Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Making Sense of The Census: Important Civic Benefits

Responding to the 2020 Census is easy, safe and important, and it’s key to shaping the future of our community. 
Top 5 Reasons to Complete the 2020 Census
  1. The 2020 Census will determine the number of seats MA has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  2. The 2020 Census defines congressional & legislative districts, school districts and voting precincts. 
  3. The 2020 Census influences how $675 billion in public funds are allocated over the next 10 years.
  4. The 2020 Census informs funding for the services that keep our community safe and prepared like emergency response.
  5. The 2020 Census helps direct federal dollars for infrastructure that our community needs, including roads and bridges.
The Census Bureau has created an interactive response rates map so America can keep track of how they’re doing. As of May 22, 2020, the state-wide response rate is above the national rate at 62% and the overall Boston response rate is 50%. 
How can Fort Point and Seaport District improve our under 25% response rate? 
Take 10 minutes and complete the 2020 census
NOTE: Even if you completed the census for a residence outside of the neighborhood, you need to respond for all your properties including your 02210 address.  
If you lost your code, never received it or are away from your mail, don't worry.  You can complete the census without your id online or over the phone:
  1. Dial 1.844.330.2020
  2. Listen to the introduction
  3. Press “0” or say “representative” to reach an operator
Once an operator has been reached, let them know you’d like to respond to the census without an ID. 

View detailed instructions for completing census without your census id.

Quick Reminder: The form must be completed in one sitting. If there is no activity for 15 minutes, with a notiļ¬cation after 13 minutes of inactivity, the session will end and the respondent will have to start from the beginning.

Let's be counted Fort Point & Seaport!

May Neighborhood Gathering: Census, Elections, MassDOT & Neighborhood News

FPNA cordially invites our neighbors in Fort Point and the Seaport to a virtual neighborhood gathering on: 

Tuesday, May 26, 2020
6 pm sharp

featuring

Making Sense of the Census
Shelly Gillis, US Census
Sebastian Zapata, City of Boston Census Liaison 


Elections 2020
Tom Ready, FPNA

&

MassDOT Projects in the Neighborhood

with

Neighborhood Updates & Announcements
if you have questions you want answered, email FPNA


To join the neighborhood gathering, click on the invitation link
For dial-in one tap mobile +19292056099,,86394808808#,,1#,661496# 

We recommend you join us a few minutes in advance of our 6 pm kickoff. If you have not used Zoom recently or before, once you click on the invitation link above, you will be prompted to download the software or app. 
  • On a computer, you will be prompted to install the software from the Zoom website or click on the link provided to update your version.
  • On a mobile device, you will directed to the appropriate App store and asked to install the Zoom Cloud Meeting app. 

NOTE: You will need the software or the App to view speakers' presentations.

originally published 05.21.20

Northern Avenue Bridge Community Meeting

updated 5/26/19 with May 6th meeting recording, presentation and related documents and Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) comment deadline. 

Public Comments may be emailed to Team@NorthernAveBridgeBos.com

MEPA Northern Avenue Bridge Environmental Notification Form (ENF) Public Comments are due June 9, 2020. Contact Matt Devlin for a copy of ENF.


FPNA's Tuesday, April 28th's Neighborhood Zoom Gathering gave Fort Point and Seaport neighbors a preview of our new Northern Avenue Bridget. The City of Boston held an online public meeting to provide feedback on May 6, 2020. 

Northern Avenue Bridge
A Boston Bold Design
with new enhancements & new video
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM



originally published 4.30.20

Monday, May 25, 2020

What's Happening In The Channelside Parking Lot?

MassDOT is preforming work on the Ted William's tunnel including the Superplug joint where the underwater portion of the tunnel meets the land tunnel. 



As you can see a portion of the Channelside parking lot (near A Street & Necco) is closed off as a work zone. The remainder of the lot remains open to the public. Work will consist of erosion control, temporary utility relocation, temporary drainage, temporary lighting, and installation of support of excavation, excavation, dewatering, storage of fill, structural repairs to the Superplug joint, and restoration of the parking lot. Substantial completion of work pertaining to this stage must be reached by September 01, 2020. The work is being performed by R. Zoppo General Contractors and Builders and is taking place Mondays through Fridays from 7 am to 3 pm. 

Although Mayor Walsh issued an order to pause non-essential construction, the state is not required to follow the order. The City is starting to ease essential construction today. At the end of April, the City's Inspectional Services Department implemented safety protocols for essential construction work. 
  • May 18, 2020 -The City of Boston will allow essential construction project on sites that meet the following criteria: (1) Projects are permitted, in compliance and have filed a Covid-19 Safety plan and a signed affidavit; (2) Project sites are sufficiently prepared to adhere to all criteria of their safety plan; and (3) the work is for hospitals, public schools, residential buildings [1-3 units], road and utility work, or other outdoor/open air-work such as steel erection, roofing and constructing foundations. 
  • May 26, 2020 -The City of Boston will allow all essential construction projects to re-commence construction activities in adherence to their safety plans. This incremental approach will provide the time necessary to allow complex, large-scale development an opportunity to educate their workforce, safely remobilize and implement their site-specific Safety Plan.
originally published 5.18.20

Thursday, May 21, 2020

It Is Not Your Imagination. It Is Quieter.

At a recent public hearing on reconstruction plans for Logan Airport runway 9/27, MassPort confirmed flights are off more than 75% at the airport. When runway 27 is used it takes departing flights right over our neighborhood.

Now through early August these runways are closed for rehabilitation. Open up your windows and enjoy the sounds of the city!

View scope and details of Logan runways 9/27 rehabilitation project

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Boston Reopening, Testing, Renters Rights & Fresh Truck Open Air Market

COVID-19 CASES
The City of Boston has 12,050 positive cases of coronavirus (confirmed and presumptive). So far, 5,121 of these 12,050 residents have fully recovered. Unfortunately, there have been 588 COVID-19 related deaths in Boston. 

There are 397 cases in South Boston. (10 more cases since last week's 387 cases) and 1,658 people have been tested in South Boston.

Massachusetts has 87,052 positive cases of coronavirus (confirmed and presumptive) and 5,862 deaths reported at this time. Massachusetts has also tested 460,826 individuals to date. 

TESTING UPDATE
Last week, the citywide positive test rate was 13.9%. This was a new low and brings the city’s cumulative positive test rate to 27%, down 2 percentage points from the week before. The City has continued targeted outreach and testing in neighborhoods seeing the most cases, and as a result, those communities’ positive rates continue to go down.
The City also continues to build a citywide strategy for increased testing, which includes an effort that starts next week to test all first responders. 
Overall, the data tells us that we have been moving in the right direction on new cases, positive test rates, and hospitalization for about 3 weeks. 
Every data trend gives a reason for caution, in terms of how gradual our progress is, how necessary our precautions have been, and how much potential there is for new outbreaks if we don’t keep doing the right things. 

ANTIBODY STUDY
On May 15, Mayor Walsh, together with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), announced the study to evaluate community exposure to COVID-19 through a representative sampling of asymptomatic Boston residents resulted in 9.9% testing positive for antibodies and 2.6% of currently asymptomatic individuals testing positive for COVID-19
  • Approximately 1 in 10 residents in this study have developed antibodies and approximately 1 in 40 currently asymptomatic individuals are positive for COVID-19 and potentially infectious.
  • Learn more about the study here
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION
Mayor Walsh announced that Boston has been selected as a founding city for the Rockefeller Foundation’s COVID-19 Testing Solutions Group, along with L.A., Detroit, Miami, and New Orleans. This is a group of cities, states, and tribal governments that are sharing best practices and getting access to technical assistance for testing expansion.

REOPENING: Implementing Phase 1 of the State’s Reopening Plan in Boston
On Monday, May 18, the Governor launched Phase 1 of a statewide reopening plan.The Mayor stressed that reopening does not mean “back to normal”—it means bringing caution and a commitment to stopping the spread of COVID-19 into workplaces and community spaces.
Boston will continue to meet the needs of families, seniors, and small businesses, as well as continue to follow the science and public health guidance, while monitoring the data at the city and state levels.
The Public Health Emergency declared on March 15 in the City of Boston remains in place until further notice. The same applies to the guidelines for physical distancing and face coverings, as well as the citywide recommended curfew of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. 
The City will continue to focus on equity and meeting the needs of vulnerable communities, families with children, seniors, and small businesses. 

Reopening Construction:
Under the statewide plan: Construction can start the week of May 18.
Boston’s approach: Boston has a phased-in approach with comprehensive health and safety requirements. 
Starting this week of May 18: Work on schools, hospitals, smaller residential projects, and open-air construction can restart.
Starting on May 26: Other work allowed by the state may resume.
Contractors must submit a COVID-19 Safety Plan before returning to work. 

Reopening Office Spaces:
Under the statewide plan: Office spaces will be allowed to open with 25% capacity starting on May 25. 
Boston’s approach: The City will take this step on June 1.
This timeline allows the City to work in collaboration with building owners and employers on safety plans that meet robust public health standards.
Every employer must create and implement plans for workplaces to minimize the spread of the virus, as outlined by the State.
The City is creating guidelines for offices to follow, based on national best practices and expert input.
These guidelines include shift scheduling, work-from-home policies, physical spacing, PPE, cleaning protocols, ventilation, employee communication, and more. These guidelines will be shared next week (week of May 25).

Reopening Small Businesses:
Under the statewide plan: Retail stores are allowed to open for curbside pickup on May 25, as well as some services, including hair care and car washes. 
Boston’s approach: The City is ready to help small businesses create plans that not only meet state guidelines, but go beyond them. However, we are also urging caution. 
The Boston Transportation Department has helped facilitate safe curbside pickup for essential businesses, and will expand that work as needed. The City is also developing creative public space solutions for pedestrians in business districts.
If businesses don’t feel comfortable opening, the City will back them in that decision and continue to make services and resources available to them. 
The City will provide more information in the days and weeks ahead to help employers and community organizations stay safe and connected. Small business owners can reach out to our Office of Small Business

Reopening Houses of Worship:
Under the statewide plan: Places of worship are allowed to open starting this week, at 40% capacity and with strict distancing practices and face coverings.
Boston’s approach: Places of worship must take a very cautious approach and are urged to not reopen if they have doubts about being able to plan, implement, and monitor strict safety guidelines. 
The Statewide “Safer at Home” policy remains in place, which advises against people 65 and older leaving home unless absolutely necessary. The Mayor urged seniors to adhere to the advisory and hold off on going back to places of worship, even if services restart. He also asked faith leaders to reach out to their elderly parishioners, to guide them and support them in putting safety first, and keep them connected in other ways.
The City has been getting questions about church choirs and hymns. The Mayor says they shouldn’t happen yet, given the added risk of virus transmission from singing in addition to speaking. Face coverings must be worn at all times.

2020 CENSUS
We are reminding residents to take the 2020 Census during this time of physical distancing. To date, only 49.8% of households have responded, which is lower than the statewide average response rate of 64.4%. We need to increase the rate of response.
Much of the funding that comes from the Census count helps the most vulnerable among us. It provides, for instance, health care (Medicare and Medicaid), public education (grants for special education and Boston Public Schools), food and nutrition programs (SNAP and free school breakfast/lunch programs), affordable housing (Section 8 vouchers), and child care (Head Start) for low-income families.
The 2020 Census is a way to directly increase community power. It will impact our daily lives for the next 10 years. Many of Boston’s communities are at risk of an undercount. We need a complete and accurate count because all of Boston deserves to be seen, heard, and invested in.
The Census has never been more accessible. You can respond to the 2020 Census online (my2020census.gov), over the phone, or by mail. You can respond to the 2020 Census online or over the phone in 13 different languages.

OPEN SPACE SURVEY
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is undertaking a Parcel Priority Plan to identify and evaluate land that should be protected as open space. Creating new open space and protecting existing open space will depend on practical concerns and available resources. Please consider sharing your feedback with the Parks Dept about where you would like to see more open space in our neighborhood! Learn more here

RENTERS RIGHTS TOWN HALL MEETING
If you have any questions about your rights as a tenant, join the The Department of Neighborhood Development and Greater Boston Legal Services on Tuesday, May 26, at 6 p.m. for a virtual town hall, where we will discuss tenants' rights during and after COVID-19. The town hall will be a WebEx event and can be accessed here.

FRESH TRUCK OPEN AIR MARKET
The Mayor's Office of Food Access has modified the Fresh Truck weekly markets to provide fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables while keeping our staff, volunteers, and shoppers safe during the COVID-19 crisis. For more information visit www.thefreshtruck.org, email info@thefreshtruck.org, or call (617) 297-7685.

Important points on the markets:
Fresh Truck Open Air Markets are a safe and convenient way to purchase fresh produce at low prices.
Customers can choose from several options of pre-packed $10 bags that obtain a mix of fruits and vegetables.
Fresh Truck Open Air Market accepts cash, credit, EBT, and HIP.
Markets are conveniently located in various neighborhoods. 

Schedule:
Monday: 11am-1pm | Charlestown BHA & Newtown 38 O’Reilly Way  
Tuesday: 2-4pm | East Boston PJK School 343 Saratoga Street   
Wednesday: 11am-1pm | South Boston West Broadway BHA 7 Joyce Hayes Way         
Thursday: 10am-12pm | South Boston Mary Ellen McCormack BHA Sterling Square   
Friday: 11am-1pm | Dorchester Franklin Field BHA 9O Ames Street; 11am-1pm | Brighton Faneuil Gardens BHA 45 Faneuil Street

BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND REMINDER
The Boston Resiliency Fund provides grant funding to nonprofits supporting communities, families, & individuals in the City of Boston who are most immediately and disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. For more information including translated materials, visit boston.gov/resiliency-fund.

Monday, May 18, 2020

A Reopening Message from Councilor Flynn

Today, Governor Baker announced the plan to reopen the Massachusetts economy will be in phases, with all businesses required to follow guidance on physical distancing, as well as mandatory standards on workplace safety and sector-specific protocols. 

A Safer At Home Advisory is in place asking residents to continue to stay at home if possible, and only leave home for healthcare, worship and permitted work, shopping, and outdoor activities. Face covering is still REQUIRED when residents cannot maintain six feet of physical distance in public. All business activities when they reopen must follow guidance on physical distancing, hygiene protocols to prevent COVID-19, and have plans in place for staffing and operations in case employees get sick. Moreover, the Governor has issued sector-specific protocols and best practices for businesses to reopen safely. More information can be found here.

There will be four phases to the Governor’s reopening plan, and the first phase will start today, May 18th, with certain businesses being allowed to resume with restrictions, some capacity limitations, and staggered starts. In order to reopen, businesses must develop a written COVID-19 Control Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19. Businesses will have to fill out a COVID-19 control plan template, sign a poster  attesting that they have completed a COVID-19 control plan and post it in an area within the business premises that is visible to employees and visitors, as well as post signs and posters describing the rules for maintaining physical distancing, hygiene protocols, cleaning, and disinfecting.

On May 18th, the following businesses are eligible to start:

  • Essential businesses stay open and continue to operate.
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction. However, Boston will reopen its construction sites in phases, and will expand permitted construction incrementally. More information is here: https://www.boston.gov/news/temporary-guidance-construction-city-boston#allowed-construction-work
  • Worship
  • Hospitals and community health centers who attest to specific public health/safety standard can provide high priority preventative care, pediatric care and treatment for high risk patients

On May 25th, the following businesses are eligible to start:

Laboratory and Life Sciences Facilities
  • Offices, excluding those in the City of Boston.  Work from home strongly encouraged, and businesses should restrict workforce presence to <25% maximum occupancy
  • Hair salons and barbershops by appointment only
  • Pet grooming by appointment only (curbside pet drop- off and pick-up)
  • Car washes exterior car washing allowed
  • Recreation and outdoor with guidelines
  • Other health care providers who attest to specific public health/safety standards can provide high priority preventative care, pediatric care and treatment for high risk patients
  • Retail remote fulfillment and curbside pickup
On June 1st, the following is eligible to reopen:
  • Offices in the City of Boston, following applicable guidelines for the rest of the Commonwealth
Even though we are beginning to reopen our economy, this pandemic is still not over unfortunatelyWe should all still continue to practice physical distancing, wear a face covering when we go outside, and do our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. I urge everyone to adhere to the guidelines of our public health officials so that we can prevent a surge to our hospitals and protect our frontline healthcare personnel, our essential service workers, our families, our neighbors and each other from this virus. 
The detailed reopening plan, as well as the required forms and guidance can be found here. I hope this information is helpful.

Thank you and stay safe,

Ed
Councilor Ed Flynn
District 2
Office: 617-635-3203

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Everyday Biking Tips With Seaport TMA, MassBike & BlueBikes

Curious about getting out on two-wheels, but hesitant about how to get going? Thinking of trying out a new commute mode once you head back to the office? You’re not alone! 

Join in Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 12:00 pm via Zoom for a lunchtime virtual cycling workshop led by MassBike Executive Director Galen Mook and joined by Patrick Kelsey of BLUEbikes to help answer your questions riding around the City and Boston's regional bike sharing system.


This everyday biking seminar is geared toward sharing the knowledge and empowerment to take your riding into your own hands, and getting out on the roads, bike lanes, and pathways to get yourself to exercise, run errands, and have fun. Learn how to choose a bike, what gear you should have, how to use a bikeshare, and how to map your ride.

The event is hosted by MassBike and the Seaport TMA, but is for everyone! Invite anyone you're quarantined with.  

Please RSVP today. 

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Councilor Flynn To Host Kids Town Hall

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will be hosting a Kids Town Hall this Friday, May 15, 2020 at 6:00PM on Zoom. District 2 children ages 5-12 are encouraged to join and ask Councilor Flynn any questions about his work as an elected official on the Boston City Council. The Town Hall will be followed by a 10 minute Kids Yoga session with Instructor Julia.


Children may SIGN UP with the help of their parents.

“During these uncertain times, it’s critical that we continue to engage our neighborhood children with informative conversations and fun activities like Kids Yoga,” said Councilor Flynn. “I’m happy to host this discussion with the youth of our communities and answer any questions they may have about their city and local government.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or at Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

COVID 19 Recap Highlights Reopening, Public Space, Census, Construction & More

In case you missed it, here are the highlights on COVID 19 preparations and updates from Mayor Walsh and Governor Baker over the past week.

CASE TRENDS IN BOSTON AND TESTING UPDATE (as of 05/11/20)
  • The City of Boston’s expanded medical capacity is allowing hospitals to maintain expanded ICU capacity. Currently hospitals are at 110% of normal ICU capacity. This is better than the last few weeks but we still need to continue practicing physical distancing and good hygiene.
  • As of Sunday night, there were 164 patients at Boston Hope, including 82 on the homeless respite side, and 82 on the hospital side. Altogether, over 650 patients have been treated at the facility. 
  • Every neighborhood saw its positive test rates go down this past week. Mayor Walsh acknowledged that is a testament to the physical distancing residents are doing, and the expanded testing access we have created citywide. 

  • The neighborhoods with the biggest reductions week-over-week were: East Boston, with a 19% drop in positive results and Mattapan, which had a 15% drop. The Mayor also noted that this drop is a testament to the work of the COVID-19 Healthcare Inequities Task Force and the ways the City is targeting outreach and testing in the most impacted communities.
  • Residents can find up-to-date information on the City’s map of testing sites at boston.gov/coronavirus.
STATE OF MA: REOPENING APPROACH
On May 11th, Governor Baker announced a four-phase approach to reopening the Massachusetts economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and published Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards that will apply across all sectors and industries once reopening begins. More information here.
  • The Reopening Advisory Board met with 44 stakeholders representing different industries and sectors, and received written comments from more than 2,200 employers and organizations. Additional information here.
  • The board’s full report will be released by May 18, which will include protocols and guidelines for how different industries should operate once they reopen.
2020 CENSUS: SEAPORT & FORT POINT
The census response rate for Fort Point and the Seaport is under 25%, in comparison to MA which is at 60%. Please take a short break today and fill out the 2020 Census. The Census informs how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next 10 years. It’s more critical than ever to ensure that all Bostonians are counted. 

PUBLIC SPACE AND TRANSPORTATION
On May 11th, Mayor Walsh announced that as the City of Boston looks to a phased reopening, we will prioritize creating additional public space for physical distancing, support our small businesses with curb space they may need and ensure that everyone has safe and healthy transportation options.

In addition to planned capital investment in safe and sustainable streets, the City is looking at ways to expand space for pedestrians, small business customers, cyclists, and bus commuters including:
  • Expanding sidewalks in business districts to help with physical distancing, especially where people wait in line for businesses that are following new capacity guidelines.
  • Opening up entire lanes for pedestrian and cyclist use, which could also calm traffic speeds. This needs to happen in a way that does not cut off emergency vehicles or delivery access for residents.
  • Expanding bus stops and bus priority on roads. While subway ridership is down, essential workers continue to rely heavily on bus routes.

SUSPENSION OF LARGE EVENTS THROUGH LABOR DAY
On May 8th, Mayor Walsh, in accordance with public health guidance around the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic announced that parades and festivals will not take place in the City of Boston this summer, up to and including Labor Day on September 7, 2020.
  • We will continue to suspend events that bring crowds together in close contact, like a road race, concert, or flag raising. No permit will be issued by the City of Boston for a public event that could draw a large crowd. 
  • The City of Boston encourages organizers to host events through virtual means.The Boston Symphony Orchestra will not be holding a live performance of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4. Instead it will present, on television and online, A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes, in honor of front-line workers and all those who have lost their lives to the health crisis. City of Boston events that will move to a virtual option include the Donna Summer Disco and Gospelfest.
  • Smaller events will be considered on a case by case basis.
SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF FUND DISTRIBUTION
Mayor Walsh announced that the City of Boston is working to get in a position to begin reopening while also working to support residents through the various disruptions and hardships this virus is causing.
  • The City of Boston’s Small Business Relief Fund has distributed $2 million to 561 small businesses most impacted by the pandemic (as of May 8, 2020)
  • The top five industries funded represent businesses in the most-affected industries, including hospitality, personal care, arts and recreation, retail, and healthcare and social assistance.
  • Over 75% of businesses awarded funding have fewer than five employees, a majority of which struggled with or were not able to access the federal assistance programs included in the CARES Act.
  • The City of Boston is adding another $5.5 million to fully fund all eligible grant requests that were submitted during the application process. That combines newly available federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as commitments from Citizens Bank and Eastern Bank. More info here
RENTAL RELIEF FUND UPDATE
The City of Boston’s Rental Relief Fund has $3 million available for residents who lose income and do not have access to unemployment benefits.
  • The City and its nonprofit partners have been processing eligible applications, and contacted every applicant.
  • This week, the City will distribute over $820,000 to more than 300 families to cover the rent for April, May, and June.
  • Applications will continue to be processed, and additional funds distributed, in the weeks to come.
UPDATED CONSTRUCTION POLICY
Mayor Walsh’s order to pause non-essential construction remains in effect for City of Boston permitted sites. On April 27, The City of Boston’s Inspectional Services Dept (ISD)  implemented new safety protocols for essential construction work. 
As we look towards reopening, The City of Boston will be taking an incremental approach to broadening the allowable categories. Key dates are described below:

  • May 5, 2020 -Essential construction projects with approved safety plans and signed affidavits filed with the appropriate regulatory agencies will be authorized to prepare the site with project-specific COVID-19 safety measures. Find the full May 5th Construction Guidance here.
  • May 18, 2020 -The City of Boston will allow essential construction project on sites that meet the following criteria: (1) Projects are permitted, in compliance and have filed a Covid-19 Safety plan and a signed affidavit; (2) Project sites are sufficiently prepared to adhere to all criteria of their safety plan; and (3) the work is for hospitals, public schools, residential buildings [1-3 units], road and utility work, or other outdoor/open air-work such as steel erection, roofing and constructing foundations. 
  • May 26, 2020 -The City of Boston will allow all essential construction projects to re-commence construction activities in adherence to their safety plans. This incremental approach will provide the time necessary to allow complex, large-scale development an opportunity to educate their workforce, safely remobilize and implement their site-specific Safety Plan.

As of April 27, ISD had shut down 131 construction projects that were not allowed to work under the City’s construction moratorium.ISD is actively responding to complaints (from 311, ISD's Call Center, and ISD’s Constituent Services Division) about construction sites working without authorization during the temporary construction moratorium. Inspectors are dispatched as needed and are shutting down violators with written Stop Work Orders.

COMPLIANCE ON FACE COVERINGS
  • Everyone over the age of 2 should wear a face covering whenever in public especially in situations where it’s not possible to physically distance.
  • Mayor Walsh remains concerned about situations in other parts of the country where enforcement has been uneven or inequitable in communities of color. While the State policy allows fines for non-compliance, the purpose of this guideline is to empower people to keep their family and community safe. 
  • The City of Boston’s approach will be to support people, not punish them, especially if they are financially struggling. Our focus for compliance will be on buildings where the public visits, such as grocery stores. Any store that is open should require face coverings.
  • The state order on face coverings includes exceptions for those who have breathing challenges; those who rely on lip-reading to communicate; and those with certain mental health diagnoses. If anyone needs help finding or making face coverings, please reach out and call 311.
IMPORTANCE OF SAFE DRIVING
During the public health emergency, there have been fewer cars on the road, and there have been fewer crashes. Mayor Walsh stated that over the past five years, traffic fatalities have gone down by more than half in Boston, and that this is not the time to go backwards.
  • BPD has reported more speeding and hospitals are reporting more severe injuries from crashes. Injuries are more severe and death more likely when speeds are higher at impact, even just by a few miles per hour.
  • All drivers should respect speed limits, and to pay attention to how fast they are going on the roads, and be aware of their surroundings.
  • In Boston, all roads have a default speed limit of 25 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. 
  • Mayor Walsh stated that over the past five years, traffic fatalities have gone down by more than half in Boston, and that this is not the time to go backwards.