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SBB - WE DELVE INTO THE PRESENT CITY OF BOSTON TAX PACKAGE PROPOSALWe believe the core of this tax proposal is to present a most fiscally sound and responsible financial situation for Boston, its residents and commercial entities. One where expenses, debts, and 'costs of doing business' are manageable, with sustainability and stability for the long term.The issue at hand centers on managing the city's property tax burden, which could shift dramatically onto residents due to declining commercial property values (like office space) under existing state law, Massachusetts' Proposition 2 ½.We take a look at the present proposals being offered by Mayor Michelle Wu, and State Senator Nick Collins.But first, and hot off social media platforms let's look at recent statements made each:Mayor Michelle Wu - Facebook on December 4, 2025"We’re fighting to lower residential property taxes in Boston and need your help.
Go to malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator to contact your state legislators and call on them to pass our plan for tax relief.
After we reached a compromise with business groups last year, the Boston City Council and State House of Representatives each voted twice to pass residential tax relief. But last December, State Senator Nick Collins used a procedural move to block the measure three times, saying first that he didn’t have enough information, and later that the situation wasn’t as dire.
There’s no debate that property taxes have been going up far too much and too fast on Boston residents. Senator Collins and his colleagues know how to fix this, because they just voted to pass Watertown’s residential tax relief home-rule petition in 2023 without any debate or objection.
Special interests and those in their pockets will keep spreading disinformation to stop us, but Boston residents deserve better, and businesses need our residents—their customers, work force, and community—to be supported too. Tax bills go out in January, so we need you to make your voice heard now."Senator Nick Collins - Facebook on December 4, 2025"I’ve heard the Mayor’s position on property taxes.
But we need to be honest about what’s happening.
The Mayor began her public push for HD 4422 on December 4, 2025, well after the period when the Legislature conducts its formal business. That timing does not show a serious effort to advance legislation. It looks like setting up a fight and preparing to point the finger when tax bills go out in January.
On the other hand, the Senate is advancing legislation that would give the Mayor the authority to issue rebates and drive down taxes for homeowners. These bills would provide real relief for residential taxpayers while protecting small businesses and not putting our economy at risk.
I do not support circumventing Prop 2 1/2 and will always stand up for the people’s right to vote.
I also do not support the City increasing taxes to the maximum levy on Bostonians, and I am again requesting the City to release property-level valuation data.
Homeowners have a right to know how much the City intends to increase the assessed value of their homes while the City Council is being asked on Wednesday to vote to raise residential taxes by 7 percent next year.
I stand ready to work with the Mayor to deliver relief to taxpayers. It is time to focus on viable solutions, not manufactured conflict."SBB - Our summary review.DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MAYOR WU'S AND SENATOR COLLINS' STANCES:The fundamental difference lies in the proposed mechanism to address the shifting tax burden and the necessary state action to implement it.MAYOR MICHELLE WU'S PROPOSAL:Primary Mechanism: Keyword > "Temporary" Property Tax Classification Shift (Home Rule Petition)Specific Action: Seeks state legislative approval (Home Rule Petition) to temporarily allow Boston to increase the allowable tax burden shift onto commercial properties (e.g., from 175% to 200% of their proportional value).Goal/Benefit for Residents: Seemingly to stabilize and limit the overall residential property tax increase for a multi-year, temporary period, preventing projected double-digit spikes.Stance on Commercial Tax: 'Temporary' Increase: Proposed a three-year period where businesses pay a higher share of taxes than currently allowed by state law.Goal Statement: To stabilize residential tax bills (projected ~13% increase otherwise) by having commercial properties absorb more of the burden due to falling commercial values (e.g., from remote work).Revenue Neutral (Intended): The city claims it would shift tax burdens, not raise overall revenue, returning to the current system after three years.Status: Requires state legislative approval, facing opposition and skepticism from some lawmakers and business groups.**********************************************************************************
SENATOR NICK COLLINS' STANCE:Primary Mechanism: Targeted Tax Relief (Rebates) and Opposition to the Tax ShiftSpecific Action: Opposes the tax shift, arguing it unnecessarily raises taxes on the struggling commercial sector and bypasses the voter-approved limits of Prop 2 ½. Supports alternatives like homeowner rebates and targeted relief.Goal/Benefit for Residents: Provide targeted relief to the most vulnerable homeowners (seniors, low-income) without broadly impacting the commercial sector.Stance on Commercial Tax: Opposition to Commercial Tax Increase: He remains opposed to shifting a greater tax burden onto commercial properties, arguing that it jeopardizes and puts Boston's overall economy at risk, while discouraging businesses/investment in the city.Additional Measures: Rebates: Supporting measures like his own proposal (with Senator Brownsberger) that would allow cities to issue uniform rebates to residential households. Senior Relief: Supporting expanded tax relief for low-income seniors.**********************************************************************************WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE PERCEIVED 'GOOD POINTS FOR EACH STANCE'MAYOR MICHELLE WU'S PROPOSAL:Residential Stability: The claimed primary benefit is preventing massive, sudden tax spikes for the average homeowner and residential landlord (whose costs are often passed to renters). This protects middle-class and working-class residents from being priced out.Revenue Neutrality: The proposed shift is designed to be revenue-neutral for the city's overall tax levy, meaning it's a reallocation of the existing burden, not a new tax increase to fund city spending.Shared Burden: It acknowledges that while commercial values are dropping, residential properties have seen significant value increases, and argues for a temporary, more equitable sharing of the tax burden to fund essential city services.
SENATOR NICK COLLINS' STANCE:Protecting the Commercial Sector, While Proposing Residential Rebates & Reliefs: It avoids placing an increased tax burden on commercial properties, which are already struggling with high vacancy rates and lower valuations due to several causes. This stance aims to support the economic recovery and vitality of Boston's business core.Fiscal Prudence & Transparency: It emphasizes a need for accurate and certified valuation data before implementing a major tax change, and a reluctance to "circumvent Prop 2 ½" without voter input, upholding existing fiscal guardrails.Targeted Relief: It favors solutions like direct rebates and expanded exemptions for seniors, which are more precise ways to help the most vulnerable residents without broad market intervention.WE LOOK TO A PATH FOR RESPONSIBLE, SUSTAINABLE TAX STRUCTUREA responsible, fiscally sound, and sustainable tax structure for Boston requires moving beyond a short-term crisis and addressing the root cause: The need for the Department of Revenue's certified valuation numbers is most important in coming up with a resolution. We believe that a remedy, lies with a collaborative work effort between the City and the State House. The need to look inward, make key responsible cuts in spending, and the ability to make hard decisions is paramount. Boston is in a crisis. It is not only from post pandemic causes, and remote work but also a structural fiscal crisis that has been ignored for quite some time.HERE ARE SOME STEPS (we believe/perceive) TO BRING THE GOOD IDEAS FROM BOTH SIDES TO THE TABLE:The most critical area for collaboration (we believe a collaboration to be in Boston's best interest) between Mayor Michelle Wu and Senator Nick Collins in formulating Boston's new tax budget is finding a compromise on property tax relief for residents without jeopardizing the city's commercial tax base.Collaborative Steps for the Tax Budget
To move forward constructively on the tax budget, Mayor Wu and Senator Collins could focus on the following positive steps:1. Residential Tax Relief and Stability
Targeted Homeowner Relief: Senator Collins has expressed support for targeted homeowner relief measures, such as rebates or an expanded senior tax relief program. They could work together to craft a budget proposal centered on these targeted measures, which would directly ease the burden on vulnerable residents without a broad shift in the tax levy.Data-Informed Compromise: They should establish a joint working group with the Department of Revenue and city assessors to agree on accurate and transparent property valuation data early in the process. This would help avoid legislative delays and address Senator Collins' past concerns about the data informing the debate.Exploring Non-Shift Alternatives: Collaborate on a budget strategy that includes alternative methods of residential tax stabilization, such as judiciously utilizing city reserve funds (rainy day fund) or exploring new non-property tax revenue streams to soften the impact of the residential property tax increases.2. Supporting the Commercial Sector
Incentives for Downtown Revitalization: Work together to dedicate budget funds and state-level incentives for activating and diversifying Boston's commercial properties. This could include further programs that fund conversions of vacant office space to residential units or lab space, or grants to support local businesses in commercial areas. (Some of which are already in motion)3. Long-Term Tax Base Diversification
Reviewing Revenue Streams: Partner on a legislative effort to explore other ways to diversify the city's revenue beyond heavy reliance on property taxes, addressing the long-term issue of a vulnerable tax base.State-City Partnership on Housing: Continue to leverage their shared interest in affordable housing, a project where both have previously collaborated. Allocating funds in the city budget (Mayor Wu) and securing state legislative support for zoning reform and housing subsidies (Senator Collins) can help stabilize property values and the tax base over time.MOVING FORWARD REQUIRES A SHIFT FROM POLITICAL OPPOSITION TO A SHARED FOCUS ON A MUTUALLY AGREEABLE STRATEGY FOR RESIDENTIAL RELIEF AND ECONOMIC STABILITY, PARTICULARLY THROUGH TARGETED RELIEF AND NON-TAX-SHIFT ALTERNATIVES.Concept 1:
Form a Joint State-City Task Force on Tax Reform:
Action: Create a formal body (with city officials, state legislators, business leaders, residential advocates, and fiscal experts) to study permanent amendments to state law regarding municipal property tax classification.
Goal: The focus should be on developing mechanisms that decouple residential tax rate volatility from sudden commercial valuation drops without requiring a new home-rule petition every time. This provides long-term stability for both sectors.Concept 2:
Incentivize Commercial Sector Diversification and Growth:
Action: Pair any tax plan with the Mayor's efforts on Downtown revitalization (e.g., rezoning for residential conversion, activating public spaces).
Incorporating Collins' Idea: Offer targeted tax incentives/abatement zones for new types of commercial development (e.g., life sciences, mixed-use) or for property owners who convert struggling office space to housing, driving up the commercial tax base naturally over time.Final Concept:
Enhance Data Transparency and Shared Planning:
Action: The City should commit to releasing certified property valuation data to state policymakers and the public earlier in the budget process to facilitate timely and informed debate, addressing Senator Collins' repeated concerns.
Goal: This fosters trust and allows all stakeholders—city, state, residents, and businesses—to plan for budget cycles with shared, verifiable information, making the process less contentious.Articles:City of Boston - Order relative to the adoption of tax classification in the City of Boston in FY 2026. Docket #2045
Info here: Link
Download: LinkMassachusetts State Senate:Bill S.1935 - 194th (Current) An Act relative to municipal tax relief
Info here: Link
Download: LinkBill S.1933 - 194th (Current) An Act to prevent property tax bill shocks
Info here: Link
Download: Link
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BPDA - On The Dot Phase 1 IAG Meeting 11/27/2023

BPDA - On The Dot Phase 1 Public Meeting 12/4/2023

Public planning process to help shape the site's future. 12/6/2023

CANCELLED - 10/30/2023 BPDA Meeting

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Boston Planing & Development Agency Calendar & Events

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Core Investment's OTD PDA Master Plan receives BPDA approval

The BPDA Board of Directors approved the project at 118 B Street

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority land in South Boston proposals.

South Boston Development News: Greyhound Bus Site Trades for $23.5M

Cypher & E Streets Improvement Project starts September 5th.

Mayor Wu bans fossil fuels from new municipal buildings and major renovations

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority scrapped a previous bidding process in April amid community concerns and opposition from elected officials

Sign the petition to support affordable housing on D Street

South Boston Sewer Separation work

BWSC - Boston Main Interceptor Rehabilitation Project

Recap Of Neighborhood Meeting Fort Point Neighborhood Association and St Vincent’s Lower End Neighborhood Association
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6 Elkins St. IAG Meet 10/2/2023 - Public Meet 10/10/2023

27 Farragut Road

115-121 Boston Street

118 B Street

147 W. 4th Street

232 A St. IAG Meeting 9/5/2023

235 Old Colony Ave (Washington Village) - Construction Phase

244-284 A St. BPDA approved 10/13/2022

267 Old Colony Ave (Trimount Place) Under construction.

270 Dot Ave - NPC to rentals. 9/19/2023

295 West 1st Street

300 West First Street

475-511 Dot. Ave. OTD - IAG Meeting 10/2/2023

617 Dot. Ave.

776 Summer St. (Edison) - Demo / Construction phase

Cypher & E Streets Improvement Project starts September 5th.

Mary Ellen McCormack - Public Meet 10/11/23 - Comments Open

Massport D&E Street
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Newsletter - Supporting our Veterans and First Responders, Roslindale Parade and More!

State Senator, First Suffolk District Nick Collins - 2023 Legislative Update

Two of Kickoff For Kids biggest fans / supporters! Senator Nick Collins & Representative David Biele enjoying a beautiful day at the K4K opener @ Evans Field.

Erin Murphy & Friends @ Joe Moakley Park. Read what people have to say about Erin

Primary Election 9/12/2023 numbers

TEAMSTER ENDORSED CANDIDATES IN BOSTON Proud to endorse @EdforBoston @Ruthzee @ErinforBoston @Bridget4Boston_ and John Fitzgerald for Boston City Council on Tuesday!

The Preliminary Municipal Election and early voting will ONLY take place in City Council Districts 3, 5, 6, and 7. Early voting will take place Saturday, Sept. 2, through Friday, Sept. 8.

Enrique Pepén for City Council in District 5 The 26-year-old former aide to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has made a convincing case for why he should replace the incumbent, Ricardo Arroyo.

The City of Boston Primary Election is Tuesday, September 12th. The Preliminary Municipal Election and early voting will ONLY take place in City Council Districts 3, 5, 6, and 7.

As the incidence of violent crimes escalate, let's look at the City Council vote on the FY2024 Operating Budget - Docket #0760 Who voted to defund the Boston Police Department operating budget.

The mayor of Boston says she is excited to endorse Enrique Pepén over embattled City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, whom she has supported in previous elections.

Bridget Nee-Walsh for Boston City Council At-Large

Boston’s four major first responder unions announced their support Thursday for City Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy’s candidacy for a second term.

Vote - Mail-in

Voter Registration

The dynamic in the race for Boston City Council District 5 is simple: Ricardo Arroyo, a progressive incumbent hounded by controversy over the last year, is battling for a third term against three challengers attempting to unseat him.

Councilor Sharon Durkan was elected to the Boston City Council for District 8 in the special municipal election on July 25, 2023. She was sworn in on August 7, 2023

“An Anti-Bullying Policy should have been implemented decades ago, and I intend to do so before my term as Boston City Council President concludes,”said Council President Flynn.

Lawyer for Councilor Kendra Lara moves to dismiss charges in JP crash

City Councilor Erin Murphy has filed a hearing order to look into whether street cleaning equipment used in the area of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue is spreading infectious diseases to other parts of Boston.

Today's the day! I will be sworn in by City Council President Ed Flynn in a private ceremony this afternoon, so that I'm seated for Wednesday's Council meeting. So excited to get to work! Please Save the Date for the Oath of Office Ceremony & Community Cel

It’s a clown show’: Boston city councilors make reelection push after chaotic term Three embattled progressive councilors face challengers in Sept. 12 contest

It was an honor to participate in the New England Culinary Arts Training graduation ceremony at the Suffolk County House of Corrections “Behind the Walls” graduation ceremony

CONGRESSMAN STEPHEN LYNCH ENDORSES ERIN MURPHY FOR BOSTON CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE

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The unanimous ruling from the four commissioners allows Lara to move forward with her candidacy for District 6 councilor.

Boston City Council have dealt with a variety of controversies.

The Greater Boston Labor Council is proud to endorse the following candidates for municipal office, updated July 2023

There was a time not too long ago when politicians embroiled in scandals put constituents before career and resigned from their posts.

Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson admits to ethics violations - Fined $5,000

Mayor backs candidate for Boston City Council though he’s never once voted

A look at 8 running for 4 at-large seats

Councilor Lara Issues Statement

Rent Control Bill In Boston

Arroyo to pay $3,000 State Ethics Comm. fine.

Councilor Lara to three other Councilors on that South Boston apartment: Shame

Police & Veterans cuts were not my fault says City Councilor in charge of budget

City Council passes $4.2 billion operating budget that would cut BPD by $31 million

BPDBS Seeks Support In Opposition To Proposed FY2024 Budget Cuts

Unions & former District 3 Councilor throw support to Fitzgerald

Councilor Murphy files a hearing order to get answers rerarding a former DCF social worker - Shelby Hewitt interactions at BPS




Update from State Senator Nick Collins


Mass. State Representative David Biele


Update from Mayor Michelle Wu


City Council President Ed Flynn


City Councilor Michael Flaherty


City Councilor, At-Large Erin Murphy


City Councilor Frank Baker


City Councilor, At-Large Ruthzee Louijeune


City Councilor, At-Large Julia Mejia


Mayor's 'ONS' - So. Boston Liaison - Anna White
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Top 10 Safest Neighborhoods To Live in Boston (2023)

Mayor Wu breaks down new plan to end 'Mass & Cass' crisis in Boston

Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was mugged as she stopped near Atkinson Street Saturday night to observe the conditions at a tent encampment in the area known as Mass. and Cass

‘This is crazy!’: AMC South Bay evacuated after large disturbance involving juveniles

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Boston Police from across the city as well as outside agencies once again responding to South Bay for large groups of youth fighting and attacking officers. Several have once again been arrested. 8/27/2023

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu plans to issue an ordinance by the end of the month that will ban encampments of unhoused people at Mass. & Cass

Breaking + Entering on East Broadway in Southie – Do you recognize this person?

South Bay Mall Public Safety Concerns (Boston Herald)

According to Boston police, on Wednesday, August 16, officers were on patrol in the area of District Avenue in the South Bay Mall area, when they were approached by a victim who was just attacked by a group of juveniles.

Boston Police were called to the city’s Public Works central facility on Frontage Road after a grim discovery was made during routine trash collection on Monday morning

Two people were found dead in South Boston Wednesday afternoon, police said, but it wasn't immediately clear if the deaths were believed to be suspicious. The bodies on Patterson Way near Rev Burke Street were reported about 1:30 p.m., Boston police said.

Male in his late 20’s stabbed multiple times inside the roundhouse. Homicide on the way.

An accidental drug overdose killed the transgender person who died at a South Boston apartment complex where four children were removed in June, the state medical examiner’s office said. The cause of death was determined to be “acute intoxication due to t

Boston Acting Mayor Ed Flynn tours Mass and Cass: ‘It was worse than I expected’

Details about the death investigation underway at 400 Frontage Road, the Boston Public Works' Central Maintenance Facility, weren't immediately available beyond that police were called about 10:10 a.m., according to the Boston Police Department.

A late-night MBTA red line assault on Thursday left a Dorchester woman with injuries

Boston Police Officers Arrest 17-year-old Juvenile and Recover Loaded Firearm in the area of Flaherty Way in South Boston.

Loved ones of Jazreanna Sheppard, South Boston woman stabbed near Common, seek justice and support from the community

Lawmakers demand warrant sweep in Mass and Cass encampment

“We have recently learned that catch basins in the area known as Mass & Cass dump right out into Boston Harbor via the Fort Point Channel without any filtration,”

Six teenage boys were arrested in South Boston around 7 p.m. on Monday, July 31, after they assaulted several police officers, according to the Boston Police Department .

District Attorney's Office is investigating the death of a man inside a South Boston housing complex

Brutal Stabbing Near Southampton Street Shelter Raises More Concerns and Urges City Action

Officers Arrest Suspect On Firearm And Drug Trafficking Charges In The Area Of Southampton Street

‘Ticking time bomb’: BFD union president calls for immediate action at Mass & Cass

Shelby Hewitt back in court.

Mosquito pool in South Boston tested positive for West Nile Virus

Nighttime Shooting Incident Reported at Orton Marotta Way, So. Boston

Gun Recovered 7/17/2023

MBTA Andrew Station: Man beaten

Beach Warnings

Fatal overdoses increasing in Boston

BPHC RFI

Boston Police spokeswoman said, “No officers were ordered to work 24 hours.”

Suspect arrested after allegedly assaulting Boston police officer, state police lieutenant near Mass. and Cass

Police Seek South Boston Man - Murder Charges

Substance & Syringe Found At So. Boston Playground

Former dog trainer Tyler Falconer pleads not guilty to animal cruelty charges

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Security Cameras To Be Installed At Eversource Substation Location
Coucilors Frank Baker - Ed Flynn - Michael Flaherty filed Docket #1106 and supported the motion to unanimous approval of the Council Vote.
"Docket 1106 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Nineteen Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-One Dollars and Eighty Cents ($19,691.80) in the form of a grant for the Eversource Agreement, awarded by the Donor Group to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund the purchase and installation of security cameras in the vicinity of the Andrew Square Substation"
Link to Council Meeting recorded minutes as it applies to the aforementioned docket: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wSnNiOpFT9ReRDOXjPU1Fs1T9LMFaBHH/view?usp=sharing
Mayors filing here


A proposal to explore converting a decommissioned cruise ship into a floating recovery treatment hospital is grabbing attention in the continuing conversation around Mass and Cass.The idea was discussed during Tuesday night’s monthly meeting of the South End-Newmarket-Roxbury Working Group on Addiction, Recovery, and Homelessness.State Senator Nick Collins made the proposal that has already been approved by fellow senators as an amendment to their fiscal 2024 budget.The Boston Democrat discussed how he believes it could help the crisis on the Mass and Cass corridor.

"Fire officials said one person lived in the home, and they were able to escape safely. A firefighter was taken to a local hospital with a hand injury. Story here"
South Boston Beat exists to bring awareness and shed light on areas of development, and events in the community. We believe that the community voice needs to be heard in all aspects of city planning. It is our hope that with the dissemination of information, informed residents will become involved.We encourage neighborhood improvement and embrace well planned development; the likes of which contribute positively to the vitality, and betterment of the community. Development that preserves the historic character of our neighborhood, protects our remaining open space, and enhances the viability of our residential and commercial corridors is paramount.Our hopes are for long-term quality residency, whether it be in the residential or commercial sectors. That our community be vibrant, resilient, and sustainable, having great places to live, work, and play.

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

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

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




