statewide vehicle to work on resiliency projects and explore market incentives to reduce pollution.

This work builds on Mayor Walsh's recent vision plan for a Resilient Boston Harbor. This comprehensive and transformative vision calls for investing in Boston's waterfront to protect against the impacts of rising sea level and climate change. The Mayor's plan lays out strategies along Boston's 47-mile shoreline that will increase access and open space along the waterfront while better protecting the city during a major flooding event.  

The City has already completed segments of the Resilient Boston Harbor plan through district-level projects in East Boston, Charlestown, and South Boston. These projects led to immediate action along the East Boston Greenway where a deployable flood wall was installed last year, an elevated section of Main St. in Charlestown was added to the design of the City's Rutherford Ave. and Sullivan Square project, the ongoing planning for Moakley Park in South Boston to prepare it for coastal and stormwater flooding, and the construction of Martin's Park in the Seaport, which is expected to be completed this year.

Most recently the City, in partnership with the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), submitted its proposal for a $10 million FEMA pre-mitigation grant to begin resilience work along the Fort Point Channel. As the City continues to make strides towards building a more climate-ready Boston, it will begin its next district-level planning project for the Downtown and North End neighborhoods early this year and begin the same work in Dorchester later this year.  

Furthering strengthening Mayor Walsh's commitment to protecting Boston against rising sea levels and climate change, the City is accelerating its progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The City of Boston is committed to being carbon neutral by 2050. Early this year the City will begin the process to update its Climate Action Plan. The update will provide an implementation roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality in Boston, identifying the immediate next steps Boston must take to reach its goals. Most recently the City rolled out its regulation of single-use plastic bags, encouraging all customers to switch to reusable bags when shopping in Boston and help move the City toward zero waste. The City also took a big step forward in implementation of Community Choice Energy by seeking proposals from qualified consultants to develop a municipal energy aggregation program and by convening a community-led working group to inform the program design.  

As a leading city on climate action, the City was named a winner of the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge as Boston works to strengthen and accelerate its progress toward reducing carbon emissions. The City will receive a support package, valued at up to $2.5 million, to increase low-carbon mobility choices and improve energy performance of Boston's building sector.

"Massachusetts residents are already feeling the impacts of climate change, from hotter summers to increased coastal flooding and heavier rainfall. Our research has shown that to address these challenges and protect vulnerable communities, we need partnership among local, regional and state government," said Rebecca Herst, Executive Director of the Sustainable Solutions Lab at UMass Boston. "We applaud Mayor Walsh for proposing a comprehensive approach to protect communities throughout the Commonwealth and encourage better governance for all."

The environmental bills in the Mayor's legislative package include:

An Act to Establish a Commission for a Climate Ready Commonwealth: would create a regional commission to determine which entity should lead major coastal and inland resiliency projects, how such projects might be funded and how those projects should be prioritized. Boston is not alone in facing the threat of climate change, and all communities are experiencing the reality of extreme heat, snow, rain, and flooding. As the impacts increase and intensify, it's more important now than ever before to coordinate investments to adapt infrastructure and our natural and built environment to future climate conditions.

An Act to Modernize our Natural Gas Infrastructure: would impose a fine on natural gas providers for the total volume of all gas leaks, incentivizing the utility companies to update their infrastructure and providing revenue for climate-ready municipal projects. Natural gas is a powerful greenhouse gas and significant contributor to climate change. The City of Boston and all other cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth have outdated and aging natural gas infrastructure. Gas leaks not only harm the environment but are a public safety issue, public health concern, and financial burden to ratepayers.

For more information on the City's environmental work, please visit  boston.gov/environment.

Transportation

As Boston's population continues to grow, with projected growth to reach almost 760,000 people by the year 2030, Mayor Walsh is proposing four transportation bills aimed at efficiently supporting residents by providing investment in transportation infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions from motor vehicles, and providing for safer streets.

The bills further goals established in Go Boston 2030, the City of Boston's comprehensive transportation plan. Execution of the plan is well underway with action being taken on more than half of the 58 projects and policies identified. These initiatives work to reduce traffic, encourage travel by transit, bike and on foot, and ensure safety and access equitably for all users of Boston's streets.
Examples include partnering with the MBTA to promote the use of public transit by establishing a dedicated bus lane on a section of Washington Street in Roslindale that serves eight different bus lines carrying thousands of passengers daily; incorporating new techniques and upgraded equipment into roadway projects to advance our Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries in Boston by 2030; and working to build a network of low stress, strategically placed, separated or buffered bike lanes to allow for safe travel by bike throughout Downtown and Boston's neighborhoods.

"Mayor Walsh's legislative agenda is comprehensive and future-oriented," said Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. "It includes incentives to address climate and transportation issues, as well as penalties for behavior that stands in the way of progress. We are particularly pleased that the City of Boston will support Regional Ballot Initiatives to generate revenue for critical improvements in our transportation infrastructure. This is a major source of revenue for roads and transit around the country, and we need this tool in Massachusetts too."

The transportation bills in the Mayor's legislative package include:

An Act to Allow Regional Ballot Initiatives: would allow cities and towns in Massachusetts to work together to pass taxes that would be used to fund specific transportation projects.

An Act to Promote Safe Streets and Reduce Congestion: would allow photo enforcement for school buses with cameras to capture violations when the STOP arm is deployed and for addressing Blocking the Box traffic violations. This bill is part of a broader road safety legislative agenda, which includes support of previously-filed bills related to sideguards on trucks and cell phone use while driving.

An Act to Allow Parking Assessments for Infrastructure Investment: would allow cities and towns to add an assessment to spaces in private parking garages, to be used to build and maintain roads and bridges, as well as bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

An Act to Update Transportation Network Company Assessments: would update the existing TNC legislation to better align it with the State's and City's climate and mobility goals.  In particular, it would create a lower assessment for shared trips, a higher assessment for solo trips, and encourage walking, biking and transit as primary modes of travel.

For more information on the City's transportation work, please visit boston.gov/transportation.

Mayor Walsh to Sign Ordinance to Help Older Residents with Their Property Taxes

BOSTON - Wednesday, November 7, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced he will sign an ordinance passed by the Boston City Council, sponsored by Councilors Lydia Edwards and Ed Flynn, which will provide assistance to older homeowners in Boston. With the passage of this ordinance, the City of Boston will opt into Massachusetts General Law Ch. 60 §62A, which gives municipalities the ability to offer payment agreements to older homeowners who are behind on their tax payments.

"In Boston, we are committed to taking care of everyone who wants to live in our City, including older residents who help make Boston the world-class city it is today. With this ordinance, we're working to further create a supportive city where all residents, regardless of age or ability, can thrive," said Mayor Walsh. "I thank Councilors Edwards, Flynn and the rest of the Boston City Council for their collaboration."

The ordinance will allow property tax payment agreements and interest relief for eligible senior homeowners with low-income in the City struggling to repay their overdue taxes. Payment agreements of up to five years that forgive 50% of the accrued interest will be granted to eligible, low-income seniors in Boston. In order to be eligible, people must meet the requirements for the residential and senior exemptions.

This legislation will also improve the accessibility of tax-related documents by providing residents with details about how to access their property tax information in multiple languages. This effort is being coordinated as part of the City of Boston's Office of Language and Communication Access citywide implementation plan.

"As a city, it's critical we take every step possible to keep our elders housed and to support Bostonians in building and retaining wealth over generations," said Councilor Edwards. "This ordinance is a win-win, helping economically vulnerable taxpayers keep their homes while meeting tax obligations to the city. I appreciate the partnership of the Mayor, city staff and my colleagues on the council in crafting this ordinance and I look forward to its signing."

"It is great to work with the Walsh Administration to provide more tools for our elderly residents and increase accessibility for non-English speaking Bostonians." said co-sponsor Ed Flynn, District 2 City Councilor, "Tax bills can be intimidating and this ordinance will make things easier for the taxpayers of Boston. I look forward to having this ordinance signed into law."

This ordinance continues to build on Boston's age-friendly work. Including its work to support senior homeowners. In 2016, Mayor Walsh announced an extension of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement program. The tax work-off abatement law allows a city or town to establish a program giving property owners 60 years or older the opportunity to volunteer services to their city or town in exchange for a reduction in property tax.

Across Boston, the Age-Friendly Boston initiative was launched in 2014 when Mayor Walsh joined the network of the World Health Organization age-friendly cities through AARP, the United States affiliate. In May of 2017, the City of Boston's Commission on Affairs of the Elderly released the Age-Friendly Action Plan, a comprehensive plan with 75 action items to create an environment where older adults continue to lead healthy and productive lives in Boston.

Source: Mayor's Press Office

Mayor Walsh appoints Kathleen Joyce as Chairwoman of Boston Licensing Board

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Kathleen Joyce as Chairwoman of the Boston Licensing Board, a regulatory board that grants and regulates various types of food and alcohol licenses for restaurants and other establishments in Boston. The Board is also responsible for holding hearings on violations and license applications.

"The Licensing Board serves an important function in the City of Boston in making sure that our restaurants and entertainment establishments are regulated and in compliance with the law," said Mayor Walsh. "Kathleen has years of experience advising on legal and public policy matters, and I am excited that she will be able to take her extensive knowledge and expertise to Boston's Licensing Board."

As Chairwoman, Joyce serves as the lead commissioner in regulating licenses pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 138 and 140, and the Rules of the Board. The board consists of three commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor. Each commissioner serves a six-year term.

"I am proud to be named Chairwoman of the Licensing Board, and thank Mayor Walsh for this incredible opportunity," said Kathleen Joyce. "My entire career has been grounded in providing legal support and promoting justice, and I am honored to be able to serve in this capacity."

Joyce most recently worked as Senior Counsel at the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), the urban planning and economic development agency for the City of Boston. In her role as Senior Counsel, Joyce provided legal support and counsel on real estate, government and policy matters.

Prior to joining the BPDA in 2014, Joyce spent nearly seven years working at the Boston Bar Association, a 10,000 member nonprofit organization, as the Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, where she worked with organization's leadership teams to advance and coordinate policy positions to promote justice and improve access to the legal system in Massachusetts.

Through her former roles, Joyce has accumulated extensive experience cultivating relationships with and convening various stakeholders to identify areas of common interest and consensus. These stakeholders include legal experts, city, state and federal leaders, and members of the judiciary.  

Joyce is a past member of the editorial board of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly and serves as a committee member of The Friends of the Mass General Cancer Center and is a board member of the Dorchester Running Club and her alma mater, Mount Alvernia High School.

She lives in Dorchester and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and Suffolk University Law School.  She will begin her new role as Chairwoman today on Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

Source: Mayor's Press Office

Mayor Walsh, Massport announce new commitments to East Boston

City and Massport to partner on key projects to enhance East Boston neighborhoods

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 17, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced new commitments to the residents of East Boston, including Phase II of Piers Park on Boston Harbor, additional funding for the East Boston Foundation, operational funding for a new senior center for East Boston residents, and a traffic study to help mitigate congestion on Neptune Road. These commitments were identified as high impact projects by both the City of Boston and the community members and organizations of the Logan Impact Advisory Group (LIAG) through their review process for both the Terminal E modernization and the addition of 5,000 new parking spaces.

"I am proud to partner with Massport to enhance the thriving neighborhood of East Boston. These projects build on our commitment to provide new and additional pathways for economic mobility and avenues to improve quality of life for residents," said Mayor Walsh. "From improving and building upon our green spaces, to enhancing our streetscape, to providing members of our communities a new place to gather, when we invest in and improve our neighborhoods together, great things happen."

Mayor Walsh announced a new Orient Heights Senior Center to serve the senior residents of East Boston, with Massport providing operational funding for this important project. The City of Boston will help facilitate this plan, with vital input from the community incorporated into all aspects of the project.

"Community spaces and engaging programming create meaningful connections in our neighborhoods that are important for older adults," said Emily Shea, Commissioner on Affairs of the Elderly. "We look forward to continuing to build supports and services here in East Boston."

"As one of Logan Airport's host communities, East Boston has been impacted by the airport in many ways, and today, I'm proud to join my colleagues from the City of Boston and Massport to announce these new commitments which will, no doubt, have positive impacts on East Boston for many years to come," said State Senator Joseph Boncore.

The award-winning Piers Park is an active community center in East Boston with lush greenscapes, playground equipment, exercise equipment and a pier extending into Boston Harbor with gazebos highlighting the neighborhoods of East Boston. The park features some of the most spectacular views of the Boston skyline. Opened in 1995, the park won the 2014 "Best of Boston" Award for "Best Green Space" in the city. Several local organizations offer programming in the park, such as free concerts from Zumix, exercise offerings such as tai chi and yoga and the annual Eastie Pride Day.

"These commitments present exciting opportunities for East Boston and are the result of a collaborative, community-driven dialogue among local stakeholders," said State Representative Adrian Madaro. "A ten-year extension and increased funding for the East Boston Foundation, a new senior center, and an expanded Piers Park will have lasting impacts on our neighborhood that residents will enjoy for generations."

The extensive planning process for the highly anticipated Piers Park II is already underway as a collaborative effort between Massport and the residents of East Boston. The Piers Park Advisory Committee, an advisory group made up of East Boston residents, will work with Massport and its design and construction consultants to oversee the development of the park. The design, bid and construction process of Piers Park II will boast 4.5 acres of active green space and be located adjacent to the existing Piers Park. When added together, both parks will boast over ten acres of greenspace for the East Boston community.

"The partnership between the City of Boston and Massport on these important promises to the East Boston community will lead to improvements in the lives of a wide range of residents and I am looking forward to seeing these commitments come to life in the coming years," said Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina.  

In addition, Massport will also allocate funds toward the East Boston Foundation to enhance the community of East Boston and the organizations that contribute to the betterment of the neighborhoods within it. Created by Massport in 1997, the East Boston Foundation has provided more than $10 million in financial support to 95 community programs that benefit children, adults and seniors- from sports and recreation to education, training and childcare.

"As both a lifelong resident of East Boston and a member of the Massport Board, today is particularly special as we celebrate these significant commitments to the community," said Massport Board Member John Nucci. "I look forward to seeing Piers Park II grow alongside Piers Park I, one of the centerpieces of community life in East Boston, as well as continued support of the East Boston Foundation including funding regarding a senior center for our elders, and the commitment to a study of Neptune Road's traffic impacts."

In partnership with the Boston Transportation Department, Massport will also fund a traffic study to help mitigate congestion on Neptune Road extending to Day Square. Nitsch Engineering is working to complete the study, which includes traffic counts at eight intersections and five road segments, completed GIS maps of study area, including identification of land uses, and the building of a digital traffic analysis for the study area.

"We are proud to stand here with the community of East Boston and the leadership of the Mayor and the City of Boston as we celebrate four major commitments that Massport has made to the people of East Boston," said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. "Piers Park II, the traffic study for Neptune Road, funding to the East Boston Foundation and the Orient Heights Senior Center will contribute to the already vibrant community of East Boston."

Neptune Road is challenging for pedestrians as well as for drivers of large trucks who frequently have difficulty navigating the u-turn from the northbound off-ramp to 1A southbound due to an inadequate turning radius. This problem for oversized vehicles contributes to traffic delays on Neptune Road, a key connection for access to Route 1A, to Logan International Airport, for shuttle buses and other motor vehicles traveling between East Boston and Chelsea, and for local traffic.

"BTD is pleased to have this opportunity to partner with Massport on this transportation study as it is an opportunity to create a 'complete street' design for Neptune Road that is in keeping with our Go Boston 2030 and Vision Zero goals to provide safe and efficient access for all users of Boston's roadways," said Boston Transportation Department Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca. "Through this process, we will take a forward-thinking approach to transportation management, looking at evolving transportation needs, changing roadway use and capacity on Neptune Road. Our focus will be on creating a comprehensive design that will work to mitigate current and future traffic impacts and enhance the surrounding East Boston community."

Massport and the community of East Boston have worked to build a strong partnership over the years. Through supporting youth employment at Piers Park Sailing Center, providing scholarship funds to students of East Boston High School, and creating safe and inviting green space for residents to enjoy, Massport and East Boston are continuing to work to make the community one of the most desirable urban areas to live in Massachusetts.

ABOUT MASSPORT
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $15 billion annually and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. For more information, please visit massport.com.

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Source: Mayor's Press Office 10/17