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Mayor Wu and Boston’s Age Strong Commission are conducting in-person Property Tax Application Assistance Clinics to help residents aged 60 and above access various financial resources and savings until the end of March. Clinics will be held across the city, offering assistance with property tax exemptions, fuel assistance, SNAP, and more, aimed at supporting the financial well-being of older adults in Boston.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has issued a cold weather advisory as wind chills are expected to plummet to zero or below, urging residents to take precautions against hypothermia and frostbite. The city is opening community centers and shelters to assist those in need during this extreme weather. Residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable populations and report individuals in distress to emergency services.
In 2024, Boston's Office of Historic Preservation achieved significant milestones in historic preservation, including landmarking 12 structures and processing over 1,110 design review applications. Key projects involved the Archaeology Team's research on Boston's historical narratives, including the Battle of Bunker Hill and mapping slavery in the city. The efforts reflect a commitment to affordable housing and environmental stewardship while preserving Boston's unique cultural heritage.
Approximately 330 primary care physicians at Mass General Brigham are seeking to unionize with the Doctors Council of the Service Employees International Union due to concerns over staffing, workloads, and compensation. The Boston City Council is urging MGB to recognize the union and engage in negotiations to improve working conditions and patient care outcomes.
The upcoming event in Boston on February 14, 2025, will celebrate Black History by honoring both the legacy of influential figures and future leaders, including Ruthzee Louijeune. This event aims to highlight the contributions of African Americans and Caribbean people to the culture and history of the United States, fostering community engagement and awareness.
Boston's recent resolutions aim to enhance transportation, support small businesses, improve constituent services, and tackle the housing affordability crisis. The initiatives include a proposed electric shuttle bus program, Small Business Trust Cooperatives, modern CRM software for better service delivery, and a Community Preference Policy for affordable housing. These measures seek to promote economic growth, equity, and community engagement in Boston.
Boston's Planning Department has approved the first Squares + Streets Small Area Plan for Roslindale Square, aiming to enhance housing diversity and community connectivity. The development projects will create 226 residential units, including 91 income-restricted units, while supporting local jobs and stimulating economic growth in the area.
The Boston Licensing Board has granted 37 new liquor licenses to various establishments across the city, marking a significant boost to local businesses and economic growth. Mayor Michelle Wu expressed gratitude for the community's support and highlighted the potential for these licenses to enhance neighborhood vitality. This approval follows the recent legislation signed by Governor Maura Healey, which allows for a total of 225 new liquor licenses in Boston.
The Historic Burying Grounds Initiative's latest post delves into the meticulous mapping and research efforts to document the history of Bennington Street Cemetery. Through collaboration and innovative techniques, the team is working to create a comprehensive map that preserves the cemetery's legacy, addressing challenges posed by deteriorating gravestones.
Mayor Michelle Wu, alongside the Downtown Business Alliance and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, announced a new initiative aimed at revitalizing Downtown Boston by transforming vacant spaces into affordable cultural venues. This effort includes a Request for Information (RFI) to gather proposals from creative professionals and property owners, with an investment of $200,000 earmarked for pilot initiatives that support the creative economy. The initiative aims to enhance community engagement, boost economic activity, and foster a vibrant cultural ecosystem in the heart of Boston.