Our South Boston Newsletter: St Paddy's Day, Outdoor Dining, Dog Licenses

News From Our South Boston Liaison: Haley Dillon

St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Hosted by Senator Nick Collins With COVID-19 still among us and the difficulties and sadness so many Americans have endured over the last year, Senator Collins is bringing back the breakfast this year with a live, virtual event! He hopes to still bring together the voices of leaders around the community and state, talk about how the community has come together in this tough time and try to add in a few laughs along the way. Click here to read more about the event. STAY INFORMED AT Facebook.com/SouthieONS Our community meetings have moved to an online platform and all meeting links will be posted on our Facebook page. You do not need to have a Facebook to access the page and the information. Just type “Facebook.com/SouthieONS” into your browser and you can see information on all upcoming meetings in the South Boston area.  Click here! City Announcements BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FIRST VACCINATION CLINIC Boston Public Schools (BPS) announced today the opening of the first vaccine clinic dedicated to administering COVID-19 vaccinations to educators, bus drivers, bus monitors, administrators and all BPS employees and contractors. The first of two BPS-only sites will open on Sunday, March 14, and will add a new level of access to the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure the health and safety of the BPS workforce. The first clinic, located at the Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) Gallivan Community Center in Mattapan, will offer approximately 200 appointments per day. BPS will operate the clinic on Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Monday through Thursday from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. The clinic will run for two weeks, then will be operational again after 21 days to provide second doses for an additional two weeks. Staff and contractors can sign up for appointments at the BPS clinic beginning Thursday, March 11. Read more. OUTDOOR DINING TO BEGIN IN BOSTON ON MARCH 22 Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that in collaboration with the Boston Licensing Board and City departments, outdoor dining for approved restaurants in Boston will now begin on March 22 due to the weather forecast. This is an earlier start than the previously-announced date of April 1.  The 2021 Outdoor Dining Pilot Program will continue many of the successful initiatives from last year's program, such as streamlined permitting and outdoor patios on roadways that enable restaurants with narrow sidewalks to offer patio seating to patrons, while offering new features based on community feedback. Applications for outdoor dining licenses on both public and private property are now open, and businesses can apply online. Read more. BOSTON DOG LICENSING DEADLINE IS MARCH 31 With a current increase in dog adoptions during the COVID-19 quarantine, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s Animal Care and Control Division is reminding City dog owners that the annual deadline for licensing their pets is March 31. All dogs in Boston require a new license each year. Read more.  MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING CHILDCARE Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement (MOWA) and the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) of $250,000 in funding to support organizations working to create equitable access to child care services in Boston. Grantees will be awarded until the fund is exhausted. Childcare providers, nonprofit organizations, community stakeholders are encouraged to apply. The application period is now open and proposals will be accepted through April 23, 2021. Application can be found here. Read more. MAYOR WALSH SIGNS 42 PERCENT INCREASE IN LINKAGE FEES INTO LAW Mayor Martin J. Walsh today signed a 42 percent increase in Boston’s Linkage fees into law. The Linkage Program requires large scale commercial developments over 100,000 square feet in Boston to pay into funds that support the creation of affordable housing and workforce development. The increase will raise the current fees to $15.39 per square foot, of which $13.00 will be dedicated to affordable housing and $2.39 will be dedicated to workforce training. The increase was proposed by Mayor Walsh in February and follows unanimous approval by the Boston Planning & Development Agency Board and Boston Zoning Commission. Read more. CITY OF BOSTON COMPLETES $11 MILLION INVESTMENT IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY UPGRADES ACROSS 14 CITY BUILDINGS Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the completion of the first phase of Renew Boston Trust, the City of Boston’s initiative to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy measures for municipal buildings. The first phase of the $45 million investment spans 14 City-owned buildings, including libraries, community centers, police and fire stations, and helps reduce energy use, save money, and reduce city-emitted greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.  This work marks continued commitment by the City of Boston to lead by example and implement strategies outlined in the 2019 Climate Action Plan update to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral by 2050. Read more. COVID EVICTION LEGAL HELP PROJECT (CELHP) Are you a tenant or owner occupant facing housing instability? The COVID Eviction Legal Help Project (CELHP) provides free legal help to low-income tenants and owner-occupants across Massachusetts in COVID-related eviction cases. To find free eviction legal help in your area go to Find Legal Help. You may also be able to get assistance paying back rent or back utilities or be protected by the federal eviction moratorium. To learn about new changes to the law and links to other resources like rental assistance and food benefits go to EvictionLegalHelp.org.   ST. PATRICK'S DAY COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDANCE The City is asking everyone to celebrate responsibly this St. Patrick's Day. The safest way to celebrate is at home with the people you live with, or to gather virtually with friends and family. Attending gatherings increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. When celebrating, please be sure to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines: Avoid crowds and large parties Wear a face mask in public Stay at least 6 feet apart from others Wash your hands often Celebrate responsibly, Boston. Find more CDC holiday tips here. INSPECTION SERVICES WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU  The Inspectional Services Department will be hosting a series of workshops featuring Boston’s Zoning Code and ISD’s permitting process. In order to get a better understanding of topics to discuss we are asking the community to fill out the questionnaires at http://www.boston.gov/zba-survey ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TRACKER  This new tool will increase access to information related to proposed projects seeking relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The tracker is designed for anyone to quickly search for a specific appeal that has been submitted to the ZBA, or to search for appeals based on criteria such as location or applicant, in order to identify the status of the appeal. Visit the ZBA Tracker page. Find the Project Tracker here.

Fort Point Landmarks March 2021 Meeting

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

Thursday, March 11, 2021

6:00 PM

This hearing will be held virtually and NOT in person. 

You can participate in this hearing by going to our Zoom meeting link 

or by calling 929-205-6099 and entering meeting id 822 6815 9176#

You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.gov 

or via Twitter @bostonlandmarks.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 21.0481 FPC    22 Boston Wharf Road

Applicant: Duck Creek Technologies

Proposed work: At the roof, construct a stair head house and roof deck with metal picket railings and acoustic metal panel wall.  

APP # 21.0581 FPC   5 CHANNEL CENTER STREET

Applicant: BP3-BOS3 5 Channel Center Street LLC

Proposed work: At the roof level, install new visible mechanical systems and equipment. At the Medallion Avenue elevation, replace a garage door with louvers in the existing masonry opening.

APP # 21.0704 FPC  22 BOSTON WHARF ROAD

Applicant: Artists for Humanity

Proposed work: Install a public art sculpture at the Stillings Street façade

(modify APP # 21.0238 FPC Certificate of Design Approval)

II. ADVISORY REVIEW

51 SLEEPER STREET

Proposed work: Modify the ground level façade and topography and install signage. 

III. 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 commission staff pending ratification at its monthly public hearing. Having been identified as meeting these eligibility criteria and all applicable guidelines, the following applications will be approved at this hearing.

APP # 21.0628 FPC 250-253 Summer Street: At the sea wall, repair existing concrete foundation, repoint deteriorated granite joints, replace galvanic anodes on steel columns in

kind, and fill voids using grout bags. At the Harborwalk, replace deteriorated timber deck boards in kind. 

IV. RATIFICATION OF 2/11/2021 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

V. STAFF UPDATES

VI. PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 8:00 PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy

Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

Nautilus Pier 4 Restaurant Abutters Meeting March 8

The Office of Mayor Martin J. Walsh invites you to a virtual abutters meeting for Nautilus Pier 4 restaurant on :

Monday, March 8th 2021

5:30 p.m.

140 Northern Ave

Proposal: Nautilus Pier 4 has been approved by the city for non-live entertainment indoors. We would like to add outdoors non-live entertainment (music through outdoor speakers) for the hours of 9am to 11pm, with a carve out that the hours of 8pm to 11pm be limited to “ambient background music.” This mimics the terms of our lease.

Nautilus Pier 4 would also like to apply for an outdoor live entertainment license.

Primarily we would like the ability for a DJ to be able to connect directly to our sound system and play their music through it, both indoors and out. Secondarily we would like to consider being able to hire musicians to also play through our sound system or their own setup. This would be limited to singer/songwriter (guitar) types or other small groups in the same vein. We are requesting hours of 11am to 8pm for these types of entertainment.

Webex Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/2NAd2qq

Or you can call into the meeting by dialing +1-408-418-9388

Meeting number (access code): 129 387 3235

Meeting password: 140n

For more information please contact: 

Haley Dillon 

Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Haley.Dillon@boston.gov 

617-635-2680

FPAC & FPTC Honor Women & Family In "Metaphors Are Not Enough" and "Crossing Cultures"

The Fort Point Theatre Channel presents excerpts from Metaphors Are Not Enough, Poetry and Prose by The Streetfeet Women on: 

Sunday, March 7, 2021

3:30-5:00 pm

Online link will be announced Friday, March 5

On the eve of International Women’s Day, Fort Point Theatre Channel will host six members of The Streetfeet Women who will share pieces, some with music, from their recently published anthology of poems and prose, Metaphors Are Not Enough. All the work celebrates and honors women and girls.

Christina Liu: Spinster; Beyond China; Untitled
Mary Elizabeth Birnbaum: France Eagle; The Ritual of the Visit; Mise-en-place, Carbon Steel
Mary Millner McCullough: DNA and Mayonnaise
Andrea L. Humphrey: Heroic Birth
Elena Harap: Minutes excerpt; Birth Control; Magnificat
Lymyn O'Sing: Smoke in the Paper; Trees Sing to Me in Winter

The work spans themes of freedom and justice, identity, culture, love, and friendship. Throughout, the women offer wisdom, humor, and the unique perspective of a diverse company of writers and performers.

******

The Fort Point Arts Community (FPAC) invites you to the art opening of “CROSSING CULTURES: Family, Memory & Displacement” art opening on: 

March 11, 2021

6:30 PM

Join the virtual Opening

“CROSSING CULTURES” addresses the theme of “family” from the point of view of four women artists who came to this country as young adults, leaving their traditions, families, and cultures behind. Unifying their work is its relationship to memory, displacement and identity. The exhibit will revolve around art that they have created to reflect upon what they have left behind while shifting countries and at the same time honoring and remembering family traditions and vanishing ways of life. A commonality of their work is the use of vintage family photographs that they have collected from their many visits back to their homelands. This project embodies and celebrates their shared immigrant story and citizenry in a nation composed of diverse backgrounds, families, politics, faiths, identities, and ideas.

The Artists

Astrid Reischwitz is a lens-based artist who explores storytelling from a personal perspective. Her projects include intimate views of private spaces, and reflections on her own history and values. Using keepsakes from family life, old photographs, and storytelling strategies, she builds a visual world of memory, identity, place, and home. 

Claudia Ruiz Gustafson is a Peruvian-born, Massachusetts-based visual artist, educator and curator. Her work is mainly autobiographical and self-reflective; often portraying themes of femininity, family, memory, dreams and personal mythology. 

Nilou Moochhala’s visual practice (art & design) has been channeled into examining issues of cross-cultural change and transformation through collaging and assemblage techniques. Originally from Mumbai, she has been inspired to juxtapose found objects, memorabilia, and use of language to create social and political narratives, be it in public street spaces or private art galleries. 

Vivian Poey is a photographer and educator in Cambridge, MA. Her work examines a number of issues ranging from migration and cultural assimilation to the passing of time. She is American, born in Mexico of Cuban parents and lived in Guatemala and Colombia before moving to the U.S. This complicated trajectory informs all of her art, which serves as a method of investigation, and includes photography, installation and performance.

Boston City Council Looks At Street Trees, Community Voice, Land Use & More

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. Below are a few highlights from February 24, 2021 Boston City Council meeting. Please note that the Council did not meet on February 17.

VOTES

Special Commission on Ending Family Homelessness: The Council voted to pass an ordinance to create a Special Commission on Ending Family Homelessness, which will develop an actionable and measurable plan to end family homelessness in the City of Boston.

NEW FILES

Street Tree Removal: Councilors Flynn and Breadon called for a hearing to discuss the process for street tree removals in the City of Boston. The current process includes a public hearing to gather feedback before a removal, but there is no requirement to notify abutters, and when trees are removed prior to a development project entering into the permitting process, residents do not have the opportunity to provide input beforehand. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Environment, Resiliency and Parks.

Community Voice in Impact Advisory Groups: Councilor Mejia called for a hearing on community voice in Impact Advisory Groups (IAGs), which are groups of up to 15 individuals tasked with providing advice and feedback on large-scale projects proposed by the Boston Planning and Development Agency to ensure that these developments meet the needs of the community and do not contribute to displacement, gentrification and a loss of community character. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation. 

Community Notification Process: Councilor Essaibi George called for a hearing to review the procedures to alert a neighborhood to development-related meetings. The BPDA must publish documents related to a proposed document within 5 days and share with the local neighborhood council or to a similar community or civic organization, but there is no mention throughout the Zoning Code of a required period of time that the BPDA should notify residents of any upcoming public meetings. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation.

Developer Profiles: Councilor Essaibi George called for a hearing regarding the creation of publicly available developer profiles, which may include information like accurate contact information, information regarding anh partnered firms, average Boston Residents Jobs Policy (BRJP) score, number of market-rate units and affordable units, and the BPDA Project Manager, the total number of commercial and residential units, any past or present DND or BHA contracts, list of publicly knowable civil rights litigation, and basic developer history. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation.

Planning and Land-Use Tools for Public Good:  Councilor Bok called for a hearing regarding using planning and land-use tools for public good; for example, by building on past tradition and using BPDA tools to help secure more land for the community purposes and long-term affordability that community land trusts can ensure; writing ground leases to ensure the long-term value of public land is captured by the public; and structuring city deed restrictions and ground leases to provide preferential options for conversion to cooperative or community land trust structures whenever possible. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation.

UPCOMING HEARINGS (Streaming online at https://boston.gov/departments/city-council/watch-boston-city-council-tv) 

• Next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, March 3rd at 12PM.

For complete notes of Boston City Council meetings, visit MichelleForBoston.com to sign up to receive Council Notes automatically.

FPNA Neighborhood Gathering Features The Outdoors, Development & Parks and Mayoral Candidate Michelle Wu

 You are invited to a virtual

Fort Point Seaport

Neighborhood Gathering

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

6 pm to 8 pm

Zoom Sign In

featuring

Our C-6 Community Service Officers

Cisco Brewers & Il Giardino

Seaport Spring Updates

WS Development

ICA Reopening, Dancing & Live Music

requesting support of outdoor live entertainment license amendment. 

Update: The ICA withdrew their amended application. If they decide to pursue it at a future date, they will present again 

100 Acres Ups & Downs 

Building Heights and Park Sizes

from the Channel to the Haul Rd/South Boston Bypass Rd.*

& 

Mayoral Candidate Spotlight

Boston City Councillor-At-Large Michelle Wu

* With development underway on the former Gillette parking lots and the planning of the 100 Acres Open Space Concept Draft Plan, we want to ensure the neighborhood has accurate information. Everyone has a lot of questions: Are the buildings getting bigger? How are the park sizes changing? Where are parks getting smaller? What are the transportation impacts? What about climate change and flood protection of the inner neighborhood?, etc...  Tune in Tuesday night to find out more and how you can help build a better neighborhood together.  We invite you to renew your membership or become an FPNA member for the first time. An individual membership is $35 and a family membership is $50. You can pay by check or via venmo @FPNA-Boston.  Join FPNA today! Upcoming Happenings Monday, February 22nd: 6:30pm Community Meeting for a proposed South Boston Retail Cannabis Establishment at 558-560 Dorchester Avenue Tuesday, February 23d: FPNA Neighborhood Gathering 6pm - 8pm. Details above. Wednesday, February 24th: 7:30pm. Abutters Public Meeting for ICA Outdoor Summer Program live entertainment license amendment request. Adding DJ and dancing with a change of hours. Virtual meeting link Thursday, February 25th: 10am City Council Hearing on the proliferation of electronic billboards. If you are unable to attend and would like to submit comments, details are included in the link.   Neighborhood updates, questions or concerns, please contact FPNA

Boston City Council Looks At Landmarking, Life Sciences, Inclusionary Development Policy & More

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. Below are a few highlights from February 10, 2021 Boston City Council meeting:

MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD

Special Law re: Boston Landmarks Commission: Councilor Edwards reported back from the Committee on Government Operations on a hearing held to discuss a home rule petition to change the definition of the term landmark, allowing resources and places with significance to Boston’s neighborhoods to be eligible for landmark designation. The matter will be further discussed at a working session. 

COVID-19 Vaccines: Councilor Arroyo reported back from the Committee on Public Health regarding a hearing to discuss COVID-19 vaccines. At the hearing, representatives from the Administration, including Chief Martinez from the Health and Human Services and Dr. Lo from the BHPC gave an update on the state and City’s vaccination distribution phases, the city’s current vaccine strategy, issues surrounding language access and cultural competency, partnerships with community health centers and other organizations, and communication with Boston residents. Representatives of Boston’s health care institutions and other community members also gave testimony, leading to a productive conversation on vaccine coordination, distribution and education in order to minimize duplication of efforts and ensure that Black and Latinx communities and other more vulnerable residents are prioritized in vaccination efforts. This matter will remain in the Committee on Public Health.

NEW FILES

PILOT Community Benefits Agreements: Councilors Bok, Janey and Breadon called for a hearing regarding increasing oversight, transparency, and coordination of Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) community benefits offsets. Universities, hospitals, and other institutions rely on the city for strong public infrastructure, but often provide too few opportunities for residents to benefit from the prosperity they create. The City has previously identified 47 such institutions that own tax-exempt property, valued at $15 million, but the Office of Assessing has agreed to update their valuation over the course of 2021. Each of these institutions is eligible for a community benefits deduction, generally restricted to 50% of the requested PILOT contribution. Approximately 61% of PILOT contributions that the City receives are in the form of community benefits. Updating the community benefits requirements of the PILOT program, in line with the recommendations in the PILOT Action Group’s 2018 report, would ensure Boston's institutions more meaningfully contribute to Boston’s communities. This matter was assigned to the Committee on PILOT Agreements. 

Barriers to Rental Housing: Councilors Bok, Janey and Campbell called for a hearing regarding reducing barriers to securing rental housing in Boston. Major barriers to obtaining housing, that are currently legal in the City of Boston, include credit screenings and criminal background checks, as well as large security deposits and deposits or fees required to fill out rental applications. Reforms to credit screening by landlords are especially needed as the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are increasing the amount of Boston residents that have been evicted, rely on credit cards to purchase basic needs, are out of work, and are unable to pay passed-due rent or other debts. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Housing and Community Development.

Life Sciences Laboratories: Councilors Flynn and Flaherty called for a hearing to discuss zoning and the community outreach process for life sciences laboratories in the City of Boston. Last year, a life sciences laboratory began construction next to a residential building in South Boston without a community process. Because the laboratory was in an area zoned as Restrictive Manufacturing and therefore deemed to be zoning compliant, the proponent could bypass a community process. Amending the zoning code could afford residents the opportunity to have a say in what gets built in their community. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. 

Inclusionary Development Policy: Councilor Edwards called for a hearing regarding the state of affordable housing as to Boston’s inclusionary development policy (IDP). The IDP was created in 2000 to set requirements for large and medium scale developers to create or preserve affordable housing in any new development with 10 or more units that requires zoning relief. IDP units are deemed affordable according to the Area Median Income (AMI) metric, which is based on incomes of households in the entire Greater Boston region, making many units unaffordable to many residents. The majority of IDP units are studios or 1-bedrooms, failing to meet the needs of families looking for housing. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Housing and Community Development. 

Construction and Utility Permits: Councilor Edwards called for a hearing regarding the coordination and community notice of the issuance of construction and utility permits. Both residential construction and public utility work can have a significant impact on residents’ quality of life, particularly if numerous projects happen simultaneously in a small geographic area. The Inspectional Services Department and  the Department of Public Works issue the permits necessary for these projects and could issue them in such a way to minimize quality of life issues. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. 

UPCOMING HEARINGS (Streaming Online) 

• Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, February 24th at 12PM.
• Tuesday, February 16th at 10AM: Hearing to discuss an ordinance to establish guidelines for permitting retail residential kitchens (Committee on Government Operations)
• Thursday, March 4th at 12PM: Hearing regarding a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code relative to affordable housing and jobs training exactions (Committee on Government Operations)

For complete notes of Boston City Council meetings, visit MichelleForBoston.com to sign up to receive Council Notes automatically.

Neighborhood Blood Drive Tomorrow

 Morrison Mahoney LLP is hosting a Blood Drive in our neighborhood. 

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

8:30 am - 2 pm 

Morrison Mahoney 

Sign Up For An Appointment 

Few Slots Left

 http://bit.ly/MGHMorrison3

 Blood mobiles will be parked at 266 Summer St. 

 Any questions, feel free to email kcronin@partners.org.

Fort Point Landmarks February 2021 Meeting

updated 2/11/21: linked presentations and note 5 Channel Center moved to Advisory Review.

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

Thursday, February 11, 2021

6:00 PM

This hearing will be held virtually and NOT in person. 

You can participate in this hearing by going to our Zoom meeting link 

or by calling 929-205-6099 and entering meeting id # 870 4152 3627 

You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.gov 

or via Twitter @bostonlandmarks.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 21.0610 FPC  22 Boston Wharf Road

Applicant: T-Mobile Northeast LLC d/b/a T-Mobile

Proposed work: At the roof level, install telecommunications equipment and cabinets/ false chimneys.

II. Advisory Review
APP # 21.0581 FPC  5 Channel Center Street. 

Applicant: BP3-BOS3 5 Channel Center Street LLC

Proposed work: At the roof level, install new visible mechanical equipment. At the Medallion Avenue elevation, replace a garage door with louvers in the existing masonry opening.

II: Ratification of 12/10/20 Public Hearing Minutes

III. Staff Updates

Projected adjournment: 7:00 pm

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy

Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

originally published 02.03.21

Boston City Council Waives Special Election, Declares Transit Equity Month, Introduces Conservation Corps & Much More

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. Below are a few highlights from February 3, 2021 City Council meeting

VOTES

Waiving a Potential Special Election for Mayor: The Council voted 12-0 (Councilor Essaibi George abstaining) to advance an amended version of the home-rule petition filed by Councilor Arroyo to waive any potential special election to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor. According to the City Charter, if a vacancy in the office of Mayor takes place before March 5, 2021, the City of Boston should fill this vacancy through a special election scheduled 120-140 days later, with the winner of that election sworn in immediately to serve the rest of the term, keeping the regularly scheduled election to choose a Mayor for a full four-year term. Given the public health risks and costs of administering an election during the ongoing pandemic, the legislation would waive the special election, with the newly elected Mayor sworn in immediately after the November results are certified. The home-rule petition now advances to the Mayor’s desk, then state legislature and Governor’s desk for approval.

Vaccinating Early Education, Childcare, and K-12 Educators Resolution: The Council voted to adopt my resolution with Councilor Essaibi George urging the Baker administration to make childcare providers, early educators and K-12 educators eligible for the current phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The updated vaccination plan unveiled by Massachusetts officials last week moves educators down in the vaccine prioritization schedule, contrary to the guidance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices COVID-19 Vaccines Work Group. Establishing a clear, transparent, and specific plan for vaccinating childcare and public school staff members is essential to rebuilding trust among educators, communities, and public officials and working towards the collective goal of improving and protecting our school communities and city. 

Transit Equity Month Resolution: The Council voted to adopt my resolution with Council President Janey to declare the month of February 2021 as Transit Equity month in the City of Boston. February 4th is the birthday of civil rights activist Rosa Parks, whose role in the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, which brought national attention to the Civil Rights Movement. Transit equity is intrinsically linked to racial justice, and the expansion of safe, reliable, convenient and affordable public transportation is imperative to the fight against climate change, improving air quality and public health, and alleviating inequities within the City of Boston. 

Winter Walk Day Resolution: The Council voted to adopt a resolution from Councilor Essaibi George recognizing February 7, 2021 as winter walk day in the City of Boston, raising awareness and funds to help end homelessness.

NEW FILES

Good Food Purchasing: I called for a hearing regarding good food purchasing at the City of Boston and at Boston’s anchor institutions, including hospitals and universities. Food is intrinsically linked to public health, racial equity, economic stability, and community wellbeing. In March 2019, the Boston City Council passed the Good Food Purchasing ordinance to bring public food procurement in alignment with our values of racial equity, nutritional quality, environmental sustainability, a valued workforce, and local economies. This hearing will discuss progress implementing the ordinance at Boston Public Schools, AgeStrong, the BCYF, and other City agencies, as well as partnering with hospitals and universities with large food procurement budgets. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Post Audit and Oversight. 

City-level Conservation Corps: Councilor Bok and I introduced her refiled hearing order regarding a city-level conservation corps for Boston. A conservation corps workforce could partner with city workers and trade unions to accelerate Boston’s climate goals, including improved stormwater management through green infrastructure, retrofitting buildings to meet net zero carbon standards, increasing solar power, maintaining and planting trees, preparing our waterfront communities for storms and sea-level rise, and expanding the curbside composting pilot into a city-wide program. This program has also been included in our Boston Green New Deal & Just Recovery plan. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Environment, Resiliency, and Parks.

Cooperative Housing: Councilor Bok called for a hearing regarding the current state of cooperative housing in Boston and strategies for its further expansion. Cooperative housing arrangements, including limited-equity cooperatives, serve as a mechanism for people with modest capital holdings to build equity, promoting a more democratic economy and countering the deepening economic inequality in our city. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Housing and Community Development. 

The Boston Landmarks Commission: Councilors Bok and Breadon filed a home-rule petition to amend the state law to allow the Boston Landmark Commission to designate sites particularly important to Boston’s history to more fully preserve and honor a history that includes all Bostonians, not only white, affluent, and well-known historical figures. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations. 

Police Reform Task Force: Councilors Campbell, Mejia, and Arroyo called for a hearing regarding implementation of the Boston Police Reform Task Force’s recommendations and the state police reform bill. This hearing will provide a space to discuss progress implementing the Task Force’s recommendations, including the establishment of the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency, and the implementation of the State’s Police Reform Bill. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.

311 Services:  Councilor Essaibi George called for a hearing regarding expanding the services available on 311, including online voter registration, online SNAP applications, locations of sharps collection kiosks, locations of open detox and recovery beds and substance use disorder resources, and resources to handle domestic violence or mental health crises. This matter was assigned to the Committee on City and Neighborhood Services.

Elder Scamming Protections: Councilors Essaibi George, Breadon, and Flaherty called for a hearing regarding elder scamming protections. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to scamming and predatory sales techniques due to language barriers, social isolation, and other reasons. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development

SNAP Gap: Councilors Essaibi George and Bok called for a hearing regarding the SNAP gap in Boston. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were approximately 70,000 people who were eligible for SNAP but not enrolled, threatening their food security, health and wellbeing. In July 2020, the Council voted to adopt my resolution urging the Baker Administration to implement the steps authorized in the state’s IT Bond Bill to allow residents to apply for MassHealth and SNAP at the same time, but this universal application has not yet been implemented. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities.

Main Streets Organizations: Councilor Essaibi George called for a hearing regarding the impact of Main Streets organizations on small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the City of Boston began the Reimagine Boston Main Streets program to explore the impact of COVID-19 on our small businesses and to explore commercial areas that currently do not have a Main Streets organization. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development.

APPOINTMENTS

• Boston Landmarks Commission: Kristen Hoffman was nominated as an alternate member, for a term expiring June 30, 2023

• City of Boston Scholarship Fund Committee: Adesuwa Igbineweka, Kathryn Preskenis, and Micah Rosegrant were reappointed, and Daniel Passacantille and Meghan Towie were appointed, for terms expiring June 1, 2023

• Boston Fair Housing Commission: Onyen Yong, Javier Flores, and Egobudike Ezedi Jr. were reappointed for a term expiring June 1, 2023

• Boston Parks and Recreation Commission: Anne Connolly and David Queeley were reappointed as Associate Commissioners and William Epperson was appointed as Associate Commissioner, for a term expiring January 25, 2025 

• Boston Cultural Council: Jennifer Falk, Alexander Speir, Catherine O’Neill, Shauan Helton and Marie Tai were appointed, for a term expiring October 1, 2023

• Boston Human Rights Commission: Leonard Lee, Robert MacEachern, Reyes Coll-Tellechea were reappointed for a term expiring on December 1, 2023

• Boston Public Library Board of Trustees: Joyce Linehan was appointed for a term expiring April 1, 2021, and Senator Michael Rush, Navjeet Bal, Joseph Berman, and Christian Westra were appointed for a term expiring May 1, 2025

• Make Boston Shine Trust Fund: Aisha Miller was appointed as a Trustee for a term expiring January 14, 2022

• Boston Retirement Board: Daniel Greene was reappointed as a Trustee for a term expiring March 13, 2023

• Boston Groundwater Trust: Edward McGuire was appointed as Trustee, as a representative

• Municipal Lobbying Compliance Commission: Linda Champion was appointed for a term expiring January 3, 2022

• Boston Election Commission: Alexis Tkachuk was appointed for a term expiring March 31, 2024

• Internal Affairs Oversight Panel: Zouk Mo was appointed for a term expiring March 14, 2021

• Zoning Board of Appeals: We voted to confirm the appointments of Sherry Dong and Bethany Patten, for a term expiring July 1, 2021.

• Boston Industrial Development Finance Authority: We voted to confirm the appointment of Mayra Negron-Roche for a term expiring April 1, 2024

• Boston Planning & Development Agency: We voted to confirm the appointment of Michael P. Monahan for a term expiring August 23, 2023 

GRANTS

• $20,670,810 Emergency Rental Assistance grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, to be administered by the Department of NEighborhood Development, to fund assistance to households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• $80,000 FY21 Sustainable Materials Recovery Program/Recycle Dividend grant, awarded by the MA Department of Environmental Protection, to be administered by the Public Works Department, to fund a cost-benefit analysis of programs that utilized economic incentive to increase residential waste diversion in Boston

UPCOMING HEARINGS (Streaming online at https://boston.gov/departments/city-council/watch-boston-city-council-tv) 

• Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, February 10th at 12PM.

• Friday, February 5th at 9AM: Hearing to discuss property tax and assistance for seniors and long-term residents during COVID-19 (Committee on Ways & Means)

• Tuesday, February 9th at 1PM: Hearing to discuss equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine (Committee on Public Health)

For complete notes of Boston City Council meetings, visit MichelleForBoston.com to sign up to receive Council Notes automatically.

Boston City Council Looks At Special Election, COVID 19 Vaccines, Water Rescues, Green Buildings & Bonds, Affordable Housing & More

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. Below are a few highlights from January 27, 2021 City Council meeting.

VOTES

Annual Homeless Census Resolution: The Council voted to adopt a resolution filed by Councilors Essaibi-George and Flynn recognizing the annual homeless census. This year will mark the 21st Homeless Census, an annual Point-In-Time count of individuals and families staying in emergency shelter, transitional housing, or domestic violence shelter programs. The resolution recognizes the critical importance of the Census results and redoubles the Council’s commitment to further expanding housing stability resources, fostering the development of affordable housing, and ending homelessness across the City and Commonwealth. 

World Wetlands Day Resolution: We voted to adopt a resolution filed by Councilors Essaibi-George and O’Malley recognizing February 2, 2021 as World Wetlands Day. Wetlands are habitats for 40% of the world’s species of flora and fauna, minimize flooding, sequester carbon, and provide food and income for billions of people. This resolution recognizes the importance of Boston’s inland and coastal wetlands and celebrates ongoing wetland conservation efforts. 

Condominium Conversion Protections: The Council voted to approve the reauthorization of protections for tenants in condominium conversion situations through March 2021. Current conditions in the City continue to constitute an acute rental housing emergency due to the high prices of condominiums and rents, the high cost of new housing construction, and the reduction of rental housing stock through the conversion of rental housing units into condominiums or cooperatives. 

MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD

Waiving Potential Special Election: Councilor Edwards as Chair of the Committee on Government Operations reported back on yesterday’s hearing on the proposed home rule petition to waive the provision in the Boston City Charter to require a special election for Mayor if a vacancy occurs before March 5, 2021. She noted that the Committee will host a working session later this week and aim to bring the legislation before the Council for a vote at next week’s meeting. This matter will remain in the Committee on Government Operations, and a working session is scheduled for January 29th at 2PM.  

NEW FILES

Equitable & Accessible Vaccine Distribution Ordinance: I filed an ordinance to require equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, including at least one site in every residential zip code of the City, with hours including weekends, evenings, and early mornings to accommodate all workers. The ordinance would require the Health and Human Services Cabinet to work with the Boston Public Health Commission, health care providers and pharmacies to open a vaccination site in every neighborhood, create a single online interface for appointment scheduling, and issue weekly reports on vaccination sites and the demographics of Boston residents receiving vaccinations. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations for a hearing.

Zoning Relief for 100% Affordable and Deeply Affordable Housing: Councilors Bok and O’Malley called for a hearing regarding zoning relief for 100% affordable and deeply affordable projects. Nearly half of Boston residents are rent-burdened, with more than 30% of their incomes going towards housing costs; more than 50,000 families are on the waiting list for a Boston Housing Authority unit; and a growing number of Boston residents are vulnerable to eviction. In this context, affordable housing projects – such as the joint project proposed by the Pine Street Inn and The Community Builders – are frequently delayed by lawsuits, which could be mitigated by a zoning code amendment for zoning relief for 100% affordable and deeply affordable projects. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation. 

Commercial Vacancies: Councilor Mejia called for a hearing to discuss commercial vacancies in Boston. Pre-pandemic, the average commercial vacancy rate was around 2.2%, and the average office space vacancy rate was 7%, a near-historic low. As commercial vacancies dropped, the average cost of rent in these spaces increased, presenting barriers for small businesses and entrepreneurs. As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we must think critically about how to address barriers to accessing commercial real estate and create opportunities for aspiring small business owners. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development.

Permitting Residential Kitchens Resolution: Councilor Mejia proposed an ordinance to establish guidelines for permitting retail residential kitchens, following a Council hearing held in October 2020. Entrepreneurs without access to the capital needed to start a brick-and-mortar business often get started in their home, sometimes without the requisite permits. Cities across Massachusetts have codified cottage food operations in their city codes to give food entrepreneurs a leg up in a volatile market and help them supply culturally relevant foods to their neighborhoods. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations. 

Greenbelt Protection Overlay District: Councilor O’Malley proposed a text amendment for the Greenbelt Protection Overlay District (GPOD), intended to protect the open space and aesthetic character of certain areas of the City. The proposed text amendment would add a GPOD for the West Roxbury side of Allandale Street. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations.

Net-Zero-Carbon Requirements for New Buildings: Councilor O’Malley called for a hearing to discuss the phases of implementing net-zero-carbon requirements for all new buildings in the City of Boston, including commercial, industrial, and large residential and small residential buildings. The City has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and buildings contribute 75% of Boston’s greenhouse gas emissions. In 2019, Mayor Walsh passed an Executive Order requiring that all new municipal building construction be low-energy and fossil-fuel-free, and the BPDA plans to lead a public process to develop new zoning requirements for privately-owned buildings and a timeline for implementation. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation.

Solar Panels on Municipal Parking Lots and Buildings: Councilor O’Malley called for a hearing regarding the installation of solar panels on municipal parking lots and buildings. The City owns and maintains 32 municipal parking lots, many of which have the potential for solar paneling, which could create long-term savings, local jobs generation, and local development in the solar and renewable energy industry. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Environment, Resiliency and Parks.

Green and Social Bonds: Councilor Bok and I called for a hearing regarding green and social bonds. In December 2020, the City of Boston issued its first series of Green and Social Bonds, amounting $60 million to fund climate resilience infrastructure and affordable housing projects. Climate resilience requires not only physical infrastructure, but also investments to reduce social vulnerability, including housing instability and evictions. The City of Boston has maintained a AAA bond rating since 2014, and its debt servicing expenditures regularly fall well below the city’s debt affordability limit, presenting an opportunity to leverage green and social bonds to fund capital projects for green and social housing. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Post-Audit.  

Internet Access and Digital Equity: Councilors Flynn, Mejia, and Bok called for a hearing to discuss internet access and digital equity. Internet access is more critical now than ever, and the City has partnered with Verizon to expand its fiber optic network to offer high speed broadband internet service to the entire City. However, some areas of the city are still underserved, and lack of competition can make it difficult for families to find affordable service. Some cities are exploring the idea of municipal broadband, where local governments invest and build their own internet infrastructure. This matter was assigned to the Committee on City and Neighborhood Services.

Water Rescue Infrastructure: Councilors Flynn and Edwards called for a hearing to discuss water rescue infrastructure, including water rescue equipment and water safety infrastructure. Residents in the Fort Point area have advocated for a life saving ring to be installed at Fort Point Pier and near public docks in case of accidents. This matter was assigned to the Committee on City and Neighborhood Services.

Expansion of the Boston Emergency Services Team: Councilor Essaibi-George called for a hearing regarding the expansion of the Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST), which is made up of mobile crisis clinicians in a partnership between the Boston Medical Center, the Boston Public Health Commission, and the Boston Police Department. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.

COVID-19 & Recovery Services: Councilor Essaibi-George called for a hearing regarding the impact of COVID-19 on recovery services. The pandemic has created additional complications for all service and care programs, with detox services being temporarily closed after possible exposure to coronavirus. Residents struggling with substance use disorder cannot be left behind during the pandemic. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Public Health.

Opioid Crisis: Councilor Essaibi-George called for a hearing regarding the opioid crisis, to review a collaborative, inter-departmental approach to increasing funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery services; exploring the feasibility of a Public Health Surge targeting major encampments; reporting findings from previous visits to Supervised Injection Facilities and to service providers in Philadelphia. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Public Health.

Protections for Tenants Facing Displacement: Councilor Edwards proposed an ordinance extending and enhancing protections for tenants facing displacement by condominium or cooperative conversion. This legislation would require landlords to notify tenants of plans to convert housing accommodation, provide relocation benefits, offer assistance in securing comparable housing for elderly, disabled, and low and moderate income tenants, and offer tenants the right to purchase the unit. It also requires landlords to obtain a conversion permit from the Inspectional Services Department. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations. 

Affordable Housing and Jobs Training Exactions: Councilor Edwards called for a hearing to review a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code relative to affordable housing and jobs training exactions. Governor Baker recently signed legislation authorizing the City to update its linkage program and adopt inclusionary zoning, but the newly enacted legislation requires the Boston Redevelopment Authority and the Boston Zoning Commission to annually adjust linkage fees to match changes in the Consumer Price Index each year. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations. 

UPCOMING HEARINGS (Streaming online at https://boston.gov/departments/city-council/watch-boston-city-council-tv) 

• Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, February 3rd, at 12PM.

For complete notes of Boston City Council meetings, visit MichelleForBoston.com to sign up to receive Council Notes automatically.