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NAACP postpones national convention in Boston pg 3
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ACTIVIST OPERA COMPANY TAKES ITS WORLD PREMIERE TO ZOOM pg 11
Lawsuits allege COVID loan bias pg 10
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Essential workers face dire conditions Labor activists seek protections for low-wage workers amid pandemic By YAWU MILLER The grocery store workers, airport cleaners, personal care attendants and nursing home workers deemed by state officials to be essential workers are helping keep the city safe and fed during the coronavirus pandemic. But as many have learned over the last seven weeks under a statewide stay-at-home order, there are important distinctions between being “essential” and being valued as a worker. “What this pandemic has elevated is the question of who is an essential worker and how they’ve been treated,” said SEIU 32BJ Vice President Roxana Rivera. Rivera spoke as part of a livestream meeting with labor activists on May Day to honor essential workers. The challenges facing low-wage workers have come under increased scrutiny during the COVID pandemic. Some, including many of Rivera’s members, have been laid off from jobs amid the stay-at-home order. Others are continuing to work under conditions many say are dangerous. “Thousands of our workers are essential workers,” Rivera said. “There’s a lot of anxiety. We’ve been advocating at the federal level for bailouts, we want property service workers recognized as essential workers. They need layoff protection and personal protective equipment.” Greater Boston communities with high rates of infection, including Mattapan, Hyde Park, Chelsea and East Boston, are
home to hospital and grocery store workers who brave risk of infection as they struggle to pay bills. In April, grocery store workers staged a demonstration outside the Whole Foods in the South End to protest conditions including lack of personal protective equipment and limited sick-time pay. For SEIU 32BJ, which represents janitors, security guards and airport workers, layoffs have already come, many with little to no advance notice. Many of those who lost their jobs lack documentation proving legal residency and cannot collect unemployment. “It is really heartbreaking that workers who have paid taxes cannot access unemployment in these times,” Rivera said. “This pandemic has obviously highlighted what is wrong with this world. We’ve had thousands of workers laid off and hundreds who have been infected. Several have died.” Rivera expressed hope that the current pandemic will highlight the problems facing workers who do not have union protection. “I think that workers now are going to see how they’ve been treated in this moment and say they need to organize and make their demands bigger,” she said. Many of the grievances workers are raising are longstanding demands that have taken on a greater urgency in the midst of the pandemic, noted Joan Edmond, a
See WORKERS, page 8
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A crowd of several hundred pro-Trump demonstrators, many unmasked, rallied at the State House calling for a lifting of restrictions.
Baker plans to reopen Massachusetts in stages Resurgence will remain a threat ‘for a very long time’ By KENNEAL PATTERSON Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday that there’s been a downward trend in coronavirus hospitalizations. The administration’s Reopening Advisory Board is working on a plan to reopen the economy in stages, which will be released on May 18. Nevertheless, the pandemic is far from over. “The threat of future transmission and illness is and will
continue to be with us for a very long time,” said Baker during Monday’s press conference. “We should not forget that.” Baker’s face covering mandate is in effect as of Wednesday, May 6. People over the age of 2 are required to wear protective masks or other coverings when social distancing isn’t possible. Those who don’t abide by the mandate face a $300 fine, and business owners can deny entry to anyone without a mask. Only certain people
are exempt from the order due to medical conditions. “The main purpose behind a face covering, if you are not able to physically distance yourself six feet or more from the people you are around, is to protect them from you as much as it is to protect you from them,” said Baker. He said that a large portion of residents are asymptomatic. These infected individuals do not show any
See COVID, page 9
Boston’s point man for the pandemic Marty Martinez leads city’s COVID response By YAWU MILLER
PHOTO: JEREMIAH ROBINSON, MAYOR’S OFFICE
Marty Martinez
Massachusetts has the third highest number of COVID-19 cases in the United States and Boston is at the epicenter of the state’s pandemic. As chief of Health and Human Services, Marty Martinez is the point man for the Boston’s response to COVID-19. The Banner caught up with Martinez last week to discuss his perspective on the pandemic.
The following interview has been edited for brevity.
What has the city done particularly well during the COVID pandemic?
I think that what the city’s done well is be able to respond quickly and with urgency to the pandemic in a way that has allowed us to be coordinated, efficient and responsive to what we’ve seen on the ground. The city has let facts and science lead
us with what we’re trying to accomplish, and I think that’s a really important thing to do when there’s media and a national leader that’s saying all kinds of things that aren’t based on facts or reality.
Massachusetts is one of the states with the highest rate of infection in the U.S. What might be some of the contributing factors to that?
It’s a great question and I’m not sure it’s something we can
See MARTINEZ, page 8
2 • Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
New WGBH show delves into social media By KENNEAL PATTERSON Millions across the country are turning to social media to banish the quarantine blues. But as TikToks gain likes and tweets go viral, other posts flop instead. “Keep It Social,” a new weekly digital series, tackles what’s trending and why. “Keep it Social” provides a platform for young people to discuss social media. It was launched by WGBH on April 24, and it boasts the tagline “where your timeline is brought to life.” Phillipe Vieira, the show’s producer, told the Banner that “Keep it Social” is catered toward millennials and members of Gen Z: The show is made by and for these generations. Vieira said that these two demographics are slightly underrepresented in the media, especially when discussing certain issues facing society. “What you don’t see, especially in mainstream media, is millennials and Gen Z with an opportunity to actually talk about these issues,” he said. Terrence Johnson, who cohosts the show with Paris Alston, joined the “Keep it Social” team after graduating with honors from Northeastern University’s College of Arts, Media and Design in 2019. Johnson’s already covered a variety of issues on the show — everything from misinformation about COVID-19 to musical hits on TikTok. Jo h n s o n s a i d t h e m o s t
“Keep it Social” producer Phillipe Vieira (left) and co-host Terrence Johnson. impactful topic he’s covered, however, concerns students struggling with remote learning during quarantine. Education affects people from all backgrounds, he added. “Quarantine has been romanticized to some extent, and that just isn’t everyone’s reality,” he said. “It just isn’t everyone’s dayto-day operation. I think using the education piece is a great way to highlight that everyone is experiencing this time period very differently.” Johnson is interested in a range of topics, including stories about how people are objectified online and how social media sometimes lacks accountability. The goal of the show, he said, is not just to give an update on each platform’s newest features. Instead, Johnson wants to inspire real conversation. “The goal of ‘Keep it Social’ is not to be necessarily safe,” he
said. “We want to push the conversation and we want to invite people to come along on this journey with us.” Vieira said that feedback from viewers is important, and the team asks people to send in their thoughts about the show. “We encourage viewers to leave feedback, leave comments, and we’ll take that as just another source for creating the next episode,” he said. It’s a way for the audience to feel like they’re part of the show, he added, as well as part of the editorial decision-making. The first episode of “Keep it Social” premiered during the height of the pandemic, and the team had to adapt to the new normal. The show was originally meant to be broadcast on WGBH, but social-distancing restrictions prevented studio access. Now, the show is a Zoombased conversation posted on
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“
The goal of ‘Keep it Social’ is not to be necessarily safe. We want to push the conversation and we want to invite people to come along on this journey with us.” — Terrence Johnson
YouTube and on keepitsocial.org. “We did have to pivot,” said Vieira. “It is a bit more challenging in many ways.” Nevertheless, Vieira noted upsides to the adjustments. He said that using a Zoom-based platform reflects the show’s audience, since video conferencing is
“very, very popular” among millennials and Gen Zers. The remote broadcast also gives the team an opportunity to address coronavirus from the perspective of young people, he said. “A couple of months ago, it was trending, it was hot when millennials and Gen Zers were kind of almost blamed for the spread of the disease in certain places,” he said. “And then everyone you saw on television discussing it were boomers and Gen Xers.” This gave the team an opportunity to “take control of the narrative,” said Vieira, and provide a platform for young people to express their perspectives and share how the virus is affecting them. Every segment so far has been “touched by COVID-19,” said Vieira. Studies show that social media is constantly evolving, however, and no one knows what trends will be popular in the future. “We never know what we’re covering,” said Vieira. “Every week, we start with a blank slate.” After sifting through social media, each team member selects stories that they’re interested in, he said. Two or three stories end up making it onto the show. “It’s organic,” he said. “Every week the show is different, every week the show is structured differently, every week the show has different people on it.” The show looks at certain
See ‘KEEP IT SOCIAL,’ page 3
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‘Keep it Social’ continued from page 2
behaviors and cultures on social media, said Vieira, and the reasons why they’re prevalent. Vieira expressed various goals for the future of the show: to grow its engagement, remain topical and push conversation, to name a few. He hopes that segments continue to be fun, engaging, interesting and clever. Another key aspect, he added, is “giving a voice to those who typically don’t have a voice on mainstream media.” “We don’t want this show to turn into cable news,” he said. He emphasized the importance of discourse and conversation rather than people shouting over each other. Co-host Johnson acknowledged the show’s connection with its audience. “I am always pushing for the stories that I feel really resonate with people on the other side of the screen,” he said.
ON THE WEB Learn more and view “Keep it Social” episodes at: https://keepitsocial.org
NAACP postpones national convention in Boston By SARAYA WINTERSMITH The NAACP has postponed its national convention previously scheduled for Boston in July, according to Tanisha Sullivan, president of the Boston Branch. Organizers are considering a later date to host the civil rights organization’s historic event. Details will be finalized at a national board meeting later this month. “As I’m sure you all expect, the convention is being postponed,” Sullivan told Boston NAACP members during a virtual meeting last week. “While the national office will make the appropriate announcements within the coming weeks, we will continue with convention planning, understanding that it won’t just be for July.” The convention, which was expected to draw thousands to the city, was scheduled to take place July 25 – 30 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in the Seaport, a venue that is now being used as a 1,000-bed field hospital for homeless individuals and recovering coronavirus patients. Event links on both
the convention center’s website and national NAACP’s have been disabled. A student competition leading up the convention will take place remotely, Sullivan said. The Afro-Academic Cultural Technological and Scientific Olympics, a year-long program and competition for youth of African descent scheduled for July 23-26 “is still scheduled to take place, albeit virtually,” Sullivan said. The Boston Branch’s 2020 Racial Justice Summit was postponed from April and is now scheduled to occur virtually on Saturday. The July convention was also to coincide with the release of a new report on the state of Black Boston being developed by the Boston Branch. Sullivan told members the work for both continues. “As we are moving forward with the important work of the summit and the report, I want to remind you that we’ve always said that the branch’s preparation for the convention was not about a date in July. It was always about our community, what our community needs, beginning and
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NAACP Boston Branch President Tanisha Sullivan. end,” Sullivan said. The NAACP last held its convention in Boston in 1982, a time of racial tension in the city following the court-ordered desegregation of public schools. Those
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sessions were held at the Hynes Convention Center in the Back Bay.
Saraya Wintersmith covers Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan for WGBH News 89.7.
4 • Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
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We’ve been on the same team forever The United States is again involved in known. College-age black men were a world war, 75 years after the German trained at Tuskegee Institute to be pilots. surrender on May 7, 1945 to end World The fighter pilots became well known War II. However, this is not a customary by their red tail planes. The program conflict with hostile nations opposing produced 355 active fighter pilots who one another on the battlefield. This is a protected American planes on bombglobal confrontation with a deadly virus. ing raids. They destroyed 251 enemy On March 11, the Director-General of planes, while providing greater security the World Health Organization declared for U.S. bombing missions. Tuskegee’s that COVID-19 had become a pandemic. pilots received 150 Distinguished Flying Countries have to cope with various Crosses. infectious diseases that can become epiThe expectation that blacks would demics, but the range of the new corona- be unreliable in battle proved to be virus has become even more extensive. mistaken. President Harry S. Truman COVID-19, the disease from the corona- decided to remove racial discriminavirus, has spread to over tion from the American 110 countries and now On July 26, Not much imagination military. has to be considered as 1948, Truman issued is required to view pandemic. In the short Executive Order 9981 period of its appearance to eliminate racial the coronavirus as in the United States it has a demonic force, discrimination in the killed more than 65,000 military. Now there capable of destroying people. This is a level of are high-ranking black fatalities greater than officers in all branches of the strength of a most shooting wars in the service. Colin Powell, nation whose highest such a short period of only who was appointed genintention was to create eral in 1989, has become three months. a democratic and The equal rights cirespecially well known cumstances of African humanistic civilization. because he also served Americans today are quite as secretary of state to different from their status President George W. 75 years ago. When the Bush. country entered World War II after the Although racial discrimination perPearl Harbor bombing on Dec. 7, 1941, sists in much of American society, it is it was not permitted for black men to be generally agreed that the desegregation combat soldiers. But the first act of hero- of the military has been an extraordiism by a black military man occurred at narily successful policy. It was estabthat time. Doris Miller, who was a mess lished at a time when it was clear and attendant, removed his wounded captain obvious that the nation would benefit to safety on the embattled ship, West against an insidious enemy if the citizens Virginia, and then manned a .50-caliber were united in a common cause. machine gun to fire at strafing planes. Not much imagination is required to After Allied troops landed at Norview the coronavirus as a demonic force, mandy and pushed on into Europe, it capable of destroying the strength of a became a major challenge to maintain nation whose highest intention was to the supply lines. The Army Quartercreate a democratic and humanistic civimaster Corps established the Red Ball lization. It is easy to see that the destrucExpress to transport gasoline, food and tive power implicit in the coronavirus ammunition to the front. Involved were would not support that mission. 23,000 drivers and mechanics, 75% of But every day, as first responders, whom were black. Driving loaded deuce- medical professionals and those who risk and-a-half trucks for 24 hours a day, they their own well-being to assist others come became favored targets of the Germans. forward, it must be noted that they are The courage and efficiency of the Red members of every racial group or ethnicBall Express men became legendary. ity. At a time of great danger, Americans In the U.S. Air Force, the combat have always joined together to confront record of the Tuskegee Airmen is well the crisis. We did so after the 9/11 attack.
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Blacks in swing states must come to the polls for Biden By EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON From the very moment that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden tossed his hat in the ring, polls and public opinion have consistently shown two things. One is that Biden is the overwhelming choice of black voters for the presidency. This was more than borne out when black voters crusaded to the polls in the South Carolina primary in January and propelled Joe to the top of the heap. Biden never looked back after that. The second is that there has been a persistent undercurrent among some blacks who plainly detest what Biden represents. Younger blacks who backed Bernie Sanders repeatedly railed against Biden and still relentlessly tick off Biden’s alleged racial sins. That is, his opposition to busing, cozying up to hard-core segregation senators in the Senate, and his supposed diss of Anita Hill during the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings. Then there’s his cheerleading the Clinton crime bill in 1994. No matter how many mea culpas, apologies and recants Joe did, and he’s done a lot, it hasn’t been enough to remove his alleged dubious past sins from the reflexive attacks of some. Little reminders of anti-Biden sentiment keep cropping up. A bunch of progressive black groups “warned” Biden not to pick Amy Klobuchar as his VP pick because of her alleged record on civil rights. Hip-hop entrepreneur P. Diddy, in a tirade against Biden, claimed he wouldn’t vote for him unless he made all kinds of pledges to presumably embrace some kind of Black Agenda. Now, normally, none of this would mean a darn thing. There’s Trump. You’d have to go back to a rabid George Wallace to find a presidential candidate who blacks universally love to detest more. There’s Obama, who will almost certainly be cheering Biden on during the coming campaign. There’s Biden’s civil rights record, which by any standard is near impeccable on many compelling race-tinged issues. Virtually every black local, state and national elected official and civil rights group will endorse him and implore blacks to storm the polls and vote for him. Normally, this would be more than enough to shut down any talk of Biden having any weak spots against Trump among blacks. However, what determines who sits in the Oval Office in January is none of this. It’s the five or six Heartland states and Florida that will decide the White House. Trump won several of them by only a minuscule fraction of the vote in 2016, and that put him over the top. Biden will get most of the black vote in those states, but so would any Democratic presidential candidate. That certainly included Hillary Clinton in 2016. As expected, she got the bulk of the black vote. And she still lost. The reason was simple. Trump energized less-educated, rural and blue-collar whites. And he got more of them to switch to him, many of whom had voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012. Their vote bumped up the numbers who showed up at the polls for Trump. Clinton did not counter that by bumping up the number of blacks who came out to the polls in those states. It can’t be said enough that if blacks in cities such as Milwaukee, Detroit, Flint, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa in those swing states had come out in greater numbers, it would be President Clinton, not President Trump. Just in case one is tempted to chalk up their lackluster turn-out to a Democratic candidate who ran a lousy campaign in 2016, or say that many simply didn’t realize the astounding peril Trump represented, not so. Periodic surveys were done of these disinterested potential voters long after Trump had been busily putting the wrecking ball to civil rights and education, health, and social programs, while savaging every Obama initiative he could get his hands on. Many of them still said they didn’t regret not voting. Their non-show at the polls did much to tip the election to Trump. Small numbers in a close election made a stupendous difference in 2016. They can do the same in 2020. Trump certainly knows that. He’ll do everything to sow that tiny seed of doubt about Biden among a handful of blacks. The end game is the same — win, even if it’s done with a few malcontented black voters. The lesson of 2016 for Biden and the Democrats is that it takes just a few to hurt.
Small numbers in a close election made a stupendous difference in 2016. They can do the same in 2020.
Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst.
Safeguarding communities from surveillance By MICHELLE WU, RICARDO ARROYO and KIM JANEY Governments around the world are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with an unprecedented use of surveillance tools. In Moscow, for example, officials are enforcing quarantine orders with cameras across the city. The cameras are linked to face surveillance technology that scans residents’ faces and monitors where they go. These surveillance tactics not only threaten civil liberties for everyone, but disproportionately produce false positives when surveilling the faces of people of color. They also undermine public health, as public trust is essential during the pandemic and afterwards. Thankfully, Boston is not using dangerous technology to enforce public health advisories or track people who are sick. But just as alarming is the rate at which coronavirus is deepening long-standing disparities and structural racism in our city, with communities of color bearing the burden of this pandemic. Our response must not only address immediate relief, but also build trust and community for a better post-pandemic world. That’s why together we are filing legislation to subject any city surveillance practices to rigorous transparency, accountability and oversight. That includes adding parameters on information-sharing by School Police to protect our students from the school-to-deportation pipeline and imposing an outright ban on discriminatory face surveillance technology. Community members have been advocating for surveillance oversight since long before the coronavirus. Whether for drones, body-worn cameras, or tracking technology that any city department might contemplate using, the purchase or use of surveillance technology should be safeguarded with clear policies approved
through public process. Boston Police Department leadership has joined community advocates in expressing concern about face surveillance, particularly the bias against communities of color that has been documented. One study from the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that the technology “falsely identified African American and Asian faces 10 times to 100 times more than Caucasian faces.” At a time when
ville, and tech hubs like Cambridge and San Francisco, who have already enacted a local ban on face surveillance to bring this technology under democratic control. Face surveillance poses an unprecedented threat to our basic rights, as it would allow the government to easily and automatically track ordinary people wherever they go. It’s not an abstract threat. The city of Boston has been using software to service Boston’s network of surveillance cameras
Face surveillance poses an unprecedented threat to our basic rights, as it would allow the government to easily and automatically track ordinary people wherever they go. It’s not an abstract threat. communities of color are faced with the latest brutal effects of long-standing inequities in our society, the last thing we need is to introduce a new stress factor for black, Latinx, and Asian American residents. As representatives of these communities, we are committed to fighting for racial equity, now more than ever. Despite all its dangers and flaws, there are no state or federal laws governing the use of face surveillance technology. According to public records unearthed by the ACLU of Massachusetts, the Registry of Motor Vehicles has been using face surveillance since 2006 and regularly grants requests from state and federal agencies to run warrantless scans on millions of commonwealth residents with driver’s licenses — unwitting volunteers in a virtual, perpetual lineup. Boston wouldn’t stand alone in its opposition to face surveillance. We would join cities around the state, from Springfield to Somer-
through a contract set to expire next week. When that happens, the city may be encouraged to upgrade to the latest version of this vendor’s software, which includes exactly the kind of spy tech that is currently being deployed in places like Moscow: face surveillance technology. The city might not plan to use these updated features, but we should proactively safeguard residents and especially residents of color. In these unsettling times, we can’t let fear get the better of us, and we can’t substitute technology for community and solidarity. We can save lives, act responsibly and create a better city for all of us — without relying on dangerous and unnecessary surveillance tactics. Let’s act now to protect the millions of people who live, work and play in our city by banning face surveillance and ensuring democratic oversight.
Michelle Wu, Ricardo Arroyo and Kim Janey are Boston city councilors.
6 • Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
State ed. officials plan for remote learning the realities of the 21st century,” the Michigan billionaire said in an announcement of the funding last week. The federal funding is to provide states with dollars for microgrants to enable parents to purchase remote learning options from public or private schools or providers, enable states to develop or expand online “virtual schools” and enable states to devise their own strategies for remote learning. Whether or not Massachusetts receives any of that federal funding, the state is knee-deep in its own remote learning experiment as it works out what’s expected of schools since the coronavirus pandemic forced school closures in mid-March. Riley has approached the challenge with a four-phase plan to standardize instruction in the state. In the first phase, the state issued guidance to districts on remote learning, helping schools make the shift to online learning. In the second phase, districts were directed to focus on material that students were already taught in the first two-thirds of the year as teachers settled into the routine of remote learning. In phase three, DESE established essential standards for each grade level to learn in May and June. “In many ways this is an interesting opportunity for us to really go deeper on what we think are the core essential standards,” Riley said. “Typically, in May we’re doing a lot of testing, and so we’re teaching less. Now, we’re going to be able to focus on those standards that we
By YAWU MILLER Since school buildings closed in March, students across Massachusetts have been engaged in remote learning, with varying degrees of success. While teachers are working to adapt to a new way of learning, modifying curriculums and engaging students and parents with varying degrees of success, state education officials are looking to the future, viewing the current shift to remote learning as a test laboratory for innovation in education. “There is an opportunity to change how we think about education,” state Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley said during a meeting with the board of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education last week. “There is an opportunity to think about, ‘How do we personalize education a little bit more than we’re currently doing?’ We still are kind of operating from a factory model.” Riley’s call for personalized learning and his denunciation of the so-called “factory model” of education mirror a national discourse around education reform that has picked up steam during the global coronavirus pandemic. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has long voiced disdain for public schools, recently announced $180 million in grants for states to rethink K-12 education. “The current disruption to the normal model is reaffirming something I have said for years: we must rethink education to better match
think are crucial for students’ success for May and June.” In the fourth phase, districts are to prepare for students returning. “We need to figure out what this will look like for students coming back,” Riley said. DESE board member Amanda Fernandez, CEO and co-founder of Latinos for Education, urged Riley to incorporate into the state’s COVID response a fifth phase — longer-term planning for changing instruction modalities in Massachusetts. Several people who gave testimony in last week’s DESE board meeting echoed Fernandez’s call. Brown University instructor Monica Linden argued for individualized curriculums and “computer-adapted diagnostic assessments which can provide good data with less than 60 minutes of testing.” “We can use the current crisis as a prompt to restructure teaching and learning into a better education system for today’s children and for future generations,” she said. Riley suggested that the remote learning experiments school districts are currently engaged in could complement the work he’s promoting through his project, the Kaleidoscope Collective — a program that promotes a project-based instruction modality called “deeper learning.” In the Kaleidoscope model, Riley said, students learn through working on projects, rather than through rote memorization of facts. “It ties in nicely to the Kaleidoscope work — this idea of
IN REMEMBRANCE:
Mona Scantlebury Board Member Emeritus, Codman Square Health Center Codman Square Health Center is sad to say goodbye to long-time Board member Mona Scantlebury, who passed away on April 23rd at 94 years old. Mona served on our Board since the Health Center’s early days, and was a member of the Area Cooperative Team Association, one of the six organizations that helped found the Health Center. Mona was a vitally important member of the Board. She was always positive and encouraging, and relied on her deep faith to get her and others through some of the toughest times faced by the Health Center in its early days. Mona was direct in her advice and counsel as a CSHC Board member. She was a woman of faith who advocated for her community and she was tireless in her commitment. Mona has been a special friend and her legacy lives on in what she has created in our community. May she rest in peace.
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task-based activities that are extremely engaging to children, that are connected to the real world, often tied into project-based learning,” Riley said of the state’s ongoing work with remote learning. “That could be a vehicle for us to go deeper and explain that.”
What is personalized learning?
“Personalized learning” is a term often used to refer to a set of strategies including proficiency-based instruction and project-based learning designed to help students learn at their own rate. Rather than earning a C or D in a subject, then moving on to the next unit or grade level, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the subject area before moving on. Because many efforts to implement personalized learning in recent years have been tied to students learning on computers, many advocates, including DeVos, see the current moment as an opportunity to expand the new modality. While computer-based personalized learning has been used extensively by for-profit charter schools, it remains controversial and there’s little data demonstrating the efficacy of such classrooms. Critics say proponents of personalized learning rely too heavily on technology that conveys sensitive data on students to for-profit education companies. Freelance journalist and public education advocate Jennifer Berkshire said the cost of instituting personalized learning effectively can present a daunting challenge. She points to Maine, where a drive to institute a form of personalized learning ended in failure, plagued by uneven implementation and a miniscule 0.1 % funding increase to implement the change. “The idea that you’re going to make learning more personalized at a time when there’s no money for it — it starts to sound like the more ideological views you hear from Betsy DeVos,” she said. Funding for expanding personalized learning in Massachusetts may be limited. Although the state last year passed the Student Opportunity Act, which aims to invest an additional $1.5 billion into local school districts, the state budget this year lost an estimated $4 billion as businesses have closed during the statewide stay-at-home order. A cloud of uncertainty hangs over next year’s budget, which the Legislature has not yet finalized. Riley’s Kaleidoscope network, which is in its beginning stages, calls for a form of in-classroom personalized learning instruction. Earlier this year, 15 BPS schools were involuntarily added to the network as part of a memorandum of understanding triggered by a state audit of the district.
Remote learning
While districts across the country have adopted remote learning in the midst of the COVID pandemic, there is a growing recognition that there are real limitations for many families. While Boston Public Schools distributed 30,000 Chromebook laptop computers to students and made mobile hotspots available to families who don’t have internet access, many districts in Massachusetts lack the resources Boston has. Even with access to the internet, students who require greater
hands-on instruction — including those in kindergarten and early grades and students with disabilities — may have difficulty completing their assignments or even logging on to a computer without hours of assistance from a parent. In families where one or both parents are working from home or working in so-called essential professions outside the home, instruction may be difficult or impossible. “There is so much that can’t be done in remote learning that’s done in a classroom,” said Boston Teachers Union President Jessica Tang. “So much of students’ learning is through interaction. What parents and teachers are learning is that in-person learning is irreplaceable.” Tang points out that students are missing out on science laboratories and collaborative learning. With students experiencing varying degrees of success learning remotely, BPS officials have decided that teachers will grade students on their work for May and June, but that no students will be held back due to poor grades.
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Jeff Riley There is a growing consensus among educators and education activists that online instruction will likely exacerbate the disparities between students from low-income families and those whose families have better access to resources. With students no longer in school buildings, it has become more difficult to assess their needs. “We know that some students currently are disengaged, some students are only intermittently engaged in their remote learning,” Riley said during the meeting last week. “We’re asking districts to reach out to families in a supportive way to try to get them any supports they need.” But teachers have traditionally relied on direct observation to assess whether students need school-based support or state intervention, noted at-large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George, a former East Boston High School teacher. “Teachers are often the first line of defense, recognizing a learning disability that hasn’t been diagnosed or helping connect them to mental health support services,” she said. “We know that during this time, there’s a rise in domestic abuse. Teachers are trained to identify that with their students.” In her own household, Essaibi-George and her husband are balancing work with facilitating remote learning for their three sons in eighth grade and one in ninth grade. “We’re certainly doing the best we can,” she said. “But none of what we’re doing replaces classroom time.”
Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 7
Council takes up hate crimes, business aid By KENNEAL PATTERSON Asian Americans nationwide are facing increased discrimination and hate crimes due to stereotypes and misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu and Ed Flynn have offered a resolution in support of a U.S. House of Representatives resolution authored by Rep. Grace Meng [D-NY]. The resolution calls on federal officials to investigate threats against the Asian American community and prosecute perpetrators. “The fear and anxiety and instances of hate crimes are incredibly alarming,” said Wu in Wednesday’s council meeting. “And most of all, it is frustrating and painful that it is being subtly encouraged by the president of the United States.” President Trump has deemed COVID-19 the “Chinese virus” or “Wuhan virus.” Wu and Flynn’s resolution noted that this was “irresponsible rhetoric” that “endangers the safety of our AAPI [Asian American/ Pacific Islander] communities.” An April 23 report from the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council tracked hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Stop AAPI Hate, the organization’s reporting center, has received over 1,500 reports of coronavirus discrimination from Asian Americans across the country since its launch in March. The reports range from incidents of
verbal harassment to physical assault. Others reported being spat on or called racial slurs. Flynn acknowledged Boston’s uptick in discrimination. Before the city’s stay-at-home orders, he said, there was a sharp decline in business for restaurants in Chinatown. “This will continue to be an issue for our communities,” said Wu. “Both during the pandemic but even after, as we think about the economic impact and the longterm recovery.” Wu also called for a hearing on the allocation of COVID-19 relief funds. Last week, the council held a hearing concerning equitable recovery. Discussions during the hearing acknowledged how planning “has not necessarily included every voice or most targeted to the area where need is greatest,” she said. Wu addressed Boston’s three municipal resiliency funds: the Boston Resiliency Fund, the Rental Assistance Fund and the Small Business Relief Fund. “We have questions on how those funds have been allocated so far,” she said, as well as “what the processes have been and what the processes will be moving forward for future distributions.” Councilor Julia Mejia emphasized the importance of language access. She said that some application questions were confusing, and everything came out in English first. “There was just a lot of discrepancies in terms of how this was rolled out,” she said, which
WATER MAIN FLUSHING NOTICE Boston Water and Sewer Commission will begin Water Main Flushing in parts of South Dorchester starting on May 10 through August 26, 2020. The boundaries for the areas being flushed are: Dudley Street to the north, Neponset River to the south, I-93/Neponset River to the East and Talbot Ave/Blue Hill Ave to the west. The purpose of the Water Main Flushing Program is to improve drinking water quality for residents and businesses. Water Main flushing will take place between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. The flushing process may cause discolored water and a reduction in pressure. The discoloration of the water will be temporary and is not harmful. If the condition persists, please contact BWSC’s 24 Hour Service at (617) 989-7000.
“questions whether or not we have done our due diligence in making sure that we’re serving all.” Councilor Ricardo Arroyo said that several small business owners have expressed frustration at federal, state and municipal relief. The administration never responded to several requests for application information, said Arroyo, and business owners got “the cold shoulder.” Concerns have mounted nationally regarding the allocation of U.S. Small Business Administration loans. On April 22, CBS News reported that “flaws in the Paycheck Protection Program are hindering small businesses owned by minorities and by women from securing federal coronavirus relief.” Advocates estimate that 90% of minority- or women-owned businesses have been or will be “shut out” of the program.
Cannabis business
Locally, Council President Kim Janey expressed concern for Boston’s struggling cannabis businesses, many of which have closed since the pandemic. The cannabis industry is worth billions of dollars, but Janey said that some communities are still disproportionately impacted by the prohibition of cannabis. Janey called for two hearings: one to create an equity empowerment zone in the cannabis industry and another to ensure that a past ordinance, which established equitable regulation of the cannabis industry, was implemented. The hearing orders “will put
more focus on creating equitable opportunities and access for wealth creation in communities of color that were disproportionately impacted by the prohibition of cannabis and the war on drugs,” she said. Supporting an equitable cannabis industry will help revive the economy post-pandemic and close the already existing wealth gap, she added. “There is no equitable recovery without cannabis,” agreed Councilor Lydia Edwards, later adding, “There is no way we are going to have a true comeback from this city if we allow for this industry to die. And that’s what we’re doing right now, as the city of Boston, we are allowing this industry to die.” The city’s Cannabis Board hasn’t been meeting, said Edwards, and board members haven’t issued any HCAs (Host Community Agreements), which allow cannabis businesses to operate within the city. Although businesses can’t open during the pandemic, she said, granting HCAs will “keep the hope alive.” She encouraged the administration to start meeting immediately. Councilor Andrea Campbell said it was “unacceptable” that certain small cannabis owners were told to shut down, with no discussion whatsoever, while liquor stores were allowed to remain open.
Youth employment
Campbell also called for a hearing to discuss youth employment
opportunities. Young people need to feel safe and supported, she said, especially since youth programs make a difference in minimizing Boston’s crime. She said that although Boston’s crime rates have fallen, there’s been an uptick in homicides and shootings. On April 15, for instance, 17-year-old Alissa King was shot and killed in Dorchester. Other gun violence incidents include the injury of a 16-year-old in Jamaica Plain and 10-year-old in Roxbury. There have been 11 homicides and 44 shootings this year as of April 19, she said, and two homicides and 15 shootings have occurred since Gov. Baker issued a stay-at-home order. Residents of neighborhoods plagued by gun violence are suffering, Campbell said. “There are some communities, while they’re dealing with the pandemic, while they’re dealing with the crisis, unemployment, job loss, loss of loved ones, can’t get testing, all of the inequities this council’s been talking about for some time, they’re also dealing with their fair share of violence, unfortunately,” she said. Mejia also spoke of the importance of addressing youth employment. “Violent crime rates drop when there are more employment opportunities for young people,” she said, citing studies. She later added, “We need this hearing so we can find new and creative ways to adjust to the new normal we find ourselves in.”
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8 • Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
workers
continued from page 1 certified nursing assistant active with SEIU 1199, which represents health care workers. Edmonds said CNAs are being called to work in nursing homes due to shortages. “We were short-staffed before the pandemic,” she said. “The level of anxiety is high. We have some CNAs who are 70 years old and they are still on the job. They are dealing with high blood pressure. They are dealing with diabetes. Management is calling them to come in despite knowing they are vulnerable. We’re dealing with a lack of empathy.” Like other workers on the May 1 call, Edmonds said workers are struggling to obtain personal protective equipment (PPE). “The union is working hard to make sure we have enough PPE,” she said. “We need guarantees from CEOs to make sure we have what we need. When management gives you one mask for a whole week, it’s not enough.” Teachers face a different
Martinez continued from page 1
know. There’s all kinds of speculation. There’s speculation that the initial growth of the virus was tied to travel. There’s some question about travel from Europe and the amount of folks who go back and forth. But it’s all speculation. No one really knows. Our population isn’t that much older than that in other states. No one really has hard facts.
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Grocery store employees have reported to work despite a lack of personal protective equipment and limited paid sick days. situation. In ordinary times, they are the front-line workers making sure students and their families receive the resources they
need. As instruction has moved online, teachers are struggling even more to provide resources to students, said Boston Teachers
Union organizer Natalia CuadraSaez, who noted teachers last year fought for fully staffed inclusion classrooms and nurses and
What some of the major challenges the city has run into in fighting this pandemic?
that when you see the co-morbidities — those with the underlying health conditions at risk for the most severe impacts of coronavirus — that’s also concerning. I think that like most cities, we’re seeing a disproportionate impact on the African American community — I think it’s 40 percent of cases. It’s disproportionate. I think the same is likely true, but harder to quantify, for our immigrant and foreign-born neighbors also being disproportionately impacted, given essential jobs, who’s
still working and access to care. I think that every city can do a better job of focusing on these disparities. And as a public health guy, this is the challenge of public health in our country. I think the city is really focused on this. The city has an equity lens to our public health work, and we also have an equity lens to how we’ve been thinking about all the other supportive work we’ve had to do around food and rent — that’s a challenge every city has to face, and I think we can do better. Every city can.
I think one of the challenges the city has, and it’s true for every city, is the way that we see the disproportionate impact that COVID is having in communities of color and in our more densely-populated urban neighborhoods. That’s true across the country and we’re seeing it in our data — we see that in who’s getting access to testing. We’re working every day to address it. It also speaks to the fact
Boston FREE Flow with Afro Flow Yoga
Northeastern City and Community Engagement and Afro Flow Yoga® invites Boston residents, organizations and groups to join us for a unique experience that includes live music, meditation, yoga and dance, and a unique opportunity to connect with Earth, Sky, and Heart in an inclusive and diverse circle of non-judgement. Six FREE yoga classes will be held on April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10 and June 24 at 6pm. Currently, classes will be offered virtually until further notice. All levels and ages are welcome. Participants must complete a registration, then create a one-time Namastream account. For more information, visit northeastern.edu/crossing
City and Community Engagement
How well are average Boston residents doing in complying with social distancing and wearing face masks? Is everyone getting the message?
I’m not sure we can say that everyone’s getting the message and everyone’s complying, but I am proud of Bostonians who have heard the messaging about staying home, whether you do it for yourself or you do it for people who are more vulnerable — those over 65, those with underlying health conditions. The virus can take your life. I think that people are hearing the message, but I think we have to double down on it. We have to continue with it. You see images across the country of restrictions being loosened. We all want to be in that place where we can be with people we love and people and do the things we’ve always done. But more than ever, we need to make sure that people are wearing facial covering, sanitizing and cleaning spaces, washing their hands, maintaining social distancing. Not only does that message need to be heard loud and clear, but we also have to make sure that that message goes out in a culturally competent way so that we’re not just using public-health-speak.
You probably hear this a lot, but how soon do you think it will be before restrictions are lifted?
I think, thankfully, the city and the state are following public health guidance and following science, data and facts. That tells we need to see a decrease in our cases, we need to see an increase in access to testing, we need to make sure that our hospitals can care for our most vulnerable and take care of folks. We’re still seeing all of our hospitals in
counselors in every school. “We’ve been thrown this curveball of COVID-19 and an economic downturn in the future,” she said. “It makes the things we’ve been fighting for that much more urgent. The gaps will be that much wider.” In post-Katrina New Orleans, school privatization removed local control of schools from the city, she noted. As the state took control of the city’s schools, 7,500 teachers, most of whom were black women, were fired. “They were mostly replaced by inexperienced young white teachers,” Cuadra-Saez said. “Privatizers say ‘never lose the opportunity in a crisis.’ They see crises as opportunities.” Cuadra-Saez warned that students and teachers need to weigh in on what school will look like when the stay-at-home order is lifted, as state officials plan for the future in Massachusetts. “If it’s not students, educators doing this kind of imagining,” she said, “it will be corporations and disaster capitalists selling us solutions we don’t need.” Boston operating at surge levels right now, and we need to make sure people can get the care they need if they’re seriously sick. That’s going to take some time.
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… I am proud of Bostonians who have heard the messaging about staying home, whether you do it for yourself or you do it for people who are more vulnerable — those over 65, those with underlying health conditions. The virus can take your life.” — Marty Martinez
Even if those indicators start to show us that we’re getting over this surge, it’s going to be a phased approach of loosening restrictions, so we don’t go from these stay-at-home orders and facial covering orders to all the sudden we’re back to the way everything was. It’s going to take patience so we can make sure we don’t put more people in harm’s way. Facts and data are going to drive this.
You’re working a lot of hours. What do you do to maintain your physical and psychological wellbeing?
Self-care is so important, and it’s easy right now to forget about self-care. I’ve had a couple folks on my own team say, ‘Don’t forget to take a day off,’ or, ‘Don’t forget to spend time with your family and friends, with your husband.” For me, I try to make sure I spend time thinking about other things. I’m the chief of Health and Human Services and there are many human services in our city that are not about COVID. My goal is to make sure that I’m healthy. You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. I’m just working hard and making sure that I have a healthy mind and can do this work.
Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 9
COVID
continued from page 1 symptoms of the virus, but they’re still contagious. Massachusetts still ranks third in the number of COVID-19 cases nationwide. Other governors have started to lift stay-at-home mandates, but Baker said that Massachusetts is on a “different timetable.” The Reopening Advisory Board, co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, will outline Massachusetts’ reopening phases. The report compiles ideas from 23 industry groups, which represent over 100,000 businesses and 1.4 million workers across the commonwealth. Baker said that feedback from the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, the NAACP and the Latino Chamber of Commerce was also included. The report will include industry-specific protocols on reopening, said Baker, as well as guidelines on social distancing, personal protective equipment and cleaning. Concrete plans in the coming weeks will delineate where certain industries fit into the timeline, he added. “The only sectors of the economy that can implement the appropriate health guidance will be opening in the first phase,” he said. “There won’t be anyone firing a starting gun on May 18 and saying everybody’s off to the races.” As the state prepares to reopen, Baker advocated for continued testing. Sunday marked the highest number of tests processed on a single day since the pandemic began, he noted. Sunday’s 16,000
processed tests brought the state’s total to nearly 325,000. “Ramping up testing capabilities continues to be one of our highest priorities,” said Baker. COVID-19 hospitalizations have decreased over the past few days, and the number of infected patients in the ICU has also dropped by nearly 100. Different parts of Massachusetts are dealing with different stages of the pandemic, however. COVID-19-related hospitalizations and ICU bed days are increasing in Worcester and the South Coast and flat in Boston. They’ve gone down in Western Massachusetts and on the Cape. As of Monday, the state had had more than 69,000 COVID-19 cases and 4,000 deaths. In Boston alone, there have been over 10,000 cases and 442 deaths. Black individuals make up 40% of the cases and 34% of the deaths. Mayor Martin Walsh said Monday that the daily increase in cases in Boston has recently been flat. “These are signs that may be on the verge of a downwards slope,” he said, but noted that it was too early to know for sure. Hospitals around Boston are still operating at 120% of normal ICU capacity, he added, but the number of hospitalized people is gradually going down. The recently-constructed Boston Hope Medical Center still has space available, and Walsh said that the facility makes a big difference in ensuring hospitals don’t exceed capacity. It currently serves 161 patients: 98 are individuals seeking medical attention and 63 are residents seeking shelter. Walsh emphasized that the city is not ready to reopen. “We all have to stay the course
WHITTIER STREET HEALTH CENTER IS PROVIDING COVID-19 TESTING FOR ALL WHO MEET THE CURRENT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES: ■ We will test you for COVID-19 if you have fever, cough, or trouble breathing. You should also tell us about chills, shakes, muscle aches, headaches, and sore throat, or if you can’t smell or taste. ■ If you have a health condition such as asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, extreme obesity, cirrhosis of the liver, heart condition, other health conditions or a physician’s order, we will take care of you. ■ Some jobs, such as grocery store clerk, car service driver, or home health aide, make it easier to get COVID-19. If your job puts you in contact with a lot of people or sick people, we may want to test you even if you don’t feel sick. ■ Anyone can call us, whether they are a patient at the health center or not. If we think you might be sick with COVID-19 and need a test, we will take care of you. Note: These rules could change. If they do, we will let you know. COVID-19 TESTING AT WHITTIER STREET HEALTH CENTER IS FREE AND OPEN TO ALL! HOURS OF OPERATIONS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 9AM TO 5PM AND SATURDAY: 9AM TO 4PM AT 1290 TREMONT STREET, ROXBURY CALL 617 427 1000 FOR AN APPOINTMENT. WE WILL ALSO ACCEPT WALK-INS. WE ARE ALSO OPEN FOR NON-COVID-19 MEDICAL CARE, EMERGENCY DENTAL ONLY AND TO PROVIDE SOCIAL SUPPORT.
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A fishing enthusiast enjoys warm weather at Harbor Point on Sunday. right now,” he said, “So that we can keep saving lives and reopen safely here in Boston and Massachusetts.” Walsh warned that a second, and “even worse” wave of the virus might hit if health protocols aren’t followed. Testing is also being ramped up in Boston, with 28,000 people been tested so far. There are 19 testing sites across the city and last week testing was increased by 44%. Walsh said the data is being analyzed to find the most affected neighborhoods. Boston Public Schools’ new phase of remote learning started on Monday. “This updated learning plan gives more guidance for students and teachers around attendance,
assignments, grading and scheduling,” said Walsh. No students will be held back this year, he added, and conversations around remote summer school are ongoing. More than 65 sites across the city are providing food to students, and there are eight sites for adults. By the end of the week, eight additional sites will be added to the program in East Boston, Charlestown, Dorchester, Mattapan, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park and Roxbury. Walsh also acknowledged P-EBT, a food benefit program authorized by the federal coronavirus bill. The program is available to all BPS or charter school students, said Walsh, and households receive $5.70 per child per school
day for the duration of school closure. Families of school-aged children will receive information on P-EBT later this month from the state Department of Transitional Assistance. Walsh said that the pandemic has revealed large disparities throughout Boston. These disparities are in the health system and in housing across Boston, he said, noting cases of multiple family members living in an apartment. He also acknowledged disparities in economic development for small businesses. There needs to be more support for businesses owned by women and people of color, he said. “Certainly, when we come out of the COVID [pandemic], we have lots of work to do,” he said.
WRITERS’ WEEK
MAY 11 - 16, 2020
For Northeastern Writers’ Week 2020, join us on the video conference platform Zoom for a week-long virtual celebration of writers from across the globe. This year we will focus on anti-racism and writing as a form of community building.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS One Week, One Goal
May 11 - 16 | 9:00AM - 9:00PM
RSVP: tinyurl.com/writersweek1w1g
Writing/Righting the World Virtual Mixer Monday | 6:00 - 8:00PM
RSVP: tinyurl.com/writersweek1
Revamp Your Career Advancing Tools Tuesday | 6:00 - 8:00PM
RSVP: tinyurl.com/writersweek2
Writing as an Act of Service Wednesday | 6:00 - 8:00PM
RSVP: tinyurl.com/writersweek3
Poetry as a Lyric Device Thursday| 6:00 - 8:00PM
RSVP: tinyurl.com/writersweek4
Language Pieces
Friday | 6:00 - 8:00PM
RSVP: tinyurl.com/writersweek5
For more info: northeastern.edu/crossing
City and Community Engagement
10 • Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
BUSINESSNEWS Lawsuits allege COVID loan bias www.baystatebanner.com
CHECK OUT MORE BUSINESS NEWS ONLINE: WWW.BAYSTATEBANNER.COM/CATEGORY/NEWS/BUSINESS
By CHARLENE CROWELL A $349 billion program created to assist America’s small businesses was launched on April 3 to provide payroll, utilities, rent and more for eligible applicants screened by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). On April 16 — less than two weeks later — this national stimulus, enacted in the throes of the COVID19 pandemic, ran out of funds. In separate but related legal actions, federal lawsuits were filed, challenging the lack of equitable access to the stimulus program. On April 19, four class action lawsuits challenged banks’ use of PPP funds. Filed separately in the U.S. District Court’s Central California office, the lawsuits are against Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo. While this legal process unfolds, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) estimated that as many as 95% black-owned businesses stood no chance of securing a program loan. Other communities of color were similarly likely to be shut out: 91% of both
Latino-owned and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander-owned businesses were financially shortchanged. At the same time, businesses of color together are responsible for employing 8.7 million people and represent 30% of all U.S. businesses. Additionally, the combined contributions that these businesses make to the national economy is a noteworthy $1.38 trillion. Days later, on April 21, an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was approved by the U.S. Senate and is expected to be quickly passed in the U.S. House. Even so, some reactions to the new funding suggested that it was still too little and needs to better address how black-owned businesses and other businesses of color can fully participate. “This bill distributes most of the funding again to large banks that prioritized wealthier businesses over small ones,” said Ashley Harrington, Federal Advocacy Director with CRL. “Businesses of color were locked out of round one of the SBA PPP, and this Congress proposal fails to assure that they will have fair access to the new
$60 billion small business appropriation. Nor does it ensure equity and transparency by requiring data tracking on borrower demographics and loan amounts to be collected or reported.” Harrington added, “While it is a good and necessary change to include set-asides for community banks to reach more businesses and rural areas, the bill fails to dedicate targeted funds for use by minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). These are the institutions with a strong track record of serving borrowers of color. Both MDIs and CDFIs should have access to this vital small business support.” The set-asides included in the new appropriations bill allocate monies to institutions based on bank size alone. This provision places CDFIs and MDIs in direct competition with better resourced smaller institutions like community banks for loan funds. Since over 98% of banks and credit unions fall into the allocation that includes CDFIs and MDIs, it is highly unlikely that these institutions will be able to access the funds — especially as the monies will have run out before these two types of institutions would be able to secure SBA approval. PPP was a federal response that was supposed to supply funds through June 30 to small businesses and nonprofit organizations. It was created as part of a $2 trillion national rescue plan authorized through the CARES Act. Instead, it is now no longer accepting applications or approving new lenders in the program. The program’s loans were capped to no more than $10 million and came with an explicit exclusion of businesses based outside of the United States. For six months, loan payments would be suspended and under specific and verifiable conditions, the loans also could be completely forgiven. PPP applicants were required to interact with banks and other existing SBA lenders. For communities of color, this specific
condition meant beginning, not continuing or expanding, financial relationships. Fees paid by the federal government to participating financial institutions were based on the size of loans approved for originating program loans. For example, American Banker reported recently that on a $10 million loan, bank fees would be $100,000, and fees for a $350,000 loan would be $17,500.
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Instead of providing needed relief for struggling businesses, the PPP is just the latest iteration of federal funding and resources being systematically withheld from individuals and people of color.”
Together, these two program requirements gave larger small businesses quicker and greater access to these loans. Instead of providing needed relief for struggling businesses, the PPP is just the latest iteration of federal funding and resources being systematically withheld from individuals and people of color. A similar reaction to the exhaustion of funding was expressed by Orson Aguilar, director of economic policy for UnidosUS (formerly LaRaza), which champions rights for Latinos. “We know that many companies did not benefit because they do not have banking relationships, and that is a requirement,” said Aguilar. Through the assistance of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, 111 organizations across the country, including CRL, jointly told Congress their collective concerns over the exclusion of relief to communities
of color in the federal pandemic response. “Communities that have already been marginalized by structural barriers to equal opportunities and who have low levels of wealth are particularly vulnerable during this current emergency,” wrote the civil rights advocates in an April 16 letter. “While many working people have been sidelined, many others are still providing essential services during the crisis — working at our grocery stores, delivering mail and packages, and providing care to vulnerable people — putting their lives at risk, often at reduced hours and wages, to keep our country running.” “The ongoing crisis has laid bare the structural racism and barriers to opportunity that are entrenched in our society, and our collective actions now must not worsen them,” concluded the coalition. CRL identified specific ways in which the COVID-19 federal response can become more inclusive. Its PPP recommendations include: ■ Dedicate 20% of all new funding to businesses of color ■ At least $25 billion in funding for MDIs and CDFIs ■ Provide an alternative PPP loan of up to a $100,000 that can be forgiven and better fits the needs of very small businesses ■ Adjust program rules to serve more small businesses and ensure equity and transparency by requiring all lenders to provide both borrower demographics and loan amounts ■ Expand outreach and enrollment assistant through community development corporations and community-based organizations “The Great Recession drained communities of color of a trillion dollars of wealth that they have yet to recover,” concluded Mike Calhoun, CRL’s president. “They should not be excluded from one of the largest COVID-19 relief programs. We cannot allow that to happen again.”
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending.
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Staying afloat
SoWa galleries rebuild after devastating flood damage By CELINA COLBY On Tuesday, April 14, David Guerra, owner of A R E A Gallery in the South End, was roused from his apartment at 11 p.m. to some horrifying news. A water main had broken in front of 500 Harrison Ave. and flooded dozens of creative businesses, included A R E A, in the nearby gallery district.
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‘Sing Out Strong’ (above, below) Last year’s “Sing Out Strong” concert focusing on immigrant experiences. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF WHITE SNAKE PROJECTS
Activist opera company takes its world premiere to Zoom By CELINA COLBY
Every year the activist opera company White Snake Projects performs a community concert series called “Sing Out Strong” based on a theme from its mainstage opera performance. This year, “Sing Out Strong: DeColonized Voices” will debut its world premiere via Zoom on May 13 at 8 pm. “Our writers and composers have worked so hard to make these songs. So rather than flatout saying we have to cancel, we pivoted and decided that we would do a virtual world premiere on Zoom,” says Cerise Jacobs, co-founder and executive producer of the company. The songs for “Sing Out Strong: DeColonized Voices” were created in tandem by local artists inspired by the mainstage performance “Cosmic Cowboy,” which is tentatively scheduled for the fall. The lyrics were written by community members coming from experiences with colonization, many of them new immigrants to the United States. From there, local composers created melodies inspired by the lyrics. This creation process is typical to earlier works in the “Sing Out Strong” series, but adapting the concert to a virtual format proved more complicated than expected.
“We could have streamed it on a platform that is made for streaming music … but the problem with those platforms is that the audience is not connected,” says Jacobs. “Whereas if you went to a platform like Zoom, you can actually see your fellow audience members and you can participate the way you would in a real concert. We’ll unmute everyone at the end of each song and people can clap and cheer.” This audience interaction was crucial to Jacobs’ vision. To make it happen, the pianist and cellist each pre-recorded their tracks by video. The songs were polished by a sound engineer and videographer to create one consistent file of the two musicians
performing with both visual and audio. On the day of the concert, the vocalist will share her screen so audience members can view and hear her and the musicians, then she will perform live with their recorded compositions. Each writer and composer will introduce their songs and discuss their experiences. For security reasons, White Snake Projects requests that attendees RSVP by e-mail (info@whitesnakeprojects. org). Then the Zoom conference link will be sent to them. Despite the hard work that went into adapting the performance, Jacobs says events like these are essential during the crisis. “While I think it’s wonderful to have all the archival materials being streamed, we cannot come to a standstill,” she says. “We have to continue to host events, we have to continue to make live art now and we have to try to connect the audience not just to the art but to each other. That’s part of the joy.”
on the web Learn more at www.whitesnakeprojects.org
Many pieces, particularly works on paper, were affected or totally destroyed. That was the main loss. It was really heartbreaking to see art being lost that way.” — David Guerra
In the weeks since, the already suffering galleries have begun to rebuild. It will be a long, hard road, but they’re not giving up. “Many pieces, particularly works on paper, were affected or totally destroyed. That was the main loss,” says Guerra. “It was really heartbreaking to see art being lost that way.” Other businesses in the area were similarly affected, including the popular Italian restaurant Cinquecento and the Meichi Peng Design Studio, which specializes in home furnishings. Many of the flooded businesses experienced at least
See GALLERIES, page 12
ON THE WEB Donate to artists in need and learn more about the online art fair at:
www.constructionarea.gallery/fundraiser
PHOTO: DAVID GUERRA
Flooding caused extensive damage to artwork and equipment at AREA gallery.
12 • Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
ARTS&CULTURE CHECK OUT MORE ARTS NEWS ONLINE: WWW.BAYSTATEBANNER.COM/CATEGORY/ARTS-AND-CULTURE
Boston Theater Marathon moves online Format brings annual theater event to a wider audience By CELINA COLBY For the annual Boston Theater Marathon, the show must go on, now more than ever. Every year Boston Playwrights’ Theatre stages the event, showing 50 short plays in one day, each supported by a different independent theater in New England. The proceeds go to the Theater Community Benevolent Fund, an organization that distributes funds to theater artists in crisis, and those funds are in especially high demand right now. This year’s marathon is being held on Zoom, and unlike previous years, one play is performed every day at noon from April 2 through May 17. Kate Snodgrass, artistic director of Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, says this is to avoid mental and emotional fatigue. “People have really adapted to the medium. What I’ve found is that when the actors are talking to the screen, we get to see their faces so much better than onstage, where it depends on where we’re sitting,” says Snodgrass. “Here
“
People have really adapted to the medium. What I’ve found is that when the actors are talking to the screen, we get to see their faces so much better than onstage, where it depends on where we’re sitting.” — Kate Snodgrass
we can see their faces as if they’re talking to each other. We see their eyes, we see their expressions.” Actors are also taking full advantage of the Zoom tools, for example to change their background into one that matches the play’s set or using music to lead in and out of a scene. Though the online format is new territory, it has also allowed the plays to be seen by a wider audience. Snodgrass says the shows
PHOTOS: KALMAN ZABARSKY
Scenes from previous years’ Boston Theater Marathon, which is being held via Zoom this year. are attended by anywhere from 150-250 people a day all over the globe. A hyperlocal event has become a worldwide one, and it appears to be paying off. “Since March 12, the TCBF has raised, and we’ve helped them raise, over $42,000. And they’ve
A MUST-READ FOR EVERY BOSTONIAN!
given away over $65,000,” says Snodgrass. “We really want to help them because so many theater artists and companies are in need right now.” Though theater artists qualify for some of the more general arts funding like the Boston Artist Relief Fund, the TCBF is specifically geared towards the theater industry, allowing for a better chance at funding in a competitive market of needs. Snodgrass encourages arts lovers to donate to the cause if possible or to share
Did you know... galleries One of Boston’s skyscrapers — State Street Bank — was developed by black people? That Roxbury’s Clifton Wharton Jr. became the first black president of a major U.S. college? Or that Boston is the headquarters of OneUnited Bank, the largest black-owned and managed bank in the country?
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continued from page 11 four feet of dirty water in their spaces. According to Guerra, the owners of his building on Thayer Street in the south-of-Washington (SoWa) art and design district, will be shouldering the cost of restoring the physical gallery space. Unfortunately, not all businesses will have this assistance, but it has allowed Guerra to turn his attention completely to the artists who lost work. Via the A R E A gallery website, collectors and supporters can purchase art pieces, invest in a program that will provide early access to artwork later on and donate to a GoFundMe fundraiser. All the funds will go directly to the artists affected by the flood. But perhaps the biggest innovation that has stemmed from
the event on social media to spread the word. “I think it’s most important to continue our lives as best we can given the circumstances,” she says. “I think that’s really what theater does, affect us all together, bring us all together. I’d like to think the marathon is a community-builder in that way.”
ON THE WEB See the full program of plays at:
www.bu.edu/bpt/2020/03/29 this tragedy is an online art fair Guerra is organizing, ideally to be launched by the end of May or early June. “The inspiration for that was me walking around SoWa and seeing not just my gallery, but many other galleries, losing pieces, equipment, infrastructure,” he says. “I thought in these times of difficulty, ‘How can we come together, not as competitors, but as collaborators?’ At the end of the day we’re all sharing the same mission, which is supporting the local art scene.” The art fair will be regional, featuring New England galleries and geared toward the New England collector. Unlike more commercial fairs, this one will be free for galleries to participate in and free for viewers to attend, and unrepresented artists will be able to apply to participate. Each gallery will present works by one artist for a very curated feel. Any revenue generated will go back to the artists.
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Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 13
BANNER CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL
LEGAL
LEGAL
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division
The Bridge Boston Charter School in Massachusetts invites sealed proposals from Contractors for the Atrium Skylight Replacement at the Bridge Boston Charter School in Boston, Massachusetts. The work includes but is not limited to replacement of a skylight over an atrium at the Bridge Boston Charter School. General Bids will be accepted until 2:00PM on Wednesday May 20, 2020. The estimated cost of the work is $400,000.
Docket No. SU17P2119GD
Citation Giving Notice of Petition to Expand the Powers of a Guardian In the Interests of Terrence Miles Of Roxbury, MA RESPONDENT Incapacitated Person/Protected Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Department of Mental Health (Boston) of Westborough, MA in the above captioned matter requesting that the court: Expand the powers of a Guardian of the Respondent. The petition asks the court to make a determination that the powers of a Guardian and/or Conservator should be expanded, modified, or limited since the time of the appointment. The original petition is on file with the court. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 05/18/2020. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense. WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: April 16, 2020
This project is being electronically bid (e-bid) and all bids shall be submitted online at www.projectdog.com. Hard copy bids will not be accepted by the Awarding Authority. Tutorials and instructions are available online at www. projectdog.com. For assistance, contact Projectdog, Inc., at (978) 4999014.
MASSACHUSETTS BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY SOLICITATION FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RUGGLES STATION IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2 MBTA CONTRACT NUMBER S31PS02
Bidders may obtain bid documents online at www.projectdog.com starting Wednesday, at April 29, 2020 after 11:00 AM by entering the project code 838186 in the project locator box and selecting “Acquire Documents”. New users must first select Sign up to create an online account.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is soliciting design phase services for Ruggles Station Improvements Phase 2. The Scope of Service(s) may include but are not limited to: Multi-disciplined Engineering (i.e. Civil, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical); Vertical Transportation; Architecture; Historical Assessment; Urban Design; Wayfinding; Security Designs; Code Compliance; Fire Protection Design; Environmental Approvals and Permitting; Public Outreach; Scheduling; Quality Control/Quality Assurance; Construction Phasing and Constructability, and Construction Cost Estimating. Design Phase Services (0%-100% and PSE); and Bid Phase Services will be provided under this contract. The conceptual level construction cost estimate for the proposed improvements is $20,000,000. The duration of this contract is fifteen (15) months from the date of Notice to Proceed, with two (2) option periods of one (1) year each to extend.
A pre-bid conference will be held for all interested parties on-site Monday, May 4, 2020 at 11:00AM. Meet at 435 Warren Street, Boston, MA 02119. Attendance at this pre-bid conference is strongly recommended for parties submitting a bid. A virtual walkthrough will be held via zoom. For anyone interested in attending remotely, please contact Jennifer dos Santos as jdossantos@cbiconsultingllc.com and a link will be provided. Each general bid shall be accompanied by a bid deposit in the form of a bid bond, or cash, or a certified check on, or a treasurer’s or cashier’s check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to the Bridge Boston Charter School in the amount of five percent (5%) of value of the bid. Bid deposits will be dealt with as provided in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Section 44B.
This project is expected to utilize Federal and non-federal funding. The DBE participation goal for this project is 12 % of the total amount authorized. In addition, the Authority strongly encourages the use of Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises as prime consultants, sub-consultants and suppliers in all of its contracting opportunities.
To be given consideration, all general bids must be accompanied by a copy of the Bidder’s Certificate of Eligibility and an Update Statement. The General Bidder must be certified eligible in the DCAM General Building Construction category. Bids shall be made on the basis of the Minimum Wage Rates as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Industries, Pursuant to the Provisions of Chapter 149, Sections 26 to 27D inclusive of Massachusetts General Laws, a copy of which is attached to and is made a part of the Contract.
The complete Request for Qualifications can be found on the MBTA website. Please see the following link: Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Docket No. SU20P0585EA
http://bc.mbta.com/business_center/bidding_solicitations/current_solicitations/
Bidders’ selection procedures and contract award shall be in conformity with applicable statues of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
This is not a Request for Proposal. The MBTA reserves the right to cancel this procurement or to reject any or all Statements of Qualifications.
Performance and Labor and Materials payment bonds in the full amount of the contract price will be required from the successful bidder.
Stephanie Pollack MassDOT Secretary & CEO
The Awarding Authority reserves the right to reject any or all general bids, if it be in the public interest to do so.
Steve Poftak General Manager
Citation on Petition for Formal Adjudication Estate of: Eugenia Ann Wright Date of Death: 01/13/2020
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Bostonian Nursing Care of Dorchester, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that Lisa Judkins of Millbury, MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve With Corporate Surety on the bond in an unsupervised administration. IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 05/28/2020. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: April 21, 2020
Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division
Docket No. SU20P0592EA
Citation on Petition for Formal Adjudication Estate of: Barbara G Papesch Date of Death: 02/22/2020 A Petition for Formal Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Peter P Papesch of Boston, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 05/20/2020. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: April 08, 2020
Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate
Yeah,
IT’S THAT EASY POST YOUR OWN real estate, job openings, events and obituaries to the Banner’s online classified section.
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MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON Allston
Dorchester
South Boston
McNamara House Uphams Crossing (617)783-5490 (617)506-1792 210 Everett Street 516 Columbia Road
50 West Broadway (617)269-9300 50 W Broadway
NORTH SHORE
26 West Broadway (617)269-9300 26 W Broadway
Visit us online! www.corcoranapts.com
North Andover Chelsea
Andover
Andover Commons Saugus Commons Stevens Corner (978)794-1800 (781)233-8477 (978)470-2611 63 Newhall Avenue 75 Park Street 30 Railroad Street
Saugus
Parkside Commons (617)884-2400 100 Stockton Street
Lynnfield
Woburn
Amesbury
Lowell
Lynnfield Commons Kimball Court Massachusetts Mills The Heights Amesbury (781)592-6800 (781)933-9900 (978)970-2200 (978)388-0671 375 Broadway 7 Kimball Court 150 Mass Mills Drive 36 Haverhill Road
SOUTH SHORE Weymouth
The Ledges (781)335-2626 1 Avalon Drive The Commons at SouthField (781)340-0200 200 Trotter Road
Taunton
Mill Pond Apartments (508)824-1407 30 Washington Street School Street Apts (508)823-1299 31 School Street
METRO WEST Framingham
Holliston
Hanover
Hingham
Brockton
Fall River
Scituate
Attleboro
Hanover Legion Lincoln School Apts Brockton Commons (781)871-3049 (781)749-8677 (508)584-2373 86 Central Street Legion Drive 55 City Hall Plaza
The Academy Kent Village (508)674-1111 (781)545-2233 102 South Main St 65 North River Road
Ashland
Renaissance Station (508)455-1875 75 South Main Street
CENTRAL MASS.
Worcester Webster Pelham Apartments Cutler Heights Ashland Woods Canterbury Towers Sitkowski School (508)872-6393 (508)429-0099 (508)861-3052 (508)943-3406 75 Second Street 79 Hollis Street 30A Ashland Woods Ln. (508)757-1133 6 Wachusett Street 29 Negust Street
NEW HAMPSHIRE RHODE ISLAND
Nashua Amherst Park (603)882-0331 525 Amherst Street
W. Warwick Westcott Terrace (401)828-1490 319 Providence Street
For more information or reasonable accommodation, please call the property that interests you. We provide free language assistance by phone, just state your language and hold for an interpreter
To Place a Call Using MassRelay, dial 711
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14 • Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER
BANNER CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
Bolton Affordable Housing 2 Two Bedroom Units in one duplex Price: $160,000
Keyes Farm—258 Hudson Road Renovated historic farmhouse Public Information Meeting
ADVERTISE
MAX INCOME
6:00 pm, Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Via Zoom Meeting ID: 856 3180 5472 Password: keyes
1—$54,950 2—$62,800 3—$70,650 4—$78,500
Application Deadline June 22, 2020
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Assets to $75K, Units by Lottery, 1st Time Homebuyers
For Info and Application: Pick Up: Bolton Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office or Public Library if reopened to Public Phone: (978) 456-8388 Email: lotteryinfo@mcohousingservices.com
(617) 261-4600 ext. 7799 • ads@bannerpub.com
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Application available online at: www.mcohousingservices.com
Affordable Housing Opportunity PRINT • ONLINE MOBILE • SOCIAL
41 Spring Bars Road Falmouth, MA 02540
Little Pond Place
Little Pond Place is a newly constructed 40 unit housing development.
baystatebanner.com
ADVERTISE IN THE
Rent Includes Utilities
Allowable Household Income Per Number of Occupants Including Children
Not Included: Cable, Internet and Telephone
1 Bedroom 30% AMI 60% AMI
2 Bedrooms
Monthly Rent Based on Income $1,029
1 Person
3 People
2 People
Min
Max
Min
Max
$0
$19,250
$0
$22,000
$24,696
$38,460
$24,696
$43,920
Min
4 People
Max
Min
Max
5 People Min
Max
6 People Min
Max
$0
$22,000
$0
$24,750
$0
$27,450
60% AMI
$29,664
$43,920
$29,664
$49,440
$29,664
$54,900
80% AMI
$1,647
$39,528
$58,600
$39,528
$65,900
$39,528
$73,200
$0
$24,750
$0
$27,450
$0
$30,170
$0
$34,590
$34,272
$49,440
$34,272
$54,900
$34,272
$59,340
$34,272
$63,720
3 Bedrooms 30% AMI 60% AMI
Based on Income $1,428
Applications Available NOW Completed Applications must be received at Falmouth Housing Corporation 704 Main Street, Suite D Falmouth, MA 02540 by June 8, 2020 In person, faxed to 508-548-6329 or email by 5:00PM or mailed and postmarked by that day. ADA Accessible
Applications available at: Falmouth Housing Corporation 704 Main Street, Suite D Falmouth, MA 02540 www.falmouthhousingcorp.org
Or by Calling: 508-540-4009 Or by e-mail: lottery@falmouthhousingcorp.org
IN PRINT AND ONLINE Call 617-261-4600 ext. 7799 or email ads@bannerpub.com for more information
Based on Income $1,236
30% AMI
BANNER
Rental Lottery to be held on July 10, 2020 @ 2pm Falmouth Town Hall-Selectman’s Meeting Room Anticipated Move-in Date: August 15, 2020
Funding provided by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, MassHousing Affordable Housing Trust, CEDAC, Barnstable County HOME Program, Town of Falmouth and Falmouth Affordable Housing Fund.
Use and Occupancy Restrictions Apply LEP Services available For more information or reasonable accommodations, call Falmouth Housing Corporation 508-540-4009 TTY/TTD 800-439-2370
Falmouth Housing Corporation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, familial status or physical or mental disability in the access or admission to its programs or employment, or in its programs, activities, functions or services. Disabled persons are entitled to request a reasonable accommodation of rules, polices, practices, or services, or to request a reasonable modification of housing, when such accommodations or modifications are necessary to afford the disabled person equal opportunity to use and enjoy said housing.
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Thursday, May 7, 2020 • BAY STATE BANNER • 15
BANNER CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
DND Income Restricted Rental Opportunity
The Meeting House 20 INCOME RESTRICTED RENTAL UNITS # OF BEDROOMS Studio 1 Bedroom* 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom
AMI 80% 80% 80% 80% 100% 100% 100% 100%
RENT $1472 $1,569 $1,874 $2,155 $1,984 $2,125 $2,550 $2,946
*one 1-bedroom unit at 80% AMI is built out for persons with mobility impairments, vision impairments and/or deaf/hard of hearing
MINIMUM INCOMES (set by owner + based on # of bedrooms + AMI) + MAXIMUM INCOMES (set by DND + based on household size + AMI) # OF BEDROOMS
MINIMUM FOR 80% AMI
MINIMUM FOR 100% AMI
studio
$42,057
$56,686
1-bedroom
$44,829
$60,714
2-bedroom
$53,543
$72,857
3-bedroom
$61,571
$84,171
HOUSEHOLD SIZE
MAXIMUM FOR 80% AMI
MAXIMUM FOR 100% AMI
1 2 3 4 5 6
$63,500 $72,550 $81,600 $90,650 $97,950 $105,200
$79,350 $90,650 $102,000 $113,300 $122,400 $131,450
Minimum incomes do not apply to households receiving housing assistance such as Section 8, VASH, or MRVP
After careful consideration and an abundance of caution, the City of Boston has decided to cancel the in-person application distribution period and the information meetings. To replace the informational meetings, we have created a presentation that includes information about the property, the application process, preferences, the lottery, and what happens after the lottery. For a copy of the presentation, please visit: www.MeetingHouseLottery.com
MAXIMUM ASSET LIMITS 80% AMI $75,000
100% AMI $100,000
Does not include retirement. Does include Real Estate
Households may request an application to be sent by email or mail from: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 – Friday, May 22, 2020 through the following methods: To complete the application online (recommended), please visit: www.MeetingHouseLottery.com To have a hard copy of the application sent to your mailing address, please call: 781-992-5307 If you cannot complete the application online, please call us at 781-992-5307, to request that we mail you one and to ask us for any guidance you might need to complete the application. Applications can be completed online by May 29, 2020 Completed printed, signed, paper applications can also be mailed to Maloney Properties. Postmarked no later than May 29, 2020 Maloney Properties, Inc. Attention: 233 Hancock Street 27 Mica Lane, Wellesley MA 02481
• Selection by lottery. Asset, Use & Occupancy Restrictions apply. • Neighborhood Diversity Preservation Preference applies to 50% of units • To qualify applicants must live within a ½ mile radius of of 233 Hancock Street AND meet at least one other criteria • For a list of qualified addresses and more on those criteria, please visit www.MeetingHouseLottery.com • Preference for Boston Residents. • Preference for Households with at least one person per bedroom • 2-person minimum requirement for the 3-bedroom For more info or to make a request for reasonable accommodations, please call, Maloney Properties, Inc. at 781-992-5307 | US Relay 711 | Email: MeetingHouse@maloneyproperties.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
HELP WANTED
Affordable Housing Lottery
Medfield Meadows Apartments 41 Dale Street, Medfield, MA
233 Hancock Street, Boston, MA 02125 • www.MeetingHouseLottery.com # OF UNITS 3 4 1 1 4 4 2 1
REAL ESTATE
HELP WANTED
One 1BR @ $1,660*, Four 2BRs @ $1,825*, One 3BR @ $2,002* *Rents subject to change in 2021. Tenants will pay own Gas Heat, Gas Hot Water, Gas Cooking, Electricity, Water and Sewer.
Medfield Meadows Apartments is a 24-unit rental apartment community located on Hennery Way (formerly 41 Dale Street) in Medfield. 6 of these apartments will be made available through this application process and rented to households with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. Medfield Meadows is situated in a coveted location, just a short walk to Medfield’s vibrant town center which features Starbucks, Dunkins, Brother’s Market, and many other shops and restaurants. These apartments also provide convenient access to Routes 27, 109 and 95 and Legacy Place. All units have a private balcony, hardwood floors, tiled bathroom, keyless entry, smart thermostats, in unit laundry, stainless steel appliances and stone worktops. This property allows dogs.
MAXIMUM Household Income Limits: $67,400 (1 person) $77,000 (2 people) $86,650 (3 people) $96,250 (4 people) $103,950 (5 people) $111,650 (6 people) Completed Applications and Required Income Documentation must be delivered, or postmarked, by 2 pm on June 15th, 2020. Applications postmarked by the deadline must be received no later than 5 business days from the deadline. A Public Info Session will be held on May 18th 2020 at 6 pm via: • A YouTube Livestream at https://youtu.be/6b8l05Z0lA8 (or just type “SEB Housing” in YouTube and click on the thumbnail for Medfield Meadows Information Session) AND • by Conference Call at 425.436.6200 (Access Code 862627) The lottery will be on June 25th 2020 at 6pm via: • A YouTube Livestream at https://youtu.be/3m-6A-s5p9k (or just type “SEB Housing” in YouTube and click on the thumbnail for Medfield Meadows Lottery) AND • by Conference Call at 425.436.6200 (Access Code 862627) For Lottery Information and Applications, or for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, go to www.sebhousing.com or call (617) 782-6900 (x1) and leave a message or postal mail SEB Housing, 257 Hillside Ave, Needham MA 02494. Free translation available. Traducción gratuita disponible
HELP WANTED
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BROOKLINE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING A HIGHLY QUALIFIED ENTREPRENEURIAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Over the next five-plus years, the BHA will be engaged in approximately a $300 million redevelopment effort to revitalize its federal public housing using the HUD RAD program, converting half of its public housing to project-based Section 8 utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits and tax-exempt bond financing. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Eight years’ experience in housing management, community development, public administration , or a closely related field. Bachelor’s degree may substitute for up to two years of experience. • Working knowledge of fiscal management, maintenance systems, personnel and administrative management systems in public or private housing. • One year’s supervisory experience of a staff of ten or more. • Written and verbal skills. • Substantial background in the implementation of management controls and systems. • Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal governmental procedures and regulations as they relate to housing development, construction and the management of local housing authority operations. • Experience working with people of various socio-economic backgrounds. • Bondable. • Certification as a Public Housing Manager from a HUD approved organization — may be substituted by certification as a property manager or similar classification by a nationally recognized housing or real estate organization or by certification as a MPHA of a DHCD-approved Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator Certification Program. HOW TO APPLY To apply in confidence, please submit cover letter and resume to Susan Barry, Egmont Associates, sbarry@egmontassociates.com. The Brookline Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Females, LGBTQ individuals, minorities, veterans, Section 3 qualifying individuals, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant.
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