Monday, January 29, 2018
District 1 City Councilor Lydia Edwards Maiden Speech: "A home for all Bostonians"
The City of Boston is at a watershed moment as we find ourselves with the exciting opportunity to define our neighborhoods future for generations to come.
While I am incredibly hopeful for the future of this city, I am keenly aware of the challenges that face so many Bostonians on their own pathways. Many of those challenges begin with the basic human need and right for safe, clean, affordable housing.
Today, we face a housing crisis. Today, we face a wealth gap that for many is directly related to the ability to own a home. For many others, the after-effect of redlining, or a refusal of a loan to individuals deemed to be a poor financial risk, kept many people from being homeowners.
It always circles back to housing and generational wealth.
In my district, we will be creating Boston’s newest neighborhood at Suffolk Downs at one end and at the other end redoing the oldest and largest housing project in New England located in Charlestown.
We will be facing challenges on each extreme of the housing spectrum. We will fight to keep all 1100 housing units in Charlestown and stop displacement while we will fight to assure that our newest neighborhood is welcoming to all economic levels and embraces our incredible diversity.
Let’s make sure Boston’s future is not dictated by big business but instead show leadership to hold big business accountable to adjust to the needs and standards set by our community. Still at the core of both developments is the very question and need of having a home.
The city has launched an aggressive goal of building 53,000 housing units and is already ahead of schedule.
We are often told that we need to build more and that market forces and that with the age-old rule of supply and demand will be able to house our poor, working class, and middle class. The “investor class” and higher income individuals will be drawn to the bright, sleek units and not to our traditional family housing stock.
Let me be clear, I do not believe we can build our way out of this housing crisis and I am a skeptic of trickle-down housing policies. We need a direct and equally aggressive mindset for creating housing for our families.
We need real numbers and measurements that reflect the average income of Bostonians and not based on the current area median income. We need targeted, frank discussions with developers. We need to set an investment standard in Boston.
We need to play defense and protect our housing stock like it is one of the most precious resources we have.
All the building in this great City will be for nothing if we turn around and find decimated neighborhoods that barely have a history or sense of community.
If your goal is to flip houses and make money on the backs of working families let me state that this city is not for you. If you come here to treat our neighborhoods like a piece of stock that can be traded on Wall Street. Boston is not for sale.
Our future is at stake and we have work to do. We will rise to the occasion and meet this challenge head on.
Boston, we can build more than just buildings.
We can and must build pathways out of poverty through housing. We can and must build sustainable climate ready housing for all. We need multiple entries to home ownership that are funded and supported by the City of Boston.
Therefore, let’s adopt a community benefit standard agreement, let us protect our tenants and help them become owners. Let us provide resources for our small mom and pop landlords to help them keep up with upgrades and incentivize them to house our vulnerable populations at reasonable rents through tax, insurance, and other policies.
Let us protect all Bostonians on their pathway. Let’s be sure that we can always say to struggling single parents, to newly arriving immigrants, to young people just starting out and forever to families that have been here for generations: "Welcome to Boston. Welcome home."
Source: Office of District 1 City Councilor Lydia Edwards
While I am incredibly hopeful for the future of this city, I am keenly aware of the challenges that face so many Bostonians on their own pathways. Many of those challenges begin with the basic human need and right for safe, clean, affordable housing.
Today, we face a housing crisis. Today, we face a wealth gap that for many is directly related to the ability to own a home. For many others, the after-effect of redlining, or a refusal of a loan to individuals deemed to be a poor financial risk, kept many people from being homeowners.
It always circles back to housing and generational wealth.
In my district, we will be creating Boston’s newest neighborhood at Suffolk Downs at one end and at the other end redoing the oldest and largest housing project in New England located in Charlestown.
We will be facing challenges on each extreme of the housing spectrum. We will fight to keep all 1100 housing units in Charlestown and stop displacement while we will fight to assure that our newest neighborhood is welcoming to all economic levels and embraces our incredible diversity.
Let’s make sure Boston’s future is not dictated by big business but instead show leadership to hold big business accountable to adjust to the needs and standards set by our community. Still at the core of both developments is the very question and need of having a home.
The city has launched an aggressive goal of building 53,000 housing units and is already ahead of schedule.
We are often told that we need to build more and that market forces and that with the age-old rule of supply and demand will be able to house our poor, working class, and middle class. The “investor class” and higher income individuals will be drawn to the bright, sleek units and not to our traditional family housing stock.
Let me be clear, I do not believe we can build our way out of this housing crisis and I am a skeptic of trickle-down housing policies. We need a direct and equally aggressive mindset for creating housing for our families.
We need real numbers and measurements that reflect the average income of Bostonians and not based on the current area median income. We need targeted, frank discussions with developers. We need to set an investment standard in Boston.
We need to play defense and protect our housing stock like it is one of the most precious resources we have.
All the building in this great City will be for nothing if we turn around and find decimated neighborhoods that barely have a history or sense of community.
If your goal is to flip houses and make money on the backs of working families let me state that this city is not for you. If you come here to treat our neighborhoods like a piece of stock that can be traded on Wall Street. Boston is not for sale.
Our future is at stake and we have work to do. We will rise to the occasion and meet this challenge head on.
Boston, we can build more than just buildings.
We can and must build pathways out of poverty through housing. We can and must build sustainable climate ready housing for all. We need multiple entries to home ownership that are funded and supported by the City of Boston.
Therefore, let’s adopt a community benefit standard agreement, let us protect our tenants and help them become owners. Let us provide resources for our small mom and pop landlords to help them keep up with upgrades and incentivize them to house our vulnerable populations at reasonable rents through tax, insurance, and other policies.
Let us protect all Bostonians on their pathway. Let’s be sure that we can always say to struggling single parents, to newly arriving immigrants, to young people just starting out and forever to families that have been here for generations: "Welcome to Boston. Welcome home."
Source: Office of District 1 City Councilor Lydia Edwards
Friday, January 26, 2018
Rep. Madaro files bill to force Massport to house its own ambulance
BOSTON, MA – Representative Adrian C. Madaro to file legislation requiring Massport to house its own ambulance at Logan Airport.
"Those of us who live in East Boston are well aware of the need for additional EMS services for our neighborhood," he said.
A recent Boston Globe article noted that while the average wait time for an ambulance in the City of Boston is six minutes for a Priority 1 call, East Boston residents wait an average of eight minutes for assistance. There is only one ambulance that serves both East Boston’s 40,000 plus residents and Logan Airport’s employees and patrons.
Logan Airport accounts for approximately 30% of the calls that East Boston’s ambulance receives. In addition, it is important to note that in recent years there has been a greater need for ambulances throughout the city, with calls increasing 26% between 2005 and 2014.
“East Boston is woefully underserved,” said Rep. Madaro. “We are geographically isolated from the rest of the City, which alone is a problem for ambulance response times.
While a second ambulance dedicated to East Boston is the ultimate solution, requiring Massport to have its own EMS services will allow the one existing ambulance to focus solely on East Boston residents and their needs.”
Rep. Madaro’s legislation, An Act Relative to Ambulance Service at General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, would require Massport to maintain its own ambulance for Logan Airport. This would increase access to ambulance services and help reduce wait times for East Boston, while also ensuring that the safety of East Boston residents remains a top priority.
"Those of us who live in East Boston are well aware of the need for additional EMS services for our neighborhood," he said.
A recent Boston Globe article noted that while the average wait time for an ambulance in the City of Boston is six minutes for a Priority 1 call, East Boston residents wait an average of eight minutes for assistance. There is only one ambulance that serves both East Boston’s 40,000 plus residents and Logan Airport’s employees and patrons.
Logan Airport accounts for approximately 30% of the calls that East Boston’s ambulance receives. In addition, it is important to note that in recent years there has been a greater need for ambulances throughout the city, with calls increasing 26% between 2005 and 2014.
“East Boston is woefully underserved,” said Rep. Madaro. “We are geographically isolated from the rest of the City, which alone is a problem for ambulance response times.
While a second ambulance dedicated to East Boston is the ultimate solution, requiring Massport to have its own EMS services will allow the one existing ambulance to focus solely on East Boston residents and their needs.”
Rep. Madaro’s legislation, An Act Relative to Ambulance Service at General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, would require Massport to maintain its own ambulance for Logan Airport. This would increase access to ambulance services and help reduce wait times for East Boston, while also ensuring that the safety of East Boston residents remains a top priority.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
East Boston Republicans to Meet February 13th
East Boston Republicans will gather Tuesday evening, February 13th at 6:00 p. m. to elect nine delegates to the Massachusetts Republican Convention. This meeting will be in the East Boston YMCA community meeting room at 215 Bremen Street in East Boston. All East Boston voters who are registered as Republicans are strongly encouraged to attend. Unenrolled voters are invited to attend as well. A voter registered as Republican as of December 31, 2017 is eligible to be elected as a convention delegate. For admission to the YMCA building, please bring government-issued identification to show at the front desk.
The 2018 Massachusetts Republican Convention will be held in Worcester on Saturday, April 28.
For more information about the East Boston meeting please call Chris Morton at (617) 569-4075 or e-mail EBRWC@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Statement from City Councilor Lydia Edwards on the mayor's ordinance regulating short-term rentals
"The Mayor's decision to regulate short-term rentals in Boston is a welcomed start to a necessary discussion about protecting our housing stock. The devastating impact of short-term rentals can be seen city-wide and is exasperated by absentee landlords and multi-unit owners.
I hope we get a balanced approach that returns the short-term rental market back to its original intent of providing supplemental income to residents living at the property and provides a way to hold hosts accountable to their neighbors.
I'm excited to work with all stakeholders, including short-term rental companies, to review the necessary data and explore innovative solutions to protect our city's housing stock and prevent displacement in Boston."
Boston City Councilor Edwards currently represents district one including the neighborhoods of Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End.
She was recently appointed by City Council president Andrea Campbell to serve as Chair of the Housing and Community Development committee for FY 2018-2019.
Councilor Edwards was also appointed by Councilor Campbell serve on Boston's Neighborhood Housing Trust which was established in 1983 to prioritize funding for affordable and workforce units throughout the City by working with developers on large scale projects.
Source: Office of District 1 City Councilor Lydia Edwards
I hope we get a balanced approach that returns the short-term rental market back to its original intent of providing supplemental income to residents living at the property and provides a way to hold hosts accountable to their neighbors.
I'm excited to work with all stakeholders, including short-term rental companies, to review the necessary data and explore innovative solutions to protect our city's housing stock and prevent displacement in Boston."
Boston City Councilor Edwards currently represents district one including the neighborhoods of Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End.
She was recently appointed by City Council president Andrea Campbell to serve as Chair of the Housing and Community Development committee for FY 2018-2019.
Councilor Edwards was also appointed by Councilor Campbell serve on Boston's Neighborhood Housing Trust which was established in 1983 to prioritize funding for affordable and workforce units throughout the City by working with developers on large scale projects.
Source: Office of District 1 City Councilor Lydia Edwards
Monday, January 22, 2018
22nd Taste of Eastie on Thursday, January 25th, 2018: List of Vendors
East Boston, MA (January 21, 2018) – East Boston Main Streets Proudly Presents the 22nd Annual Taste of Eastie on Thursday, January 25th, 2018.
East Boston Main Streets invites the public to the 22nd Annual Taste of Eastie at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport Hotel on Thursday, January 25th, 2018 from 6:00-9:00pm.
Food and fun highlight this wonderful evening including raffles and auctions.
Local food merchants will showcase their delicious cuisine, including tastes from South and Central America, the Mediterranean, China, the Middle East, and Italy.
Saxophonist Mauricio Catano will provide musical entertainment and the event will feature Sleight of Hand Entertainer and On-Floor Magician Felice Ling.
ALBERT A. RUSSO IMPORTS
88 Cottage St. EB 02128
617.569.6995
LA HACIENDA
150 Meridian St. EB 02128
617.590.9212
ANGELA’S CAFÉ
131 Lexington St.
617.567.4972
LOLLY’S BAKERY
158 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.567.9461
BRASIL BRAZIL
31 Maverick Sq. EB 02128
617.561.6094
LOS AGAVES
950 Broadway, Chelsea 02150
617.466.0818
CELESTE MYERS
BUSINESS & EVENT CONCEPTS
businessandeventsboston@gmail.com
617.913.3332
MAVERICK MARKETPLACE CAFÉ
154 Maverick St. EB 02128
617.455.6232
CUNARD TAVERN
24 Orleans St. EB 02128
617.567.7609
PEACHES & CREAM
73 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.889.1900
DAVID’S TEA
298 Washington St. Boston 02108
617.292.0098
DOUGH EAST BOSTON
20 Maverick St. EB 02128
617.567.8787
POLLO CAMPERO
188 Border St. EB 02128
617.568.9500
REELHOUSE
6 New St. EB 02128
617.895.4075
DOWNEAST CIDER HOUSE
256 Marginal St. EB 02128
857.301.8881
RENEGADE’S PUB
1004 Bennington St.
617.418.7690
EAST BOSTON FARM STAND
75 Meridian St. EB 02128
617.567.1290
RINCON LIMENO RESTAURANT
409 Chelsea St. EB 02128
617.569.4942
EASTIE FARM
294 Sumner St. EB 02128
617.335.2278
RINO’S PLACE
258 Saratoga St. EB 02128
617.567.7412
FAZENDA COFFEE ROASTERS
502 Sprague St. Dedham 02026
617.787.5282
SAMMY CARLO’S
DELICATESSEN & CATERING
567 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.567.0058
GREAT CHEF CHINESE RESTAURANT
390 Chelsea St. EB 02128
617.569.3100
SPINELLI’S FUNCTIONS & CATERING
282 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.567.4499
HILTON LOGAN AIRPORT HOTEL
CONNOLLY’S PUBLIK HOUSE
1 Hotel Dr. EB 02128
617.568.6700
TAQUERIA JALISCO
291 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.567.6367
HYATT HARBORSIDE
101 Harborside Dr. EB 02128
617.568.1234
TOASTED FLATS
53 Chelsea St. EB 02128
857.264.8531
LA CANCUN RESTAURANT
192 Sumner St. EB 02128
617.567.4449
Tickets are $35.00 ($40.00 at the door) and can be purchased online at www.tasteofeastie2018.eventbrite.com
For more details please contact EBMS at director@ebmainstreets.com or call 617-561-1044.
####
EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Its mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and do business in East Boston.
East Boston Main Streets invites the public to the 22nd Annual Taste of Eastie at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport Hotel on Thursday, January 25th, 2018 from 6:00-9:00pm.
Food and fun highlight this wonderful evening including raffles and auctions.
Local food merchants will showcase their delicious cuisine, including tastes from South and Central America, the Mediterranean, China, the Middle East, and Italy.
Saxophonist Mauricio Catano will provide musical entertainment and the event will feature Sleight of Hand Entertainer and On-Floor Magician Felice Ling.
ALBERT A. RUSSO IMPORTS
88 Cottage St. EB 02128
617.569.6995
LA HACIENDA
150 Meridian St. EB 02128
617.590.9212
ANGELA’S CAFÉ
131 Lexington St.
617.567.4972
LOLLY’S BAKERY
158 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.567.9461
BRASIL BRAZIL
31 Maverick Sq. EB 02128
617.561.6094
LOS AGAVES
950 Broadway, Chelsea 02150
617.466.0818
CELESTE MYERS
BUSINESS & EVENT CONCEPTS
businessandeventsboston@gmail.com
617.913.3332
MAVERICK MARKETPLACE CAFÉ
154 Maverick St. EB 02128
617.455.6232
CUNARD TAVERN
24 Orleans St. EB 02128
617.567.7609
PEACHES & CREAM
73 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.889.1900
DAVID’S TEA
298 Washington St. Boston 02108
617.292.0098
DOUGH EAST BOSTON
20 Maverick St. EB 02128
617.567.8787
POLLO CAMPERO
188 Border St. EB 02128
617.568.9500
REELHOUSE
6 New St. EB 02128
617.895.4075
DOWNEAST CIDER HOUSE
256 Marginal St. EB 02128
857.301.8881
RENEGADE’S PUB
1004 Bennington St.
617.418.7690
EAST BOSTON FARM STAND
75 Meridian St. EB 02128
617.567.1290
RINCON LIMENO RESTAURANT
409 Chelsea St. EB 02128
617.569.4942
EASTIE FARM
294 Sumner St. EB 02128
617.335.2278
RINO’S PLACE
258 Saratoga St. EB 02128
617.567.7412
FAZENDA COFFEE ROASTERS
502 Sprague St. Dedham 02026
617.787.5282
SAMMY CARLO’S
DELICATESSEN & CATERING
567 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.567.0058
GREAT CHEF CHINESE RESTAURANT
390 Chelsea St. EB 02128
617.569.3100
SPINELLI’S FUNCTIONS & CATERING
282 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.567.4499
HILTON LOGAN AIRPORT HOTEL
CONNOLLY’S PUBLIK HOUSE
1 Hotel Dr. EB 02128
617.568.6700
TAQUERIA JALISCO
291 Bennington St. EB 02128
617.567.6367
HYATT HARBORSIDE
101 Harborside Dr. EB 02128
617.568.1234
TOASTED FLATS
53 Chelsea St. EB 02128
857.264.8531
LA CANCUN RESTAURANT
192 Sumner St. EB 02128
617.567.4449
Tickets are $35.00 ($40.00 at the door) and can be purchased online at www.tasteofeastie2018.eventbrite.com
For more details please contact EBMS at director@ebmainstreets.com or call 617-561-1044.
####
EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Its mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and do business in East Boston.
Pirandello Lyceum with Author Anthony Amore on the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist
When: February 12, 2018
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Where: East Boston Public Library
365 Bremen Street
East Boston, MA 02128
As part of its ongoing effort to provide interesting cultural events to members and friends, the Pirandello Lyceum will present Author Anthony M. Amore at its annual Author’s Night. He will speak on the infamous art thefts from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
In the early hours of March 18, 1990, guards at the Isabella Gardner Museum in Boston admitted two men posing as police officers. Once inside, the men tied up the guards and over the next hour, stole 13 works of art (including a Vermeer, 3 Rembrandts and 5 Degas) valued at $ 500 million – the largest art heist and the largest-value theft of private property in history. To date, no arrests have been made and no works have been recovered.
Mr. Anthony Amore is a security expert, investigator and best-selling author. His book, Stealing Rembrandts, is a spellbound journey into the high-stakes world of art theft. In the book, Amore reveals the actors behind the major Rembrandt heists in the last century.
This free event, which is open to the public, is provided by the Pirandello Lyceum. Refreshments: Caffé e Biscotti.For more information please contact the event Chairperson, Maria Capogreco at 617-567-1233
The Pirandello Lyceum promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of Italian culture among all people.
Source: Pirandello Lyceum
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Where: East Boston Public Library
365 Bremen Street
East Boston, MA 02128
As part of its ongoing effort to provide interesting cultural events to members and friends, the Pirandello Lyceum will present Author Anthony M. Amore at its annual Author’s Night. He will speak on the infamous art thefts from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
In the early hours of March 18, 1990, guards at the Isabella Gardner Museum in Boston admitted two men posing as police officers. Once inside, the men tied up the guards and over the next hour, stole 13 works of art (including a Vermeer, 3 Rembrandts and 5 Degas) valued at $ 500 million – the largest art heist and the largest-value theft of private property in history. To date, no arrests have been made and no works have been recovered.
Mr. Anthony Amore is a security expert, investigator and best-selling author. His book, Stealing Rembrandts, is a spellbound journey into the high-stakes world of art theft. In the book, Amore reveals the actors behind the major Rembrandt heists in the last century.
This free event, which is open to the public, is provided by the Pirandello Lyceum. Refreshments: Caffé e Biscotti.For more information please contact the event Chairperson, Maria Capogreco at 617-567-1233
The Pirandello Lyceum promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of Italian culture among all people.
Source: Pirandello Lyceum
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Friends of the East Boston Greenway: Flooding to be discussed at Jan. 25 meeting
Thursday, January 25, 2018
6:30-8pm
Anna DeFronzo Center
395 Maverick Street, East Boston, MA
AGENDA
2018 meeting dates:
In general, the fourth Thursday of the month, including:
January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, (no meeting in August), September 27, October 25, November 15* (earlier in month), December 27
Please save the date and help spread the word! All are welcome.
6:30-8pm
Anna DeFronzo Center
395 Maverick Street, East Boston, MA
AGENDA
- Police Report
- Discussion of recent flooding. who experienced what, where? Greenway impacts.
- Recap of December mural grand opening event
- Announcement & discussion of Barr Foundation Waterfront Initiative grant. Friends of East Boston Greenway in partnership with the Mystic River Watershed Association and Boston Society of Landscape Architects
- New Business.
2018 meeting dates:
In general, the fourth Thursday of the month, including:
January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, (no meeting in August), September 27, October 25, November 15* (earlier in month), December 27
Please save the date and help spread the word! All are welcome.
Friday, January 19, 2018
March 3: Boston Ward 1 Committee to elect delegates to Democratic State Convention
This year’s state convention will be held June 1-2 at the DCU Center in Worcester, where thousands of Democrats from across the state will come together to endorse Democratic candidates for statewide office, including Constitutional Officers and gubernatorial candidates.
The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Boston Ward 1. Pre-registered Democrats who will be 18 by September 18, 2018 will be allowed to participate and run as a delegate or alternate. Boston Ward 1 can elect 19 delegates and 4 alternates to the Convention.
Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be an add-on delegate at the caucus or at www.massdems.org.
Those interested in getting involved with the Ward 1 Democratic Committee should contact Michael Sulprizio at 617-438-0952 or bosward1dems@gmail.com.
You can also follow the Ward Committee on Twitter @ward1demsEB or “Like” us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ward1dems/.
Source:
Michael Sulprizio, Ward 1 Chairman,
617-438-0952,
msulprizio@comcast.net
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Gove Street Citizens Association to meet on 1/22
The Gove Street Citizens Association monthly meeting agenda:
MEETING DATE: Monday, January 22, 2018
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.
- 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.
- Update on status of GSCA area projects.
- 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 (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 (2nd presentation / Vote to be taken)
- 173-177 Maverick Street (Former DeAngelis Bakery) – A complete rehabilitation of the existing three buildings into a proposed occupancy of a single retail space (bakery) and 9 dwelling units. Attorney Richard Lynds (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 (2nd presentation / No vote at this time.)
MEETING DATE: Monday, January 22, 2018
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.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Suffolk County DA: Alleged Assailant Indicted, Apprehended in 2016 Belle Isle Marsh Homicide
BOSTON, Jan. 16, 2018—A man previously convicted of attacking a man in the Belle Isle Marsh Reservation has been charged with an earlier assault in the same location that claimed the life of 83-year-old East Boston resident Daniel Pepe, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.
The Suffolk County Grand Jury on Dec. 20 returned indictments charging MICHAEL BRUZZESE (D.O.B. 5/26/65) with manslaughter and unarmed robbery of a person over 60 in the May 29, 2016, assault that caused Pepe’s death three days later. The State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section apprehended Bruzzese this morning in Cambridge and he is expected to be arraigned later today in Suffolk Superior Court.
Bruzzese, who had a temporary residence in Cambridge and formerly lived in Hingham, was previously charged in connection with a separate assault on a 67-year-old Lynn man on June 1, 2016. The evidence showed that Bruzzese approached this man, struck him, and demanded his car keys. Bruzzese later pleaded guilty in that case and was sentenced to 18 months in a house of correction. He was released from that sentence approximately two weeks before the recent indictments were returned.
Bruzzese allegedly assaulted Pepe on May 29, 2016, in the same area of the marsh where the assault on the Lynn man later took place. Pepe was found on a bench suffering trauma to the left side of his face and the back of his head but unable to tell emergency medical technicians what had happened. While his car was located in the reservation’s parking lot, his keys were missing. Pepe was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he died on June 1 of blunt force injuries to the head.
Because the assault that resulted in Pepe’s death occurred on Department of Conservation and Recreation property within the City of Boston, it was investigated by the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit with the assistance of Troop A of the Massachusetts State Police.
Assistant District Attorney Lynn Feigenbaum led the grand jury investigation resulting in Bruzzese’s indictment. Elise McConnell is the DA’s assigned victim-witness advocate.
Source: DA's office
The Suffolk County Grand Jury on Dec. 20 returned indictments charging MICHAEL BRUZZESE (D.O.B. 5/26/65) with manslaughter and unarmed robbery of a person over 60 in the May 29, 2016, assault that caused Pepe’s death three days later. The State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section apprehended Bruzzese this morning in Cambridge and he is expected to be arraigned later today in Suffolk Superior Court.
Bruzzese, who had a temporary residence in Cambridge and formerly lived in Hingham, was previously charged in connection with a separate assault on a 67-year-old Lynn man on June 1, 2016. The evidence showed that Bruzzese approached this man, struck him, and demanded his car keys. Bruzzese later pleaded guilty in that case and was sentenced to 18 months in a house of correction. He was released from that sentence approximately two weeks before the recent indictments were returned.
Bruzzese allegedly assaulted Pepe on May 29, 2016, in the same area of the marsh where the assault on the Lynn man later took place. Pepe was found on a bench suffering trauma to the left side of his face and the back of his head but unable to tell emergency medical technicians what had happened. While his car was located in the reservation’s parking lot, his keys were missing. Pepe was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he died on June 1 of blunt force injuries to the head.
Because the assault that resulted in Pepe’s death occurred on Department of Conservation and Recreation property within the City of Boston, it was investigated by the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit with the assistance of Troop A of the Massachusetts State Police.
Assistant District Attorney Lynn Feigenbaum led the grand jury investigation resulting in Bruzzese’s indictment. Elise McConnell is the DA’s assigned victim-witness advocate.
Source: DA's office
Thursday, January 11, 2018
City Hall: Boston receives $26.3 million HUD grant for homelessness
BOSTON - Thursday, January 11, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today that the City of Boston has received more than $26.3 million in federal funding in support of Boston's homelessness programs. Boston was awarded the funding as the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the results of its annual McKinney Homeless Continuum of Care funding competition, which awarded $2 billion in grants nationally.
"Having weathered record-breaking cold weather these past few weeks, we are reminded just how critical these funds are to our work on the issue of homelessness," said Mayor Walsh. "We have made significant progress in so many areas, but our work is not done. These funds from HUD are critical to continuing this work, and I want to thank HUD and the entire Massachusetts delegation for their continued support on this issue."
"This funding is critical to local Massachusetts programs that are on the front lines of helping those who might otherwise be living on our streets," said David Tille, HUD New England Regional Administrator. "Investments in these programs that find a stable home for our homeless neighbors not only saves money but quite literally saves lives."
The HUD funding will be applied to programs that support Boston's Way Home, the City's plan to end chronic and veteran homelessness. Through the efforts of Boston's Way Home, Boston has ended chronic veteran homelessness, and has housed nearly 1,300 formerly homeless people.
The programs funded cover a range of services and supports, including housing search, the creation of housing for chronically homeless people, rapid re-housing funds, and stabilization services to allow newly housed chronically homeless individuals to receive the supports they need to succeed.
During Mayor Walsh's inauguration earlier this month, he announced the launch of Boston's Way Home Fund, which has a goal of raising over $10 million over the course of four years to create 200 new units of supportive, sustainable, long-term housing for chronically homeless men and women.
The Continuum of Care is a federal program designed to end homelessness by supporting community-wide systems of care, providing funding not only to state and local partners, but also to nonprofit providers who are part of the Continuum. This approach creates a more strategic use of resources, while improving coordination and integration between programs. It has also been found to improve data collection and performance measurement; and has the benefit of allowing communities to tailor programs to the particular resources, organizations, and challenges of that community.
The application for the 2017 Continuum of Care competition was submitted by the Supportive Housing Division of the City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development, in partnership with all of the organizations that make up Boston's Continuum of Care. The application consisted of hundreds of data points and narratives about Boston's system and programs, along with 41 individual project applications to support thousands of the most vulnerable Bostonians on a path to permanent, sustainable supportive housing. In 2016, Boston was awarded over $24 million in HUD grants, and in 2015 Boston was awarded over $23 million in funding.
Organizations funded include Bay Cove, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Casa Myrna, FamilyAid, Heading Home, HomeStart, Kit Clark Senior Services, Project Home, Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Metro Housing Boston, New England Center and Home for Veterans, Pine Street Inn, St. Francis House, and Victory Programs.
For more information on Boston's plan to end homelessness in Boston, please visit here.
"Having weathered record-breaking cold weather these past few weeks, we are reminded just how critical these funds are to our work on the issue of homelessness," said Mayor Walsh. "We have made significant progress in so many areas, but our work is not done. These funds from HUD are critical to continuing this work, and I want to thank HUD and the entire Massachusetts delegation for their continued support on this issue."
"This funding is critical to local Massachusetts programs that are on the front lines of helping those who might otherwise be living on our streets," said David Tille, HUD New England Regional Administrator. "Investments in these programs that find a stable home for our homeless neighbors not only saves money but quite literally saves lives."
The HUD funding will be applied to programs that support Boston's Way Home, the City's plan to end chronic and veteran homelessness. Through the efforts of Boston's Way Home, Boston has ended chronic veteran homelessness, and has housed nearly 1,300 formerly homeless people.
The programs funded cover a range of services and supports, including housing search, the creation of housing for chronically homeless people, rapid re-housing funds, and stabilization services to allow newly housed chronically homeless individuals to receive the supports they need to succeed.
During Mayor Walsh's inauguration earlier this month, he announced the launch of Boston's Way Home Fund, which has a goal of raising over $10 million over the course of four years to create 200 new units of supportive, sustainable, long-term housing for chronically homeless men and women.
The Continuum of Care is a federal program designed to end homelessness by supporting community-wide systems of care, providing funding not only to state and local partners, but also to nonprofit providers who are part of the Continuum. This approach creates a more strategic use of resources, while improving coordination and integration between programs. It has also been found to improve data collection and performance measurement; and has the benefit of allowing communities to tailor programs to the particular resources, organizations, and challenges of that community.
The application for the 2017 Continuum of Care competition was submitted by the Supportive Housing Division of the City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development, in partnership with all of the organizations that make up Boston's Continuum of Care. The application consisted of hundreds of data points and narratives about Boston's system and programs, along with 41 individual project applications to support thousands of the most vulnerable Bostonians on a path to permanent, sustainable supportive housing. In 2016, Boston was awarded over $24 million in HUD grants, and in 2015 Boston was awarded over $23 million in funding.
Organizations funded include Bay Cove, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Casa Myrna, FamilyAid, Heading Home, HomeStart, Kit Clark Senior Services, Project Home, Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Metro Housing Boston, New England Center and Home for Veterans, Pine Street Inn, St. Francis House, and Victory Programs.
For more information on Boston's plan to end homelessness in Boston, please visit here.
ART BASIL: a cutting-edge group show at Atlantic Works Gallery on Border Street
ART BASIL: a cutting-edge group show at Atlantic Works Gallery
January 12-27, 2018
Opening Reception, Thursday, January 18, 6-9pm
(EAST BOSTON, January 3, 2018) Atlantic Works Gallery has a history of staging offbeat group shows to satisfy the personalities and talents of our eclectic artist members...
...so, this past summer, when one of our members climbed up a ladder to get basil from his rooftop garden only to fall off the ladder and bust his face up but good, we joked that the portrait he took of himself after returning from the hospital should be titled, Art Basil.
And then it hit us--our first 2018 group show must be Art Basil! What better way to play off the whole ART BASEL thing and its attendant hoopla and, at the same time, challenge ourselves to create amazing new work for the new year.
Another of our extraordinary members had the idea for an Art Basil cookbook that showcases AWG art and basil recipes, which we promptly got to work on. It is available at the gallery.
Now you have it: an invitation to the ART BASIL show, featuring ‘a garden of work’ that includes color-on-canvas by Carmen Sasso, suicide monoprints by Christine Palamidessi, an off-beat sculpture by Rachel Shatil, quivering mandalas by Marjorie Kaye, creepy digital-refuse insects by Leigh Hall, remarkable Paul Wiener photographs...and more tantalizing--and may we say it: delicious--art.
(While you are here you can check out the remarkable transformation happening on the East Boston Waterfront, too, of which AWG is prime art player.)
FOR MORE INFO, or to request an Art Basil cookbook or a private viewing, contact Anna Salmeron at annasalmeron@comcast.net or 617.913.1871, or Christine Palamidessi at christine@palamidessi.com or 617.460.0550.
Winter Gallery hours: Fridays and Saturdays 2-6pm, or by appointment*
January 12-27, 2018
Opening Reception, Thursday, January 18, 6-9pm
(EAST BOSTON, January 3, 2018) Atlantic Works Gallery has a history of staging offbeat group shows to satisfy the personalities and talents of our eclectic artist members...
...so, this past summer, when one of our members climbed up a ladder to get basil from his rooftop garden only to fall off the ladder and bust his face up but good, we joked that the portrait he took of himself after returning from the hospital should be titled, Art Basil.
And then it hit us--our first 2018 group show must be Art Basil! What better way to play off the whole ART BASEL thing and its attendant hoopla and, at the same time, challenge ourselves to create amazing new work for the new year.
Another of our extraordinary members had the idea for an Art Basil cookbook that showcases AWG art and basil recipes, which we promptly got to work on. It is available at the gallery.
Now you have it: an invitation to the ART BASIL show, featuring ‘a garden of work’ that includes color-on-canvas by Carmen Sasso, suicide monoprints by Christine Palamidessi, an off-beat sculpture by Rachel Shatil, quivering mandalas by Marjorie Kaye, creepy digital-refuse insects by Leigh Hall, remarkable Paul Wiener photographs...and more tantalizing--and may we say it: delicious--art.
(While you are here you can check out the remarkable transformation happening on the East Boston Waterfront, too, of which AWG is prime art player.)
FOR MORE INFO, or to request an Art Basil cookbook or a private viewing, contact Anna Salmeron at annasalmeron@comcast.net or 617.913.1871, or Christine Palamidessi at christine@palamidessi.com or 617.460.0550.
Winter Gallery hours: Fridays and Saturdays 2-6pm, or by appointment*
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
City Councilor Edwards announces Snow Angel Community Service Program
BOSTON (10 January 2018) - Newly-inaugurated Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards announced a district-wide initiative aimed to serve our most vulnerable neighbors during the winter months and connect residents through community service.
The “Snow Angels” program will connect elderly and disabled residents unable to shovel in front of their homes to on-call, neighborhood volunteers ready to alleviate the burden shoveling can impose.
“If Thursday’s snowstorm is any indication, there are many people in our neighborhoods who need assistance beyond what the City can provide for them. The beautiful thing about our district is that there are good-hearted individuals ready and willing to step up to the plate and help,” said Councilor Edwards. “The Snow Angels program will aim to coordinate and connect both communities.”
Councilor Edwards outlined that, depending on the amount of the volunteers, the program hopes to match neighbors in need to a Snow Angel within 500 feet of their home during each snowstorm.
Edwards noted that she’s received the support of District One’s delegation such as Rep. Adrian Madaro of East Boston, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz of the North End, and Rep. Daniel Ryan of Charlestown. She is also actively looking for community sponsors to cover costs of shovels, snow melt, etc.
What else does Councilor Edwards hope to achieve besides clear sidewalks?
“Community connection,” Edwards said. “I hope that this will provide a vehicle for residents to engage and invest in their neighborhood but also cultivate long-lasting relationships between neighbors for generations to come.”
Snow Angels must be 18-years-old and up, reside in the district, and are volunteering at their own risk.
In order to be eligible for the service, you or someone you know must be an elderly or disabled resident of Charlestown, East Boston, or the North End. Snow Angel services are for residential properties only.
To sign-up for the service or to become a Snow Angel, please call (617) 635-3200 or e-mail gabriela.coletta@boston.gov with your name, age, address, and telephone number.
Source: Office of City Councilor Lydia Edwards
The “Snow Angels” program will connect elderly and disabled residents unable to shovel in front of their homes to on-call, neighborhood volunteers ready to alleviate the burden shoveling can impose.
“If Thursday’s snowstorm is any indication, there are many people in our neighborhoods who need assistance beyond what the City can provide for them. The beautiful thing about our district is that there are good-hearted individuals ready and willing to step up to the plate and help,” said Councilor Edwards. “The Snow Angels program will aim to coordinate and connect both communities.”
Councilor Edwards outlined that, depending on the amount of the volunteers, the program hopes to match neighbors in need to a Snow Angel within 500 feet of their home during each snowstorm.
Edwards noted that she’s received the support of District One’s delegation such as Rep. Adrian Madaro of East Boston, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz of the North End, and Rep. Daniel Ryan of Charlestown. She is also actively looking for community sponsors to cover costs of shovels, snow melt, etc.
What else does Councilor Edwards hope to achieve besides clear sidewalks?
“Community connection,” Edwards said. “I hope that this will provide a vehicle for residents to engage and invest in their neighborhood but also cultivate long-lasting relationships between neighbors for generations to come.”
Snow Angels must be 18-years-old and up, reside in the district, and are volunteering at their own risk.
In order to be eligible for the service, you or someone you know must be an elderly or disabled resident of Charlestown, East Boston, or the North End. Snow Angel services are for residential properties only.
To sign-up for the service or to become a Snow Angel, please call (617) 635-3200 or e-mail gabriela.coletta@boston.gov with your name, age, address, and telephone number.
Source: Office of City Councilor Lydia Edwards
Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association P&Z Agenda: Jan. 17
Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association P&Z Agenda
Wednesday January 17, 2018, @ 7pm
Jeffries Point Yacht Club
565 Sumner Street
Agenda:
30 Orleans Street - Construct new 4 family.
Owner Ricardo Andres Robiglio Giannitrapani, Joy Street Design
238 Webster Street. Demolish existing residence to erect 15 units with 10 parking spaces.
Atty Drago.
228 Webster Street. To propose to rehab construct additional 3 units to residential and occupancy to 5 unit residential dwelling.
Atty R. Lynds
177-173 Maverick St - Proposal to rehab existing building, upgrade and change occupancy from 6 dwelling units to 3 retail and 9 residential units.
Atty. Lynds
Update and further discussion on the 4 Narrow Gauge Parcels.
Atty R. Lynds.
Wednesday January 17, 2018, @ 7pm
Jeffries Point Yacht Club
565 Sumner Street
Agenda:
30 Orleans Street - Construct new 4 family.
Owner Ricardo Andres Robiglio Giannitrapani, Joy Street Design
238 Webster Street. Demolish existing residence to erect 15 units with 10 parking spaces.
Atty Drago.
228 Webster Street. To propose to rehab construct additional 3 units to residential and occupancy to 5 unit residential dwelling.
Atty R. Lynds
177-173 Maverick St - Proposal to rehab existing building, upgrade and change occupancy from 6 dwelling units to 3 retail and 9 residential units.
Atty. Lynds
Update and further discussion on the 4 Narrow Gauge Parcels.
Atty R. Lynds.
Friday, January 5, 2018
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
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