South Boston Beat

SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS & PROPOSALS ON EAST BROADWAY

Following the recent public meeting regarding a development proposal at 662-666 East Broadway, facilitated by the City of Boston Planning Department, we are seeking clarity on the prescibed standards for recently approved projects in the vicinity. Our primary concern is confirming consistency and equality in how similar development proposals are evaluated by the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) when seeking zoning relief (variances). This is particularly relevant given that many of Boston's current zoning codes are significantly outdated, leading most projects to require such variances.The influence of civic groups, political electeds, and residents in the Boston Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) process can be substantial, though not legally binding on the ZBA's final decision. The ZBA is a quasi-judicial body that reviews requests for zoning relief (like variances or conditional use permits). While their decisions weigh heavily on legal criteria (Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40A), the input from community stakeholders can play a major, sometimes decisive, informal role.City departments, like the Planning Department or Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, typically direct applicants seeking zoning relief to present their plans to the relevant local civic association or community group. This creates a de facto engagement process. The ZBA Board often solicit a local association's position during hearings.The input garnered from a civic group can assist the Board with their decision. This influential role is not without controversy. Critics often argue that these groups can be an obstacle to responsible and much needed development, and their own internal decision-making processes can lack transparency. Furthermore, their positions are sometimes seen as being disproportionately influenced by a small number, potentially sidelining broader community or city-wide interests.A fair and impartial project development review by the City of Boston Planning Department and subsequent Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) hearing are crucial because they ensure that development aligns with the city's broader planning goals for equity, affordability, and resilience, while also giving the community a transparent voice in deciding which projects receive relief from the existing zoning code. This process helps balance the need for growth with the preservation of neighborhood character and the prevention of inappropriate development that could negatively impact residents.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We reviewed three recent Zoning Board of Appeal hearings that granted relief to development proposals on East Broadway (See attached image for particulars):(1) Case: BOA-1696783 Address: 736-738 East Broadway - Motion Approved 5/6/2025
ZBA Hearing: Link
ZBA 736-742 Approval: LinkOur ZBA Hearing Summary:The City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing on May 6, 2025, focused on a proposal at 736-742 East Broadway in South Boston for a four-story, mixed-use building featuring 12 residential units and a ground-floor restaurant. The project required ZBA relief for several non-conformities, including an insufficient left-side yard setback, insufficient rear setback, and a deficiency in on-site parking, providing six spaces where eleven were required for the residential component. The developer emphasized the building’s design, scale (44'6" high), and materiality were consistent with the established dimensional context and adjacent newer construction on East Broadway. The proposed conditional restaurant use was promoted as a high-quality, chef-driven, sit-down establishment intended to be professionally managed, with operational details like capacity and hours to be addressed by the separate Licensing Board.Community and political input was mixed. The City Point Neighborhood Association led by Luanne O'Connor came out in opposition to the proposal. Their concerns centered on the building's height relative to a corner lot, the parking ratio, and the potential capacity of the bar/restaurant. They worried its proximity to another large-capacity bar would result in the sidewalk being "taken over," creating accessibility issues for disabled residents, families with strollers, and those accessing the nearby MBTA bus stop.In contrast, Councilor Flynn’s Office went on record in support of the proposal, citing a positive community process that resulted in concessions, including the absence of a roof deck and the provision of six parking spaces. Councilor Flynn's representative, Vanessa Wolf, did, however, request additional collaboration between the developer, community, and the Licensing Board to resolve quality-of-life issues related to the restaurant’s nature, hours of operation, capacity, and potential sidewalk lines. The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, represented by Connor Newman, deferred to the judgment of the ZBA.The Zoning Board ultimately approved the motion to grant the zoning relief. The approval was likely granted because the project was consistent with the area's established dimensional context and mixed-use commercial nature, and the developer had demonstrably addressed key community concerns (eliminating the roof deck and providing six parking spaces). The vote was unanimous, with all Board members voting in favor of the motion.(2) Case: BOA-1396214 Address: 748-750 East Broadway - Motion Approved 12/6/2022
ZBA Hearing: Link
ZBA 748-750 Approval: LinkOur ZBA Hearing Summary:The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing on December 6, 2022, reviewed a proposal for a four-story, nine-unit apartment building featuring a ground-floor local retail unit at 748-750 East Broadway. The property required a substantial number of variances, including insufficient lot size, excessive height (42 feet 11 inches against a 35-foot maximum), significantly exceeding the Floor Area Ratio limit (proposed 3.62), and violations for setbacks and lack of off-street parking. Despite these technical violations, the proponent highlighted that the design was consistent with recent developments in the East Broadway neighborhood and had undergone extensive community review.The proposal garnered overwhelming political and organized community support due to key concessions made by the developer. Elected officials who went on record in support included Congressman Stephen Lynch and Councilor Ed Murphy, who both praised the proponent's willingness to work with neighbors and integrate community feedback. Councilor Michael Flaherty's office noted the project's merit and the extensive efforts made with stakeholders. Further support was confirmed via letters from State Senator Nick Collins and Representative David Biele. The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services also reported support, citing positive feedback from neighbors and the official endorsements of the Gate of the Neighborhood Association and the City Point Neighborhood Association - Luanne O'Connor, testified in favor, commending the project.A major point of negotiation was the ground-floor commercial space, as a previous iteration of the project was denied due to a proposed restaurant use. As a result of community engagement, the proponent explicitly guaranteed that the space would be dedicated to local retail only, precluding the future operation of a bar or restaurant, a concession cited as crucial by several officials. Additionally, the proponent committed to providing a voluntary Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) unit—a two-bedroom unit offered at 110% Area Median Income (AMI)—further boosting community favor. However, not all community members were satisfied; Eileen a resident of East Broadway registered opposition, arguing the building was excessive in height and size, and expressed concern over the negative impact on neighborhood character, safety, and traffic at the busy L Street intersection.The ZBA ultimately approved the motion to grant the necessary variances. The approval was based on the proponent's demonstrated good faith, willingness to compromise, and the securing of near-unanimous support from local civic groups and political representatives. The concessions, particularly changing the ground-floor usage to retail and providing the affordable two-bedroom IDP unit, proved sufficient to mitigate the zoning concerns in the board's view. The motion passed by a majority vote.(3) Case: BOA- 1658178 Address: 674-676 East Broadway - Motion Approved 4/8/2025
ZBA Hearing: Link
ZBA 674-676 Approval: LinkOur ZBA Hearing Summary:The City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing on April 8, 2025, concerning the adaptive reuse of the mixed-use building at 674-676 East Broadway, South Boston, resulted in the approval of the motion. The property owner and operator, Ms. Lee, proposed an expansion to retain her existing ground-floor restaurant, Moco, and convert the single-family residential unit above into three new residential units with a one-and-a-half-story addition. The proposal sought relief for existing non-conformities related to lot size, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), height, open space, rear yard, and parking. The proponents, acknowledging community concerns, removed a proposed roof deck and head house from the plans, agreeing to keep the existing single parking space. They argued the design was consistent with the immediate neighborhood's context, citing a comparable four-story building approved by the board nearby and another existing four-story building across the street.The City Point Neighborhood Association (CPNA), represented by President Luanne O’Connor, confirmed that the proponent agreed to remove the roof deck and head house. However, the CPNA still requested that the ceiling heights for the residential units be reduced, suggesting a drop to an eight-foot ceiling to lower the overall height of the building. O'Connor reiterated the need for Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) review concerning the height and density within the business district. A statement from the office of neighborhood services confirmed that the proponent worked with abutters and civic groups, noting initial opposition to the height, roof deck, and head house, but that after the deck and head house were removed, some abutters still felt the proposed height of 43.5 feet was excessive. ONS also noted the Gate of Heaven Neighborhood Association opposed the proposal. The hearing also heard from a local resident and patron of Moco, Amanda, who offered a statement in full support of the project, praising Ms. Lee as an "awesome restaurant owner and neighbor."Councilor Flynn's office went on record in support of the proposal, citing a good community process and the proponent's work with neighbors and civic groups on key quality-of-life issues, such as the removal of the roof deck and head house. They respectfully requested BPDA design review and that the proponent continue to work with neighbors on quality-of-life issues during the construction phase. Councilor Murphy's office reported receiving 61 letters of support from the community, indicating community backing for the project.The Zoning Board approved the motion to grant the requested zoning relief. The approval was likely granted because the proponent had demonstrated a good-faith effort to work with the community by removing the contentious roof deck and head house, thereby mitigating key quality-of-life concerns. Furthermore, the project was seen as a beneficial adaptive reuse that retained a popular, long-standing neighborhood business while providing needed, efficiently-sized housing in a commercial district context that already featured buildings of similar height. The vote was unanimous (5-0), with all members voting yes.

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL SPARKS CONTROVERSY AT 662-666 EAST BROADWAY PUBLIC MEETING

The Boston Planning Department hosted a virtual public meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025, to discuss the Small Project Review Application (SPRA) for a proposed development at 662-666 East Broadway in South Boston. The meeting, facilitated by Planning Department Project Manager Dylan Norris, featured a presentation by the proponent team followed by robust questions and comments from a highly critical public.The proposal, presented by zoning attorney George Morancy, and architect Mark Sullivan of Choo & Company on behalf of owner Sing Ming Chan, involves combining several parcels, including Mr. Chan's existing liquor store location and adjacent residential buildings, to form a new lot of approximately 10,843 square feet. The plan calls for the demolition of the four existing buildings and the erection of a new four-story mixed-use building.The new structure is designed to contain one large ground-floor commercial unit of just over 4,000 square feet, which would house Mr. Chan's liquor store after a temporary relocation, and 21 residential rental units on floors two through four. Morancy noted that the units are currently programmed as rentals due to economic conditions but could potentially be converted to condominiums in the future. The project includes four inclusionary zoning affordable units, meeting the required 17% residential square footage and unit count.A below-grade parking garage with 10 spaces is proposed, accessed via a curb cut on the K Street side of the L-shaped site. This results in a parking ratio of 0.45 spaces per unit, which many meeting participants lamented as insufficient. Attorney Morancy acknowledged the attendees frustrations, and noted that the percentages are consistent with the city's housing creation goals and efforts to deter "oversized parking creation."Architect Mark Sullivan detailed the design, noting the site's six-foot elevation drop from East Broadway to K Street, which is utilized for the garage entry. The project aims to improve the public realm by maintaining the wide existing sidewalk on East Broadway and widening the K Street sidewalk from six-and-a-half to twelve feet, with new street tree plantings and required city bike racks. The exterior materials include red iron spot brick on the East Broadway facade, transitioning to fiber cement panels on the K Street side. The residential units include a mix of nine three-bedroom, three two-bedroom (with office space), and nine one-bedroom units (some with office space), with most having exterior balcony space and a common, accessible roof deck proposed for the center of the building mass.The public comment period revealed overwhelming opposition, with residents and a neighborhood association leader expressing deep dissatisfaction with virtually every aspect of the proposal. Parking inadequacy was a key concern; South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation Executive Director, Donna Brown and resident Eileen Smith argued that 10 spaces for 21 units, equating to roughly 40 bedrooms, is severely insufficient and unacceptable, especially given the potential for conversion to condominiums. Attorney Morancy conceded the parking is not viewed as "desirable in South Boston" but defended the ratio as consistent with city policy.Concerns about the building's design and massing dominated the discussion. Donna Brown called the parking & design "inadequate" and "insulting" to the community, claiming it did not fit the detail of the adjacent buildings. Resident Laura Lee Johnson agreed, stating the building's "solid block" massing and "completely different personality" are destroying the "feel and the history and the culture of South Boston." She criticized the design for lacking any connection to the water, City Point, or the area’s historical nature, arguing that a moratorium and "thoughtful urban planning" is needed for East Broadway. City Point Neighborhood Association (CPNA) - President, Luanne O'Connor stated the building was a "non-starter," opposing the proposed roof deck, side decks, and open windows on the ground floor, which she worried implied another large bar rather than a liquor store.Other issues raised included the proposed four-story height, which resident Eileen Smith felt was too high, and the use of the six required bike racks on the sidewalk, which Luanne O'Connor stated would interfere with the sidewalk and already-difficult double parking necessary for small businesses.The proposal to offer the units as rentals also drew strong criticism. Resident E Rhodes argued that multi-bedroom rental units attract "uninvested" tenants who rent together to afford the space, which is "degrading the neighborhood."The project's overall fit for the neighborhood was questioned, with Donna Brown noting that the number of zoning variances requested is a "strong signal that this product doesn't fit here." She and Luanne O'Connor also raised concerns about Mr. Chan's track record as a developer, citing long-standing issues with his other properties, including an undeveloped site on East Broadway and a previous proposal with no parking See: https://49-51dstreet.comFinally, Luanne Oconnor raised alarm about trash management and the potential for a severe increase in rodent activity given the size of the building and number of units, noting that Mr. Chan's other properties have had trash issues. Attorney Morancy stated the residential trash would be handled by the City of Boston, while the commercial trash would be private. O'Connor and other residents urged the proponent team to address all these issues and redesign the proposal to better align with community expectations and the character of East Broadway.For more project proposal information: LinkNote: The project comment period is open, and will end on October 20. To leave a comment: Link (bottom of page) Alternatively, or if you have any questions, you may email Project Manager - Dillon Norris at dillon.noris at boston.gov.South Boston Beat will be providing an update to this article delving into the comparisons of two nearby / abutting properties which have previously been approved by the City. We will take a look at each project's zoning variances and level of support, and opposition from the community and electeds.

Ruthzee Louijeune was born and raised in the Mattapan section of Boston, and is currently residing in Hyde Park. She is the daughter of working-class Haitian immigrants and a graduate of Boston Public Schools, Columbia University, Harvard Law School, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.She is the first Haitian American to be elected to Boston municipal government and to serve as City Council President. Her personal history is a significant part of her platform.Before her time on the City Council, Louijeune worked as an attorney, focusing on issues like housing and voting rights. She has represented families in Boston Housing Court who were facing eviction and foreclosure and has worked with organizations like the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA) to expand homeownership opportunities for first-generation buyers. Her legal background provides a foundation for her policy work, particularly on housing affordability.In her Council tenure Louijeune has been a strong advocate for affordable housing and accessible home ownership. She has supported using city-owned land for affordable housing, advocated for a real estate transfer fee to fund housing, and worked on programs to help first-generation homebuyers. She has also supported measures to prevent displacement and help tenants and homeowners facing foreclosure.Louijeune has also prioritized education. She has advocated for teacher diversity, improved school buildings, and increased support services for students, including mental and behavioral health.Another central theme of her work is addressing systemic racial and economic disparities. She has championed policies to make city contracts more accessible to small, local businesses, and has worked to ensure diverse hiring in the construction industry.Louijeune was unanimously elected by her peers to serve as City Council President. In this role, she has gained a reputation for being a collaborative and thoughtful leader in a body that has at times been divided.Some of her policy priorities on the City Council has focused on several key areas:. As the former Chair of the Committee on Civil Rights and Immigrant Advancement, she has focused on issues impacting immigrant communities. She has successfully advocated for increased funding for organizations that assist new arrivals and has supported measures to expand voting rights for legal immigrants in city elections.. As a Boston Public Schools graduate, she has prioritized advocating for teacher diversity, improved school buildings, and supportive services for students.. Her work across various issues, including housing and public health, is rooted in a stated commitment to addressing systemic racial disparities, promoting racial justice and equity.Some accomplishments while in office:. She has advocated for the expansion of the Office of Returning Citizens, which supports formerly incarcerated individuals.. She made history as the first Haitian American to be elected to Boston municipal government and the first to serve as President of the City Council.. A notable accomplishment was her successful leadership of the contentious redistricting process, which passed a new map that met federal court standards and allowed for municipal elections to proceed on schedule.Louijeune has received numerous endorsements from various groups, including the Greater Boston Labor Council, the Boston Teachers Union, and the Sierra Club, indicating support from labor, education, and environmental communities. South Boston Beat recognizes City Councilor Louijeune's proven unflagging dedication, and hard work representing Boston residents.https://www.ruthzeeforboston.com

Long-time Boston resident Erin Murphy is a native of Dorchester and a single mother who raised her four children in the neighborhood. This local connection is a central part of her identity as a public servant.She has a background as a Boston Public Schools teacher for over two decades, which has given her a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing families, including educational disparities and economic instability. This experience is a foundation for her advocacy on education reform and public health.A significant part of her public service has been dedicated to public health, specifically substance use disorder and recovery. She has raised funds for recovery services and received awards for her work in this area, including being recognized by the Mayor and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.Murphy is a registered Democrat, and is generally considered one of the more politically moderate or conservative members of the Boston City Council. She has often been part of a centrist voting bloc that provides a counterpoint to the more progressive members of the council.Her priorities generally focus on constituent services, public health, education, public safety, and affordable housing. She has expressed concern about rising property taxes and has introduced legislation to provide tax relief for seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes.Murphy has emphasized a commitment to transparency and accountability, and accessibility in city government. A core part of her public service has been her focus on being present in every neighborhood and being a "go-to call" for constituents.Listed are some of Murphy's notable votes:Voted against a home rule petition for rent control as it stood.
Voted against a home rule petition to allow non-citizen residents to vote in municipal elections.
Voted against the city's redistricting map in 2022.
Voted against a home rule petition to adopt ranked-choice voting, arguing that the system could be confusing for voters who are not native English speakers.Her strong focus on public safety has earned her endorsements from various law enforcement and first responder unions. She supports policies that are oriented to making Boston's streets safer, including community policing, and has advocated for funding to address gang violence.Murphy has received numerous endorsements from labor and public safetyorganizations, including the Greater Boston Labor Council and AFSCME Council 93, as well as a number of public safety organizations like Boston's four major first responder unions. She has been endorsed by a range of current and former elected officials, including Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, former Mayor Raymond L. Flynn, and a number of state representatives and city councilors.In the 2023 At-Large election, she was re-elected with the second-highest number of votes. South Boston Beat believes that as a result of Councilor Murphy's proven hard work and dedication her numbers will continue to grow.https://erinforboston.com

Julia Mejia is an At-Large City Councilor in Boston. Her record and political platform often appeal to voters who prioritize social justice, government accountability, and a community-centered approach to politics.Mejia's personal story is a central part of her public identity. She was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Dorchester by a single, undocumented mother. This experience, which required her to advocate for her family within various city systems from a young age, has shaped her approach to politics. A tenet of her policy is to ensure that no resident feels ignored by the government that is supposed to serve them.A graduate of Boston Public Schools, she was the first in her family to graduate high school and college. As a Boston Public Schools graduate, Mejia has a strong focus on educational reform. She has advocated for an elected school committee and for a shift in school funding to ensure that all schools have foundational resources like nurses, counselors, and librarians, all to increase resources for students.Before her time on the City Council, Mejia was a community organizer. She founded the Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network (CPLAN), which focused on empowering families to engage with educational policy. This background is reflected in her "co-governance" philosophy, which seeks to involve residents directly in the policymaking process. She believes in holding government accountable to the people it serves, not just to powerful interests. She is a strong advocate for increasing civic engagement and government transparency.Councilor Mejia has been a vocal advocate for policies aimed at creating a more equitable and accessible city, and has been successful in passing several pieces of legislation. Her major accomplishments include:Promoting Language Access: Mejia led the passage of a Language Access Ordinance that requires all official city information to be available in Boston's top 11 languages, ensuring that more residents can access vital services.Fostering Government Transparency: She created and chairs the Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility. This committee is dedicated to ensuring that city departments operate with transparency and that their policies and procedures are effective and inclusive.Advancing Diversity and Inclusion: Mejia has been instrumental in the creation of new city offices designed to support marginalized communities, including the Office of Black Male Advancement and the Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement. She also sponsored the Fair Chance Act, which aims to promote diversity in hiring and workplace culture across city agencies.Supporting Small Businesses & Economic Empowerment: She has worked to support small businesses and entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities. One notable example is the Residential Kitchen Ordinance, which makes it easier for residents to start food businesses from their homes.Prioritizing Youth and Education: Her work has included advocating for more youth engagement in government and addressing issues of social-emotional wellness and violence prevention.Participatory Budgeting: She has been a strong proponent of increasing participatory budgeting, a process that allows residents to directly decide how a portion of the city's budget is spent.Councilor Mejia has established herself as an independent and often progressive voice on the City Council. She has demonstrated a willingness to challenge the status quo and vote against the mayoral administration when she believes it's in the best interest of her constituents. She chairs the City Council's Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility. This committee is dedicated to ensuring that city departments are held accountable to the public and that government services are delivered equitably across all neighborhoods.South Boston Beat recognizes Councilor Mejia's dedication, perseverance, and powerful voice that she brings to the Council on behalf of the residents of Boston.https://www.juliaforboston.com

Frank Baker, a long-time Dorchester resident, and former District 3 City Councilor is running for an At-Large seat in the 2025 Boston municipal election. This means he is seeking to represent the entire city, not just a single district. During his time in office, he held several key positions and was involved in various policy and legislative matters.Throughout his six terms (2012 to 2024) Councilor Baker was known for his emphasis on practical, neighborhood-level issues. His ability and "get-it-done" approach to city government, included many works regarding public safety, public health, substance abuse services, education, housing, and economic developmentHe has been a champion for local businesses, and has chaired the City Council's Jobs, Wages, and Workforce Development Committee, focused on issues related to employment and labor.Baker's other committee leadership roles include:. Chair of the Special Committee on Charter Reform: In this role, he proposed extending city councilor terms from two years to four years. His argument was that two-year terms meant council members spent much of their time running for reelection rather than focusing on their duties, and that a four-year term could save the city about $1.6 million by eliminating elections in low-turnout years.. Vice Chair of the Planning, Development and Transportation Committee: Baker was involved in discussions about development and infrastructure projects within his district, including the redevelopment of the former Boston Globe site and a proposed stadium.Legislative Actions and Stances:. Redistricting: Baker was one of four councilors who voted against the city's redistricting map after the 2020 U.S. Census. He took issue with the plan because it altered the shape of his district and split precincts around the Adams Village business area in Dorchester.. Rent Control: In 2023, he and one other council member voted against a home rule petition that would have allowed the city to implement proposals for rent control and reform of the Boston Planning & Development Agency.. Non-citizen Voting: In December 2023, Baker voted against a home rule petition that would have sought state approval to extend voting rights in municipal elections to non-citizen residents with legal status.. Substance Abuse and Housing: He advocated for increased services for substance abuse, including the use of "Section 35" which allows a judge to involuntarily commit someone to treatment for drug or alcohol use.In addition to his legislative roles, Baker focused on constituent services. He was involved in a project to bring a new fieldhouse to Dorchester in partnership with the Martin Richard Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs.He also previously proposed shifting the City Council's term length from two years to four years to allow councilors to focus more on their work rather than on constant campaigning.This experience gives him a deep understanding of City Hall operations, budgeting, and the legislative process. Throughout his tenure, he was known for being a more moderate or conservative voice on the Council, often standing apart from the more progressive majority. For a voter who believes the council needs a greater diversity of political perspectives, Baker's candidacy offers an opportunity to add a centrist voice to the at-large body.Baker has been described as one of the more conservative or centrist members of the City Council. He has often been a lone "no" vote on measures supported by the more progressive wing of the council. For voters who feel the current council has moved too far to the left, Baker represents a potential counterbalance and a voice for more moderate policies.Baker built a reputation for being accessible and responsive to neighborhood-level concerns, from constituent services to local development projects. For voters who value a candidate who is focused on the practical, day-to-day issues affecting residents, his record as a district councilor is a strong indicator of his approach to an at-large position.After choosing not to run for reelection in 2023, Baker stated that he was now "answering the call" from Bostonians who urged him to return to public service.South Boston Beat recognizes his past service and accomplishments in the Council. Frank's proven reputation as an independent voice on the City Council makes him a much needed component to the Council moving forward.https://www.bakerforboston.com

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Sign the petition to support affordable housing on D Street

South Boston NDC demands the inclusion of affordable housing in the Request for Proposals (RFP) currently being considered by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. We believe that affordable housing is a fundamental right and a crucial element for the well-being and sustainable development of our community.Three parcels totaling 6 acres of unoccupied land along D and E streets across from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center are available for development. Two community meetings have already been held on the RFP process to get community input, with one more to come on June 8 at 6 p.m. at 105 W. First St.The planned RFP calls for developing the area to provide a mid-price market to support the hotels and businesses open in the area. There is no mention of affordable housing. But SouthBoston residents have suggested adding affordable housing and open space to the RFP.As South Boston continues to experience rapid growth and development, the rising cost of housing has reached alarming levels, making it increasingly difficult for low- and mid-incomefamilies and individuals to secure affordable homes.We recognize the RFP presents a unique opportunity to address the pressing need for affordable housing and open space in our area. Please sign our petition requesting that MCCA incorporate affordable housing and open space in the final RFP. THANK YOU!

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Help Support The Effort To Rebuild The Long Island Bridge

The Supreme Judicial Court has upheld a state decision to allow the project.Our neighborhood has been greatly impacted by the removal of Long Island bridge in 2015. Since then, the City of Boston has overcome many obstacles to gain approval to rebuild. While the end is in sight, it is important that we continue to assist in the process.We ask that you submit letters in support for the last U.S. Coast Guard permit.The navigation determination public comment period on the Long Island Bridge Superstructure Replacement Project is now open, and the USCG will collect public comments through January 6, 2023. Public comment in support of the Long Island Bridge Superstructure Replacement Project is critical.PUBLIC COMMENT SUBMISSION DETAILS:All written public comments must be addressed to the following USCG Official:
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Boston, MA 02110Public comments may be submitted by mail, e-mail at SMB-D1Boston-Bridges-PublicNotices@uscg.mil, or both.

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South Boston Community Heroes

VICTOR BALDASSARI
South Boston

Born and raised in South Boston, Victor Baldassari is grateful to the West Broadway Task Force (WBTF) for his first job as a youth worker. Before long he was running the West Broadway Youth Center, and he stayed on until 2011. “It was the greatest job ever.”For a time in the late 90s, the overdose and suicide rate among South Boston teens was four times the national average. Victor was on the frontlines, always there for the youth and their families.When he was a teen, he found sports to be a great outlet, and through the years he became a manager, coach, and certified professional basketball referee. Now a supervisor with the City of Boston’s Water & Sewer Commission, he continues to volunteer, most recently with the Kickoff for Kids Youth Flag Football league which his friend Allison Baker launched last year. The co-ed league for 6- to 13-year-olds has doubled in size from 200 players to 400. “It’s a great group of people behind Kickoff for Kids,” he said, also crediting Al Mallon, Jackie Beggan, Lily Joyce, Hailey Dillon, Ashley Miller, and Lisa Maki, and sending a special shout-out to the DCR’s Bobby Ferrara.Reflecting on the loss of many friends from his youth, Victor feels lucky to have gotten his start as a youth worker, noting that that opportunity sparked his desire to help others. “I paid it forward – and I keep paying it forward. That’s how I’ve always lived my life.”