Counting Down To 2022: Festivities Start At Noon Friday

Start your countdown to 2022 with an Ice Sculpture Stroll along the waterfront, First Night activities inland and fireworks on the Common at 7pm followed by fireworks over the Harbor at midnight. 

New Year's Eve Ice Sculpture Stroll Boston Harbor Now's signature Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll is back! Get ready to count down to 2022 with over TWO DOZEN ice sculptures (a new record!) hosted by businesses and cultural sites across the waterfront. Join the Boston Fire Museum, Boston Pilots, Massport Fire Rescue, Mass State Police and US Coast Guard for a Touch-A-Truck experience from 12pm - 4pm outside the Envoy Hotel.  Don your winter boots and start strolling during this FREE, fun, and safe waterfront excursion. A lineup of over two dozen unique ice sculptures will be on display from 1:00pm – dusk on December 31, 2021. View Interactive Map

Ice sculptures are located close to transit stations across all major subway lines.  Visit Courthouse (Silver Line), Aquarium (Blue Line), Maverick (Blue Line), Haymarket (Green / Orange Lines) or South Station (Red Line) for a short walk to ice sculptures and the Boston Harborwalk. Check out the MBTA website for service information.  Visit the Boston Harbor Now event page for all the information on covid safety guidelines. Since 1975, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the season, and the beginning of a new year. In keeping with this fantastic Boston tradition, the First Night celebration will open 2022 with an array of performances. Bundle up. All indoor programming directly maintained by First Night has been moved outdoors this year. Per the City’s indoor masking mandate, masks will be required for indoor concerts at partner churches, and are recommended when in large crowds outdoors. It is also strongly recommended that attendees are vaccinated.   Performances start Friday, December 31, 2021 at noon. View full schedule. The Whittier St. Health Center will run a mobile vaccination and booster clinic from 12:00pm - 7:00pm. on Copley Square (near the Bostix booth) and will be open to all members of the public who are eligible, including children. Following that, BPHC will be providing vaccinations and boosters from 7:00pm  -11:00pm in the Boston Public Library for people ages 12+.  First Night will include a family fireworks show at the Boston Common at 7:00 pm.  FOCCP Brings Midnight New Year's Eve Fireworks to Boston Harbor! The Friends of Christopher Columbus Park led the effort to bring back the nearly 40-year tradition of Midnight New Year's Eve fireworks to the Boston Harbor, which is possible because of the generous support from local businesses, waterfront organizations, and the City of Boston. Public viewing is free and available along the Harborwalk at Fan Pier, Christopher Columbus Park, and the East Boston waterfront. A lineup of more than a dozen unique ice sculptures will be on display from 1:00pm – dusk on December 31, 2021. Keep your eyes open for a whimsical "Snow Ball Fight" on the Harborwalk along Columbus Park.  More details.

MassDOT Neighborhood Capital Transformation Year End Review

The Red Line Transformation (RLT) team recently completed the installation of the Red Line Test Track and Vehicle testing Facility. Additional upgrades to Red Line signals and to the Cabot Yard and Vehicle Maintenance Facility will continue into 2022 and will ultimately result in increased safety, reliability, and capacity for Red Line riders.

Red Line Test Track Project 100% Complete, Check out the video.

• The new Red Line vehicle testing facility is now complete. The new facility is the final part of the Red Line Test Track project.
• With the Red Line Test Track project complete, new Red Line vehicles can be delivered, tested, and commissioned more quickly and efficiently.

The Red Line Test Track project included three improvements:

• Replacing freight tracks with Red Line-compatible tracks and a third rail
• Installing a new mobile traction power substation with improved data connectivity
• Constructing a new vehicle testing facility

The new test track was built next to Cabot Yard (near Broadway station), allowing easy access for vehicle deliveries.

The test track connects to the vehicle testing facility, where crews will commission the new Red Line vehicles built in Springfield, MA.

With these projects complete, the new vehicles will be tested in a dedicated space without interfering with regular maintenance or competing for access on the mainline with regular service.

Red Line Capital Investment Project Overview: The Red Line fleet will be entirely replaced with modern, more efficient, more spacious vehicles by 2024.

 Contract awarded: 2014
 Projected completion: 2024
 Budget: $1 billion (total value for Red Line and Orange Line new vehicles)
 Status: One new train added to the fleet; more in production

Stay Healthy: Free Covid 19 At-Home Rapid Test Kits

With COVID-19 cases once again on the rise among Boston residents, at-home rapid tests are an important strategy to protect friends and family from exposure and help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Starting today, the Boston Public Health Commission is pleased to offer free rapid at-home test kits at designated community sites across the city. Anyone who drops by a pickup site can take up to one kit (which includes two tests) for each member of their household per visit. Supplies are limited and BPHC is currently working to send additional kits to sites; in the meantime, residents are encouraged to call before stopping by a location.

In South Boston, you may pick up rapid at-home test kits at the Boston Public Library located at 646 East Broadway.

More information on the home test kits distribution timeline, pickup sites, and usage of the kits can be found here.

Community based organizations or service providers who work directly with communities or populations at heightened risk are encouraged to submit proposals for assistance in distributing test kits in the community. Supplies are limited and priority will be given to proposals that address race and place-based inequities in COVID-19 spread and testing access. More information can be found and proposals can be submitted here.

 

Please help spread the word about these kits and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Abeer Khatana at Boston Public Health Commission at akhatana@bphc.org or 401-218-7700.

ReelHouse Oyster Bar Seaport 12/20 (new date) Abutters Meeting

updated 12/15/21: The rescheduled date is Monday, December 20th at 6pm

The will be an Abutters Meeting for Reelhouse Oyster Bar located at 10 Waterside Drive (underneath the steps of the Fan Pier Pavilion on the Harborwalk*):

Monday, December 20, 2021 (originally 12/7**)
6:00 pm
Zoom Link:
https://princelobel.zoom.us/j/83473862327?pwd=Zmk1bmJuMFFLYXdmbnVFWWZFS1lXUT09
Meeting ID: 834 7386 2327; Passcode: 789709
Phone Access: (646) 558-8656

Reelhouse Oyster Bar is requesting a 7 day all alcohol license and an 1am closing indoors and outdoors. 

Premise consisting of +/- 1,857 SF: On ground floor in one main room with bar area, bar dining area, and chef bar. Kitchen, storage, and restrooms located to left of bar and dining areas. Main entrance located on end of pier with one additional entrance/exit to right of bar and dining area and one additional entrance/ exit located at rear off bar and dining area. Three annual outdoor patios consisting of +/- 1,058 SF located on private property (same hours) . Additionally, Applicant seeks to remove existing conditions on prior Licensee. Thomas Baird Ferguson, Manager. 

The public is welcome to attend.

* The Fan Pier Pavilion is a Facility of Public Accommodation (FPA) and is permitted under the MA Public Waterfront Act, Chapter 91. 

**Due to technical issues with the City's Webex platform, the original meeting on December 7th had to be postponed.

originally published 12.6.21

Boston City Council: 2021 Legislative Year Is Over

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, the Council held their last legislative Council meeting of the year. At the start of the meeting, the Council was joined by Mayor Wu, who presented outgoing Councilors Campbell, Essaibi-George, Janey and O’Malley with gifts and words of praise and gratitude for their commitment to the City of Boston.

After their regular order of business, each member of the Council expressed heartfelt remarks and good wishes to the departing Councilors and in turn the outgoing Councilors said their “good-byes” and shared stories of their time on the Body.

To view this week’s Council meeting and hear remarks click here. Starting January 3, 2022, the Council will be joined by four new members, who will take the oath of office and continue the work within the City. 

Sign Up to receive City of Boston newsletters directly to your inbox.  There are a variety of topics and departments. 

Toy Drive At BCEC This Weekend

 State Representative David Biele invites you to join him this weekend for a

DRIVE-THRU TOY DRIVE

Saturday, December 11, 2020 

Sunday, December 12, 2020

10 am - 1 pm

Unwrapped toys for ages 0 to 15 years old can be dropped off at Boston Civic and Exhibition Center (BCEC) loading dock. Enter via the South entrance off of Cypher Street. Containers will be on site for contactless drop-off. 

Donated toys will go to neighborhood children this holiday season.  

Looking for gift ideas? The South Boston MOMS Club, one of the participating community partners, put together a toy drive list (including board games, books, arts and crafts, planes, dinosaurs, dolls), which should give ideas. It is not an exhaustive list of items for children aged 0 to 15.  

If you are looking to buy locally, Porter Square Books carries a selection of children's books and young adult books. Porter Square Books is located within GrubStreet at 50 Liberty Dr. 

Any questions?  Email Neighbort2NeighborToyDrive@gmail.com. 

    

originally published 12.06.21

Fort Point Landmarks December 2021 Meeting

 updated 12/9/21 with available presentations

The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, December 9, 2021

6:00 PM

This hearing will be held virtually and NOT in person. 

You can participate in this hearing by going to the Zoom meeting link 

or by calling 929-205-6099 and entering meeting id  845 0423 1578# 

You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 22.0422 FPC  343 CONGRESS STREET

Applicant: Maria Mercier

Proposed Work: Install new signage

APP # 22.0422 FPC 46 FARNSWORTH STREET

Applicant: Sergio Guzman

Proposed Work: Install new signage on windows, install new blade sign

APP # 22.0547 FPC 321 SUMMER STREET

Applicant: Paul Feeney

Proposed Work: Replace existing two (2) rooftop condensing units in-kind.

APP # 22.0627 FPC 11 SLEEPER STREET

Applicant: Phillip Marcotty & phase 3 development

Proposed Work: Replace existing transformer and concrete pad.

APP # 22.0527 FPC 332 CONGRESS STREET

Applicant:: Donna Bennett

Proposed Work: Remove ornamental steel arch, add new detailing and lighting to recessed building entry. At the entry, remove existing tenant signage and replace with new at upper storefront bays. Replace awnings and backlit sign with transom windows. Replace entry doors.

APP # 22.0628 FPC 40 CHANNEL CENTER STREET

Applicant: Nicole Hathaway

Proposed Work: Install new roof deck and new rooftop equipment, extend fire escape to roof, install new transformer, install new storm water infiltration system, remove existing signage. See additional items under Administrative Review

II. Administrative Review/ Approval: In order to expedite the review process, the commission has delegated the approval of certain work items, such as those involving ordinary maintenance and repair, restoration or replacement, or which otherwise have a minimal impact on a building's appearance, to commission staff pending ratification at its monthly public hearing. Having been identified as meeting these eligibility criteria and all applicable guidelines, the following applications will be approved at this hearing. 

APP # 22.0628 FPC 40 CHANNEL CENTER STREET

Proposed Work: Replace existing roof, refinish wood storefront and minor restoration at stairs at A Street entry, renovate elevator exterior entrance. See additional items under Design Review

III. Ratification of 10/14/2021 Public Hearing Minutes

IV. Staff Updates

V. Projected Adjournment: 8:30PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy

Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

Please note no November meeting due to a scheduling conflict. 

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" Filming At Lucky's

Dear Neighbor, 

We want to thank you in advance for your support of the Film and Television Industry in Massachusetts, your community has been welcoming in the past and that is appreciated! Anthem Films will be filming in your neighborhood, scenes for its new feature film “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, a biopic based on Whitney Houston’s life. 

Filming is now scheduled to take place at Lucky’s Lounge, 355 Congress St, on Monday, December 6th, 2021, approx. from 7 pm to 12 am.

We will be filming the main entrance to Lucky’s and on the road directly in front, While filming, we will do intermittent traffic control on the street and sidewalks during takes, no more than 3-4 minutes at a time. 

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE “NO PARKING” SIGNS THAT ARE POSTED ALONG STREETS & CORRESPONDING TIMES: 

Parking Restrictions: 

Congress St near intersection with A St (12/5 to 12/7) 
A St btw Congress St & Summer St (12/6)
Melcher St btw A St & Necco St (12/6)*

*Filming on Melcher St has been canceled. 

We will have all required permits from the City of Boston for our activities as well as Boston Police Department staff on hand to assist with traffic control and safety. 

If you have any questions or concerns (deliveries, construction, etc.) please feel free to email us at iwdws2021@gmail.com or call us at 617-798-0157 (leaving your name and contact info).

On behalf of the crew we would like to thank you for your consideration as we look forward to filming in your neighborhood. 

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” Locations Dept

Holiday Safety Tips for the Delivery of Packages

 Holiday Safety Tips for the Delivery of Packages
from our Community Service Officers at Boston Police Department C-6

During the holiday season, the Boston Police Department advises residents to be aware of delivery packages being stolen from homes. With the holidays quickly approaching, we want to take this time to remind our residents to protect themselves from being targeted.

Tips to protect yourself from home delivery theft:

‣ Send the package to the residence of a trusted friend or relative who you know will be home. Be sure that the friend is ready and waiting to retrieve the package when the doorbell rings.

‣ Ask the package delivery company to hold the package if you will not be home (many have local delivery centers). While we can't promise that this service is available, there are companies that will hold a package for up to 5 days.

‣ Request that your package be marked "signature required." This requires the delivery person to stand by and wait until you're available to retrieve the package. You could also put a note on your door, requesting the deliverer go to your next-door neighbor for the signature.

‣ Leave special instructions on where to deliver the package. A good place is on the side or back of the house so that the package is out of sight from the road. Ask the delivery person to take and discard the note with him/her or leave it with the package.

‣ Use a company that provides a tracking service and check online to see when your package is scheduled to arrive.

‣ Have the items shipped to the nearest store for "in-store pick-up."

‣ If you have an understanding boss, have your packages delivered to you at work.

‣ If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Community Service Officers of your district. 

These simple tips that can help make the holidays much less stressful and protect your deliveries. 

Have a safe and happy holiday!!!