Mayor Walsh appoints Aisha Miller as Chief of Civic Engagement

Aisha Miller new Chief of Civic Engagement
Photo: Courtesy City Hall 

BOSTON - Monday, November 30, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Aisha Miller as the Chief of Civic Engagement for the City of Boston, effective Monday, December 7, 2020. 

The Civic Engagement Cabinet is composed of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, the Mayor's Office of Public Service and Community Outreach, Boston 311, and SPARK Boston and is dedicated to the efficient and effective delivery of City services, as well as creating opportunities for Boston residents to participate with local government. 

Miller is currently the Assistant Commissioner of Constituent Services for the Boston Inspectional Service Department (ISD). "Aisha brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in civic engagement to this new role, and I am proud and excited to appoint her as my Chief of Civic Engagement," said Mayor Walsh. "Managing the Constituent Services Division at ISD required building relationships with the community, outside stakeholders and various city agencies to ensure each Boston resident is afforded the best quality of life. I am confident that she will also excel in this new role and all City departments will benefit from having her as a Cabinet Chief." 

 "I am excited and esteemed by this opportunity to lead one of the essential departments in the City of Boston that connects to all Boston residents. I look forward to continuing the initiatives spearheaded by Chief Jerome Smith and creating new initiatives under the leadership of Mayor Martin J. Walsh," said Aisha Miller. "I was born and raised in Mattapan, enriched with families and hard-working parents like my mother that instilled values in their children. Moments like these prove to young people of color that opportunities are at their fingertips through hard work and dedication. For me, it's simple; a girl from Mattapan has the chance to give back to the people who have prepared her for this moment."

Aisha will take the role of Jerome Smith, who served as director of the Office of Neighborhood Services and Chief of Civic Engagement for over six years. Current Chief of Staff for the Civic Engagement Cabinet, Edward M. McGuire III, will assume the role of Director of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services effective Monday, December 7, 2020. 

Faisa Shariff was recently appointed as the Deputy Director of ONS. Jerome Smith's last day working at the City of Boston will be Friday, December 4, 2020. As Chief of Civic Engagement and Director of the Office of Neighborhood Services, he advised the Mayor on efforts to preserve and enhance the quality of services delivered to residents, including overseeing Mayor Walsh's Civic Academies and NEW (Neighborhood Engagement Walks) Boston, developing neighborhood partnerships, resolving problems related to code enforcement, rebranding and managing Boston 311, and spearheading Mayor Walsh's Problem Properties Task Force, Fireworks Task Force, and Police Reform Task Force. 

 "Jerome has been an integral part of my team for many years, and greatly contributed to the continual improvement of delivering City services," said Mayor Walsh. "It has truly been a pleasure to work with him and we wish him the best in his future endeavors." "It was a privilege to serve the City of Boston under the Walsh administration doing such meaningful work as the Chief of Civic Engagement and Director of Neighborhood Services," said Jerome Smith. 

"I was dedicated to bridging the gaps between our communities and local government as I firmly believed that it is only by strengthening our neighborhoods that we can succeed as a city. With the support of the Mayor, my excellent staff and I were able to improve the delivery of services to constituents and to find innovative and meaningful ways in which to engage the residents of Boston. I am confident that the Cabinet will continue to do incredible work." 

For more information, please visit www.boston.gov/departments/neighborhood-services.

R.I.P. John L. Forbes, former Executive Director of the East Boston Social Centers

A reflection on the passing of John L Forbes who served as director of the East Boston Social Centers for so many years.

Obituary: Judge Joseph Ferrino

Judge Joseph Vincent Ferrino, Sr. passed away peacefully on November 22, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Born in 1926 in Boston, MA, he was a child of Sicilian parents who immigrated to the Boston area via Ellis Island around 1910. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Marie A. (“Jeanette”) Ferrino, his brother, Peter J. Ferrino, MD, and his sister, Annette M. Nazzaro. 

He is survived by his four children: Joseph V. Ferrino, Jr. of Winthrop, MA, Joanne F. Zahrobsky and her husband Colonel Joseph R. Zahrobsky, USAF (Ret.), of Tampa, FL, Paula J. Fosa of Winthrop, and Richard H. Ferrino and his wife Rhonda K. Ferrino of Winthrop. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Judge Ferrino was a World War II veteran, a Boston area attorney, a district court justice, a veterans organization leader, a patriotic organization founder, a beacon in the Italian American community, and a volunteer for hundreds of community causes and organizations.

A graduate of Boston University Law in 1951, Judge Ferrino returned to his roots to open a one-man practice in a brownstone law office in East Boston. There he served clients and became involved in several national causes until, in 1971, the Governor of Massachusetts appointed him a judge in the East Boston District Court. 

In 1976, he was promoted to presiding justice of that court. Over the ensuing 25 years, Judge Ferrino stewarded his court into a unique community asset--a multi-dimensional community court complete with a totally unique in-court community medical clinic and a Boy Scout coeducational Explorer Post. 

In addition, he also initiated Law Day in the Massachusetts courts. In 1989 the president of the Massachusetts Bar Association presented him their Public Service Award, calling his court “unparalleled in the state.” 

In addition to his court responsibilities, Judge Ferrino was a member of the Massachusetts, North Suffolk, and Boston Bar Associations. He sat on the Executive Committee of the International Association of Jurists, the Governor’s Task Force on Juvenile Justice, and the Judicial Committee on Courthouses and Facilities. He also served as President of the Justinian Law Society and was recently named "Honorary Dean". 

His academic lecture and advising resume included Harvard University, the National Judicial College, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the University of Massachusetts, Brandeis University, Salem State University and numerous others. Many of these activities resulted in published scholarly work.

Beyond his legal career, however, Judge Ferrino lived a remarkable life in many other diverse fields. He entered the Merchant Marines and then later, enlisted in the U. S. Navy for the last 24 months of World War II. After the war ended, he attended college at the University of Alabama, and Boston University for law school. But he never lost his connection with veterans. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Italian American War Veterans, the East Boston Veterans Council, and most notably, the American Veterans--commonly known as the AMVETS. There, he commanded its local post, served as its Massachusetts Judge Advocate, co-wrote the national constitution and by-laws, and commanded its Northeast District. He went on to serve as its National Judge Advocate and its representative to international veterans councils in The Hague and Geneva. Finally, in 1968, he was elected its 25th National Commander and served in Washington, DC for a year.

He was also fiercely patriotic. Judge Ferrino founded the Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. It became a major focus of his energies, particularly after retirement from the bench in 1991, and he served in multiple offices, including president. His work in building the group from scratch ultimately provided hundreds of young people an immersive U. S. policy and education experience at the Freedoms Foundation national education center in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania even as his local chapter served Massachusetts as a cornerstone organization in public affairs and traditions.

Judge Ferrino’s role in the Italian American community was legendary. Over the decades he served in every leadership role in the Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts. He was instrumental in building the cultural center in Cambridge, MA. In 1998, working closely with the governor, he was instrumental in establishing the annual October Italian Heritage Month in Massachusetts. He maintained active membership in a plethora of Italian American organizations his entire life. He also worked closely with the Italian Consulate in Boston, hosting and supporting a number of consuls general and their work in Massachusetts and New England.

Judge Ferrino also served in numerous other leadership and advisory capacities. At various times he co-chaired the 1987/1988 East Boston and Winthrop Bicentennial Committee, the Trinity Neighborhood House, the Boston Bicentennial and the Boston Jubilee. He incorporated and advised the East Boston and North Suffolk Mental Health Clinics. He served as president of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce, the East Boston Kiwanis Club, and the East Boston Social Centers, Inc. He sat on the Boards of the YMCA Armed Services, Huntington General Hospital, Trinity House Camps, Inc., and the Board of Trustees of the Boston Public Library. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 15, and sat on the Executive Board of the Boston Council of the Boy Scouts. And he co- published the East Boston Leader.

Judge Ferrino’s U.S. and International awards and decorations were myriad. He was knighted by the President of the Italian Republic as Commendatore dell'Ordine della Stella della solidarietà italiana (A Commander of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity). In May 2016, Freedoms Foundation presented him its highest national award, the “Spirit of ‘76” medal and, in 2018, the Massachusetts State House of Representatives honored him for his “collective body of work” on the Italian Heritage Month Committee. In 1989 he was honored with a Grand Knighthood in the Order of Saint Michael the Archangel of the Massachusetts Italian American Police Officers Association. He held awards and recognition from every level of the Massachusetts Bar and countless other organizations.

Arrangements are being made through Caggiano Funeral Home of Winthrop, MA. In view of the national health emergency, memorial and interment services will be held privately for the immediate family only. A retrospective public celebration of life is contemplated for some later date when safety can be assured. Friends wishing to make a memorial gesture are encouraged to donate to the American Diabetes Association.

Mayor Walsh, Governor Baker, Boston Housing Authority and Trinity Financial celebrate completion of phase two of Overlook Terrace at Orient Heights

(BOSTON - Thursday, November 12, 2020) - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Governor Charlie Baker today marked the completion of Phase Two of Overlook Terrace at Orient Heights with a virtual 'ribbon cutting' event - joining the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and the development team of Trinity Financial and the East Boston Community Development Corporation.

Phase Two of the project involved the demolition of 87 original units in four buildings and the new construction of 88 State Public Housing rental units in a combination of apartment style and townhouse homes. The Phase Two property, which also includes new community and open spaces and play areas, achieved LEED Gold certifiability for sustainability and energy efficiency. 

Photo credit: Anthony Crisafulli, Trinity Financial

"The Orient Heights development is a great Boston story," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "We brought lots of partners together, we got creative sourcing funding, and we harnessed the economic strength of our city to create powerful opportunities for working families. I congratulate everyone involved in the financing, design and construction. I thank the tenants for their patience and input, and the BHA for working with them on relocation and return."

"I'm pleased to celebrate the completion of Phase II of Overlook Terrace at Orient Heights, preserving hundreds of affordable units for Boston residents," said Governor Charlie Baker. "Thank you to Mayor Walsh, the Boston Housing Authority and all the partners that worked together with our administration to make this project possible."

Originally built in 1951, the 331-unit Orient Heights state public housing community has become physically distressed over the years. For the past five years, BHA, DHCD, and the residents of Orient Heights have been working with the development team to transform the community. Phase One of the redeveloped Overlook Terrace at Orient Heights, which was completed in 2018, included the construction of 120 units of new replacement state public housing. The total development investment in Phase One was of approximately $51.2 million, including affordable housing resources from the City of Boston, and funds raised through an allocation of federal 4 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; tax-exempt bonds for construction financing; state public housing capital funds from BHA and DHCD.

Phase Two, being celebrated today, was made possible with $10 million from the City of Boston, including the proceeds from the sale of the Winthrop Street Garage as well as Inclusionary Development Policy funds secured from Article 80 development projects in East Boston. Financing for Phase Two was also provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's DHCD, the BHA, MassWorks, MassHousing, RBC Capital Markets, and Citizens Bank. 

As part of the upcoming FY22 Capital Plan, Mayor Walsh is committing another $19 million for Phase Three, which is anticipated to complete the replacement and modernization of the remaining 123 units in order to achieve a one-for-one replacement of the original 331-units, and is projected to commence in 2021. 

"Orient Heights has been a vital housing resource for low-income families in East Boston for almost 70 years. With these new units we are building a future for our residents," said BHA Administrator Kate Bennett. "The work we're doing today will secure a vibrant, stable home for hundreds of families at Orient Heights for decades to come."

The BHA, which has owned and managed the Orient Heights public housing development since its original construction in the 1950s, undertook a planning process in 2008 with the support of DHCD to consider redevelopment options for the community. In January 2015, with an award of funding from DHCD, the BHA selected the development team of Trinity Financial and East Boston CDC to work with both agencies and the residents of the Orient Heights community to finalize a redevelopment strategy. In partnership with the BHA and DHCD, the development team secured financing to implement the redevelopment, and will own and manage the buildings post-redevelopment. The BHA will continue to own the land and will lease the land to Trinity.  

"This property is a critical part of the BHA's portfolio in meeting the City of Boston's affordable housing needs. It has been a privilege to be part of such a collaborative public-private partnership with our colleagues at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Boston, the Boston Housing Authority, East Boston CDC, the Orient Heights residents, and our colleagues in finance and development to see this second phase through to completion." said Eva Erlich, Vice President, Development with Trinity Financial. "We're thrilled to be marking this milestone for Phase Two, and look forward to completing the full transformation with the third and final phase.  "

Since January of 2015, BHA and the development team have held public meetings with residents and the neighborhood, regular meetings with the Local Tenant Organization and various meetings with City and State officials. The redevelopment effort has been supported by a local community that recognizes Orient Heights as an integral part of the neighborhood. BHA, Trinity, and the East Boston CDC will continue to meet with public housing residents and neighbors in the broader community on an on-going basis throughout the remaining stages of redevelopment.

Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston have dedicated substantial resources to redevelopment efforts at BHA Public Housing sites across the city. In addition to the city's $10 million investment for Orient Heights Phase Two, Mayor Walsh has invested $6.5 million to redevelop the Whittier Public Housing Development in Roxbury, $30 million for a future redevelopment of the Bunker Hill Public Housing Development in Charlestown, $25 million to Anne Lynch Homes at Old Colony in South Boston, and $5 million this year to kickstart renovation efforts for BHA Public Housing for seniors and residents with disabilities across the city.

Since the implementation of the Mayor Walsh's housing plan in 2014, 23,000 new units of housing have been completed. With an additional 9,700 units currently under construction, the City has secured housing for an estimated 45,600 residents, making significant progress in meeting Boston's rapid population growth.  

ABOUT THE BOSTON HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that provides subsidized housing to low and moderate income individuals and families. In addition to conventional public housing communities throughout Boston, BHA offers rental assistance programs. BHA receives federal and state funding in order to provide housing programs to individuals and families. BHA's mission is to provide stable, quality affordable housing for low and moderate income persons; to deliver these services with integrity and mutual accountability; and to create living environments which serve as catalysts for the transformation from dependency to economic self-sufficiency.

ABOUT TRINITY FINANCIAL

Trinity Financial is a community-driven, diverse real estate development firm with a proven-track record of redeveloping complex urban sites from New York to Greater Boston. Our work spans half a dozen residential and commercial specialties, from multi-family housing to transit-oriented development. Over the past 30 years Trinity has completed more than $3 billion in innovative development, delivering high quality, sustainable, multi-family housing, ranging from affordable to luxury - all with a commitment to people and place. For more information about Trinity Financial, please visit www.trinityfinancial.com.

 

Mayor Walsh Column: Help your city by getting tested for COVID-19

 By Mayor Martin J. Walsh

(Boston, November 10) The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us in profound ways, and has impacted nearly every aspect of city life. Although we have made great progress since the spring in controlling the spread of the virus, Boston has been facing an increase in COVID-19 positive rates for the last few weeks. Currently, 7.1 percent of people who get tested are testing positive. Since anyone can be infected and spread the virus even if they don’t show symptoms, testing is a key part of stopping the spread. 

I recently announced a new campaign called “Get The Test, Boston,” a pledge that encourages every Boston resident to make testing a regular part of their routine. It also encourages employers to let their employees know about testing resources available to them. The City of Boston is offering benefit-eligible City employees one paid hour every 14 days to get tested during their normal work hours. Several local businesses have also committed to signing the pledge, to ensure their employees know how and when to get tested for COVID-19. 

I encourage everyone in our city to look at the testing resources we have worked so hard to make available, and seriously consider getting tested to protect themselves and their communities as we work to stop this increase in COVID-19 cases. Here are some reasons why you should get tested: 

• If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, like fever, cough, or shortness of breath

• If you are at high risk for complications from COVID-19

• If you have been in contact with someone who was infected with COVID-19

• If you have traveled or have been in large gatherings

The City offers free testing for residents with or without COVID-like symptoms through our mobile testing teams currently in East Boston’s Central Square and at Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan through Saturday, November 14. The teams change locations every couple of weeks to increase testing accessibility and availability, prioritizing neighborhoods that need dedicated testing efforts. For locations and hours of the more than 30 COVID-19 testing sites we have in the City, including these mobile sites, please visit boston.gov/covid19-testing. 

We are entering a critical time in this pandemic, and everyone who does their part will help save lives, and make a real difference. By following the safety guidelines, everyone can minimize the spread. In addition to getting tested, residents should continue to wear a face covering or mask, stay six feet apart from others, wash your hands often with soap and warm water, and avoid crowds and gatherings. 

Together, we will continue to keep our city and our communities safe.

Source: Mayor's Press Office 11/10

From the archives: Jeveli's adds new dining room.

Update 11/9: According to several sources Jeveli's is only going into winter hibernation. 

Posters at the East Boston Open Discussion Group over at Facebook report that landmark Jeveli's Restaurant in Day Square will close on Tuesday, November 10.  Here's some ad copy I wrote for an ad in the East Boston Community News in January 1983.  I worked there as a teenager in various jobs; I learned a lot from the late Ted Jeveli. 

Another local institution sails away.