Wednesday, May 17, 2017

May 21: Wounded Warriors Bike Run" TheyFoughtWeRide.com



Margaret Farmer announces candidacy for District 1 city council seat

At the invitation of EastBoston.com this week, Margaret Farmer provided the following statement: 

"I am proud to announce my candidacy for Boston City Council, District 1. As a longtime East Boston resident, and a president of the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association for the past 5 years I have dedicated my time to working on the issues most important to us, including development and transportation.

I have received those 2 AM phone calls about a local fire, and the 7:30 phone calls about trash spread out across the street. I understand that a city councilor has a huge effect on the day to day lives of residents, and can promise that core city services will remain a strong priority while fighting to improve Charlestown, East Boston and the North End for current residents. I will work to promote intelligent, appropriate development while promoting transportation options and continued investments in our schools. At the same time, City Government can, and should, work better for all of our citizens."

Margaret Farmer, Candidate for City Council, District 1

May 22: Gove Street Citizens Association to meet

The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:

* Update on current status of GSCA area projects.

* Climate Ready East Boston Overview – Climate Presentations Program Manager Mia Goldwasser

* 287 -293 Maverick St. (Pickle Factory)- A proposal to demolish an existing vacant industrial building and erect a 5 story (with setback) mixed-use development of 37 multifamily residential units and café/restaurant at ground level with 31 on-site parking spaces. This project is subject to a BPDA Article 80E-2 small project review. - Attorney Richard Lynds (1st presentation / No vote.)

MEETING DATE: Monday, May 22, 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, just a 4-minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel.

DRIVING – Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Michael Sinatra on his decision not to seek the District 1 city council seat

Sent to Eastboston.com today: 
"After much discussion with my fiancée and family, I have decided to withdraw from the City Council race. I am getting married in August, so I have many life events to look forward to in the coming months and I want to be able to enjoy this happy and exciting time in my life. With that in mind, it would be unfair to me as well as all the residents of District 1 if I cannot give this campaign the undivided attention that it deserves. Therefore, at this moment in time I have decided to explore other job opportunities that would allow me more time to spend with my new wife and family."
Michael Sinatra, is currently Chief of Staff for Councilor Salvatore LaMattina, who earlier this year announced that he would not seek re-election.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Guest Column: Mayor Martin J. Walsh: Investing in East Boston

Investing in East Boston

By Mayor Martin J. Walsh 

This month, I am proud to put forth a budget for the City of Boston that will make Boston a better place to work, live, and raise a family. At City Hall, we’ve created a plan for our City that will keep Boston financially sound, while making targeted investments towards achieving a thriving, healthy and innovative Boston. Boston’s operating budget totals $3.14 billion, which represents an increase of $143.7 million (or about five percent) over last year’s budget. 

What does this mean for you, your friends and family? When we proposed the City’s budget, we did so knowing many in our City rely on the services we provide, whether it’s senior luncheons, homebuying workshops, recovery services or after-school programs for kids. We also funded projects to enhance our culture and identity such as increasing library services in neighborhoods and the Boston’s Artist in Residence program, which brings art to unexpected corners throughout Boston. Our budget continues to invest in Boston’s strongest asset: our people. 

The City’s budget is big -- that’s why I want to explain how it will affect your neighborhood. 

Community centers are one of the most important features of a neighborhood. Besides providing spaces for gathering, programming and events for children, they tie the community together in friendship and cooperation. The BCYF Paris Street Community Center is getting a major, $12.4 million multi-year renovation to better fit the needs of the East Boston neighborhood. The project includes additional programming space, a Teen Center, a new gym floor, a rock climbing wall and a new fitness area. Behind the scenes, all mechanical systems as well as boilers, windows, exterior and interior door replacements, athletic facility improvements, tele-data upgrades and new furniture and equipment will also be upgraded. 

The BCYF Paris Street Pool is also getting a $5 million investment, $520,000 of which is slated for fiscal year 2018. Renovations include upgrades to the mechanical systems, bathrooms and locker rooms, pool deck, lighting and entry. Noyes Park is also in store for a $3.1 million rehabilitation so that your public space works better for you. 

At the heart of East Boston, Central Square is receiving a $7.85 million investment for urban redesign and improvements with $2.28 million dedicated for FY18 to complete construction. East Boston High School is also getting $4.7 million for new windows. 

It’s our goal that our local improvements tie in to our ultimate goal of improving the safety, accessibility and sustainability of our city while also making it an enjoyable and affordable place to live and work. The short and long term investments are intended to lift up our neighborhoods in ways that take into account the needs and wants of the community. With this budget, we’re preparing our city for the next year, and the years forward. 

What’s the next step for the budget? This month, I submitted the City of Boston’s budget to the Boston City Council, where your City Councilor will review the proposed budget. Once the budget is approved, it will go into effect. This is the budget for fiscal year 2018, meaning the budget will take effect in July 2017, and run throughout the next 12 months. 

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to look through the budget proposal, online at budget.boston.gov. Together, I look forward to investing in our neighborhoods, and our people. 



Wednesday, April 26, 2017

My analysis of last week's MA Jobs Number and URate.  

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

April 27: Friends of the East Boston Greenway with the East Boston Greenway Council

Meeting Notice

Thursday, Apr. 27, 2017
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Anna DeFronzo Center
395 Maverick Street, East Boston
Near the corner of Jeffries Street

AGENDA

1.  Introductions

2.  Greenway Safety and Security Update  Boston Police Dept. District A-7 Community Services Sergeant Martin and Officer Simons

3.  Greenway Flooding
Update from Robert Rottenbucher, City of Boston, Parks Dept. Chief  Engineer
Update from Kannan:  Flooding Exacerbation (Editorial note: 
Rottenbucher, will give a brief presentations about the flooding on the Greenway causes and solutions.)

4.  Youth Conservation Corps
    Linton Harrington, The Trustees


5.  New Business / Old Business
Laura Jasinski and Vidya Tikku, The Trustees:  Waterfront Initiative Connection
    E-mail update from Massport

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS
All meetings on 4th Thurs at 6:30 PM

Upcoming meetings: 2017:    Apr, 27, May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 16 (note change), Dec. TBD  


 




Friday, April 21, 2017

My latest piece over at NewBostonPost.com

Titled, "Ambitious City Projects Benefiting from Building Boom in Boston," https://shar.es/1F3Fbr, the article examines the good luck Boston's enjoying as a result of the building boom. 

Gove Street Citizens Association to meet Monday, April 24

GOVE STREET CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:

* Update on current status of GSCA area projects.

* Additional Dwelling Units Pilot Program Update – ISD Commissioner William Christopher

* 287 -293 Maverick St. (Pickle Factory)- A proposal to demolish an existing vacant industrial building and erect a 6 story (with set-back) mixed-use development of 37 multifamily residential units and café/restaurant at ground level with 31 on-site parking spaces. This project is subject to a BPDA Article 80E-2 small project review. - Attorney Richard Lynds (1st presentation / No vote.)

MEETING DATE: Monday, April 24, 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, just a 4-minute walk from the Embassy Suites Hotel.
DRIVING – Free event parking in front of the building and in the Porter Street parking lot adjacent to the building. 

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

News Advisory: Boston’s “CityKids Skate Jam” this Saturday (4/22)

What: CityKids, the community service initiative for Boston youth and children sponsored by City Realty, joins up with Orchard Skate Shop to host a non-competitive skateboard event for youths of all ages.

When: Saturday, April 22  from 1 to 3 p.m.

Where: East Boston Skate Park, Umana Academy, 312 Border Street, Boston

Summary:

Some of the city’s finest skateboarders will swap turns with kids who are “just learning” on a five-obstacle course at the CityKids Skate Jam this Saturday at Umana Academy’s Skate Park.

Contests, raffles and refreshments will be made available to participants. The event is free to skateboarders and spectators.

The first-time event is sponsored by City Realty, Orchard Skate Shop, New Balance, and Boston’s Neighborhood of Affordable Housing.

Contacts:

Media Relations: Andrew Scherding
(508) 246-6664
ascherding@qmarketinginc.com

City Realty Event Coordinator:
Kristi Martorana
(617) 637-0306
kristi@crmpropertymanagement.com

Thursday, April 13, 2017

David Arinella speaks at Mayor's East Boston press conference announcing local capital improvements


From today's press conference in Central Square announcing the city's capital plan for FY 2018 to FY2022.
"I want to give a shout out to Mayor Walsh for not forgetting us on this side of the water and for making East Boston more than just viable. It's now HD. HD is not high-def. East Boston is highly desirable." -David Arinella, East Boston Foundation and East Boston Athletic Board. 
Video from EastBoston.com.   Text of remarks. 

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Meeting Agenda: April 11

Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Meeting Agenda
TUESDAY April 11th 7pm  ( Because of Passover)
Jeffries Point Yacht Club
565 Sumner Street.

Agenda: 

  • Police -  Updates by Sgt. James Martin & Officer Danny Simmons .
  • Commissioner William Christopher from ISD ( Inspectional services dept.) - To discuss the City's Pilot of an Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) program. 
  • 287 Maverick Street ( Vote ) - Demolition of existing buildings. New construction of mixed-use building with 37 condos, commercial space (coffee shop) plus residential parking. Atty R. Lynds/ Developer MG2


Sunday, April 2, 2017

Discover East Boston at the 17th Annual Open Studios Weekend

The 17th annual East Boston Open Studios takes place on Saturday April 22nd and Sunday April 23rd from noon to 6 pm at the Atlantic Works artist studio building located at 80 Border Street in East Boston.

East Boston Open Studios is an annual arts event that gives the public and artists an opportunity to connect, converse and see original art work. The Atlantic Works artist studio building is a community of professional artists with works on view and for sale, including: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking, jewelry, and more. 




The Open Studios weekend will also include music, performances and artwork at ZUMIX at 260 Sumner Street (open Saturday only), artwork celebrating Earth Day created by the kids from the Shining Star Day Care Center, working with the National Art Honor Society students from Revere High School on display at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church at 28 Paris Street and artwork on display at the Eastie.com office at 42 Maverick Street. 

On view at the Atlantic Works Gallery at 80 Border Street will be “Landscape of Memory” by Melissa Shook  and  “…And Things That Remain” by Walter Kopec.  

The Open Studios event is supported by a grant from the East Boston Foundation with administrative support from ZUMIX and with generous sponsorship from the East Boston Savings Bank, Trinity Development - Boston/East and Eastie/Fast Forward Realty Eastie.com. 

Come see what makes East Boston shine: the art and the people; a diverse, cultured community on Boston Harbor. Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art recently announced plans to expand to an industrial site in East Boston stating that they “are honored to be a part of the East Boston landscape, a community that has long championed the arts, public parks, and the waterfront”.

The Atlantic Works building at 80 Border Street is a quick 5-minute walk from the Maverick Station on the Blue Line. If driving, there is plenty of free on-street parking. 

For more information, a list of participating artists, and directions to the studio building, visit our website at www.eastbostonartists.org. You can email us at artist@eastbostonartists.org, and follow us on Facebook @East Boston Artists Group, or on Twitter @eastbostonart.

Friday, March 31, 2017

The latest GDP figures for 4th Quarter 2016

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.1 percent in the fourth and final quarter of 2016. This latest report is the third estimate of U.S. GDP from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Real GDP for 2016 grew at a 1.6 percent. 

Here is my commentary on yesterday's report.



Saturday, March 25, 2017

Real estate firm donates 10 laptop computers to Boston school’s autism program.

(EAST BOSTON) As she and other teachers worked with students in the autism program at East Boston’s Samuel Adams School, Michelle Lamacchia faced a major obstacle early this year.

The teaching curriculum that her staff follows — developed by the New England Center for Children and approved by the Boston public school system — had changed to an online system which required periodic use of computers by faculty and administrators. 

Yet the school had no budget for new computer equipment. 

Lamacchia and Irvin reached out to Boston real estate firm City Realty Group, which operates a non-profit community service organization named CityKids. 

Staffers from the company visited the school last month, and this week the children and teachers from the autism strand at the Adams school gathered in the school’s auditorium to get a first look at 10 new laptop computers presented by Stephen Whalen, managing partner of City Realty.

The donation “will enable all of our teachers to have the technology to use this curriculum to its potential,” Lamacchia said.  “Ultimately, this will lead to greater gains for our students.”

Whalen said the donation is one part of his firm’s youth program: intended to provide the children of Boston with unique experiences and educational resources. Over the past year the company has donated 250 Chromebook computers to area schools and youth organizations. The program also sponsors healthy events and outings for teen-agers, playground cleaning and restorations, and a summer jobs program.

"The kids of this city will shape Boston’s future," Whalen said. "As a local business, we feel an obligation to help the schools and equip them with the tools necessary for a successful education."
At the Adams school, which teaches children from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, "our early childhood team not only teaches our students the skills they need in order to learn, but also makes school a fun, inviting, and safe place to learn," Lamacchia said. I am so proud of this program and the team of professionals that we have here at the Adams.”

Source:   ANDREW SCHERDING l 
(508) 246-6664; 
ascherding@qmarketinginc.com






February Report: Massachusetts adds 10,100 jobs; U-Rate at 3.4 percent

My latest research note, on Thursday's Massachusetts jobs release, can be found here (PDF).

Sunday, March 12, 2017

April 29: Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation to Present 'Hero Awards' to Officer who saved colleague during shooting in East Boston

Winthrop Residents Mia Martucci, Sheryl Howard, and USMC Sgt. Andrew Bigio to be Honored with George Washington Honor Medals at Ceremonies set for April 29 in East Boston

(EAST BOSTON, March 12, 2017)  The Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge will present Hero Awards to two Boston Police officers who helped to save the life of a colleague wounded during a shooting incident in East Boston back in October 2016. During a ceremony in East Boston next month, the Chapter will also present prestigious national George Washington Honor Medals to Winthrop residents Mia Martucci, Sheryl Howard, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. (Retired) Andrew Biggio. 

      The awards will be presented at the Bay State Chapter’s 38st Annual Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 1 p.m., in Spinelli’s Banquet Facility, Day Square in East Boston. Tickets are $50, and can be purchased from Vice President for Awards Dottie D’Onofrio at (617) 539-3092 or donofrio35@aol.com or from Chapter Secretary Marisa Di Pietro at (617) 650-3442 or mdipietro@ebsoc.org. 

      The two Boston Police officers, Sgt. Norberto Perez and SWAT Team Officer Clifton Singletary, were among the officers responding to a domestic issue in an East Boston apartment when gunfire erupted and two officers were severely wounded. Despite a hail of bullets all around them, Sgt. Perez and Officer Singletary were able to pull one of their colleagues out of harm’s way and their efforts to pinch-off a bleeding artery and apply a tourniquet to his leg helped to save his life. The two officers are being honored with the Chapter’s first-ever Hero Awards for their extraordinary and exemplary life-saving act.
      
      Mia Martucci is 12 years old and a resident of Winthrop. She is being honored with the George Washington Honor Medal for her five years of dedicated fundraising for the Boston Children’s Hospital Cancer Research Center, along with her toy drive to help lift the spirit of the children waging their battle against cancer at the Boston hospital.

      Sheryl Howard of Winthrop is being honored with the George Washington Honor Medal for her “Veterans Honor Project.” She involved many participants from numerous town organizations to ensure that Veterans Road in Winthrop would be adorned with the American flag on every utility pole as a respectful remembrance for those who served the country in military service. 
      
      USMC Sgt. (Retired) Andrew Biggio of Winthrop is being honored with the George Washington Honor Medal for his leadership and dedication in helping wounded veterans. He is the founder of the “They Fought We Ride” fundraising project where more than 6,000 motorcyclists from near and far join in a ride through many communities in the Boston area, raising thousands of dollars that are used to assist wounded warriors.
      
      Bay State Chapter Founder and Executive Director, Judge Joseph V. Ferrino (Retired), will also welcome head table guests: Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; and guest speaker Carolyn Santagelo, Director of Educational Programs and Awards at the national office of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, PA.

Tickets to the Bay State Chapter awards luncheon will include a sit-down, full-menu offering at Spinelli’s.

      Freedoms Foundation honors Americans who go above and beyond in their efforts to educate their communities about the values of good citizenship. The foundation has recognized several thousand dedicated individuals and organizations in its 65-year existence. Freedoms Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching all citizens the principles upon which our nation was founded. The organization seeks to convey the close link between the rights and the responsibilities of citizens in a free society. Further information about the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge can found here.

Source: Ed Coletta, Freedoms Foundation