Saturday, November 29, 2014

Fort Point Channel Landmarks December Meeting

The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing:


Thursday, 11 December 2014
5:30 P.M.
Boston City Hall – Piemonte Room
After 5:30 p.m., enter and exit City Hall at the Dock Square entrance on Congress Street
(across from Faneuil Hall).

Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, review of architectural violations and such business as may come before the commission, in accordance with Ch. 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended. Applications are available for review during normal business hours at the office of the Environment Department. Applicants or their representatives are required to attend, unless indicated otherwise below. Sign-language interpreters are available upon request.

I. DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

5:30 PM
Application 14.945 FPC 338 Congress Street (continued review)
Applicant: Redgate Capital Partners (developer): Modify storefront expression at south elevation of previously approved six-story mixed use building to accommodate exposed art wall

5:50 PM

Application 15.691 FPC 319 A Street
Applicant: BRG 319A LLC (owner): Substantially rehabilitate 5-story warehouse building. Work to include replacement of original wood windows, removal of fire escapes, introduction of new window openings, construction of a roof deck and pergolas, installation of roof top mechanical equipment, head house expansion, etc.

II. Administrative Review / Approval: In order to expedite the review process, the commission has delegated the approval of certain work items, such as those involving ordinary maintenance and repair, restoration or replacement, or which otherwise have a minimal impact on a building’s appearance, to the staff pending ratification at its monthly public hearing. Having been identified as meeting these eligibility criteria and all relevant guidelines, the following applications will be approved at this hearing:

Application 15.594 FPC 315 A Street: Install vinyl window decals
Application 14.1342 FPC 313 Congress Street: Revisions to previously approved signage

PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 6:30 PM
originally published 11.26.14

South Boston Holiday Party To Benefit Boys & Girls Club

You’re Invited
To our Annual Holiday Party 
Wednesday, December 10th
6:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Stephi’s in Southie ~ 130 Dorchester Ave


Great neighbors gathering for a great cause!

Music, Food, Raffles, Cash Bar

Admission $10.00 (seniors $5.00)

Hosted by
Andrew Square Civic Association ~ City Side Neighborhood Association
Dorchester Heights Association ~ Saint Vincent’s Lower End Neighborhood Association, Fort Point Neighborhood Association ~ West Broadway Neighborhood Association

Proceeds benefit the South Boston Boys & Girls Club

If you would like, please consider bringing a Christmas present/gift card to a Club Member age 5 to 18.

Need a ride??  Call our good friends at Southie Shuttle 617.268.4110

Friday, November 28, 2014

Paving “Our Common Path”

Moving beyond diversity to inclusion, building community from the inside out, using art as the threshold is the Medicine Wheel Productions way, and it is certainly visible in their latest public art project, Paving “Our Common Path”.  You can claim your place on the Common Path at No Man's Land in Thomas Park by attending:


Medicine Wheel's Brick Party
Tuesday December 9, 6-9:00 pm
Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant 
425 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127

Tickets are $50.00 and include: community  building, brick oven pizza, a brick for our common path and a sneak preview of a new short film on No Man’s Land produced by Michael Indresano photography. Purchase your ticket today

Can't attend? You can still buy an engraved brick to honor a loved one, a hope, a dream, a wish, a prayer, etc.. and be a permanent part of South Boston's future. Also a great gift idea for the hard to get person on your list.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

South Boston Christmas House Tour


Sunday is the last day to join friends, family and neighbors to kick off and celebrate the holiday season at the 24th Annual Labouré Center South Boston Christmas House Tour

If your home isn't decorated for the holidays yet or if your are struggling with what to do this year, visit five holiday decorated homes by the creative visions of local designers. The tour will provide ideas for making your own home more festive this Christmas. Remember imitation is the greatest form of flattery. You can even do your Christmas shopping at the House Tour Christmas Sample Sale Shoppe. 

Tour tickets are $30. Proceeds from the event support the many social services provided by Catholic Charities Labouré Center.

Tour can be self guided (walk or drive) or transportation is available departing from LabourĂ© Center at 275 West Broadway, where there is limited parking and from Sullivan’s/Castle Island, where there is ample parking.

More information.

T'is the Season for Sipping, Strolling & Shopping

In Fort Point and throughout South Boston, little elves are hard at work to bring you some fabulous holiday events. 


Starting Thursday. December 4th, Santa arrives at the South Boston Library at 4pm followed by the East Broadway Christmas Tree Lighting and the South Boston Arts Association's Gingerbread House contest. These events plus special discounts at South Boston shops and restaurants are all part of the South Boston Christmas Stroll. 


The Fort Point Holiday Stroll presented by the Friends of Fort Point Channel takes place on Friday, December 5th from 4-8pm. It is a free annual celebration of the Fort Point area and its many businesses offering unique stores and boutiques, and a wide array of restaurants and bars.Take part in many special discounts and free beverages and treats. Browse the complete listing of Fort Point Holiday Stroll participants and events. 

In conjunction with the Fort Point Holiday Stroll, the Fort Point Arts Community (FPAC) will be holding their sixteenth annual Holiday Sale in the lobby of 315 on A. FPAC will be hosting drop-in holiday art and craft activities on site throughout the weekend and offering complimentary refreshments. Get creative with your sweet tooth: decorate a holiday cookie that can be nibbled or cherished with artist and chef Elissa Dunlap.



Don't forget to get that special something for someone special on your list. There will be plenty of handcrafted gifts and works of arts for purchase from the artists themselves. The Made in Fort Point store is also hosting Small Works Show Opening Friday night.  The holiday sale continues Saturday and Sunday from 11am -4pm. 


originally posted 12.2.14

South Boston Waterfront Transportation Updates & December Meetings

The City of Boston, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Massport and MassDOT will be holding a final set of community meetings on the South Boston Waterfront Sustainable Transportation Plan. You are invited to attend either meeting:


Monday, December 8 at 6:00 PM
Tynan Elementary School - Cafetorium
650 E. Fourth Street, South Boston

or

Thursday, December 18 at 6:00 PM
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center – Room 153
415 Summer Street, Boston


At these meetings, the project team will present the draft recommendations of the plan and listen to your feedback. Community feedback is essential to plan for the best improvements possible.

In case you missed the September and October community meetings, catch up with summary results highlighting the top three priorities (or four in case of a tie) for each question. The results from the Condon School October meeting are listed in blue and appear above the results from the September District Hall meeting. In addition, future land use is documented in the Future Conditions Report. The development projections predict job and population growth. The projected growth is then used to model demand for transportation infrastructure and services over the next 20 years.

Related Post: May Community Meeting Update

originally published 11.18.14

Monday, November 24, 2014

Fort Point Holiday Social December 2nd

The Fort Point Neighborhood Association

cordially invites you to
celebrate our amazing neighborhood at


Fort Point Holiday Social
Tuesday,  December 2nd
from six until eight o'clock
Sky Lounge
315 on A


with special thanks to
A Richer Pour
Bastille Kitchen
Bee's Knees

Fort Point Market
Fromage Cheese & Wine Bar with Gourmet Deli
Pastoral

Social Wines
Tavern Road
315 on A & Gerding Edlen

Please consider FPNA Membership OpportunitiesBy becoming an FPNA member, you help support FPNA's continued advocacy for Fort Point, monthly neighborhood meetings, and signature projects including our flowers and vines along A Street. You may also sign up for membership at the event.

Due to tremendous response, we are unable to accept any more attendees. Our next neighborhood meeting is January 27, 2015 with other community events planned for the spring.  Wishing everyone Happy Holidays.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Salvatore's Says Thanks With Free Pizza



On Wednesday, November 26, 2014, Salvatore’s is giving away free flatbread pizzas at the bar from 6 pm to closing. Avoid the holiday traffic, grab some friends, and head over to Salvatore's in the Seaport to celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with Michael and the Salvatore's gang.

Monday, November 17, 2014

November Showers Bring Spring Flowers in Fort Point


Today's showers bring your last chance to plant daffodil bulbs for next spring's blooming. Enjoy warm temperatures, get a little exercise in before your Thanksgiving meal, and join the FPNA during your lunch hour on:

Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Wormwood  & A Streets
12 pm - 2:30 pm

Tools and gloves will be provided.

Friday, November 14, 2014

New Parking Meter Time Limits on Summer & Congress Streets

Effective Monday, November 17, 2014 parking meter maximum time limits will change for meters located on specific blocks of Congress and Summer Streets. There will be a four hour maximum for meter parking from the 350 Summer Street block through 425 Summer Street block (Westin Waterfront). Meters on the 250 Summer Street block (near Summer St. bridge) and on the 300 Congress Street block (near the Artist Building) will change to a two hour maximum parking period. Metered parking remains at $1.25/hour. 

The parking policy changes stemmed from data collected from the smart parking system installed December 2014. Information collected from Seaport Boulevard, Congress St., Boston Wharf Rd and Summer St. led to adjusting the parking meters on Summer and Congress to manage parking demand. According to the Boston Transportation Department (BTD), these changes will:


  • align parking better for true utilization
  • spur higher turnover of on-street parking
  • help promote parking availability in the neighborhood

If you need to run an errand in the neighborhood, Parker is a smartphone app that can you in finding a parking space. The app provides available parking real time and hand's free directions, along with meter duration. Local businesses can embed ParkerMap on their website to show customers nearby parking options. 

Any questions or comments, please contact William Conroy at William.Conroy@boston.gov.

Fort Point Holiday Social

The Fort Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) invites you to celebrate our amazing neighborhood on Tuesday, December 2nd from 6-8 pm in the Sky Lounge at 315 on A. Mark your calendar for this fun event and stay tuned for all the details!


Come join your neighbors at
Fort Point Holiday Social
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Sky Lounge
315 On  A

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Gillette Special Announcement Regarding Parking Lots 8 & 9

Gillette has a scheduled hearing with the City’ Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 10:30 AM  for the reauthorization of Parking Lot 8 and 9 as an ancillary use on the Campus in South Boston. The reauthorization requires a Conditional Use Permit and an Article 27P IPOD Permit, both of which require ZBA approval.


It is our [Gillette's] understanding that the Fort Point Neighborhood Association will not have another regularly scheduled meeting until January* (Please see the December 2nd save the date footnote from the FPNA.) Gillette prefers to keep the ZBA hearing as scheduled, yet we want our neighbors to be informed, and to have a chance for input. To that end we are providing this information for the FPNA to distribute to members and interested parties. Since the application in front of the ZBA does not change anything, but allows for the use of parking of 170 vehicles (88 spaces in lot #8 and 82 spaces in lot #9) to continue, we are hoping that community questions and input may be addressed through an e-mail or telephone process. We would be happy to meet informally or at a special meeting if there is significant interest.
The site plans above show the location of Lots 8 & 9. These lots have been used for parking for around 50 years. Around 3 years ago, when staffing levels were reduced, local construction generated a need for parking. Gillette has used the lots for ancillary parking over that time. Parking continues to be an issue in South Boston and the Fort Point Neighborhood. We believe that the continued operation of Lots 8 & 9 provides some relief to the ongoing parking demands. As a continuation of an existing use:
  • No physical alterations or curb cuts are required;
  • No new traffic will be generated on A Street.
  • Lots 8 & 9 will not be open to the general public; spaces will be leased to businesses across A Street.
  • There will be no increase in the number of cars parked.
Written comments or questions may be sent to Ken Fields, Gillette's Senior Project Manager at Fort Point Associates, Inc. The Fort Point Neighborhood Association requests that if you are interested in a special community meeting to copy the FPNA on your correspondence. 
#####
* In lieu of FPNA's November & December meetings, the FPNA is hosting a neighborhood Holiday Social on Tuesday, December 2nd. Please save the date.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Questions on Boston's Climate Action Answered

Mayor Walsh's Civic Academy returns for a second session. This time examining the city's environment and energy department's work on creating a Climate Action Plan for the City of Boston.

The Climate Action Plan will provide tangible steps and a long-term vision for making Boston greener, healthier, and more prosperous. From creating local and clean energy, to preparing for climate disasters like Superstorm Sandy, to making sure Boston waste gets recycled and reused, the strategies of the Climate Action Plan are the result of over a year of public process and thousands of personal interactions with Bostonians. Come hear about the Climate Action Plan and ask questions on:


Monday November 17th 6:30-8:00 pm
New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf


In a continued effort to bring more transparency and accessibility to city government, Mayor Walsh created the Civic Academy Program; with the goal of delivering a wider range of information to all residents in Boston, representatives from various departments as well as cabinet members will be in attendance to answer questions and engage with residents. 

Please call the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services with any questions or concerns about the Civic Academy Program at 617-635-3485.

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Make Fort Point Bloom

Join the Fort Point Neighborhood Association for Daffodil Saturday and help hundreds of daffodil bulbs find a new winter home, and prove that hope springs eternal or at least sometime next April. 

November 15, 2014
Wormwood Park/A Street 
Noon to 2 pm

Plant with friends and neighbors along the A Street fence and help put the tree circles to bed. Work gloves, trowels and several hundred bulbs compliments of Mayor Marty Walsh will be provided. Don't forget to dress warmly.

Together Let's Make Fort Point Bloom in 2015!

Thursday, November 06, 2014

Fort Point Channel Landmarks November Meeting

The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing:

Thursday, 13 November 2014
5:30 P.M.
Boston City Hall – Piemonte Room
After 5:30 p.m., enter and exit City Hall at the Dock Square entrance on Congress Street
(across from Faneuil Hall).


Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, review of architectural violations and such business as may come before the commission, in accordance with Ch. 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended. Applications are available for review during normal business hours at the office of the Environment Department. Applicants or their representatives are required to attend, unless indicated otherwise below. Sign-language interpreters are available upon request.

I. 5:30 PM DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

5:30 PM

Application 15.594 FPC 315 A Street
Applicant: Made in Fort Point (tenant): Install vinyl window decals

5:45 PM

Application 14.1342 FPC 313 Congress Street (continued review)
Applicant: Patrick Lynch (tenant): Revisions to previously approved signage

PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 6:00 PM

Past Hearing Deliberations

originally published 11.1.14

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Making Waves & Jewelry in Fort Point

Lisa Knox: Making Waves
FP3 Gallery presents Making Waves, an exhibition of recent works by Lisa Knox. Show Opening Reception is Wednesday, November 5, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the FP3 Gallery, 346 Congress Street.
Making Waves is a series of paintings inspired by the mesmeric quality of wave-forms. Gestural line, pattern and broad planes of color emerge and dissolve, mirroring the ever-changing beauty of wave-forms as they perform their timeless and dangerous dance upon the sea. Making Waves runs through January 17, 2015.




This Thursday, November 6, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 pm, FPAC's Made in Fort Point store is hosting a Jewelry Showcase featuring Fort Point jewelers: Wendy Bergman, Linda Leslie Brown, Carol Bugarin, Jennifer Chin, Dawna Davis, Jullian De La Garza, Jen Hill, Alys Myers, Jenne Rayburn and Carol Stoltze. Made In Fort Point is located in 315 on A Rear (entrance via Melcher & A Streets or at the end of Pastene Alley). Refreshments provided. RSVP

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

Julie's Fall Open House

Julie's Family Learning Program is a forty year South Boston non-profit serving the needs of single mothers and children in developing strong, stable, healthy family functioning. In addition to their Montessori Preschool and parenting programs, Julie's offers healing programs utilizing art and yoga. Julie's spoke at the Fort Point Neighborhood Association's October meeting for the neighborhood. In case you missed their inspiring talk or want to learn more about their programs and volunteer opportunities, you are cordially invited to Julie's Fall Open House on:


Thursday, November 6, 2014
11 am - 2 pm
Lunch will be served
133 Dorchester Street, Boston, MA 02127

R.S.V.P. to Carrie at 617-269-6663 ext. 34 or ccoughlin(at)juliesfamily.org.

Julie's Family

Monday, November 03, 2014

Election Day Tuesday, November 4th

After saying a fond farewell to Mayor Menino, attention turns toward tomorrow's Massachusetts election. To prepare for voting on:

Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Condon School (200 D. St, Boston, MA 02127)
7am - 8pm

below is a sample ballot for Fort Point residents, Ward 6:

SENATOR IN CONGRESS
EDWARD J. MARKEY    7 Townsend St., Malden
Candidate for Re-election          DEMOCRATIC

BRIAN J. HERR    31 Elizabeth Rd., Hopkinton
REPUBLICAN

GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
BAKER and POLITO: REPUBLICAN

COAKLEY and KERRIGAN: DEMOCRATIC

FALCHUK and JENNINGS: UNITED INDEPENDENT PARTY

LIVELY and SAUNDERS: INDEPENDENT

MCCORMICK and POST: INDEPENDENT

ATTORNEY GENERAL
MAURA HEALEY    40 Winthrop St., Boston
DEMOCRATIC

JOHN B. MILLER    40 Westland Ave., Winchester
REPUBLICAN

SECRETARY OF STATE
WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN    46 Lake St., Boston
Candidate for Re-election DEMOCRATIC

DAVID D'ARCANGELO    183 Bainbridge St., Malden
REPUBLICAN

DANIEL L. FACTOR    11 Davis Rd., Acton
GREEN-RAINBOW

TREASURER
DEBORAH B. GOLDBERG    37 Hyslop Rd., Brookline
DEMOCRATIC

MICHAEL JAMES HEFFERNAN    244 Grove St., Wellesley
REPUBLICAN

IAN T. JACKSON    232 Highland Ave., Arlington
GREEN-RAINBOW

AUDITOR
SUZANNE M. BUMP    409 North Plain Rd., Great Barrington
Candidate for Re-election          DEMOCRATIC

PATRICIA S. SAINT AUBIN    6 Shady Way, Norfolk
REPUBLICAN

MK MERELICE    22 White Pl., Brookline
GREEN-RAINBOW

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
EIGHTH DISTRICT
STEPHEN F. LYNCH    55 G St., Boston
Candidate for Re-election          DEMOCRATIC

COUNCILLOR
FOURTH DISTRICT
CHRISTOPHER A. IANNELLA, JR.    263 Pond St., Boston
Candidate for Re-election          DEMOCRATIC

JASON M. CROSBY    1509 Thayer St., Abington
INDEPENDENT

JOE URENECK    2 Marlowe St., Boston
WORKING FAMILIES

SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT
FIRST SUFFOLK DISTRICT
LINDA DORCENA FORRY    110 Richmond St., Boston
Candidate for Re-election          DEMOCRATIC

ROBERT E. POWERS, JR.    45 Pierce Ave., Boston
INDEPENDENT

REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT
FOURTH SUFFOLK DISTRICT
NICK COLLINS    590 East Sixth St., Boston
Candidate for Re-election DEMOCRATIC

DISTRICT ATTORNEY
SUFFOLK DISTRICT
DANIEL F. CONLEY    265 Corey St., Boston
Candidate for Re-election          DEMOCRATIC

REGISTER OF PROBATE
SUFFOLK COUNTY
FELIX D. ARROYO    36 Seymour St., Boston
DEMOCRATIC

SHERIFF (VACANCY)
SUFFOLK COUNTY
STEVEN W. TOMPKINS    106 Williams Ave., Boston
DEMOCRATIC

HASSAN A. SMITH    80 Intervale St., Boston
Independent      UNENROLLED


QUESTION 1: Eliminate the state's gas tax indexing method of calculation
SUMMARY
This proposed law would eliminate the requirement that the state’s gasoline tax, which was 24 cents per gallon as of September 2013, (1) be adjusted every year by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index over the preceding year, but (2) not be adjusted below 21.5 cents per gallon.

A YES VOTE would eliminate the requirement that the state’s gas tax be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws regarding the gas tax.

QUESTION 2:  Expand the state’s beverage container deposit law
SUMMARY
This proposed law would expand the state’s beverage container deposit law, also known as the Bottle Bill, to require deposits on containers for all non-alcoholic non-carbonated drinks in liquid form intended for human consumption, except beverages primarily derived from dairy products, infant formula, and FDA approved medicines. The proposed law would not cover containers made of paper-based biodegradable material and aseptic multi-material packages such as juice boxes or pouches. The proposed law would require the state Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to adjust the container deposit amount every five years to reflect (to the nearest whole cent) changes in the consumer price index, but the value could not be set below five cents. The proposed law would increase the minimum handling fee that beverage distributors must pay dealers for each properly returned empty beverage container, which was 2¼ cents as of September 2013, to 3½ cents. It would also increase the minimum handling fee that bottlers must pay distributors and dealers for each properly returned empty reusable beverage container, which was 1 cent as of September 2013, to 3½ cents. The Secretary of EEA would review the fee amounts every five years and make appropriate adjustments to reflect changes in the consumer price index as well as changes in the costs incurred by redemption centers. The proposed law defines a redemption center as any business whose primary purpose is the redemption of beverage containers and that is not ancillary to any other business. The proposed law would direct the Secretary of EEA to issue regulations allowing small dealers to seek exemptions from accepting empty deposit containers. The proposed law would define small dealer as any person or business, including the operator of a vending machine, who sells beverages in beverage containers to consumers, with a contiguous retail space of 3,000 square feet or less, excluding office and stock room space; and fewer than four locations under the same ownership in the Commonwealth. The proposed law would require that the regulations consider at least the health, safety, and convenience of the public, including the distribution of dealers and redemption centers by population or by distance or both. The proposed law would set up a state Clean Environment Fund to receive certain unclaimed container deposits. The Fund would be used, subject to appropriation by the state Legislature, to support programs such as the proper management of solid waste, water resource protection, parkland, urban forestry, air quality and climate protection. The proposed law would allow a dealer, distributor, redemption center or bottler to refuse to accept any beverage container that is not marked as being refundable in Massachusetts. The proposed law would take effect on April 22, 2015.

A YES VOTE would expand the state’s beverage container deposit law to require deposits on containers for all non-alcoholic, non-carbonated drinks with certain exceptions, increase the associated handling fees, and make other changes to the law.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws regarding beverage container deposits.

QUESTION 3: Expanding Prohibitions on Gaming & Casinos
SUMMARY
This proposed law would (1) prohibit the Massachusetts Gaming Commission from issuing any license for a casino or other gaming establishment with table games and slot machines, or any license for a gaming establishment with slot machines; (2) prohibit any such casino or slots gaming under any such licenses that the Commission might have issued before the proposed law took effect; and (3) prohibit wagering on the simulcasting of live greyhound races. The proposed law would change the definition of “illegal gaming” under Massachusetts law to include wagering on the simulcasting of live greyhound races, as well as table games and slot machines at Commission-licensed casinos, and slot machines at other Commission-licensed gaming establishments. This would make those types of gaming subject to existing state laws providing criminal penalties for, or otherwise regulating or prohibiting, activities involving illegal gaming. The proposed law states that if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.

A YES VOTE would prohibit casinos, any gaming establishment with slot machines, and wagering on simulcast greyhound races.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the current laws regarding gaming.

QUESTION 4: Earned Sick Time for Employees
SUMMARY
This proposed law would entitle employees in Massachusetts to earn and use sick time according to certain conditions. Employees who work for employers having eleven or more employees could earn and use up to 40 hours of paid sick time per calendar year, while employees working for smaller employers could earn and use up to 40 hours of unpaid sick time per calendar year. An employee could use earned sick time if required to miss work in order (1) to care for a physical or mental illness, injury or medical condition affecting the employee or the employee’s child, spouse, parent, or parent of a spouse; (2) to attend routine medical appointments of the employee or the employee’s child, spouse, parent, or parent of a spouse; or (3) to address the effects of domestic violence on the employee or the employee’s dependent child. Employees would earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, and would begin accruing those hours on the date of hire or on July 1, 2015, whichever is later. Employees could begin to use earned sick time on the 90th day after hire. The proposed law would cover both private and public employers, except that employees of a particular city or town would be covered only if, as required by the state constitution, the proposed law were made applicable by local or state legislative vote or by appropriation of sufficient funds to pay for the benefit. Earned paid sick time would be compensated at the same hourly rate paid to the employee when the sick time is used. Employees could carry over up to 40 hours of unused sick time to the next calendar year, but could not use more than 40 hours in a calendar year. Employers would not have to pay employees for unused sick time at the end of their employment. If an employee missed work for a reason eligible for earned sick time, but agreed with the employer to work the same number of hours or shifts in the same or next pay period, the employee would not have to use earned sick time for the missed time, and the employer would not have to pay for that missed time. Employers would be prohibited from requiring such an employee to work additional hours to make up for missed time, or to find a replacement employee. Employers could require certification of the need for sick time if an employee used sick time for more than 24 consecutively scheduled work hours. Employers could not delay the taking of or payment for earned sick time because they have not received the certification. Employees would have to make a good faith effort to notify the employer in advance if the need for earned sick time is foreseeable. Employers would be prohibited from interfering with or retaliating based on an employee’s exercise of earned sick time rights, and from retaliating based on an employee’s support of another employee’s exercise of such rights. The proposed law would not override employers’ obligations under any contract or benefit plan with more generous provisions than those in the proposed law. Employers that have their own policies providing as much paid time off, usable for the same purposes and under the same conditions, as the proposed law would not be required to provide additional paid sick time. The Attorney General would enforce the proposed law, using the same enforcement procedures applicable to other state wage laws, and employees could file suits in court to enforce their earned sick time rights. The Attorney General would have to prepare a multilingual notice regarding the right to earned sick time, and employers would be required to post the notice in a conspicuous location and to provide a copy to employees. The state Executive Office of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, would develop a multilingual outreach program to inform the public of the availability of earned sick time. The proposed law would take effect on July 1, 2015, and states that if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.

A YES VOTE would entitle employees in Massachusetts to earn and use sick time according to certain conditions.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws regarding earned sick time.