SouthBoston
Save The Carney T
he Boston City Council took action Wednesday to press the city’s mayor to declare a public health emergency in relation to Steward Health Care’s plan to close Carney Hospital, with the aim of keeping the Dorchester facility open. The Council passed a resolution, 12-0, calling for the emergency declaration to be made by the Boston Public Health Commission, and for city and state government leadership to be prepared, if there are no bidders for Carney Hospital, to seize the property by eminent domain to keep it open until a permanent operator is found.
“We’re happy with the results,” Councilor John FitzGerald, who represents Dorchester and co-sponsored the resolution, told reporters after it was passed. “But we know that it still doesn’t give us a lot of the tools that we need to actually make things happen.
“Our job now is to convene the appropriate parties because I think there are still deals to be made that can happen
BOSTONIANS
Police Efforts Have Blocked The Moped Gangs – Well Done
As we are now into what some call the ‘Dog Days of Summer’, we’re not exactly sure how that name came about, but some residents, not just in South Boston, but in every neighborhood in the city have noticed something missing this year. In this case, the way most people see it, what’s missing is actually good news. They are referring to the speeding bikers, who for the last several summers have been racing through city streets all but terrorizing residents - even pedestrians who thought they were safe when walking on sidewalks. By bikes, we’re not speaking about bicycles that are pedaled. Not at all. We’re talking about the motorized kind in the form of Mopeds, ATV’s, Dirt Bikes etc.
We’ve all seen them. They zoom around in gangs; in some cases, anywhere from 10 to as many as 25 to 30 members, mostly young, even 12 year olds. The bikes they ride are not street
legal, not registered and definitely not insured and yes, often stolen. The more noise they make the better as far as the riders are concerned. Many of them remove the mufflers to make them even louder. The riders’ methods are to meet at designated locations, pick a destination, race up and down narrow city streets causing as much commotion and even panic as possible. We’ve all seen this play out in passed summers but not so much this year. Though it did start up at first, when the weather began to turn warm, it is now virtually nonexistent. And why is that some are asking. The answer is because of the vigilant crackdown by police who were determined to put a stop to it.
Responding to the many complaints over the last several summers as well as the accidents, injuries and even a tragic death, Boston Police as well as Massachusetts State Troopers were out on patrol, found the gangs’ staging areas
and meeting places and moved in. They were successful in heading the rides off before they started. They impounded dozens of these motorized bikes and took them off the streets. The police made it clear that what was happening would no longer be tolerated. They sent a clear message that it just wouldn’t be worth it to try to continue the mayhem that these rides were causing in Boston’s neigh -
borhoods. The chances of getting caught went way up and would most likely result in the riders losing their vehicles and possibly paying a hefty fine, going to court and in some cases maybe doing a little jail time. If someone was found to be in possession of a stolen bike, the penalty could be even worse for them. Well, those efforts by the police seemed to pay off because the activity has come to a virtual
standstill. At least for now, it’s over. The street racing has ceased.
Well done to the police for their efforts. If left unchecked, the odds were increasing that there would be more injuries and accidents coming down the line because the activity was clearly getting out of control and dangerous for all involved including the riders and pedestrians alike. Again, well done to law enforcement.
IInformation Center The More Feel-Good Gun Laws By The State House Is A Waste Of Tax Dollars
f you look at the cities and states that have the most restrictive gun laws, you’ll find that the data and stats show that in most cases, they have the highest violent crime rates. That includes shootings. One look at Chicago will give you an idea how that works. Some of the more liberal types in positions to make laws seem to believe, or at least say they believe that if you put up ‘Gun Free Zone’ signs, it will keep the bad guys away, including the crazies contemplating mass shootings.
Even though the data also shows that Gun Free Zones have proven useless against criminals and even encourage criminal activity, those in public office just don’t seem to get it. These ‘law makers’ also believe that the more difficult you make it for law abiding citizens to own guns, the less crime there will be and that the bad actors and gang bangers will step up and turn in THEIR weapons. Being reality challenged as some of these politicians clearly are no way to go through life. But that’s their business until their warped thinking starts to impact everyone else.
So, though the data shows that the states that are the most anti-gun ownership very often have the highest incidents of gun violence, Massachusetts just had to jump in and claim the title of being the most gun restrictive and anti-Second Amendment state in the country. And while the title might give these Bay State politicians a warm and fuzzy feeling and put them in good standings with the left-wing ideologues among their leadership, it actually will most likely result in making the law obeying among us less safe in the long run. But do they care? It’s doubtful. Remember, to many of them, those warm and fuzzy feelings and bending their knees to the leadership at the state house take
priority. And that brings me to the law they just passed that has officially put Massachusetts at the top of the list for being the most anti-Second Amendment state or the dumbest state in the union. It’s called H.4885.
This is a law that is so restrictive and one that penalizes the innocent but will do nothing to curb the criminals and one that in the end, will be overturned by the US Supreme Court, that even the Massachusetts Police Chief’s Association came out against it. The Massachusetts State Police are also having problems with it. This law is so complex and confusing that enforcement will be difficult. But you know what will be even more difficult about enforcing it? The fact that thousands of Massachusetts gun owners have vowed that they will not comply and it’s no idle threat. They mean it. That’s going to be a real problem for the state house. And keep in mind that this is the same state house that, while consistently adding burdens in the form of laws on its citizens, ignores the laws they don’t want to enforce. You know, like showering people who have broken our laws and crossed our border illegally with all sorts of free perks. As far as most American gun owners are concerned, the Second Amendment to the US Constitution gives them the right to keep and bear arms without being harassed by over exuberant ideologues in public office who overstep their authority.
Now the Democrats in the legislature and Governor Healy of course were strutting around like roosters and hens at the signing of this law. Like children, they actually issued a challenge to the NRA and to G.O.A.L (Gun Owners Action League) daring them to file suit against the new law. They came right out and crowed ‘bring it on!’, daring the pro Second Amendment groups
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at jciccone@southbostontoday.com
to take it to court. And the pro-gun groups, without blinking an eye, took up the challenge, though they would have anyway. The suit is in the process of being finalized now.
One definition of insanity is to keep making the same mistakes over and over and expecting a different outcome. And that’s what these Democrat law makers have done. They saw what happened when the NRA went after New York, Chicago, Washington DC and countless other states and cities that attempted to impose unconstitutional restrictions on law obeying American citizens regarding their
Second Amendment rights. The gun lobby won. And though it might take time, and the new law will need to be chipped away piece by piece, the gun lobby will win again. It’s inevitable; especially with the makeup of SCOTUS. And the only thing these politicians will have succeeded in doing is costing Massachusetts millions in court fees, fines and penalties with the taxpayers ultimately paying for it. But hey, when has the legislature in this state ever hesitated to blow millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money on unworkable plans and losing causes? ‘Bring it on’? So be it.
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
Another Delay in the Bay State’s Offshore Wind Journey
This week was slated to be the deadline for the state to select an offshore wind project, or multiple projects, to advance to the contract negotiation phase in the latest procurement. And like past deadlines, it was pushed back. The state said the delay will provide time to consider the impacts of a federal grant announcement made Tuesday morning that impacts New England states and how they can ready onshore transmission for offshore projects. The move, however, doesn’t only delay Bay State-specific projects Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut were also working together on tri-state wind procurement, and that appears to be postponed, too.
The pushed deadline represents yet another speed bump for an industry the state continues to tout both as an important piece in its net-zero timeline and as a specialty that makes Massa-
Window Into The State House
Window Into The State House provides our readers a synopsis of important issues of interest, past and current, that are being proposed, debated or acted upon by the Massachusetts Legislature. Many issues that are not related to local city government services are acted upon and have a direct impact on daily life. They are tax policy, transportation infrastructure, judicial appointments, social services and health, as well as higher education. We will excerpt reports from the gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions by news sources focused on this important aspect of our lives. These sources include a look ahead at the coming week in state government and summaries and analyses of the past week, re-caps of a range of state government activity, as well as links to other news.
chusetts a clean energy leader. But the industry has not exactly materialized the way originally envisioned, and the resulting delays come during a time where local and statewide questions about the future of offshore wind are abundant. Towns like Barnstable are up in arms about the impact of onshore transmission for offshore projects off its coast, there still are no public details about the pricing attached to the offshore bids groups submitted in the spring, and in the meantime, advocates are urging the state to invest huge in wind. Not to mention that this delay directly follows a significant hiccup in the Vineyard Wind 1 project off Massachusetts’ coast, the first and so far only operational offshore wind that’s delivered power to Massachusetts. The state for weeks has not been receiving energy from the installation’s 10 turbines after a turbine blade broke and then detached in July due to a manufacturing issue. Debris
from the blade continues to wash up on shores across the Cape and Islands, which raised some eyebrows about the existing offshore wind work the Bay State has under its belt. Thousands of megawatts of offshore wind energy are expected to result from the state’s latest foray, for which proposals have been submitted by developers Vineyard Wind, Avangrid Renewables and SouthCoast Wind. The Department of Energy Resources’ new decision deadline is Sept. 6, which also delays the already-extended deadlines for contracts to be executed and submitted to the Department of Public Utilities to early November and mid-December, respectively. Whether those new dates will hold steady in the wake of continued months of delays remains up in the air.
Wu, Spilka at odds about tax shift proposal
On Tuesday, Boston Mayor
CIA HALLOWEEN EVENT
For the literally hundreds of people who have expressed disappointment and even some sadness that the ever popular annual Children’s Magical Halloween Castle event did not take place last year because of a shortage of volunteers, there is an effort being made to revive that wonderful event. The Castle Island Association (CIA), which sponsors the event, is asking for volunteers to help bring it back. Patricia Reid, the CIA’s vice president has announced that there will be 2 upcoming meetings, open to the public where those who would like to volunteer to help bring it back and give input and also learn what is needed as far as preparation. If the response is good and enough people offer to lend a hand, it plans to hold
the event this coming October can move forward. But it is vital that enough people offer their efforts.
The first meeting will be held this coming Saturday, August 10th at 11:00am at Fort Independence at Castle Island. The next meeting will be on Thursday, August 15th at 6:30pm at the Boston Public Branch Library on E. Broadway. But, if attending one or both of these meetings is not possible here is a list of
Michelle Wu said she’s hopeful lawmakers will advance her proposal that would shift the balance of Boston’s property taxes, going so far as to say that if it doesn’t advance, Boston residents “will know that their taxes are going up because the Senate did not vote through that last step.” In response to Wu’s critique, Senate President Karen Spilka fired back that while “blaming the Senate may be politically convenient” for Wu, it doesn’t improve her proposal, which “has been widely questioned by fiscal watchdog agencies and could do serious damage to Boston’s economy.”
The House approved Wu’s property tax home rule petition during formal sessions after reaching a deal with Wu that she would scale it back via executive order if it were to become law. Tuesday’s back-andforth is just another spat on Beacon Hill following the tense nature of the
continued on page 6
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ANNUAL CHILDREN’S MAGICAL HALLOWEEN CASTLE
things that need to be done to help prepare for the Halloween event.
-Move decorations and other materials out of storage on September 21st
-Adopt a Room, which means helping to decorate one of the rooms in the fort/castle with a theme. This usually takes 20 or more hours (about 3 hours a day for several weeks in September through October}
-Fill Trick or Treat bags on Thursday October 24th.
-Cover the event on Saturday, October 26th and on Sunday, October 27th.
-Pack and store the decorations on the week of October 28th
If you would like to volunteer some time for this beautiful family event, please contact the Castle Island Association by email at Castleisland8@gmail.com
Councilors Flynn and Murphy to Discuss BPD Staffing Levels
This week, Boston City Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy filed a hearing order at the City Council Meeting to discuss Boston Police Department (BPD) staffing levels. During his time on the Council, Councilor Flynn has consistently advocated for hiring hundreds of additional police officers every year for the next decade to address long standing issues of understaffing. The hearing will seek to bring in officials and key stakeholders to discuss strategies to address this issue.
The Boston Police Department has long faced challenges in understaffing, overstretched resources, and forced overtime for police officers, as well as looming retirements. This not only impacts the public safety of our city, but also the physical and emotional well-being of our officers and their families. Police understaffing is also exacerbated by voluntary retirement and resignations, as resignations rose
from one in 2018 to thirty-six in 2022, and voluntary retirement rose from seventeen in 2018 to 127 in 2022. This means that current officers are mandated to fill in the gaps with forced overtime, which leads to burnout in officers, and potentially negatively impacts their ability to serve.
Moreover, the Boston Municipal Code mandates that after July 1st, 1980, the number of Police Officers on the force shall, at no time, be less than 2,500. It is therefore imperative that the Boston Police Department consistently recruits and retains police officers to stay comfortably above that number, as well as fostering an environment that allows officers to feel valued while building strong relationships with residents through community policing.
“Having sufficient police staffing levels is critical to help make the streets of Boston safer for all neighbors, and to improve the health and
quality of life of our dedicated police officers. The issues of understaffing, mandated overtime and overstretched resources will not be resolved without a commitment to hire hundreds of officers every year for an extended period of time,” said Councilor Flynn.
“In my opinion, it is not okay for officers to be mandated to work excessive hours. This is a public health and public safety issue that we need to address for our residents, our police officers, and their families.”
“An unacceptable risk to individ-
ual and public health arises in all of Boston’s neighborhoods when the people who are entrusted with keeping the City safe are overworked and stretched too far,” said Councilor Erin Murphy. “The hiring, retention, and full staffing of our Police Department provide the people of Boston with the highest quality public health and public safety services possible, and those services are essential to ensuring Boston is the çworld-class city it can be and the world-class city the people of Boston deserve.”
Councilors Flynn Filed Hearing Order on Crisis at Mass & Cass
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn called for a hearing at Wednesday’s Council meeting in an effort to address both the public safety and public health emergency at the area around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, known as “Mass & Cass”, as well as the critical need to enhance city response and services. The hearing seeks to bring in stakeholders from city departments, elected offices, and community organizations to discuss strategies to provide support and resources for those in the area of Mass & Cass, as well as for impacted residents and businesses in Roxbury, the South End, Dorchester, and South Boston. Since the closure of the city’s
Long Island recovery campus in the fall of 2014, the opioid crisis has continued to drive people to Mass & Cass, where those battling substance use disorder can seek nearby methadone treatment or a bed at city-run shelters. While the tents are gone, hundreds of people are gathering daily throughout the area, often engaging in open drug dealing, drug use, and other illegal activities throughout South End, Roxbury, Dorchester, and South Boston.
As violence and illegal activities still continue to impact these neighborhoods, the Boston Police, and the Coordinated Response Team are working with Suffolk County District Attorney’s office and other state agencies to address these issues. Mass and Cass continues to be a humanitarian crisis, and it is impacting the quality of life for residents and businesses, with piles of trash - including used needles and human feces - scattered throughout neighborhoods for miles out.
“I continue to advocate for Mass & Cass to be declared both a public
safety and public health emergency as it requires resources at the city, state, and federal levels. We must immediately arrest individuals breaking the law, committing acts of violence, and showing no regard for human dignity,” said Councilor Flynn.
“Back in 2017, I recommended a plan to operate a ferry service to the Long Island campus. We also need to expedite the rebuilding of the Long
Island Bridge and continue to provide substance use and recovery services as these public safety and quality of life issues continue to impact neighbors and businesses near Andrew Square, Nubian Square, and Clifford Park on a daily basis.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.
The Carney continued from front page that can save these nurses’ jobs, as well as provide services to our residents of Dorchester and beyond the city.”
A closure hearing for Carney is set for next Tuesday, he said. The measure’s other co-sponsor Ed Flynn spoke of the devastating effects they say would be felt, not only by the Dorchester community, but citywide if Steward were to follow through with its plan to close Carney Hospital by Aug. 31. “This closure would exacerbate the already overburdened hospital system that we have today,” FitzGerald said.
The roughly 30,000 emergency room visits per year at Carney will be pushed out to other hospitals, likely the Boston University Medical Campus in the South End, which is “also overstretched,” Flynn, who represents that area, added. “We’re already in a public health crisis and emergency in the city of Boston,” Flynn said. “We have to acknowledge that, address it and deal with it. And one of the ways we can do that is keeping the Carney Hospital open.”
Window continued from page 4
While largely symbolic in nature, the resolution’s passage prompted an immediate emotional response from several nurses from Carney Hospital, who showed up in large numbers at the meeting to show support for the emergency declaration. The Council action provided the first glimmer of hope for the nurses in what has otherwise been a hopeless situation since Steward last month abruptly announced plans to close the Dorchester hospital by this month’s end, said Elaine Graves, a 70-year-old nurse who has worked at Carney for 48 years.
“We’re hoping that it will just give it extra time, so that maybe we can find a buyer and someone who would like to bid it and take over at the hospital,” Graves said. The closure of Carney and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, which was announced at the same time, are part of the for-profit owner Steward’s bankruptcy proceedings. The Council’s resolution also urges the appropriate government officials to ensure that Steward is following all local and state laws — the latter of which require
end of formal sessions between top legislative Democrats.
Steward landlords turn over facility properties to lender
The two landowners of Steward Health Care’s Massachusetts properties, Medical Properties Trust and Macquarie Infrastructure Partners, agreed to turn their long-term shared lease over to their mortgage lender. With the two walking away from the properties, a roadblock to selling the facilities could be removed. The Healey administration will advance $11.3M of the $30M bridge funding it promised — and that’s now approved by a judge to keep Steward’s Massachusetts hospitals operating during the transition, and if the deals are completed by Friday, it’ll pay $18.6M more on Aug. 16. The Globe’s Robert Weisman also looks at how the lease negotiations with buyers are now in the hands of a Wall Street giant.
Tim Walz is Kamala Harris’s running mate, and Mass. Dems are behind him Massachusetts Democrats are behind Kamala Harris’s pick for running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. From U.S. Reps. Jim McGovern and Jake Auchincloss to U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, Democrats are praising Walz’s veteran status, history as an educator, and progress in Minnesota. Gov. Healey called the Democratic ticket “a dream ticket.”
Martha’s Vineyard coming together to help those displaced from State Forest sweep
Several local agencies came together, less than a week after Martha’s Vineyard officials found out the Department of Conservation and Recreation cleared homeless encampments in the State Forest, to help those whose belongings were taken in the sweep. Local nonprofit Harbor Homes is helping coordinate “stabilization services” amongst other local social service agencies in an attempt to address food, shelter, clothing, and medication and documentation needs. The state said there were fewer people in the encampments than Harbor Homes maintains there were.
providers to give 120 days’ notice for an essential services’ closure.
When asked whether Steward’s plan to close Carney was expected, Graves said she wouldn’t necessarily characterize it that way, but “there was a little writing on the wall” before it was announced. “They were cutting down on services and there were so many issues with vendors, and it just wasn’t the same hospital,” Graves told the Herald.
Mayor Michelle Wu’s office said Wednesday that while it was committed to keeping the conversation going and continuing to advocate “for every resource to manage these devastating impacts,” the city won’t be making an emergency declaration because it wouldn’t provide any help with addressing the “crisis.” “The city is continuing to work with colleagues at every level of government and all stakeholders to plan for every possible scenario and pursue all paths forward to ensure access to care for our residents and needed supports for this important workforce,” a Wu spokesperson said in a statement.
“Our careful review of local emergency declarations has shown that a public health emergency declaration is used to override procurement processes or accelerate the deployment of available federal or state funds,” the city statement continued. “However, a declaration would not create any new authority or resources at the local level to address this crisis, so we continue to partner on what the city can best deliver and advocate for alongside our community.”
The governor’s office declined to comment on the Council action, citing the local nature of the emergency declaration push. Gov. Maura Healey previously said that there is nothing she can do to prevent Steward from shuttering Carney Hospital, Nashoba Valley Medical Center, or any other facility, if that’s their plan. “It’s Steward’s decision to close these hospitals, there’s nothing that the state can do, that I can do, that I have the power to do, to keep that from happening,” Healey said. “But I’ve also said from the beginning that we are focused on health care.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta Anniversary Mass at St. Margart Dorchester
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 5:30 pm, at the church of St. Margaret in the Parish of St. Teresa of Calcutta in Dorchester, His Excellency Most Reverend Cristiano Barro Barbosa, Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Boston will be the principal concelebrant for St. Teresa of Calcutta’s 27th Anniversary Mass. Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Northern Macedonia in 1910 (which at this time was a component of the Ottoman Empire) she moved to Ireland at age 18 and then to India, eventually becoming known to the world as Mother Teresa. It was here that in her tireless efforts to ministering to the impoverished, Mother Teresa was able to not make an impact in helping the truly indigent but indeed, found an order of religious in 1950 that would help carry out the mes-
sage of the Gospel – The Missionaries of Charity. The sister’s number approximately 4000 and operates in more than 120 countries providing services such as Hospice care and overseeing orphanages and soup kitchens along with other ministries. St. Teresa was recognized for her dedication with many accolades but perhaps the most well-known was in 1979 with the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Church also recognized Mother Teresa for her work with the poor and in her service to the Church; eight years ago, in 2016, Mother Teresa was canonized in Vatican City on September 4th by Pope Francis - one day before her Feast Day. St. Teresa of Calcutta died on September 5th, 1997. And on this September 5th, one can honor the legacy of St. Teresa of Calcutta by attending a Special Anniversary Mass on her Feast Day at St. Margaret Church in Dorchester.
By John Joseph Fahey
Senator Nick Collins Votes for HERO Act
Legislation increases benefits, modernizes services, and promotes inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans
The Massachusetts Legislature has passed An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service
Members and Veterans (HERO Act), legislation designed to boost support for hundreds of thousands of individuals across the state who have served in the United States military, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans.
This compromise legislation increases and simplifies benefits and opportunities, modernizes services, and promotes inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans while reaffirming the Commonwealth’s commitment to recognizing and serving all service members and their families. It increases benefits for disabled
Councilor Flynn Statement On National Night Out
Iam honored to once again work with the Boston Police, City of Boston employees, and our neighbors to celebrate National Night Out. It is critical that we continue to highlight the value of community policing, strengthen relationships and the trust between our police officers and neighbors, and support our immigrant neighbors and communities of color on public safety and quality of life issues.
In every neighborhood of District 2, residents continue to request additional public safety resources. For years, I have consistently called for the City of Boston to hire hundreds of additional Boston Police officers every year to confront long-standing, public safety issues of overstretched resources, forced overtime, and looming retirements. These staffing issues are significant concerns for not only our officers and their families, but potential public safety impacts to all of our neighborhoods - including our ability to address pedestrian safety issues, like reckless driving from speeding cars and mopeds that we continue to see in Boston. I will call for a hearing tomorrow on Boston Police staffing levels with Councilor
At-Large Erin Murphy.
During my time on the City Council, I have also voted each year to protect the Boston Police budget, led the efforts to pass a $13 million anti-terrorism grant, and passed an ordinance with Councilor Brian Worrell that requires an annual report on the flow of illegal firearms. Moreover, I continue to work for increased funding for the Boston Police Department Crime Lab for both personnel to work to help us become compliant with state law in testing sexual assault kits within 30 days, as well as more resources to utilize “Y screening” - a DNA testing technique understood to be a quicker, more efficient method that is utilized by the Massachusetts State Police.
The Boston Police play an invaluable role in our city, as they address public safety challenges and quality of life issues. I have the utmost respect for our Boston Police officers, who are dedicated to serving their communities, and who often have to work long hours away from their families. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my constituents, Mayor Wu, and Boston Police on public safety and quality of life issues in District 2 and across the city.
veterans and Gold Star family members, bolsters new and existing initiatives for municipalities and businesses to support veterans, creates comprehensive services for active-duty service members and military families, expands the scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board, updates the Chapter 115 definition of a veteran to expand eligibility, and codifies medical, behavioral health, and dental benefits.
Further, it establishes new recognitions for military service in the Commonwealth and requires several working groups to review post-traumatic stress
disorder in veterans, mental health treatments for veterans, and overall quality of life for veterans in Massachusetts.
“This legislation supports the men, women and families who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. As elected officials we must do everything we can to support the Commonwealth’s veterans. My district is filled with veterans and their families, and I am proud to support this legislation that provides access to services and benefits in which our veterans deserve.” Said Senator Nick Collins. The bill is now on the Governor’s desk for her signature.
Guy The Wine Across The Pond
There aren’t too many places in the world today where wine growing and winemaking in a country is being described as, “just the beginning”, but I have one. As I delved into this story, given to me by a friend from France, I found that it’s a lot more than a cottage industry and that the wines- with help from a number of people from established vineyards in France-are delicious, with room to be even better. Vines have been grown in England since Roman times for winemaking. The Doomsday book refers to over 42 vineyards in Southern England at the end of the 11th Century and there are now more than 500 vineyards in England and Wales producing still and sparkling wines. In recent years, English sparkling
wines have secured growing worldwide recognition, winning some of the most cherished awards and trophies in international competitions. Geological mapping proves that the chalky sub-strata of the South Downs is identical to that of the best Chardonnay vineyards in Champagne, and this has added yet more excitement about the quality potential of the wines.
Hambledon Vineyards, the oldest commercial vineyard in recent history, has some truly delicious sparkling wines, which the English call “British Fizz”. Hambleden Vineyard Classic Cuvee, ($44.99), their signature Hambledon Classic Cuvée is produced exclusively from their own estate on the South East facing chalk slopes of Windmill Down, in the historic village of Hambledon. This wine is a well-balanced blend of all 3
traditional grapes, handpicked on their own estate. Aged at least 35 months, it is vibrant, with structured yet ripe acidity. Tasting will elegantly unfold to reveal layers of floral and stone fruit aromas.
Raimes Vineyards is located on the chalk slopes of the South Downs in Hampshire. Their Single Vineyard 2019 Vintage Classic, ($42.99) is made from Chardonnay (68%), Pinot Noir (18%) and Pinot Meunier (14%)and is on the lees for 34 months. It’s an elegant wine; the palate is very expressive with ripe citrus, stone fruit, apple and pear notes, soft fine mousse and delicate patisserie finish.
Gusbourne Estate Blanc de Blancs, Kent, ($71.99). Falstaff says of this one: “brilliant, medium white gold. Captivating aroma of yeast savoriness, white flowers, pear and hints of white currants and rock dust. Piquant, lively acidity, extremely creamy foam with well-balanced sweetness envelop the palate. Pronounced, juicy finish with notes of pomelo and mineral texture. Elegant drinking pleasure with certain aging potential.”.
Greyfriars Vineyard Classic Cuvee Brut, Surrey, ($29.99). This wine has won many prizes: Silver from the International Wine Challenge was awarded as well as
Silver, Silver_Points_90 from the International Wine Challenge. The county of Hampshire straddles the coastline between West Sussex and Dorset and the soils are again similar to Champagne being a mixture of free-draining limestone, chalk and greensand. This wine tends to have high acidity, fresh and aromatic and sophisticated notes of citrus, green apple and pear as well as almond. The wines also tend to have a strong minerality as well as herbal and floral notes of white wayside flowers.
Bride Valley Blanc de Blancs, Dorset, ($46.99). This wine tends to exhibit strong citrus notes of lemon, lime and sometimes grapefruit, alongside freshly cut apple, pear and other orchard fruit. The cool climate ensures plenty of acid is retained; this sometimes has a green, tart, malic nature. Although the flavor profile tends to veer towards green fruit like apple, gooseberry and pear, occasionally riper, more yellow stone-fruit like peach, apricot, and plum can shine through, along with more tropical notes of melon and mandarin.
Alongside the fruit, there are strong floral notes of elderflower, lily and rose as well as other meadow and wayside flowers. A certain minerality and flintiness, wet-stone and even struck match can also make its presence known.
Boston’s Fisherman’s Feast Returns to the North End for its 114th
Year from Thursday, August 15 through Sunday, August 18
Boston’s Fisherman’s Feast is back for the 114th anniversary, bringing the one-of-akind festival back to Boston. Boston’s longest-running Italian festival will be celebrated from Thursday, August 15 through Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Dating all the way back to 1910, this hugely popular annual Italian festival is held throughout the streets of Boston’s North End district to celebrate the devotion of immigrant
Sicilian fishermen to the Madonna del Soccorso di Sciacca (Our Lady of Help). This year will see the usual enticing selection of entertainment, food, cooking demonstrations, and traditional parades, including a religious procession through the district’s narrow streets carrying a statue of the Madonna, street vendors, and the 6th Annual Best Meatball Competition.
Boston’s most beloved festival will once again perform the ‘Flight of the Angel.’ Called a “spectacle not to be missed” by National Geographic, this year’s Flight of the Angel will close out the 114th Fisherman’s Feast
at 9 pm on Sunday, August 18th.
The festival is free to enter for all. A full schedule of events can be found at fishermansfeast.com.
The 114th Fisherman’s Feast Fleet, North & Lewis Street Boston, MA 02113
About The Fisherman’s Feast
The Fisherman’s Feast is an annual event that began in Boston in 1910 and is based on a tradition that goes back to the 16th century in Sciacca Sicily. The Feast is based on the devotion of the fishermen from Sciacca to the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help). Each August since 1910, the Feast has been held in
Boston’s historic North End on North and Fleet Streets, making it the North End’s oldest continuously running Italian festival. The Feast traditionally starts on Thursday when the statue of the Madonna is moved from her home in the Fisherman’s Club to a chapel at the center of the feast. This will be her home throughout the weekend. Each night and during weekend days there is entertainment on the bandstand and vendors selling food as well as crafts. The Feast culminates on Sunday night with the spectacular “Flight of the Angel”. For more information, please visit www. fishermansfeast.com.
South Boston Proposed Development + Transportation Updates
SUMMER STREET PILOT PROGRAM
The City of Boston has concluded open house forums for the Summer Street Pilot Program. Please feel free to continue to engage with the City and share your feedback via email at transit@boston.gov. Visit boston.gov/ summerstreetpilot to stay up to date.
SOUTH BOSTON TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN
South Boston Transportation Action Plan (SBTAP) Draft Recommendations Report
The draft recommendations include proven strategies and people-first improvements to eliminate severe and fatal traffic crashes and create a safer and more efficient network for all modes of transportation—walking, biking, transit, and vehicles. The SBTAP project team invites public comments and questions regarding the Draft Recommendations Report. Please feel free to email comments to SouthBostonTAP@Boston.gov.
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.
850 Summer St / Radiate Wellness
Proposal: Change occupancy of what is known to be suite #206 (aka#5) from office use to a professional office (Yoga / fitness studio)
Time: Aug 12, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/84455513491
Meeting ID: 844 5551 3491
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471 W Broadway / Playabowls (NEW)
Proposal: Convert T-Mobile commercial space to a fast casual smoothie & juice bar
Time: Aug 12, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84479732470
Meeting ID: 844 7973 2470
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+13126266799,,84479732470# US (Chicago)
ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS
To participate in ZBA hearings, please monitor this page for instructions on joining a public meeting. Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum. To track and participate in Licensing hearings, please monitor this page.
164 Old Colony Ave. South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1576978
Hearing Date 8/13/2024
Project Description: ERECT NEW
4 STORY UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WITH BALCONIES ELEVATOR INCLUDED DEMOLISH EXISTING STRUCTURE ON SEPARATE PERMIT ePlan 5 w GARAGE PARKING SPACES
175 F ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1596915
Hearing Date 8/13/2024
Project Description: Erect new 3 1 2 story 9 unit residential building with garaged parking 6 vehicles on newly created 750sqft lot Building features private roof decks basement amenity space balconies Demolish existing structure under separate permit See also combination permits ALT1571658 ALT1571663 ePlan 4
Stories per code
22 Mitchell ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1595669
Hearing Date 8/13/2024
Project Description Change occupancy from Single family to 2 Family Add garden level unit per plans new MEP lower rear deck stairs Applying zoning denial Eplans filed
457 to 469A W Broadway South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning BOA App# BOA1605291
Hearing Date 8/13/2024
Project Description: Interior Fit out Dental Space Tend 457 West Broadway Use is conditional so ZBA required
88 to 90 B ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning App# BOA1598851
Hearing Date 8/13/2024
Project Description: Extension existing roof deck New size 36 x 13 new structural framing to be divided into each respective unit ePlan Roof Deck Replacement Railings PT WOOD Decking boards TREX SELECT 6 FAMILY 1633 2006
147 W Eighth ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1606982
Hearing Date 8/22/2024
Project Description: Enlarge existing single family house
31 Jenkins ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1621505
Hearing Date 8/27/2024
Project Description: Erect vertical rear additions with balconies Change legal occupancy from three family dwelling to four Install new code compliant egress windows in basement correct violation V6912767
157 O ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
BOA App# BOA1599310
Hearing Date 8/27/2024
Project Description: Change occupancy to single family. Convert an existing two dwelling. Renovate interior, expand rear as well add roof deck headhouse. Basement will be finished included as part of proposed living space.
South Boston Got Its Country On!
Boston Parks and Recreation threw a great Country concert at Medal of Honor Park, featuring Lexi James and Wildheart. The Wednesday night concert drew over 150 people of all ages. Some residents came prepared with a smorgasbord for dinner; others brought lounge chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. The concert began at 7pm and ended at 9pm. A great time was enjoyed by all and it was nice to have a Southie “time” in the neighborhood again. Thank you to Boston Parks & Recreation, see you next year!
Now that Mac Jones is being a complete goof down in Jacksonville instead of up here in New England, I’m feeling completely refreshed with the 2024 New England Patriots.
Do I wish Bill Belichick was still here? Of course I do. But Jerod Mayo has to have some Belichick in him. He just has to. After all, Mayo’s NFL success was a product of Belichick’s defense and the Patriot Way.
Sure, Mayo can change some things within the team’s culture on a day-to-day level, but deep down inside, Belichick’s core football principles are all Mayo knows in the NFL world. So I’m hopeful that the historic coaching change won’t result in earth-shattering disappointment.
The success of this team is still going to come down to the quarterback position. Who’s the guy? Is it Drake Maye? Is it Jacoby Brissett? Is it Joe Milton?
And will the Patriots give Matthew Judon his desired contract extension? Will they pull off a massive trade with the San Francisco 49ers for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk?
We won’t get the answers to these questions in Week 1 of the Preseason this week, but at least we’ll
learn something. Right now, from the outside looking in, nothing can be truly learned from Training Camp practices.
However, we can continue to watch Mayo develop as an NFL coach through his press conferences at Training Camp.
So here are some of his interesting answers from Tuesday’s press conference:
Q: How do you feel about the offense, the wide receiver group after a couple weeks? Do you feel like you still need an upgrade there?
JEROD MAYO: Oh, those guys are working hard. They’re getting better every day. Now, from Eliot and my perspective, we’re always trying to get better, no matter what position we’re talking about, no matter how those guys get here, whether it’s through cuts or through trades or whatever, we’re always looking to improve our team and win now.
Q: Jerod, there are multiple reports out there that the 49ers have negotiated a trade offer with you guys about Brandon Aiyuk and that they’ve allowed him to speak to you guys, so I don’t think it falls into tampering or anything, but can you confirm that?
This week, Danny shared his thoughts on the New England Patriots as they enter Preseason Week 1:
JM: I can’t. Like I said earlier, I’m just focused on the guys in the room.
Q: Did you hear what Matthew Judon had to say with us yesterday? Any comments on what he had to say?
JM: Look, Judon is doing what he has to do. He’s out here every day. He’s in pads; he’ll be in pads today as well. He’s doing everything in the meeting rooms. Look, it was a hiccup, and I feel like we’re on the same page, and we’re moving forward.
Q: When a player’s attitude is, ‘I’m just doing what I need to do so I don’t get fined,’ is that good for the team right now?
JM: Well, I mean, every day is its own day. Sometimes I come to work and I don’t feel like talking at all either, both as a player and also as a coach. So, it’s day-to-day. What I will say about Judon, he always brings great energy to the practice field, brings great energy in the locker room, and that is the expectation that he set early on. I don’t see it any different now.
Q: Jerod, with Judon, is it your understanding the team’s approach with his negotiations is at all affected by other negotiations you might be having through your conversations with Eliot?
JM: All of those conversations are independent of each other. I guess that answers your question. Hopefully, that helps.
Q: So, you’re not waiting on another move before you do anything with Judon?
JM: Everything is its own independent move, and that’s how we look at it.
Q: Jerod, what is your plan for his Drake in Thursday’s opener?
JM: Drake will play. Drake will play, and when he gets in the game, we’ll talk about that, but he will play in the game. Look, everyone who is healthy enough to play in the game will play in the game. That’s more than you’ve ever gotten before.
Q: Do you envision all four quarterbacks playing?
JM: So, as of today, that’s the plan, to have all of those guys out there playing. Once again, it goes back to competing. So, yesterday, you guys saw the live tackling period and things like that, that I think is very important. You don’t want the first time these guys have to get hit or hit someone else to be in the preseason game. So, we’ve got to see what these guys can do with live action. Follow Danny on instagram @ DannyPicard.
SOUTHIE AUTO SERVICE
SPORTS TODAY
GODCHAUX, PATRIOTS AGREE TO CONTRACT EXTENSION Tweet of the Week
The New England Patriots and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux have agreed to a two-year contract extension that’s worth up to $21 million, with $16.5 million guaranteed.
Godchaux, 29, was preparing to play the final year of his contract in 2024 on a $7.15 million base salary. Now, he’s locked up and locked in through 2026.
“Look, that was a long process,” said Patriots coach Jerod Mayo in a press conference over the weekend at Training Camp. “But I’m glad we got that deal finished. Once again, it goes to the point of we want to
sign players that we know still have good ball in them.
“The thing about Godchaux is he’s a huge piece of what we do. Look, it’s never a – well, at least for me – it’s never been just a clean process of, ‘Alright, you want a deal? Here’s a deal. Alright, we’re done.’ So, this was a little bit more extensive, but I’m happy to have him here. I’m happy to have Davon here happy and ready to go. So, it’s good.
“He handled it like a professional in the classroom and out here on the field,” added Mayo.
“He was out here in full pads participating in everything, and that definitely helps.”
So, Godchaux might be happy,
but Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon isn’t.
Judon, who turns 32 this month, is also entering the final year of his current contract, with a base salary of $6.5 million. Like Godchaux, he wants a new deal, and he knows the Patriots have money to spend.
Arguably the Patriots’ best player, Judon has recently expressed his frustration publicly, all while saying he wants to finish his career in New England.
Last week, Judon was seen on the Training Camp sidelines having an animated conversation with Mayo. This week, Judon explained what happened.
“We had a conversation. I didn’t want to be a distraction to the
team, so I went inside,” Judon told the media. “I wasn’t participating in those drills that day. So I went inside, then I got a message so I came back to talk to the GM. Then I went back inside. Sorry I’m animated and talk with my hands. Imma start talking like this and not be so animated.
“I gotta play,” added Judon, implying that he won’t be holding out. “This ain’t nothing about practice. I gotta do what I’m contracted and obligated to do so I don’t lose my money.”
The Patriots play their first preseason game this Thursday night at Gillette Stadium against the Carolina Panthers. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on NFL Network.
PATRIOTS DT BARMORE OUT INDEFINITELY WITH BLOOD CLOTS
Just months after signing a four-year contract extension, New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was hit with some scary news.
Barmore, 25, was diagnosed with blood clots last week, and was treated at Mass General Brigham. He will be out indefinitely.
Here’s a statement from the team:
“Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham,
who tested, evaluated and treated Christian. Our principal concern at this time is Christian’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world. While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery.”
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo also spoke on the unfortunate situation.
“I just want to thank the medical professionals in-house and also Mass General as far as the care for
[Christian] Barmore,” said Mayo after a Training Camp practice last week. “Obviously, it’s an unfortunate thing, but for me, it’s not even about football. When you talk about things like that, it’s about the man. He’s getting tremendous care, and I’m anticipating him coming back.
“No timetable,” added Mayo. “I think all these situations are different, and I’m not a specialist in that world, so I don’t want to put a diagnosis or a timetable to come back. When he’s ready to go, we’ll be here waiting for him.”
SBT Staff
