This just in from No Eastie Casino!
EAST BOSTON, MA -- Oct. 31, 2013 -- Unlike this season's Red Sox, the investors in a proposed casino are not a championship team for Boston. Suffolk Downs has indicated it won't have a new operations partner by the time East Boston and Revere residents go to the polls on Tuesday. But with or without a casino operator, the casino plan should be turned away on Tuesday by voters.
"Slot machines kill jobs," said Celeste Myers, co-chair of No Eastie Casino, citing research that shows that casino revenues come at the expense of local businesses, "and there will be at least 4,000 of them at Suffolk Downs. For our small businesses, our families, and a safe future for East Boston, we urge our neighbors to vote no on Tuesday."
No Eastie Casino previously called for Suffolk Downs to immediately withdraw its casino application after a Gaming Commission investigation turned up disastrous finances for both Caesars Entertainment and Suffolk Downs' primary owner, Richard Fields. Despite Wednesday's finding of suitability, the Gaming Commission also found that Suffolk Downs knew about many of the problems raised in their investigation but failed to take the appropriate steps to ensure problems were fixed.
"Suffolk Downs completely failed to perform any due diligence to assess Caesars until it was clear they could not move forward with Caesars in the mix," Myers said. "Track management and city officials were notified of Caesars' problems, and yet the proposal went forward full-steam ahead. This amounts to a serious breach of trust on the part of Suffolk Downs."
The Caesars debacle, in addition to No Eastie Casino's rigorous education and voter outreach efforts, appears to be causing more East Boston residents to doubt Suffolk Downs' casino plan. Still, voters in East Boston and Revere will walk into precincts Tuesday to cast ballots with Caesars Entertainment still mentioned throughout the project description and likely no replacement operator in sight.
But for many residents of East Boston, a casino approval process marked by roadblocks mirrors a desperate, dying casino industry. A City attorney admitted this week that Boston is prepared for the fact that Suffolk Downs' new partner may not be a "first-class gaming operator" at the industry standards set by Caesars and that a new operator may require reopening the mitigation agreement. Myers points to this as evidence that it is clearly time for Suffolk Downs to withdraw.
"When states are bailing out their casinos, casino workers are walking off the job in disappointment, and small businesses are shutting their doors, we should be clued in that casinos are a losing economic development strategy," Myers said. "Suffolk Downs has had ample opportunities to select first-class partners, and they continue to come up short. East Boston deserves so much more."
****
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Rep. Basile supports as House Passes VALOR Act II Legislation strengthens 2012 Valor Act and enhances commitment to Commonwealth’s veterans
(BOSTON) – State Representative Carlo Basile joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives today to pass the 2013 VALOR Act which builds on existing legislation to expand opportunities and services for military personnel, veterans and their families.
The legislation provides increased property tax relief and enhances employment, educational and healthcare support services. It also establishes a home modification program for veterans to help individuals stay in their homes and function independently.
“This legislation sends a message to our veterans that we appreciate their bravery, sacrifice and service,” Speaker DeLeo said. “Most importantly though, it aids those who have supported us during some of the country’s most difficult times. I’m incredibly proud that Massachusetts leads the nation in aiding veterans and military personnel and I believe this bill furthers that commitment.”
“Thanks to the efforts of Speaker DeLeo, Chairman Dempsey, and my colleagues on the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, we as a Legislature have done so much for our veterans and their families,” Representative Carlo Basile, Chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (D-East Boston) said. “This legislation allows us to do our small part in helping those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families and our way of life. The VALOR Act II is our way to honor veterans, the bravest men and women of the Commonwealth, and offer them in some small manner, our sign of appreciation.”
The bill also includes the below provisions:
* Allows students currently enrolled in college, who are called to active duty, to either complete their coursework without penalty following duty, or to withdraw and receive a tuition refund.
* Requires the Division of Professional Licensure to waive the initial application or certification fee for licensure for any veteran;
* Establishes a post-deployment council to make recommendations and study mental health issues to support military members transitioning to civilian life after deployment;
* Requires the Department of Public Health to issue guidance to acute hospitals and ambulance service providers to ensure the identification of veterans in emergency settings;
* Extends the award qualifications for the Medal of Liberty and updates criteria to qualify for a Purple Heart, Gold Star and the Support Our Veterans license plates
The 2013 Valor Act passed the House unanimously.
The legislation provides increased property tax relief and enhances employment, educational and healthcare support services. It also establishes a home modification program for veterans to help individuals stay in their homes and function independently.
“This legislation sends a message to our veterans that we appreciate their bravery, sacrifice and service,” Speaker DeLeo said. “Most importantly though, it aids those who have supported us during some of the country’s most difficult times. I’m incredibly proud that Massachusetts leads the nation in aiding veterans and military personnel and I believe this bill furthers that commitment.”
“Thanks to the efforts of Speaker DeLeo, Chairman Dempsey, and my colleagues on the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, we as a Legislature have done so much for our veterans and their families,” Representative Carlo Basile, Chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (D-East Boston) said. “This legislation allows us to do our small part in helping those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families and our way of life. The VALOR Act II is our way to honor veterans, the bravest men and women of the Commonwealth, and offer them in some small manner, our sign of appreciation.”
The bill also includes the below provisions:
* Allows students currently enrolled in college, who are called to active duty, to either complete their coursework without penalty following duty, or to withdraw and receive a tuition refund.
* Requires the Division of Professional Licensure to waive the initial application or certification fee for licensure for any veteran;
* Establishes a post-deployment council to make recommendations and study mental health issues to support military members transitioning to civilian life after deployment;
* Requires the Department of Public Health to issue guidance to acute hospitals and ambulance service providers to ensure the identification of veterans in emergency settings;
* Extends the award qualifications for the Medal of Liberty and updates criteria to qualify for a Purple Heart, Gold Star and the Support Our Veterans license plates
The 2013 Valor Act passed the House unanimously.
Daily Item of Lynn: MBTA expanding Silver Line bus service
"Gov. Deval Patrick announced on Wednesday that a new branch of the Silver Line will be created linking Boston's South Station and Seaport District to East Boston and Chelsea." Read more at the Daily Item of Lynn.
Ray Flynn speaks out against casino in East Boston
Former Mayor Ray Flynn says casinos exploit the poor! He's right! Casino discussion with NECN's Jim Braude comes in around 5:40.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Week 7 East Boston Malden Youth Hockey News
M.E.B. hockey squads finished up parity play last weekend in the Valley league and some teams even began their regular season with games now counting towards their season records.
Mite K (5-8 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 11, Winthrop 4
Kasabuski Arena, Saugus MA
For the second straight week, the Mite K team knocked off an undefeated team with an 11-4 win over Winthrop. Solid two way play all around with some fantastic goaltending from Will Fosdick. Four goals from Jake Simpson, a hat trick for Chris Hanifan, two goals from Chris Cecca, and a goal each from Ryan Thomas and Cristian Monge.
SQUIRT (9-10 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 6, Newton 3
Fessenden School, Newton MA
PEEWEE (11-12 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 0, Wellesley 5
Valley Forum, Malden MA
BANTAM AAA (13-14 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 4, South Boston 3
Porrazzo Rink, East Boston MA
In the crosstown rivalry Ryan Noonan created opportunities to put it behind the Shamrock goaltender to give the M.E.B. Mustangs the lead with a little more than two minutes to play in the first period. The second period opened with more tough play, but James Pandolfo was able to score at 1:11 into the period on a loose puck in front of the Shamrocks' net off a hard fought effort by Nick Miller to put the home team up 2-0. With a little more than three minutes to play in the second, Louis Staffieri poured on some speed through center ice and lit the lamp for the Mustangs on a feed from Ryan Noonan from the M.E.B. blue line, 3-1. In the third South Boston moved to within one on a power play goal at the 9:30 mark of the period. Another power play and another goal for South Boston tied the game just seven seconds into the penalty. With more back and forth play and more scoring chances for both sides, the goalies kept the score tied until another effort from Nick Miller feeding James Pandolfo gave the M.E.B. Mustangs the lead again with just 2:46 to play in the game. The play was tense in the final seconds, with a face-off in the M.E.B. zone, and continuous pressure from South Boston. In the end, Malden/East Boston prevailed, with a final score of 4-3.
Malden/East Boston 7, Woburn 1
O’Brien Rink, Woburn MA
The Bantam AAA's enjoyed a little Saturday Night Fever in a physical battle versus the Woburn Bantams Saturday night. After many opportunities, Nick Salgado placed a sweet pass on James Pandolfo's stick resulting in a beautiful roofer under the bar. The second period M.E.B. really hit their stride starting with Ryan Noonan doing his best dancing with the stars move out of the corner and banging it home. Nick Capillo broke in with a solid high wrist shot from just inside the blue line that hand cuffed the goalie and bounced in. Next up was a great feed from Jared Downey up to a breaking Louis Staffieri who blasted in alone moving the goalie right out of his equipment and dropping into the mesh. Not to be stopped, Nick Miller banged home one of many rebounds to go up 5-1. To end the second period onslaught, Mike DeFillipo totally out muscled a much larger opponent in the corner steal the puck and sending a near impossible angle shot off the goalie and into the net. With the physical play intensifying by the Woburn boys, M.E.B. held their composure and finalized the scoring with a Paul Curtis tally placing a 7-0 final score to goaltender Anthony Giuliano's shut out collection.
Malden/East Boston 7, Lexington/Bedford 0
Valley Forum, Malden MA
Coming off a Saturday night win, the M.E.B. Bantam AAA’s started the regular season Sunday with a tilt against Lexington-Bedford. The boys picked up where the left off the night before with a Louis Staffieri show circling the offensive zone until he had nice angle on the net and popped it home. Then it was James Pandolfo as the poster child for being in the right place at the right time, banging in the first rebound of two to end the period up 3-0. The opposition buckled down, and M.E.B. had a tough time getting quality shots keeping the score board idle for the second period. But with determination to finish hard, the third period scoring started with a great top corner shot from Nick Miller. Not to be outdone, Anthony Cecca followed suit with a top corner shot of his own on an M.E.B. power play. After a nice break in by Staffieri, he hung in to pick up his own rebound and swung it wide to through it into an open net past a sprawled goaltender. To round out the scoring Cecca set up Pandolfo for his Hat Trick ending the game at 7-0. Another fine showing for shutout-master Anthony Giuliano between the pipes.
BANTAM AA (13-14 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston AA 2, Lexington/Bedford 2
Valley Forum, Malden MA
Malden/East Boston AA 8, Everett/Revere 0
Valley Forum, Malden MA
MIDGET (15-18 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 6, Woburn 1
Valley Forum, Malden MA
Malden/East Boston 5, Medford 1
Connery Arena, Lynn MA
If you or someone you know has a child who wants to play hockey, we have open enrollment. For more information visit http://www.mebhockey.com/
Email us your questions @ mebhockey1@aol.com
Like us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/MaldenEast-Boston-Youth-Hockey/179711587493
Follow us on Twitter @MEBHorsePower
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Mite K (5-8 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 11, Winthrop 4
Kasabuski Arena, Saugus MA
For the second straight week, the Mite K team knocked off an undefeated team with an 11-4 win over Winthrop. Solid two way play all around with some fantastic goaltending from Will Fosdick. Four goals from Jake Simpson, a hat trick for Chris Hanifan, two goals from Chris Cecca, and a goal each from Ryan Thomas and Cristian Monge.
SQUIRT (9-10 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 6, Newton 3
Fessenden School, Newton MA
PEEWEE (11-12 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 0, Wellesley 5
Valley Forum, Malden MA
BANTAM AAA (13-14 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 4, South Boston 3
Porrazzo Rink, East Boston MA
In the crosstown rivalry Ryan Noonan created opportunities to put it behind the Shamrock goaltender to give the M.E.B. Mustangs the lead with a little more than two minutes to play in the first period. The second period opened with more tough play, but James Pandolfo was able to score at 1:11 into the period on a loose puck in front of the Shamrocks' net off a hard fought effort by Nick Miller to put the home team up 2-0. With a little more than three minutes to play in the second, Louis Staffieri poured on some speed through center ice and lit the lamp for the Mustangs on a feed from Ryan Noonan from the M.E.B. blue line, 3-1. In the third South Boston moved to within one on a power play goal at the 9:30 mark of the period. Another power play and another goal for South Boston tied the game just seven seconds into the penalty. With more back and forth play and more scoring chances for both sides, the goalies kept the score tied until another effort from Nick Miller feeding James Pandolfo gave the M.E.B. Mustangs the lead again with just 2:46 to play in the game. The play was tense in the final seconds, with a face-off in the M.E.B. zone, and continuous pressure from South Boston. In the end, Malden/East Boston prevailed, with a final score of 4-3.
Malden/East Boston 7, Woburn 1
O’Brien Rink, Woburn MA
The Bantam AAA's enjoyed a little Saturday Night Fever in a physical battle versus the Woburn Bantams Saturday night. After many opportunities, Nick Salgado placed a sweet pass on James Pandolfo's stick resulting in a beautiful roofer under the bar. The second period M.E.B. really hit their stride starting with Ryan Noonan doing his best dancing with the stars move out of the corner and banging it home. Nick Capillo broke in with a solid high wrist shot from just inside the blue line that hand cuffed the goalie and bounced in. Next up was a great feed from Jared Downey up to a breaking Louis Staffieri who blasted in alone moving the goalie right out of his equipment and dropping into the mesh. Not to be stopped, Nick Miller banged home one of many rebounds to go up 5-1. To end the second period onslaught, Mike DeFillipo totally out muscled a much larger opponent in the corner steal the puck and sending a near impossible angle shot off the goalie and into the net. With the physical play intensifying by the Woburn boys, M.E.B. held their composure and finalized the scoring with a Paul Curtis tally placing a 7-0 final score to goaltender Anthony Giuliano's shut out collection.
Malden/East Boston 7, Lexington/Bedford 0
Valley Forum, Malden MA
Coming off a Saturday night win, the M.E.B. Bantam AAA’s started the regular season Sunday with a tilt against Lexington-Bedford. The boys picked up where the left off the night before with a Louis Staffieri show circling the offensive zone until he had nice angle on the net and popped it home. Then it was James Pandolfo as the poster child for being in the right place at the right time, banging in the first rebound of two to end the period up 3-0. The opposition buckled down, and M.E.B. had a tough time getting quality shots keeping the score board idle for the second period. But with determination to finish hard, the third period scoring started with a great top corner shot from Nick Miller. Not to be outdone, Anthony Cecca followed suit with a top corner shot of his own on an M.E.B. power play. After a nice break in by Staffieri, he hung in to pick up his own rebound and swung it wide to through it into an open net past a sprawled goaltender. To round out the scoring Cecca set up Pandolfo for his Hat Trick ending the game at 7-0. Another fine showing for shutout-master Anthony Giuliano between the pipes.
BANTAM AA (13-14 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston AA 2, Lexington/Bedford 2
Valley Forum, Malden MA
Malden/East Boston AA 8, Everett/Revere 0
Valley Forum, Malden MA
MIDGET (15-18 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 6, Woburn 1
Valley Forum, Malden MA
Malden/East Boston 5, Medford 1
Connery Arena, Lynn MA
If you or someone you know has a child who wants to play hockey, we have open enrollment. For more information visit http://www.mebhockey.com/
Email us your questions @ mebhockey1@aol.com
Like us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/MaldenEast-Boston-Youth-Hockey/179711587493
Follow us on Twitter @MEBHorsePower
Follow us on Instagram @ mebhockey
Monday, October 21, 2013
October 24: East Boston Kiwanis Club Kicks Off Holiday Canned Food Drive with Collection Effort at Shaw’s Supermarket
(EAST BOSTON, October 22, 2013) – The Kiwanis Club of East Boston will kick off its holiday food drive with a canned food collection effort on Thursday, October 24, 2013, from 4-7 p.m. at Shaw’s Supermarket in Liberty Plaza, East Boston. The food drive will benefit the food pantry at the Grace Church Federated and the Meridian House, both in East Boston.
Shaw’s customers are asked to purchase canned foods, pastas, and other dried goods and drop them off at the Kiwanis table that will be set up outside the exit doors at Shaw’s. The Kiwanis will also accept monetary donations, which will be given to the food pantry and used to purchase additional food items. All food items and donated funds go to help those in need in the East Boston community.
Starting on Thursday, the East Boston Savings Bank will also support the Kiwanis holiday food drive by setting up canned food boxes at the three EBSB branches in East Boston – Meridian Street, Central Square and Orient Heights – so that donations can also be dropped off at those locations until Christmas. Those donations will also be given to the Grace Church food bank and the Meridian House.
The Kiwanis Club of East Boston is an organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time through community service.
Shaw’s customers are asked to purchase canned foods, pastas, and other dried goods and drop them off at the Kiwanis table that will be set up outside the exit doors at Shaw’s. The Kiwanis will also accept monetary donations, which will be given to the food pantry and used to purchase additional food items. All food items and donated funds go to help those in need in the East Boston community.
Starting on Thursday, the East Boston Savings Bank will also support the Kiwanis holiday food drive by setting up canned food boxes at the three EBSB branches in East Boston – Meridian Street, Central Square and Orient Heights – so that donations can also be dropped off at those locations until Christmas. Those donations will also be given to the Grace Church food bank and the Meridian House.
The Kiwanis Club of East Boston is an organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time through community service.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
East Boston resident calls upon Suffolk Downs to withdraw casino application
East Boston resident and casino opponent Ernani DeAraujo criticizes City of Boston for embracing SD casino proposal without "due diligence."
"According to the Boston Globe, Caesars was disqualified because of alleged mob ties overseas. I think the ownership of Suffolk Downs owes the City of Boston and especially the residents of East Boston an apology for not doing their due diligence in selecting their "world class" partner and for trying to yoke us to a casino operator that is engaging in allegedly unethical and criminal behavior. This is a complete embarrassment for our City that embraced Caesars on Suffolk's recommendation and Suffolk Downs should say sorry and withdraw their application to end this fiasco."
"According to the Boston Globe, Caesars was disqualified because of alleged mob ties overseas. I think the ownership of Suffolk Downs owes the City of Boston and especially the residents of East Boston an apology for not doing their due diligence in selecting their "world class" partner and for trying to yoke us to a casino operator that is engaging in allegedly unethical and criminal behavior. This is a complete embarrassment for our City that embraced Caesars on Suffolk's recommendation and Suffolk Downs should say sorry and withdraw their application to end this fiasco."
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
East Boston/Malden Youth Hockey Week 6 roundup
M.E.B. hockey squads continue parity play this week in the Valley League as well as the second round of the 2013 Boston Mayor’s Cup Hockey Tournament.
Mite K (5-8 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 17, Peabody 12
Kasabuski Arena, Saugus MA
The littlest players put up the biggest score, which could have been mistaken for a football score this week with a 17-12 win over a very tough Peabody squad.
The Mite K team also advanced to the final round of the Boston Mayor’s cup with a victory over Dorchester at U-Mass Boston.
Mite S (5-8 Years Old)
The Mite S squad saw their Boston Mayor’s Cup tournament play come to an end with a loss on Sunday at UMass-Boston.
SQUIRT (9-10 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 7, Lexington/Bedford 1
The Edge, Bedford MA
The squirts are also heading to the Boston Mayor’s Cup finals with a win over the weekend at Northeastern University.
PEEWEE (11-12 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 3, Wakefield 11
Valley Forum, Malden MA
BANTAM AAA (13-14 Years Old)
Game moved to Porrazzo Rink in East Boston on 10/17/13 at 8:00 pm vs. South Boston. This is not a game to miss at city rivals battle it out.
BANTAM AA (13-14 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston AA 1, Belmont 1
Cronin Rink, Revere
After two scoreless periods, Belmont got on the board with 5:15 remaining in the game. Not backing down, the Mustangs fought back and with a fast break out of the defensive end by Jared Downey fed Curtis Taddeo streaking down the right side who sped past the Belmont defender and stuffed the puck behind their goalie with under three minutes to play with a quick move and a high target up over the pads. M.E.B. carried the play for the remainder of the game, with several chances to win it, but couldn't find the back of the net. Thomas Guarino played another strong game in goal for M.E.B. denying many Belmont scoring chances throughout the game.
MIDGET (15-18 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 4, Burlington 4
Connery Memorial Arena, Lynn MA
If you or someone you know has a child who wants to play hockey, we have open enrollment. For more information visit http://www.mebhockey.com/
Email us your questions @ mebhockey1@aol.com
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Mite K (5-8 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 17, Peabody 12
Kasabuski Arena, Saugus MA
The littlest players put up the biggest score, which could have been mistaken for a football score this week with a 17-12 win over a very tough Peabody squad.
The Mite K team also advanced to the final round of the Boston Mayor’s cup with a victory over Dorchester at U-Mass Boston.
Mite S (5-8 Years Old)
The Mite S squad saw their Boston Mayor’s Cup tournament play come to an end with a loss on Sunday at UMass-Boston.
SQUIRT (9-10 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 7, Lexington/Bedford 1
The Edge, Bedford MA
The squirts are also heading to the Boston Mayor’s Cup finals with a win over the weekend at Northeastern University.
PEEWEE (11-12 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 3, Wakefield 11
Valley Forum, Malden MA
BANTAM AAA (13-14 Years Old)
Game moved to Porrazzo Rink in East Boston on 10/17/13 at 8:00 pm vs. South Boston. This is not a game to miss at city rivals battle it out.
BANTAM AA (13-14 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston AA 1, Belmont 1
Cronin Rink, Revere
After two scoreless periods, Belmont got on the board with 5:15 remaining in the game. Not backing down, the Mustangs fought back and with a fast break out of the defensive end by Jared Downey fed Curtis Taddeo streaking down the right side who sped past the Belmont defender and stuffed the puck behind their goalie with under three minutes to play with a quick move and a high target up over the pads. M.E.B. carried the play for the remainder of the game, with several chances to win it, but couldn't find the back of the net. Thomas Guarino played another strong game in goal for M.E.B. denying many Belmont scoring chances throughout the game.
MIDGET (15-18 Years Old)
Malden/East Boston 4, Burlington 4
Connery Memorial Arena, Lynn MA
If you or someone you know has a child who wants to play hockey, we have open enrollment. For more information visit http://www.mebhockey.com/
Email us your questions @ mebhockey1@aol.com
Like us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/MaldenEast-Boston-Youth-Hockey/179711587493
Follow us on Twitter @MEBHorsePower
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Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation to present G. Washington Honor Medals on Nov. 9
Friends of the Belle Isle Marsh, Hospitality Homes of Boston, the Ipswich River Watershed Association, and Thomas Materazzo of Boston to be Honored at Ceremonies in East Boston
The Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge will present prestigious George Washington Honor Medals to two community environmental preservation groups and an organization that provides temporary housing to families visiting the City of Boston during a loved one’s medical procedure. The Chapter will also present a “Spirit of '76” Award for meritorious service and patriotism to a long-time veteran’s affairs official in the City of Boston.
The awards will be presented at the Bay State Chapter’s 33st Annual Awards Luncheon on Saturday, November 9, 2013, at 12:30 p.m., in Spinelli’s Banquet Facility, Day Square, East Boston. Tickets are $40.
The Honor Medal will be presented to: The Friends of the Belle Isle Marsh; Hospitality Homes of Boston; and the Ipswich River Watershed Association.
“The Friends of Belle Isle Marsh, Hospitality Homes, and the Ipswich River Watershed Association all represent the best ideals of America – selfless service to community, helping those in need and preserving and protecting our natural resources,” said Joseph V. Ferrino, Sr., Founder and Executive Director of Bay State Chapter, Freedoms Foundation. “We honor these organizations with the George Washington Honor Medal because they have made a difference in the lives of countless citizens around our state and across this country.”
Thomas Matarazzo of Boston will be honored with the Bay State Chapter “Spirit of '76” Award for his dedication to the good works of Freedoms Foundation, and his many years of serving and supporting military veterans in the City of Boston.
The Friends of the Belle Isle Marsh is a grassroots environmental organization, formed in the early 1980s to help preserve the marsh and publicize its importance as an urban natural resource. Belle Isle Marsh is a 350-acre reservation administered by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Among the largest surviving salt marches in Boston Harbor, Belle Isle features plants and wildlife now rare to the Boston metropolitan area. The Friends of Belle Isle Marsh is a group of community-based volunteers who seek to protect the marsh from development and promote its environmental significance through educational and recreational activities available to the public.
Hospitality Homes of Boston provides free short-term housing in volunteer host homes and donated apartments for families and friends of patients seeking care at Boston-area hospitals. Since 1983, this unique home-away-from-home experience has brought a compassionate response, as well as emotional and financial relief to guests in need. These services are made possible by the generosity of volunteer hosts and supporters. Thirty years ago, Hospitality Homes was the first program of its kind in the nation, and since then, the organization has served more than 14,000 families.
The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) serves as a “Voice of the River” that was once one of the most stressed waterways in the country and is now being brought back to health and vitality thanks to the hard work and caring of its volunteers and professional staff. Through advocacy, education and conservation, the IRWA has improved stream flow in the Ipswich and saved the river. The organization has reached thousands of people through educational programs, inspiring people to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and use its resources wisely. IRWA offers use of its canoe dock, sponsors fireside chats, develops school curricula and educational materials, offers programs on how to save water, supports low-impact development and water resource protection and trains citizen-scientists who help monitor the health of the Ipswich River.
Thomas Materazzo of Boston – the Spirit of ’76 Award winner – was the Commissioner of Veterans Services for the City of Boston for more than 27 years. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served in combat during World War II. As Veterans Services commissioner, he was instrumental in erecting memorials to those killed in action in the Korean and Vietnam wars, along with refurbishing the World War II Monument. He also initiated a program to award more than 200 high school diplomas to WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans who left school before graduation to join the service. He is a long-time member of the Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation and is a Past President of the organization.
Tickets to the Bay State Chapter awards luncheon are $40 and are available from Chapter Founder and Executive Director Joseph V. Ferrino by calling 617-846-2122.
Freedoms Foundation honors Americans who go above and beyond in their efforts to educate their communities about the values of good citizenship, either through teaching or by example. The foundation has recognized several thousand dedicated individuals and organizations in its 63-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.
The Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge will present prestigious George Washington Honor Medals to two community environmental preservation groups and an organization that provides temporary housing to families visiting the City of Boston during a loved one’s medical procedure. The Chapter will also present a “Spirit of '76” Award for meritorious service and patriotism to a long-time veteran’s affairs official in the City of Boston.
The awards will be presented at the Bay State Chapter’s 33st Annual Awards Luncheon on Saturday, November 9, 2013, at 12:30 p.m., in Spinelli’s Banquet Facility, Day Square, East Boston. Tickets are $40.
The Honor Medal will be presented to: The Friends of the Belle Isle Marsh; Hospitality Homes of Boston; and the Ipswich River Watershed Association.
“The Friends of Belle Isle Marsh, Hospitality Homes, and the Ipswich River Watershed Association all represent the best ideals of America – selfless service to community, helping those in need and preserving and protecting our natural resources,” said Joseph V. Ferrino, Sr., Founder and Executive Director of Bay State Chapter, Freedoms Foundation. “We honor these organizations with the George Washington Honor Medal because they have made a difference in the lives of countless citizens around our state and across this country.”
Thomas Matarazzo of Boston will be honored with the Bay State Chapter “Spirit of '76” Award for his dedication to the good works of Freedoms Foundation, and his many years of serving and supporting military veterans in the City of Boston.
The Friends of the Belle Isle Marsh is a grassroots environmental organization, formed in the early 1980s to help preserve the marsh and publicize its importance as an urban natural resource. Belle Isle Marsh is a 350-acre reservation administered by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Among the largest surviving salt marches in Boston Harbor, Belle Isle features plants and wildlife now rare to the Boston metropolitan area. The Friends of Belle Isle Marsh is a group of community-based volunteers who seek to protect the marsh from development and promote its environmental significance through educational and recreational activities available to the public.
Hospitality Homes of Boston provides free short-term housing in volunteer host homes and donated apartments for families and friends of patients seeking care at Boston-area hospitals. Since 1983, this unique home-away-from-home experience has brought a compassionate response, as well as emotional and financial relief to guests in need. These services are made possible by the generosity of volunteer hosts and supporters. Thirty years ago, Hospitality Homes was the first program of its kind in the nation, and since then, the organization has served more than 14,000 families.
The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) serves as a “Voice of the River” that was once one of the most stressed waterways in the country and is now being brought back to health and vitality thanks to the hard work and caring of its volunteers and professional staff. Through advocacy, education and conservation, the IRWA has improved stream flow in the Ipswich and saved the river. The organization has reached thousands of people through educational programs, inspiring people to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and use its resources wisely. IRWA offers use of its canoe dock, sponsors fireside chats, develops school curricula and educational materials, offers programs on how to save water, supports low-impact development and water resource protection and trains citizen-scientists who help monitor the health of the Ipswich River.
Thomas Materazzo of Boston – the Spirit of ’76 Award winner – was the Commissioner of Veterans Services for the City of Boston for more than 27 years. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served in combat during World War II. As Veterans Services commissioner, he was instrumental in erecting memorials to those killed in action in the Korean and Vietnam wars, along with refurbishing the World War II Monument. He also initiated a program to award more than 200 high school diplomas to WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans who left school before graduation to join the service. He is a long-time member of the Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation and is a Past President of the organization.
Tickets to the Bay State Chapter awards luncheon are $40 and are available from Chapter Founder and Executive Director Joseph V. Ferrino by calling 617-846-2122.
Freedoms Foundation honors Americans who go above and beyond in their efforts to educate their communities about the values of good citizenship, either through teaching or by example. The foundation has recognized several thousand dedicated individuals and organizations in its 63-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.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Ernani Jose DeAraujo: In Support of Dan Conley
The following letter was submitted by Ernani Jose DeAraujo on September 19, 2013
[Editor's note: All East Boston residents are invited to submit letters of support for their mayoral candidates. Contact editor@eastboston.com.]
Dear friends and neighbors:
I ask that you please consider voting next Tuesday for our District Attorney, Dan Conley for mayor of Boston.
Dan and I share a mutual legal mentor, an esteemed jurist who speaks highly of Dan’s integrity as a lawyer and thoughtfulness as a prosecutor. As DA, Dan brings justice to victims of crime and works with other law enforcement to keep us safe. Dan has directly managed one of the most successful District Attorney’s Offices in the United States. This experience—of being a good manager, trusted voice to the public, and thoughtful prosecutor dealing with the most significant matters of life and death—gives me confidence that Dan will have the ability and motivation to successfully manage our city government as mayor.
Since Dan announced his candidacy for mayor, I have personally observed his engagement with residents to hear their concerns and provide workable solutions to their problems. When East Boston residents expressed to Dan their concern over taxis and tolls, Dan promised that he would work with residents to put forward a solution that he could champion as mayor. From those discussions was born Dan’s 5-point action plan for East Boston that called for taxi fairness for our neighborhood and a moving of the tolls onto Massport property. Dan’s creation of the 5-point plan showed me how he will deal with residents’ concerns as mayor: Dan will listen first and then listen again for a solution from residents who many times know best on how to improve their neighborhoods. Dan will take what he’s learned from residents and use his experience and guidance from experts to fashion a solution. I want Dan’s approach to problem solving in our next mayor.
Dan has impressed me with his commitment to political independence. No one has been more of leader on the casino issue than Dan Conley. Back in April, Dan took issue with the movement for a casino in Boston and called for more transparency and public engagement in the process. He was the first to propose a citywide vote to engage all residents of Boston on the casino issue and to permit a casino in East Boston only if both the city and East Boston residents said yes. He was also the first to decry the call for a low turnout special election for the casino and championed having the vote on the general election day of November 5th. While Dan respects the right of voters to decide the existing Boston casino application, if that application were to fail Dan would oppose any new casino or slots application for Boston while he is mayor. If you believe in transparency and a fair development process as I do, Dan has been on our side from the beginning and paid the political price for standing by the people. We need Dan’s political courage in our next mayor.
There are many other great candidates on the ballot for Tuesday’s election. A younger generation of leaders—Rob Consalvo, Felix Arroyo, and John Barros—have contributed so much to this race and will doubtless influence our city for decades to come. Dan asked me to entrust him with my vote so he can lead our city government for the next 4 years from good to great. I hope you do the same and vote Dan Conley on Tuesday. Thank you.
[Editor's note: All East Boston residents are invited to submit letters of support for their mayoral candidates. Contact editor@eastboston.com.]
Dear friends and neighbors:
I ask that you please consider voting next Tuesday for our District Attorney, Dan Conley for mayor of Boston.
Dan and I share a mutual legal mentor, an esteemed jurist who speaks highly of Dan’s integrity as a lawyer and thoughtfulness as a prosecutor. As DA, Dan brings justice to victims of crime and works with other law enforcement to keep us safe. Dan has directly managed one of the most successful District Attorney’s Offices in the United States. This experience—of being a good manager, trusted voice to the public, and thoughtful prosecutor dealing with the most significant matters of life and death—gives me confidence that Dan will have the ability and motivation to successfully manage our city government as mayor.
Since Dan announced his candidacy for mayor, I have personally observed his engagement with residents to hear their concerns and provide workable solutions to their problems. When East Boston residents expressed to Dan their concern over taxis and tolls, Dan promised that he would work with residents to put forward a solution that he could champion as mayor. From those discussions was born Dan’s 5-point action plan for East Boston that called for taxi fairness for our neighborhood and a moving of the tolls onto Massport property. Dan’s creation of the 5-point plan showed me how he will deal with residents’ concerns as mayor: Dan will listen first and then listen again for a solution from residents who many times know best on how to improve their neighborhoods. Dan will take what he’s learned from residents and use his experience and guidance from experts to fashion a solution. I want Dan’s approach to problem solving in our next mayor.
Dan has impressed me with his commitment to political independence. No one has been more of leader on the casino issue than Dan Conley. Back in April, Dan took issue with the movement for a casino in Boston and called for more transparency and public engagement in the process. He was the first to propose a citywide vote to engage all residents of Boston on the casino issue and to permit a casino in East Boston only if both the city and East Boston residents said yes. He was also the first to decry the call for a low turnout special election for the casino and championed having the vote on the general election day of November 5th. While Dan respects the right of voters to decide the existing Boston casino application, if that application were to fail Dan would oppose any new casino or slots application for Boston while he is mayor. If you believe in transparency and a fair development process as I do, Dan has been on our side from the beginning and paid the political price for standing by the people. We need Dan’s political courage in our next mayor.
There are many other great candidates on the ballot for Tuesday’s election. A younger generation of leaders—Rob Consalvo, Felix Arroyo, and John Barros—have contributed so much to this race and will doubtless influence our city for decades to come. Dan asked me to entrust him with my vote so he can lead our city government for the next 4 years from good to great. I hope you do the same and vote Dan Conley on Tuesday. Thank you.
Friday, September 13, 2013
NOAH is seeking a Youth Organizer for Chelsea Creek Action Group
This just in from NOAH: Deadline is Monday, so act now!
Youth Organizer: Chelsea Creek Action Group
Overview: The Chelsea Creek Action Group (CCAG) is seeking dedicated, positive and committed youth who are interested in community organizing. We’re a group of youth and adults that fight for Environmental Justice and Social Justice here in East Boston through community organizing. The youth conduct education and outreach and perform direct actions to address local issues including public health, access to green space, and youth involvement in the community. Some of the projects that this group have worked on include, but are not limited to, growing vegetables and fruits in Our Garden, organizing a biking campaign in East Boston, hosting Know What’s Up concerts, and putting together an annual Chelsea River Revel event with our fellow Chelsea community organizers.
Pay: $8/hour, 6-10 hours a week during the school year,
18-25 hours a week during the summer
Applications are due by Monday, Sept. 17th at 5:00 PM
To Apply Contact:
Chris Marchi, Coordinator of Sustainability, Youth & Community
143 Border Street,
East Boston, MA 02128
617-418-8243 or 617-417-2093
Youth Organizer: Chelsea Creek Action Group
Overview: The Chelsea Creek Action Group (CCAG) is seeking dedicated, positive and committed youth who are interested in community organizing. We’re a group of youth and adults that fight for Environmental Justice and Social Justice here in East Boston through community organizing. The youth conduct education and outreach and perform direct actions to address local issues including public health, access to green space, and youth involvement in the community. Some of the projects that this group have worked on include, but are not limited to, growing vegetables and fruits in Our Garden, organizing a biking campaign in East Boston, hosting Know What’s Up concerts, and putting together an annual Chelsea River Revel event with our fellow Chelsea community organizers.
- Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
- Being on time and present during all program hours. Every month we receive a copy of our work schedule for that month and it is important to keep track of that schedule. There may be times where we work some additional evenings and weekends, and there may be times where we have overnight trips for conferences, so it is important to be as flexible as possible.
- Working with and representing the community
- Attending monthly Chelsea creek action group meetings, other community meetings, and even meetings with city officials.
- Maintaining an organic garden and public open space during spring/summer seasons and planting seeds to grow food. Also, there may be times where we work with middle school and elementary school students in the garden.
- Attending and supporting recreational and educational programs at the Condor Street Urban Wild and “Our Garden.”
- Participating in the biking campaigns in East Boston and being comfortable with riding a bike as well as wearing biking gear.
- Designing and giving workshops to other youth and adults about Environmental/Social/Community issues.
- Learning about local community and planning new campaigns according to its needs.
- Developing Civic Organizing skills
- Must be an East Boston resident ages 14-18 and/or attending high school
- Possess a real interest in making positive changes for the community.
- Able to work cooperatively as part of a team.
- Have a respectful, professional manner
- Shows motivation and able to help others be motivated
- Willingness and interest to learn about environmental/social justice issues and work outdoors
- Able to step up and show initiative to work independently when it’s needed
- Bilingual (English and Spanish, or Vietnamese, Khmer, Italian, Portuguese, Etc.) is a plus
- Ability to express self creatively (music, spoken word, dance, etc.) is a plus
- Skills (Computer Tech, Writing, Social Speaking, Political, Video Production, Etc.) is a plus
Pay: $8/hour, 6-10 hours a week during the school year,
18-25 hours a week during the summer
Applications are due by Monday, Sept. 17th at 5:00 PM
To Apply Contact:
Chris Marchi, Coordinator of Sustainability, Youth & Community
143 Border Street,
East Boston, MA 02128
617-418-8243 or 617-417-2093
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Friends of Meridian Street support mayoral candidate Dan Conley's stance on Logan Airport taxis
Paul Howes sends this along:
Friends of Meridian Street support Mr. Conley's stance on Logan Airport taxis,
"Finally, I want to improve taxi service for East Boston. Right now, there are a number of issues with cab service here: a minority of drivers take advantage of the confusion surrounding tolls to charge inflated fares; some other drivers are reluctant to serve East Boston for fear of not finding a fare back to the rest of the city; and still other drivers use residential streets as cut-throughs to avoid tolls. Although these may sound like minor inconveniences, they actually make East Boston a harder place to visit, which harms residents and businesses. As mayor, I will crack down on price fixing and these other practices."
As our elected East Boston officials, MassPort managers, Mass Department of Transportation and the Boston Police Department Hackney Division have stuck their heads in an "Ostrich Hole" refusing to take any action to stop the Logan Airport taxis from using Meridian Street and the public streets of East Boston, the residents of Eastie continue to suffer environment, health and safety problems on a daily basis.
These cabs must be made to use the multi-million dollar bypass road from Logan Airport to Chelsea build just for this purpose. With taxpayers money may I add!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
EB Ecumenical Community Council to hold mayoral forum on August 30 (Friday)
This just in from EBECC:
For more information contact Rosa Pineda at 617-567-2750.
EBECC is sponsoring a mayoral candidate dialogue with constituencies supported by the organization and the community of East Boston.
The face-to-face dialogue is aimed at getting the leading candidates for mayor to explain how they would ensure that the city has a healthier, fairer, more affordable, and more sustainable and inclusive economy.
Since its founding in 1978, EBECC has served residents of different racial, ethnic and national backgrounds, reflecting demographic changes in East Boston. Given the neighborhoods large and rapidly growing Latino immigrant population and the numerous challenges this population faces, EBECC, since 2005, has been focusing solely on Latino immigrants of all ages and transforming them into voters or potential voters.
EBECC is a neighborhood-based organization whose mission today is to promote the advancement of Latino constituencies through education, immigration services, advocacy, community organizing and leadership development. A group of parents, students and staff and board members would like to have a conversation with these candidates and this is an opportunity for you to do the same.
Concretely, we are interested in hearing their vision about Boston's future and their position on key issues including:
Confirmed candidates:
When: Friday, August 30, 2013, 2 to 4 p.m. (Doors open at 1:30 pm)
Where: 50 Meridian Street, East Boston (located in the basement of the East Boston Post Office and across from the Police Station).
Source: EBECC, 8/28
For more information contact Rosa Pineda at 617-567-2750.
EBECC is sponsoring a mayoral candidate dialogue with constituencies supported by the organization and the community of East Boston.
The face-to-face dialogue is aimed at getting the leading candidates for mayor to explain how they would ensure that the city has a healthier, fairer, more affordable, and more sustainable and inclusive economy.
Since its founding in 1978, EBECC has served residents of different racial, ethnic and national backgrounds, reflecting demographic changes in East Boston. Given the neighborhoods large and rapidly growing Latino immigrant population and the numerous challenges this population faces, EBECC, since 2005, has been focusing solely on Latino immigrants of all ages and transforming them into voters or potential voters.
EBECC is a neighborhood-based organization whose mission today is to promote the advancement of Latino constituencies through education, immigration services, advocacy, community organizing and leadership development. A group of parents, students and staff and board members would like to have a conversation with these candidates and this is an opportunity for you to do the same.
Concretely, we are interested in hearing their vision about Boston's future and their position on key issues including:
- Education;
- Health & Nutrition for Children;
- Job Creation;
- Safety & Security and Police Diversity;
- Neighborhood Development.
Confirmed candidates:
- Felix Arroyo;
- John Barros;
- Daniel Conley;
- John Connolly.
When: Friday, August 30, 2013, 2 to 4 p.m. (Doors open at 1:30 pm)
Where: 50 Meridian Street, East Boston (located in the basement of the East Boston Post Office and across from the Police Station).
Source: EBECC, 8/28
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Kiwanis to honor Carol Simpson as 2013 Kiwanian of the Year
(EAST BOSTON August 7, 2013) – The Kiwanis Club of East Boston will honor long-time member Carol Simpson as the 2013 “Kiwanian of the Year” with a special celebration on Friday, Sept. 20 at Spinelli’s Function Facility in Day Square, East Boston. Read more at Eastboston.com.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Mayoral candidate Dan Conley offers 5-point East Boston Action Plan
From the Conley campaign prepared for August 15 press conference at LoPresti Park, East Boston:
East Boston is one of our city’s great neighborhoods. It is also, for many Boston residents, one of the least visited and explored. This is a shame because East Boston is a place unlike any other in our city. It is rich in history and culture and physical beauty.
It also holds a special place in my heart because it was in East Boston, at Jeffries Point, that my grandfather, Severo DeNapoli, landed here from Italy. Jeffries Point was Boston’s own Ellis Island and for years welcomed immigrants from around the globe to our city. To this day, East Boston lives out its history and tradition as it remains home to new generations of new Bostonians.
Like every neighborhood, East Boston has its challenges. I’m proud of my work and partnerships in this neighborhood that I’ve built over the years, and in the last few months I’ve undertaken a lot of new conversations with residents and business owners about what they love about this neighborhood and how they envision their future.
What we are announcing today is not a complete or comprehensive list of all that we would hope to accomplish here. We are all concerned about issues ranging from public health to education to trash and other basic city services. But a number of ideas emerged that made such good common sense for improving the quality of life in East Boston. So today, we are announcing what we call a 5-point action plan to address quality-of-life issues in East Boston.
First, let’s move the toll plazas onto Logan Airport land. The tolls were originally meant to capture airport traffic, but today, any one from anywhere leaving East Boston through the tunnels pays the toll. Boston residents shouldn’t have to pay a toll to visit one of their own neighborhoods, and East Boston residents who don’t own an EZ Pass certainly shouldn’t have to pay a toll to leave their own neighborhood. It’s also unfair to East Boston’s restaurant and business owners who have difficulty attracting visitors from the rest of the city because of the exit toll. If I’m elected Mayor, I’m going to fight put the tolls back where they belong, on airport land, to capture revenue from airport users, as intended, and stop penalizing East Boston residents businesses and visitors this great neighborhood.
Second, the East Boston waterfront is an unrealized gem. It holds what I think is the single best view of the Boston skyline and holds unlimited potential. From this very spot you can see how amazing- and how underutilized - the waterfront is. Too much of the East Boston waterfront is simply inaccessible to residents, large swaths of broken concrete, chain link fences complete with No Trespassing signs, and vacant, boarded up buildings. It’s time to bring the East Boston community back to its own waterfront create places for parents to take their kids fishing, put a canoe or a kayak in the water. As Mayor, I’m going to use every tool in my chest to force landlords to make use of these properties in a manner that makes sense and benefits the neighborhood, or get out of the way for those who will. We’re going to bring a mix of residential, commercial, retail and recreational uses to this waterfront - not to mention jobs and economic opportunity! And we’re going to do it the right way, with the full participation of the East Boston community.
Third, I will prioritize the creation of a thoroughfare linking Maverick Square with Orient Heights. Great communities tend to have main arteries joining their important commercial and social hubs. East Boston has these locations, but they need a Main Street to link them all together and encourage growth in between them. I will push for this Main Street as Mayor and will advocate at the state and federal levels for whatever additional resources we might need to get it done.
Fourth, I intend to bring back the "Little City Hall" to East Boston. This idea is fondly remembered by a lot of longtime Boston residents, but few neighborhoods seem to love and miss this more than East Boston. I think that partly because of East Boston’s geography, it is physically a virtual island, the Little City Hall allowed residents to resolve issues without having to go downtown. But it’s also because of the unique pride that defines East Boston. They felt that much more connected to their city government and exerted greater influence over the services and decisions that affected this neighborhood. Finally, if elected, I'll fight to bring the Little City Hall back to East Boston.
Finally, I want to improve taxi service for East Boston. Right now, there are a number of issues with cab service here: a minority of drivers take advantage of the confusion surrounding tolls to charge inflated fares; some other drivers are reluctant to serve East Boston for fear of not finding a fare back to the rest of the city; and still other drivers use residential streets as cut-throughs to avoid tolls. Although these may sound like minor inconveniences, they actually make East Boston a harder place to visit, which harms residents and businesses. As mayor, I will crack down on price fixing and these other practices.
Some of the agenda items we’ve laid out today are big, and some of these ideas are more particular to this neighborhood. But the job of the Mayor is to make big decisions and to make fixing the smaller issues your purpose and priority because those are the things that often have the greatest impact on the quality of life in a neighborhood. It's to have an ongoing conversation with residents, to understand the unique needs of a neighborhood, and find ways to fix them.
I am so proud and so appreciative of the way this package of ideas was created: through conversation and discussion with people all over East Boston. Those are conversations I will continue with residents here and in every neighborhood each and every day as Mayor. Because when we make a great neighborhood like East Boston strong, we make our entire city even stronger.
East Boston is one of our city’s great neighborhoods. It is also, for many Boston residents, one of the least visited and explored. This is a shame because East Boston is a place unlike any other in our city. It is rich in history and culture and physical beauty.
It also holds a special place in my heart because it was in East Boston, at Jeffries Point, that my grandfather, Severo DeNapoli, landed here from Italy. Jeffries Point was Boston’s own Ellis Island and for years welcomed immigrants from around the globe to our city. To this day, East Boston lives out its history and tradition as it remains home to new generations of new Bostonians.
Like every neighborhood, East Boston has its challenges. I’m proud of my work and partnerships in this neighborhood that I’ve built over the years, and in the last few months I’ve undertaken a lot of new conversations with residents and business owners about what they love about this neighborhood and how they envision their future.
What we are announcing today is not a complete or comprehensive list of all that we would hope to accomplish here. We are all concerned about issues ranging from public health to education to trash and other basic city services. But a number of ideas emerged that made such good common sense for improving the quality of life in East Boston. So today, we are announcing what we call a 5-point action plan to address quality-of-life issues in East Boston.
First, let’s move the toll plazas onto Logan Airport land. The tolls were originally meant to capture airport traffic, but today, any one from anywhere leaving East Boston through the tunnels pays the toll. Boston residents shouldn’t have to pay a toll to visit one of their own neighborhoods, and East Boston residents who don’t own an EZ Pass certainly shouldn’t have to pay a toll to leave their own neighborhood. It’s also unfair to East Boston’s restaurant and business owners who have difficulty attracting visitors from the rest of the city because of the exit toll. If I’m elected Mayor, I’m going to fight put the tolls back where they belong, on airport land, to capture revenue from airport users, as intended, and stop penalizing East Boston residents businesses and visitors this great neighborhood.
Second, the East Boston waterfront is an unrealized gem. It holds what I think is the single best view of the Boston skyline and holds unlimited potential. From this very spot you can see how amazing- and how underutilized - the waterfront is. Too much of the East Boston waterfront is simply inaccessible to residents, large swaths of broken concrete, chain link fences complete with No Trespassing signs, and vacant, boarded up buildings. It’s time to bring the East Boston community back to its own waterfront create places for parents to take their kids fishing, put a canoe or a kayak in the water. As Mayor, I’m going to use every tool in my chest to force landlords to make use of these properties in a manner that makes sense and benefits the neighborhood, or get out of the way for those who will. We’re going to bring a mix of residential, commercial, retail and recreational uses to this waterfront - not to mention jobs and economic opportunity! And we’re going to do it the right way, with the full participation of the East Boston community.
Third, I will prioritize the creation of a thoroughfare linking Maverick Square with Orient Heights. Great communities tend to have main arteries joining their important commercial and social hubs. East Boston has these locations, but they need a Main Street to link them all together and encourage growth in between them. I will push for this Main Street as Mayor and will advocate at the state and federal levels for whatever additional resources we might need to get it done.
Fourth, I intend to bring back the "Little City Hall" to East Boston. This idea is fondly remembered by a lot of longtime Boston residents, but few neighborhoods seem to love and miss this more than East Boston. I think that partly because of East Boston’s geography, it is physically a virtual island, the Little City Hall allowed residents to resolve issues without having to go downtown. But it’s also because of the unique pride that defines East Boston. They felt that much more connected to their city government and exerted greater influence over the services and decisions that affected this neighborhood. Finally, if elected, I'll fight to bring the Little City Hall back to East Boston.
Finally, I want to improve taxi service for East Boston. Right now, there are a number of issues with cab service here: a minority of drivers take advantage of the confusion surrounding tolls to charge inflated fares; some other drivers are reluctant to serve East Boston for fear of not finding a fare back to the rest of the city; and still other drivers use residential streets as cut-throughs to avoid tolls. Although these may sound like minor inconveniences, they actually make East Boston a harder place to visit, which harms residents and businesses. As mayor, I will crack down on price fixing and these other practices.
Some of the agenda items we’ve laid out today are big, and some of these ideas are more particular to this neighborhood. But the job of the Mayor is to make big decisions and to make fixing the smaller issues your purpose and priority because those are the things that often have the greatest impact on the quality of life in a neighborhood. It's to have an ongoing conversation with residents, to understand the unique needs of a neighborhood, and find ways to fix them.
I am so proud and so appreciative of the way this package of ideas was created: through conversation and discussion with people all over East Boston. Those are conversations I will continue with residents here and in every neighborhood each and every day as Mayor. Because when we make a great neighborhood like East Boston strong, we make our entire city even stronger.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
At East Boston presser, mayoral candidate Dan Conley calls for the re-location of tunnel toll booths to airport property
At a press conference at LoPresti Park this morning, Conley pitched a his 5-point action plan for East Boston which included a bold idea to relocate tunnel toll booths onto airport property. According to prepared remarks, Conley told reporters about the plan.
"Right now, visitors to East Boston must pay a $3.50 toll to enter and leave the neighborhood, which makes it harder for restaurants and businesses to attract customers and share in the public life of our city. Worse, East Boston residents who don't have an EZ-PASS system must pay the toll just to get to and from their homes. These tolls were targeted at traffic to Logan Airport, not residents of and visitors to East Boston. Let’s put the toll burden back where it belongs, on airport users, and return the plaza lands to East Boston for better use."
Eastboston.com asked Conley how the newly available land might be developed.
"Right now, visitors to East Boston must pay a $3.50 toll to enter and leave the neighborhood, which makes it harder for restaurants and businesses to attract customers and share in the public life of our city. Worse, East Boston residents who don't have an EZ-PASS system must pay the toll just to get to and from their homes. These tolls were targeted at traffic to Logan Airport, not residents of and visitors to East Boston. Let’s put the toll burden back where it belongs, on airport users, and return the plaza lands to East Boston for better use."
Eastboston.com asked Conley how the newly available land might be developed.
Friday, August 2, 2013
City to plan Fitness Parks for East Boston; Meeting set for August 7
The Trust for Public Land, Boston Parks and Recreation Department, Boston Public Health Commission, and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services invites East Boston to learn about the opportunity and provide comment on a potential Fitness Zone® installation at East Boston Memorial Park.
Fitness Zones are custom-designed, easy-to-use, outdoor gym equipment made specifically for community parks.
The Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 7th, 2013 at 6:30pm at the East Boston Memorial Park.
If the event of rain, the meeting will be held at the Paris Street Community Center located at 112 Paris Street. Families welcome!
To learn more about Fitness Zones® go to www.tpl.org or Contact Darci Schofield, Darci.Schofield@tpl.org, 617-371-0514
Fitness Zones are custom-designed, easy-to-use, outdoor gym equipment made specifically for community parks.
The Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 7th, 2013 at 6:30pm at the East Boston Memorial Park.
If the event of rain, the meeting will be held at the Paris Street Community Center located at 112 Paris Street. Families welcome!
To learn more about Fitness Zones® go to www.tpl.org or Contact Darci Schofield, Darci.Schofield@tpl.org, 617-371-0514
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| Fitness Zone(R) sample. |
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Take part in "Thanks for the Memories Event" at the BPL
Meridian Street Branch Library and Orient Heights Branch Library invite you to take pictures of yourself, family and friends in front of either the Meridan Street or Orient Heights branches.
Then bring the pictures to the library in an envelope marked "Thanks for the Memories" with a letter describing what your branch has meant to you. Do this by August 28, 2013!
The photographs and letters will be displayed at our branches until the closing of the building in October. They will be kept for patrons to see for years to come at the new Bremen Street Branch Library in the History Room.
This is an opportunity to share with your community what your library has meant for you for posterity.
The East Boston Branch Library was the first in the nation. This is a wonderful first-time opportunity again.
A spectacular new library to make new memories and share a few old ones.
Thank you friends of the East Boston Branch!
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