Councilors Edwards, Wu Announce Support for Revised Short-Term Rental Regulation

Balanced proposal will enable homeowners to earn supplemental income while ending de-facto corporate hotels

City Councilors Lydia Edwards and Michelle Wu are backing a revised ordinance filed today by the Walsh administration to regulate the short-term rental industry. 

“I fully support the city’s efforts to regulate short-term rentals while providing an opportunity for homeowners to earn supplemental income,” said City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Housing and Community Development. “This legislation will prevent speculative activity that has taken rental units off the market, displaced tenants and hindered the city’s efforts to provide stability for all of Boston’s residents.”

“This ordinance offers reasonable regulations of short-term rentals to close corporate loopholes, protect our housing stock, and stabilize neighborhoods,” said City Councilor Michelle Wu. “I’m proud to support this legislation as the Mayor and City Council work together to stem Boston’s housing crisis.”

The legislation creates a framework for homeowners to earn supplemental income by listing a bedroom in their unit year-round, the entire unit in which they reside, or a single adjacent unit in their owner-occupied, two-family or three-family home. Investor units, which have plagued neighborhoods like the North End, Chinatown and East Boston, would be prohibited under the legislation. 

The Boston City Council has been working in partnership with the Walsh administration and state officials to regulate the short-term rental industry. In March, Councilors Wu and Edwards offered revisions to an initial proposal by the Walsh administration, many of which are reflected in the new ordinance.

Source: Joel Wool, Director of Policy and Communications, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards

Jack Kelly Endorses Lydia Edwards for Boston City Council

BOSTON (October 25, 2017) —Jack Kelly, lifelong Charlestown resident and former city councilor-at-large candidate, endorsed Lydia Edwards for district one Boston city councilor.

“I am proud to endorse Lydia Edwards for Boston City Council to represent East Boston, the North End, and my beloved home of Charlestown,” says Kelly. “Lydia will bring a fresh perspective, an independent voice and above all else, a relentless advocacy for all residents of Charlestown.”

“Lydia and I met initially as opponents. Over the course of the summer, she knocked on my door, as she did for many of my neighbors. I was impressed by her tenacious intellect, experience and desire to learn about all of the important issues facing our community.”

“In addition, Lydia's willingness to listen and receive feedback from those in recovery, demonstrate her ability to lead on day one for all.”

“We need bold, independent leadership as Charlestown faces major projects like One Charlestown, the North Washington Street Bridge, and Wynn Casino. I trust Lydia to do right by our neighborhood and I know she’ll stand with us.”

“I hope my neighbors in District 1 will join me in voting for Lydia on November 7th.”

"Jack's endorsement means a lot to me,” said Edwards. “His personal journey deserves an immense amount of respect.  But more than just his personal story, his work in Charlestown on many of the issues we face in District 1 - such as traffic, addiction prevention and housing is something I highly value.   I am beyond humbled to receive his support.”

“We met as opponents and became friends while we discussed ideas for recovery, traffic and the need for strong, independent leadership in Charlestown. If elected, I will continue to rely on Jack for his friendship, guidance and leadership for all of District 1, but especially Charlestown.”

Edwards, a public interest attorney and community advocate, is no stranger to public service. She has spent her career fighting for women and working families. In her role as the Deputy Director of the city’s new Office of Housing Stability, she found innovative solutions to mitigating Boston’s housing crisis and stood up for vulnerable members of our community by co-founding East Boston’s community soup kitchen.

Lydia's top priorities include ensuring pathways to homeownership for all residents, quality public schools for local families, responsible community-driven development, and reliable transportation.

Edwards is a resident of East Boston with her husband, Rogerio, a licensed electrician and small business owner. The general election will take place on Tuesday November, 7th. For more information please visit: www.lydiaedwards.org.

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Source: Edwards Campaign 10/25

Candidate Farmer: Last day to register to vote for September 26 is Wednesday, September 6

This just in from the Farmer campaign:

Boston, MA--Wednesday, September 6, 2017 is the last day to register for the primary elections in Boston. The Boston Municipal Preliminary Election includes the ballot for candidates for Boston City Council and the mayoral race. The primary election will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

“Elections work best when more people participate,” says Margaret Farmer, Candidate for Boston City Council, District 1. “I encourage everyone who can to take the time to vote in this important primary.” 

Farmer will be hosting an event for supporters on the evening of September 6, to thank everyone who has contributed to her campaign. For information about the event, please email contact@margaretfarmer.org.

Margaret Farmer is one of three candidates currently running to represent District 1 in the Boston City Council. District 1 includes East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End. You can read more about her candidacy and position on issues at her website http://www.margaretfarmer.org. 

Source: 
Margaret Farmer for Boston City Council
www.margaretfarmerforBoston.com
978-729-7771

Campaign: Passacantilli Will Hire Neighborhood Liaisons from Each Community

BOSTON – Stephen Passacantilli, candidate for Boston City Council - District 1, has announced that he will hire a neighborhood liaison for each community in the district if elected to the City Council.  Passacantilli is a North End civic leader, Boston Public Schools parent, and former staffer to City Councilor Sal LaMattina.

Passacantilli said, "As former constituent services director for Councilor LaMattina and past president of my local neighborhood council, I know how important it is to have accessible representation in the community and at City Hall.  If elected to the City Council, I will hire a neighborhood-specific liaison for Charlestown, for East Boston, and for the North

End.  Residents deserve to know their City Councilor and their staff, and must always be able to get an answer on issues – big or small – in a timely manner.  I will always prioritize responsive and effective constituent services."

Last month, Passacantilli showed this commitment by becoming the only candidate to open campaign offices in each of the district's three neighborhoods.

Many know Passacantilli from his years of public service across Boston. He is a lifelong resident of the North End where he has been deeply involved as past president of his local civic association and through local charities and community organizations like North End Against Drugs (NEAD) and the North End Beautification Committee. Passacantilli is also an active Boston Public Schools parent and serves on the board of the Gavin Foundation.

Passacantilli and his wife, Renee, are raising their two children, Grace and Evan, just around the corner where he grew up in the North End.

Source: Passacantilli campaign

Passacantilli Campaign Knocks on 8,000th Door

BOSTON – Stephen Passacantilli's campaign for Boston City Council District 1 has announced a major milestone.  This past week, the campaign knocked on their 8,000th door and leads all other campaigns in social media engagement with over 1,300 Facebook followers.

Passacantilli is a North End civic leader, Boston Public Schools parent, and former staffer to City Councilor Sal LaMattina.

Passacantilli said, "I am so proud of the strong grassroots campaign we are building.  We've been out knocking on doors and calling voters in East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End, and the response has been incredible.  As past head of my local neighborhood council, I know how important it is to hear directly from residents about the issues that matter to them.  That's why we're so focused on going directly to residents to discuss our platform and hear their concerns.  As a lifelong Bostonian with kids in the Boston Public Schools, I'll bring a unique perspective and experience to the Boston City Council.  Residents of District 1 deserve a City Councilor who will take the lead on issues like public safety, education, addiction and recovery, and development.  On the City Council, I will always put you first."

Just last month, Passacantilli became the only candidate to open campaign offices in each of the district's three neighborhoods.

Many know Passacantilli from his years of public service across Boston. He is a lifelong resident of the North End where he has been deeply involved as past president of his local civic association and through local charities and community organizations like North End Against Drugs (NEAD) and the North End Beautification Committee. Passacantilli is also an active Boston Public Schools parent and serves on the board of the Gavin Foundation.

Source: Passacantilli Campaign 8/18/2017

Boston Globe names city council candidate Lydia Edwards "2017 Game Changer"

District 1 City Council Candidate Lydia Edwards

(BOSTON, MA May 22, 2017) – Lydia Edwards, East Boston resident and candidate for district 1 Boston City Councilor, was named a 2017 Game Changer by the Boston Globe as part of their series highlighting innovation and leadership in the metro Boston area.

The Globe praised Edwards ability to build relationships and conversations among “three constituencies that often can feel as if they’re speaking completely different languages”: tenants, landlords, and city hall to come up with solutions for gentrification and displacement. 

"We have to come up with a way we can talk and have all of us feel like part of the solution," Edwards says. “I am honored to receive this distinction from the Boston Globe and to shed light on this issue.”

Edwards campaign kickoff is taking place in East Boston on Wednesday, May 24th at 5:30PM at La Hacienda located at 150 Meridian Street. All are welcomed to attend. 

Link to Boston Globe article.

Source: Edwards Campaign

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.

Ward 1 Democratic Committee fails to endorse candidate in Special State Senate race; No candidate garnered 10 votes

(EAST BOSTON- April 1, 2016)  An endorsement meeting of the Ward 1 Democratic Committee was held on  Tuesday,  March 29, 2016  at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club. The purpose of this meeting was to consider an endorsement in the First Suffolk & Middlesex Senate race. 

The meeting was attended by fifteen (15) members of the Ward committee and six (6) of the seven (7) democratic candidates. The candidates who addressed the committee included: Joseph Boncore, Lydia Edwards, Diana Hwang, Rep. Jay Livingstone, Paul Rogers and Dan Rizzo. Unfortunately, Steve Morabito was not feeling well and notified the committee that he would be unable to attend. The six candidates each delivered five-minute speeches about their backgrounds, qualifications and their platforms. The candidates presented great information and those in attendance asked some great questions, which spurred a lively and informative discussion. 

 Following the presentations by the candidates the Ward committee took an endorsement vote, with 15 members in attendance a minimum of 10 votes was required for a candidate endorsement. None of the candidates garnered enough votes to receive an endorsement.

Voters in the First Suffolk & Middlesex  District, which includes all of East Boston, head to the polls on April 12,2016 for the primary election. 

Questions? Contact Ward 1 chairman Michael Sulprizio at msulprizio@comcast.net. 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 Committee Chair, 617-438-0952, msulprizio@comcast.net