Grant AME Church continues journey of compassion a year later
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T H U R S D AY, M arch 1 8 , 2 0 2 1
Published every Thursday Serving Back Bay - South End - Fenway - Kenmore
RIBBON OF REMEMBRANCE:
Grant AME Church
continues journey of
compassion a year later
By Seth Daniel members and the community
at-large.
The first COVID memori- First there were a hundred or
al ribbons at the Grant AME so.
Church in the South End were Then they hit several thou-
assembled last April in apart- sand.
ments and the basement of the Now, there are more than
church – an ambitious project 18,000 ribbons wrapped four or
coming from Pastor Pedro Cas- five times around the church in
tro that no one could have imag- an L-shape – including 16,645
ined would eventually, and sadly, ribbons that represent those that
almost envelop the church a year passed away from COVID in
later. Massachusetts. Neighbors stand in and around the bus shelter at Jersey and Queensbury streets to protest the suspension of
The colorful ribbons denote “This isn’t something we the #55 bus route.
all of the official deaths from
COVID-19 that occurred in the
played catch-up on,” said Cas-
tro. “This has been a journey Bok, Fenwickians protest suspension of the #55 bus
state, as well as several thousand By Lauren Bennett suspended on the line. a press release from Bok’s office.
prayer requests from church (Grant AME Church, Pg. 5) “The Councilor, residents, “This decision by the Gover-
City Councilor Kenzie Bok and neighborhood groups are nor and the MBTA is harmful
and residents gathered at the demanding that the MBTA rein- to residents, especially seniors,
MBTA #55 bus stop at Jersey St. state the bus line in time for the those with mobility challenges,
and Queensbury streets on Sun- summer schedule,” according to
day, the first day that service was (#55 Bus Pg. 6)
Baker announces rest of schedule for vaccine rollout;
all residents 16 and older will be eligible on April 19
By Lauren Bennett that’s created by this process can December that said the general
be stressful for many people, and population would be eligible to
Governor Charlie Baker on we hope that this clarity will help receive the vaccine by the end of
Wednesday announced a time- everybody plan ahead and know April or beginning of May.
line for remaining residents to get what to expect when,’ Baker said. On March 22, all residents age
vaccinated, with the general pub- He said that the state “remains 60 and older and “certain work-
lic becoming eligible on April 19. on track to meet those origi- ers,” such as restaurant work-
“We all know that the anxiety nal milestones” announced in
(Vaccinations Pg. 2)
Officials provide information to BFSNA on Shattuck
Hospital’s planned move to East Newton Pavilion
By Dan Murphy for the Lemuel Shattuck Hos- second quarter of 2024, said
pital, a 260-bed medical/surgi- Doyle, “with construction right
State officials were on hand cal and psychiatric hospital in up to that date to coordinate the
for the Blackstone/Franklin Jamaica Plain that is run in con- Herculean task of moving from
Square Neighborhood Associa- junction with the state’s Depart- Jamaica Plain.”
tion’s March 16 meeting to pro- ment of Public Health and Construction on the South
vide information on Shattuck Department of Correction and End facility is expected to take
Hospital’s upcoming move to the serves many patients who experi- two and a half years to complete,
East Newton Pavilion. encing substance use disorder or Doyle added, and to kick off in
Department of Public Health homelessness, is being relocated July with demolition work.
More than three lines of ribbons adorn the church in an L-shape. Undersecretary Lauren Peters to 88 East Newton St. Most of the construction will
There are more than 16,645 ribbons to denote those that have died in and Assistant Commissioner The new South End hospi-
Massachusetts from the virus, and thousands more that represent prayer Frank Doyle said the operation tal is expected to open in the
requests from the church and the community. (BFSNA, Pg. 4)
PA G E 2 THE BOSTON SUN March 18, 2021
editorial
THE FILIBUSTER MUST END
The pros and cons of maintaining the filibuster in the U.S. Senate
have reached the forefront of political discussion as never before --
and with good reason. Whether one believes that the filibuster pro-
tects the minority from the so-called tyranny of the majority or pro-
vides a means for the minority to obstruct the majority, the filibuster
clearly is anti-democratic.
The filibuster is not part of our Constitution. It simply is a Senate
rule upon which the Senate has carved out exceptions over the years,
most notably for Presidential nominations and budget matters. The
latter is referred to as reconciliation, which is how President Biden’s
$1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill was enacted by a simple majority,
as was the Republicans’ $2 trillion tax cut for the ultra-rich in 2017.
The rule allowing a filibuster may have made sense in the early
1800s when the U.S. was not divided between two parties. Political
coalitions were much more fluid in the early days of our nation and
compromise was common among senators.
However, after the Civil War, the battle lines were drawn between
Democrats and the newly-formed Republican party (which only had
come into existence in 1854), principally on the issue of race -- with
Guest Op-Ed
the Democrats from the Solid South coalescing around the issue of
segregation. Scraps of normalcy from before the pandemic
The so-called Dixiecrats -- embodied by Senator Strom Thurmond
the receipt for our meal as I was included interaction with family
of South Carolina -- used the filibuster from the 1940s through the By James Dilday, president, Alexandra Ball
1960s in an attempt to stymie Civil Rights legislation, especially the Neighborhood Association preparing my taxes and realized and friends. Hopefully with the
Voting Rights Act. that I had not seen her in over vaccine being administered and
I texted a woman last week a year. The strange thing is that smart compliance with the rules
Though the racist efforts of Thurmond and others ultimately failed
about the shutdown. We had we have adjusted to living a dif- of wearing face masks and main-
(only because the Senate obtained a 2/3 majority to end filibusters on
been to a BPDA meeting for ferent type of life style over the taining social distance, we as a
those issues), the filibuster likely will be employed by Senate Repub-
licans to obstruct voting reform measures that are necessary today.
the Roxbury Strategic Master last year. No public meetings, no country can beat this virus.
The national Republican playbook to limit voting among non- Plan Oversight Committee at restaurant dinners, no birthday
white citizens once again is surging. Republican state legislators have the school department building celebrations with family and the James Dilday is the President
filed more than 200 bills that would restrict voting in the coming on March 2, 2020 and went out like. Only a sense of seclusion of the Alexandra Ball Neighbor-
elections in their states. to eat afterwards. I ran across from our normal life style which hood Association.
The very foundation of our democracy rests on the right of every
citizen to vote. Legislation presently before Congress would ensure Vaccinations (from pg. 1)
that voting rights are not abridged in any state. However, thanks to
the arcane filibuster rule, the passage of a new Voting Rights Act faces ers, grocery and convenience nation sites “have the ability to federal government means we
little chance of success in the Senate. store workers, transportation administer far more doses than will be able to move faster to
The truth is this: The anti-democratic state efforts to limit voting workers, public works employ- we’re actually receiving.” get doses to our residents, and
rights most likely will be allowed to proceed because of the anti-dem- ees, and others, will be eligible. For this coming week, Massa- this is long overdue and wel-
ocratic filibuster rule in the U.S. Senate -- and unless the Democratic For the full list of eligible work- chusetts will be receiving about come. We’re all eager to get back
majority in the Senate takes steps to abolish the filibuster rule, the ers, visit mass.gov/info-details/ 170,000 first doses, including to something like normal and
United States will have a democracy in name only. covid-19-vaccinations-for-cer- 8,000 “unanticipated” doses of see our friends and loved ones
tain-workers. the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, again.”
Baker said.
MARVELOUS MARVIN WAS A GREAT On April 5, residents age 55
and older and those with “one He said that the large number
He added that the “vaccines
can’t come fast enough,” but
FIGHTER AND A GREAT PERSON certain medical condition” will of hospitals and health centers
across the state that have been
people still need to take all of the
be eligible, and on April 19, the precautions that they have been,
The boxing world lost one of its all-time greats with the sudden general public aged 16 and older working to administer the vac- such as mask wearing, avoiding
passing of Marvelous Marvin Hagler this past week. will be eligible. cine is a huge reason why Massa- large gatherings, and washing
Hagler, a native of Newark who moved to Brockton as a teenag- Baker said that the state is chusetts is a leader in the nation hands, as “COVID is still very
er, reigned as the undisputed middleweight boxing champion of the “taking an additional step” to on vaccine distribution. The state much with us,” Baker said.
world for seven years in the 1980s and is acknowledged as one of the “prioritize” those 60 and older remains in the “top 10 among Baker also said that all res-
greatest fighters of all time. His bout with Thomas Hearns, which and then those 55 and older all 50 states for vaccines being idents can now preregister
lasted about eight minutes, is regarded as the greatest three rounds in because there is a “very strong administered,” Baker said. for their vaccine at mass.gov/
boxing history. and important correlation “Having so many sites across COVIDvaccine. While the tool
We were fortunate to see one of Hagler’s title fights when we cov- between COVID and age.” Massachusetts ensures that is currently only for the state’s
ered his title defense for The Chelsea Record against Vito “The Mos- He said that “we believe add- everybody will have access to seven mass vaccination sites,
quito” Antuofermo in the old Boston Garden in June, 1981 (we were ing these groups by age will help a vaccine when it’s their turn,” Baker said that more sites are
stunned when we realized how long ago that fight was!). us vaccinate more of our most Baker said. “The news about the expected to be added in April.
We also had the pleasure of running into the champ after he had vulnerable population faster.” arrival of more vaccine from the
retired in an elevator in Boston at One Devonshire Place in the late Though everyone over the age
THE BOSTON SUN
1980s. We only exchanged pleasantries, but Hagler’s innate humility, of 16 will be eligible by April
graciousness, and sense of humor were apparent in our brief encoun- 19, the governor said that it
ter. could “still take several weeks”
Marvelous Marvin Hagler overcame his hard-scrabble back- for enough vaccine to arrive for
ground with an unparalleled sense of determination and hard work everyone, as appointments are President/Editor: Stephen Quigley
to become a world champion. His attainment of the pinnacle of his dependent on the federal supply Marketing Director: Debra DiGregorio (deb@thebostonsun.com)
profession serves as a model for success in life in any endeavor. of the vaccine. Art Directors: Kane DiMasso-Scott, Scott Yates
Reporters: Seth Daniel, seth@reverejournal.com
Marvelous Marvin Hagler was a great fighter and a great person. He said that the state’s vacci- Lauren Bennett, lauren@thebostonsun.com
He will be missed.
March 18, 2021 THE BOSTON SUN PA G E 3
Hynes Convention Center opens as mass vax site March 18
Back Bay site to “We are humbled to have
been given the opportunity to
tion. Plus — by sheer virtue of its
size — it offers the ability to scale
(MCCA). “We are excited to now
partner with the Commonwealth
on Monday, March 22. The Pfiz-
er vaccine will be administered
administer nearly help Massachusetts become a vaccination delivery by more and CIC Health to use the Hynes at this site, but that may change
leader in vaccine rollout. We than seven times that of Fenway. Convention Center as a mass vac- later depending on the vaccine
9,000 shots per day are beginning to see the light at CIC Health is incredibly grate- cination site to meet this critical supply the State receives. The soft
Staff Report the end of the tunnel,” said Tim ful for its instrumental partner- public health need as we make launch kicks off with capacity for
Rowe, CEO and co-founder ship with the Boston Red Sox, the transition from treating, to 500 daily appointments, ramping
The Fenway Park mass vacci- of CIC Health. “In collabora- which will have enabled more defeating, the coronavirus.” up to 1,000 the following week
nation site will transition from tion with the Commonwealth, than 55,000 vaccinations by In addition to collaborating and, ultimately, to nearly 9,000.
the old ballfield this week to the the Massachusetts Convention March 27, the final day of vac- with the MCCA, CIC Health Beginning Monday, March 22,
Hynes Convention Center, open- Center Authority, Mass Gener- cine operations at Fenway. has partnered with Mass Gen- the site will be open from 9 a.m.-
ing on March 18, and scaling up al Brigham, Boston Properties, CIC Health is one of the larg- eral Brigham to provide expert 5 p.m., seven days a week, with
to be the largest mass vax site in and multiple health care delivery est operators of COVID-19 test- medical oversight, Cataldo plans to extend weekday hours
the state. partners, we are excited to once ing services in New England, and Ambulance to support prepara- shortly thereafter.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced again expand the State’s capaci- the largest operator of vaccine tion and administration of the Eligibility for vaccination
earlier this month that the Com- ty for safe and accessible vacci- delivery services in Massachu- vaccine, DMSE Sports for on-site appointments will continue
monwealth would open a mass nations with the addition of the setts. The company applied les- vaccine operations and logistics to follow the State’s timeline
vaccination site on March 18 Hynes Convention Center site.” sons learned in the testing realm management, and PWN Health at mass.gov/info-details/mas-
at the Hynes Convention Cen- Per the Commonwealth’s — where it is known for easy for remote customer support. sachusetts-covid-19-vaccina-
ter under the operation of CIC decision, CIC Health will transi- online scheduling, no lines, and CIC Health is also grateful for tion-phases. Eligible individuals
Health. After the administration tion operations from its Fenway quick results turnaround — to the support of Boston Properties, can preregister for appointments
of more than 260,000 vaccines Park mass vaccination site to the vaccine administration. which will offer up to two hours using the State’s new system
at CIC Health’s Gillette Stadium, Hynes Convention Center this “During the darkest days of the of free parking in the Prudential at mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.
Fenway Park, and Reggie Lewis week in the hopes of scaling up pandemic, the Boston Convention Center Garage for vaccination Individuals without internet
Center mass vaccination sites (as to nearly 9,000 shots adminis- and Exhibition Center was home appointments. access or who cannot navigate
of March 15), the State asked tered per day. Less than a mile to the Boston Hope Field Hospi- Vaccinations at the Hynes the online system may call 211
the Cambridge-based health tech from the ballpark, the Hynes tal,” said David Gibbons, execu- Convention Center begin with a to preregister by phone. To learn
company to transition opera- is centrally located and easily tive director of the Massachusetts soft launch on Thursday, March more, visit cic-health.com/vac-
tions from Fenway to the Hynes. accessible by public transporta- Convention Center Authority 18, followed by the official launch cines.
Weekly COVID-19 positive test rate sees 4.75 percent decrease in the Back Bay
By John Lynds eral government. con Hill,North End, West End from 2,823 cases to 2,898 cases coronavirus increased 1.95 per-
While Walsh said there are and Downtown had an infec- as of last Friday. cent percent last week and went
Last week Back Bay’s cumula- many reasons to be hopeful the tion rate of 520 cases per 10,000 The statistics released by from 59,953 cases to 61,126
tive COVID-19 positive test rate city is still not out of the woods residents, up 2.65 percent from the BPHC as part of its weekly confirmed cases in a week.
remained the same and the week- yet. “Everyone has to stay 506.6 cases per 10,000 residents COVID19 report breaks down Twenty-seven additional Boston
ly positive test rate decreased focused so that we don’t slip reported two weeks ago. the number of cases and infec- residents died from the virus last
slightly. backward,” said Walsh. “That An additional 75 residents tion rates in each neighborhood. week and there are now 1,313
According to the latest data means: wearing a mask with a became infected with the virus It also breaks down the number total deaths in the city from
released by the Boston Public good fit, washing hands with last week and the total number of cases by age, gender and race. COVID.
Health Commission (BPHC) last soap and warm water, avoiding of cases in the area increased Citywide positive cases of
Friday, overall since the pandem- gatherings, and getting tested fre-
ic started 46,55 Back Bay, Bea- quently.”
con Hill, North End, West End
and Downtown residents have
The Mayor said that peo-
ple who have been vaccinated Virtual Public Workshop
should look at the CDC’s guid-
been tested for COVID-19 and
ance on activities they can do
the data shows that 6.2 percent
of those tested were COVID pos-
itive. This was the same percent-
safely, which is posted on CDC.
gov. PLAN: Nubian Square
As far as the St. Patrick’s Day
age reported by the BPHC two Monday, March 29 Zoom Link: bit.ly/P3Workshop2
holiday Walsh thanked the peo-
weeks ago. 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
ple of Boston for respecting pub-
However, last week 2,689 resi- Meeting ID: 160 056 3575
lic health guidance so far during
dents were tested and 2.0 percent the days leading up to the Irish Event Description
were positive--this was a 4.75 Holiday and said that the City Please join members of the PLAN: Nubian Square team on Mar. 29th from 6-7:45pm to discuss Parcel P3.
percentage decrease from the 2.1 didn’t have many reports of big During this workshop we will continue to review existing site conditions and surrounding development to
percent reported by the BPHC gatherings. guide the future RFP. For more information please visit bit.ly/PlanNubian.
two Fridays ago. “City departments were out Únase a los miembros del PLAN: equipo de Nubian Square el 29 de marzo de 2021 de 6 pm a 7:45 pm
Citywide, 27,597 residents enforcing safety protocols at para discutir el lote P3. Durante este taller,continuaremos revisando las condiciones existentes del sitio y
were tested and 3.6 percent were restaurants, and for the most los desarrollos circundantes para guiar la RFP en el futuro. Para obtener más información visite bit.ly/
COVID positive--this was the part, everyone was in compli- PlanNubian.
same positive test rate reported ance,” said Walsh. “No emergen- Tanpri rantre nan ekip la PLAN: Nubian Square sou Mas 29 6th nan 7:45 pm. Ekip Nubian Square la ap
by the BPHC two weeks ago. cy Licensing Board hearings were kontinye revize kondisyon sit ki deja egziste yo ak devlopman ki antoure yo pou gide RFP nan lavni.
At his daily press briefing needed this morning (Monday). Tanpri vizite: bit.ly/PlanNubian pou plis enfòmasyon.
Monday Mayor Martin Walsh We need everyone to keep it up
Contact:
said that Boston’s numbers have this coming week and weekend,
Kelly Sherman
stayed below the thresholds for too. As I said last week, having a Boston Planning & Development Agency
concern for several weeks. The party and potentially causing an One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201
number of people hospitalized outbreak, isn’t worth it. I thank 617.918.5493| kelly.sherman@boston.gov
continues to go down, people are everyone who continues to do
getting vaccinated every day and their part.” bostonplans.org @bostonplans
help is on the way from the Fed- The BPHC data released last
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
Friday showed Back Bay, Bea-
PA G E 4 THE BOSTON SUN March 18, 2021
BFSNA (from pg. 1)
take place inside the building numbers, since the cost to reno- fund, which currently has more To learn more about DeRosa
and its envelope will remain vate that facility is estimated at ‘Buy a Bite’ pilot program than $39,000 in its coffers. and his campaign, visit www.
unchanged, he said, although the $200 million, while it’s expected BFSNA Vice President Jona- Since its creation in the mid- darosaatlarge.org.
façade will be re-clad for “energy to cost around $400 million to than Alves and Elizabeth Bue- 2000s by the late Andrew Par- Dr. Robyn Riseberg was also
savings” in the spring of 2022. rehabilitate the existing Jamaica tel of the South End Business thum, the scholarship fund has on hand to provide information
Doyle apologized to neighbors Plain hospital, or $500 million to Alliance and AC Hotel Boston raised more than $180,000 to on Boston Community Pediat-
that the site has recently been build a new one on that site. Downtown discussed the BFSNA disperse $2,000 scholarships to rics, the new pediatrics practice
plagued with issues, including “Jamaica Plain facility is and SEBA’s new Buy-a-Bite pilot South End high school seniors she has opened in the BFSNA
inoperative lighting in an alley; beyond its life expectancy,” program. (or, funds permitting, to those district on Albany Street.
discarded syringes and trash; and Peters said of the building that The BFSNA has used chari- who are significantly involved in The operation has “grown
snow removal (or lack thereof), dates back to the 1950s. “We table funds to purchase $5,000 a South End community orga- exponentially” since opening on
as well as overgrown bushes have explored several options worth of gift cards from five nization), said Watson, to cover Nov. 16 with 150 patients, Dr.
abutting a ramp, and promised and found our optimal solution South End restaurants for dis- the costs of books, computers Riseberg said, and now treats
he would address them with in the South End.” tribution, they said, among 10 and fees not typically covered by around 550 patients.
DCAMM (Division of Capital The 13-acre Jamaica Plain South End retailers to give to financial aid. “We’re small, and we’re scrap-
Asset Management and Main- campus, meanwhile, would be customers as an incentive. The committee has also estab- py,” she said, “and we’re inter-
tenance), the state agency that redeveloped in accordance with Alves said the initiative would lished a $3,000 scholarship in ested in seeing all kids in the
manages the property. a “vision plan,” said Peters, have a “multiplier effect” by Parthum’s name, she added, “for neighborhood.”
“These issues haven’t been being developed by a Communi- simultaneously generating busi- outstanding community involve- Risberg offered her practice to
addressed to me satisfactorily, ty Advisory Board, with several ness for both participating retail- ment.” use for community vaccination
and especially not to neighbors,” South End residents serving as ers and restaurants in the neigh- Watson said she and Jenks are clinics “or anything else to sup-
he said. members. borhood. actively looking for new schol- port the neighborhood.”
Once the South End facility is “Maybe it could be a site for As for how participating arship committee members and For more information on Bos-
up and running, a maximum of recovery services,” she added. retailers distribute the gift cards, assured new recruits that the ton Community Pediatrics, visit
15 van transports carrying a total “The process is well underway, that’s entirely up to them, said commitment would be “not very www.bostoncommunitypediat-
of about 24 patients from the and we hope to issue a RFP later Buetel, but the BFSNA and SEBA onerous” and “really easy this rics.org.
Department of Correction, Doyle this year.” are asking them to track how year.” David Stone, BFSNA presi-
said, would arrive there each day. A Request for Proposals [RFP] they use the card to measure the New members, said Watson, dent, informed those in atten-
The vans would come along the for this project is expected to pilot’s success. “We’ve kind of would be charged with reach- dance of Jeffery Street, which
east end of the pavilion, which be issued for the project in the put the decision in their hands,” ing out to local youth organiza- connects with Dedham and
be renovated into a plaza for late summer or early fall, Doyle she said. tions to inform them about the Canton streets and is the new-
ambulances, shuttles and other said, and the design is on target The SEBA website at www. program; conducting interviews est street in the South End, and
vehicles picking up and dropping for completion in 2026, with sebaboston.com, said Buetel said, s part of a group; and planning likely in the city. It’s named for
off, he added, to the old ambu- construction commencing soon will soon publish information and executing a small event in
Jeffrey Hull, a South End artist
lance entrance. This area would afterwards. on the pilot program, including June to honor the scholarship
“There will be a transition- how corporate sponsors can get and teacher, Stone said, who died
be restricted and gated, Doyle recipients.
al period when we move out in involved. Interested parties are asked in 2017.
said, and these patients would be
2024,” he said, “and the time to contact Watson or Jenks via Captain Steven Sweeney of
under the supervision of guards
when construction is done in BFSNA scholarships email at bfsna@blackstonefrank- Boston Police’s District 4, said
throughout the process.
While the budget for the proj- Jamaica Plain.” Jenni Watson, who co-chairs lin.org, said Watson, while the some earlier problems in the
ect still hasn’t been finalized, Boyle also said he would reach the BFSNA Scholarship Commit- scholarship’s next meeting is neighborhood have been cur-
Boyle said the decision to the out to DCAMM and return to tee with Lisa Jenks, was also on scheduled via Zoom for Tuesday, tailed, including far fewer syring-
South End largely came down to the group with a project design hand to discuss the scholarship Match 23, at 6 p.m. es discarded in Franklin Park
for them to review. and people no longer sleeping in
Other matters the doorway of the Blackstone
Domingos DeRosa appeared School.
Virtual Community Meeting before group to discuss his candi-
dacy for one of four City Coun-
Regarding Mass Cass, Sweeney
said the area around the highway
cilor at-Large seats. connector is “looking better,”
DeRosa, who immigrated to
Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee the U.S. with his parents as a
although there’s still been reports
of drug dealing on a stoop in the
Zoom Link: bit.ly/April2021RSMPOC
child from Cape Verde Island, 600 block between Harrison and
Monday, April 5
6:00 PM - 7:45 PM Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 grew up in Dorchester and Rox- Washington streets while much
Meeting ID: 161 848 8944 bury, and after graduating from of the other nefarious activity has
Madison Park High and earn- “unfortunately” moved from Dis-
Event Description
ing a degree from the Benjamin trict 4 to the C-6 side.
The Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee was developed to oversee projects that fall under the
Roxbury Strategic Master Plan. The committee meets monthly to discuss development and planning in Nubian
Franklin Institute of Technology, Sweeney also said police are
Square. Vote on Parcel 8 will take place April 5th. All meetings are held on zoom and open to the public. he spent 22 years working for
working with Villa Victoria and
Boston Centers for Youth and
For more information, on how to Join, Engage, and Take Action, please visit the website. hope to get bicycle officers to
Families (BCYF). He also served
Upcoming meetings/Próximas reuniones/Dat pwochen rankont yo se: as leader of SEIU Local 888 and patrol that area.
April/Abril/Avril 5 (Parcel 8 Vote/Parcela 8 voto /Pasèl 8 vote)
learned to work with different Meanwhile, the BPDs Street
May/Mayo/ Me 3
city departments under one con- Outreach Unit, which engages in
June/Junio/Jen 7
tract, which, he said, broadened outreach with the homeless just
For interpretation services, contact the planner listed below one week before each meeting. his “understanding of how city picked up a new sergeant and five
Para los servicios de interpretación, comuníquese con el planificador que se indica a continuación una semana budget affects every one of us.” additional officers, said Sweeney,
antes de cada reunión. In his spare time, DeRosa has who also praised the work of
Si w bezwen sèvis entèpretasyon, kontakte moun kap planifye a pi ba a, yon semèn anvan chak reyinyon. run summer football combines Lauren Schneider, a member of
as president of the Bengals Pop that unit who “has been driving
Contact:
Kelly Sherman
Warner League. around with officers to see how
Boston Planning & Development Agency “I’m a family man, a BPS stu- D-4 works.”
One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 dent, and I’ve never left Boson - The next regularly scheduled
617.918.5493 | kelly.sherman@boston.gov it’s my home,” he said. “I want BFSNA meeting will take place
to be a voice for voiceless…and via Zoom on Tuesday, May 18,
bostonplans.org @bostonplans
represent all concerns and mat- at 7 p.m.
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
ters.”
March 18, 2021 THE BOSTON SUN PA G E 5
Grant AME Church (from pg. 1)
from the beginning and a story bons in an L-shape on the out-
that unfolded, and one where we side of the church.
didn’t know where it would take After he shared the idea with
us. Some people have an idea the membership, he said he got
and then create a story, but this some puzzled looks, but soon
has been something that was a everyone was in on the idea.
journey from the beginning of all Each member and volunteer
of this, and a journey that con- got a bag of ribbons and they
tinues on. We still don’t know were assigned numbers to write
where it will end.” on them, such as ‘COVID-19
On Monday, that was all #1’ and so on. Those ribbons
recalled by leaders of the church were brought to the church and
who said it has brought about stapled onto a clothesline-like
an outreach into the community structure in 100-foot increments.
showing compassion and heal- Once they reach 100 feet of
ing. ribbons – about 1,200 ribbons
Rev. Stephanie Castro said – they have them hung outside
they are grateful the idea was with the others.
conceived, and that it came to “At first there were 1,200 or
fruition. 1,500 deaths a day,” said Castro.
“I think we are really glad the “It was hard to keep up. Every-
pastor came up with the idea and one was chipping in. We had to
even more than it came to pass,” buy two power staplers and we
she said. “Not all ideas come got really good at putting them
to fruition. It was great that we on. We built a gauge to help
were able to remember people space them out and all day long
and they weren’t us another per- people just stapled, stapled and
son that passed away…People stapled.”
die every day. To take a snapshot Said Executive Minister
and let everyone be part of it, we Donna George, “I watched TV
were saying we may not know and just clicked, clicked and
you, but we stand with you to clicked on the stapler.”
mourn the loss of your loved Soon, they also added prayer
ones.” cards with the names of people
Pastor Castro got the idea who had prayer requests turned
from a conference he attended in into them from the church or
Toronto several years ago, and as even online and from the com-
the deaths started to be reported munity. That total number now
in March, the idea resurfaced of the death memorials and
and he proposed to make a rib- prayer requests if far above
bon memorial for all those that 18,000 ribbons, they said. With more than 16,000 COVID memorial ribbons in the background on the façade of the Grant AME
Church in the South End, Executive Minister Donna George, Pastor Pedro Castro Jr. and Rev./Elect Lady
died in Massachusetts. He pro- “It is the power of remem-
Stephanie Castro mark one year since the pandemic began. Their project started at nearly the beginning of the
posed to use colorful ribbons brance on display,” said Pastor pandemic, and the journey continues to this day.
with a number on each ribbon Castro. “This COVID-19 ribbon
for those reported to have died. memorial is an example of what
He wanted to display these rib- we can do to help the communi- ty grieve. By this single act of the worn that are newer. The lives of started the church to say ‘there’s
church we have connected with the newer ones are forever trans- more we can do and what else
the community and with others formed too, just like the older can we do?’ That’s a permanent
to find hope. That’s what this rib- ones.” change in our church – raising
bon project has brought about. Pastor Castro said all of the funds to make a difference in our
When we re-open, we will take work on the ribbons sparked community.”
down the ribbons and unfurl a movement in his church to Sometime around Labor Day –
them in a ceremony on the street. re-connect to the community after major construction is com-
Then we’ll lend them to the as the community reached out pleted on the inside of the church
Museum of African American to the church for healing. They and it is safe to return to services
History in Boston. They want to bought 100 meals from Mike’s – the church leaders said they
display them as an example of City Diner on Thanksgiving will carefully take the ribbons
everything that happened.” to distribute to those in Grant down and have members of the
Added Stephanie Castro, Manor, and they gave out 100 church and community stretch it
“The thing about it is once it got bowls of soup in January, dis- up and down Washington Street.
beyond that first ‘L’ on the out- tributed blankets to the home- It will be a solemn remembrance
side, it was very visible. It caused less near the church, and had of so many that did not survive
people to stop when they walked a sneaker/sock drive with the COVID.
by. Everyone was asking what all Nurses Association of Canton. “That’s going to be power-
the ribbons were for. That was in That ministry of service, sparked ful,” said Pastor Castro. “Usual-
April or May. What is going to by the ribbon memorial, is a per- ly we’re standing in the middle of
be so powerful about it being in manent change to the church. the street because we’re protest-
a museum is some ribbons have “The church became very vis- ing. This will be about standing
Memorial ribbons that are ready to be stapled and hung on the church. been battered and torn…and ible – the church with all the rib- in the street for peace and heal-
Each ribbon denotes COVID-19 and the number of the death.
there are others that are not as bons on it,” said Castro. “It jump ing.”
PA G E 6 THE BOSTON SUN March 18, 2021
City Councilor Kenzie Bok rallies with neighbors, holding signs asking
for the route to return to its summer schedule.
A group of residents gather to show their support for the #55 bus route in the Fenway.
#55 Bus (from pg. 1)
and those without access to a car, viously spoken out about the part of the federal American Res- es that cannot physically get to meaningfully engage with their
who rely on the #55 bus to get importance of this bus route to cue Act, and that he and other the Green Line or Orange Line community again. Sunday was
to important resources within the Fenway community, especial- state lawmakers are hoping to dis- stops. They rely on the #55 to the 1st day of the suspension.
and outside of their neighbor- ly during and following the pan- cuss these issues further with Gov- get them everywhere, including Our intention to be back in the
hood. Treating public transit as demic as a way to get to essential ernor Baker and with the MBTA. to healthcare, basic services, and Fenway at Queensberry and
a business, rather than a public places like doctor’s appointments. “Our community depends community gatherings. We can’t Jersey for a brief protest at the
good, is short-sighted and will At Mayor Walsh’s most recent on the #55 bus line,” Bok told have our neighbors continue same 5:30 time every Sunday for
have harmful implications on press conference on March 15, the Sun in a statement. “There to be isolated after such a hard the next several weeks until the
our neighbors, our City, and our Congressman Stephen Lynch said are seniors, veterans, folks liv- and lonely year for so many, MBTA puts the #55 back on the
planet,” the release continues. that there is a “targeted increase ing with HIV/AIDS, and other when they’re just now getting summer schedule, because we
Bok and residents have pre- [in funding] for the MBTA” as people with mobility challeng- vaccinated and eager to finally need this bus.”
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March 18, 2021 THE BOSTON SUN PA G E 7
Looking at the News — The Last Meeting
By Seth Daniel Junior Prom and the Catholic January, looking at shocking and same church. But this time, there Library’s upper room. But will
First Communions later in the quickly-censored videos online were well-over 16,000 ribbons there be a computer in the corner
One year ago on March 10, spring. from China and some early pub- hanging from that same façade running Zoom for those at home
2020, I pulled up and parked on Then the City put a stop to all lic health officials signaling an to denote the number of people as part of it? Yea, I think that will
Washington Street near Ramsay in-person public meetings – from alarm. That said, I had heard the in Massachusetts who had offi- happen too.
Park – a little early for a 7 p.m. the Boston Planning and Devel- same thing for Swine Flu and it cially died of COVID-19. We often, however, just move
meeting of the Alexandra Ball opment Agency to all neigh- was hard to figure it would be I don’t even think I was able forward with life and forget what
Neighborhood Association, a borhood associations as well. much different. to write a story about the Alex- we lost or what it used to be like.
meeting that would actually be Fundraisers and galas, banquets Still, as I walked into the andra Ball meeting that night as I remember going to great lengths
the last traditional public meet- and pro sporting events – even church, and down to the church everything shifted so fast starting to get money out of the bank on
ing I attended up to this day. memorial services were now in basement, I knew things had the next day. Clearly, it was a a Friday, but I’ve forgotten all
That, of course, is quite a question. changed. slow descent to a full shutdown about that routine since ATMs
statement for a reporter that has Mayor Martin Walsh’s St. First of all, everyone else was over a period of many days. Fri- came on the scene 30 years ago.
made a living of attending public Patrick’s Day senior luncheon freaked out as well – most in an day the 13th stands out, as does Likewise, I remember pulling up
meetings, and likely has attend- in Charlestown, Councilor Ed uneasy laughing way. Everyone the following Tuesday, March to the airport 30 minutes before
ed thousands and thousands of Flynn’s annual St. Patrick’s Day at the meeting was on edge; there 17. a flight and walking to the gate
those meetings around the region fundraiser at J.J. Foley’s in the were questions about hand-shak- But the moment I know I real- with little to no security and hop-
in a long career. South End, the annual meeting ing posed to Mayoral Liaison ized that things would be differ- ping on the plane. There were no
There have been no more of the Friends of the South End Faisa Sharif, but the business of ent, that I’d likely attended my hassles, no worries and no taking
meetings, though. Library and a Women’s History the day went on. It cannot be last neighborhood meeting as off my shoes and belt. But I had
Of course, Zoom has taken Month event in Beacon Hill – all ignored that I, and as I learned I had always known them, was to be reminded of that recently
over the civic space, and there cancelled. All of it had flood- later – others – were on edge on March 10 coming out of the because I forgot I used to do that.
have been a few outdoor meet- ed into my phone within a few there all night. basement of the Grant AME. Time will tell if our civic space
ings last summer, but none of the hours on March 10, and all due I was almost afraid to breathe. That is my moment, just as will be forever changed too.
traditional, crowded room, con- to this new threat of COVID-19. We left not knowing what to everyone else has their moment. I’m guessing that early March
tentious battles that have defined ‘Cancelled’ was the word of expect, but I do recall everyone Will there be another neigh- evening in the church basement
the South End and Boston civic the day, and it was also a head- telling people to be safe. That borhood meeting ever again? might have not only been the
life for generations. line in a small story in the Bos- was new at the time. Yes, I think so. The South End last meeting like that for a year’s
Sitting in my car that evening ton Sun a few days later. I can As I walked out of the Grant Forum will fight again one day time, but maybe also for a long
one year ago, I began getting recall sitting in my car and ana- AME Church, I explicitly in the cramped quarters of the time.
ping after ping on my phone. lyzing all of the changes to the remember stopping on the side-
E-mails and texts and the like calendar so suddenly. I phoned a walk and gazing at the outside of
flooded in cancelling just about colleague with a bit of despera- the church. I’m not sure why; I Don’t miss our annual
everything for a three-week peri-
od. For our network of papers,
tion asking what it was that we
would put in the paper over the
looked at it a few moments in the
darkness – then went on my way.
Summer in the City Guide
there were high school sporting next few weeks if nothing was One year later, last week, I featuring Safe Summer Camps & Great Safe Activities!
events, elementary school plays, happening. I had been following stood on that same spot and
then the memory-makers like COVID-19 in China since early looked up at the side of that
Get ready umm e r !
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PA G E 8 THE BOSTON SUN March 18, 2021
Outdoor dining to return to Back Bay on March 22
By John Lynds begin on March 22. This is an that allowed them to set up out- ic while keeping customers and program.
earlier start than the previous- door patios on roadways and staff safe. With the success of last year’s
Numerous Back Bay restau- ly-announced date of April 1. sidewalks throughout the neigh- Last year, Back Bay restau- program Mayor Martin Walsh
rants are expected to take advan- Last year the restaurants that borhood. The program helped rants along Newbury and Boyl- said the city will continue many
tage of the City of Boston’s 2021 dot the neighborhood received restaurants increase capacity ston Street took part in the city’s
outdoor dining program set to a special permit from the city during the COVID-19 pandem- successful outdoor dining pilot (Outdoor Dining, Pg. 9)
Community meeting held for proposed cannabis store on Boylston St.
Store to be located “Our objective is to have no out- with the proposal, including that The presentation stated that will be many customers who
door queuing of any customers,” “how do you know when some- “we are the only locally and “want to engage” in dialogue
in former Little he said. “There will be security body comes in with a valid ID minority owned applicant siting relating to cannabis education
Steve’s Pizzeria site personnel outside the building, that it’s the ID of that person?” in and around Fenway,” and and learning about different
and there will be “no impact on Chiang said that Cypress that “you will have ownerships’ product types and how to con-
By Lauren Bennett sidewalks.” Tree’s “objective” is to hire direct contact information” as a sume the, safely. He said that
A community meeting was Chiang showed two render- retired officers and other people resident of the Fenway. Addition- Cypress Tree will be “encour-
held on March 15 regarding a ings of proposed first and second who are familiar with checking ally, Cypress Tree said that they aging consultative selling” as
proposed cannabis shop at 1114 floors where customers would IDs. He said they have the “abil- are “committed to positively opposed to “transactional.”
Boylston St., the former site of gather. He said that all COVID ity” to “validate your ID as you impact the community” through Though the floor plans have
Little Steve’s Pizzeria. protocols and guidelines will be from your picture ID.” “local and minority hiring,” and not yet been finalized, Chiang
The Boston Cannabis Board followed while still allowing peo- Tim Horn, president of the “these will be career opportuni- said that the first floor will like-
provided Cypress Tree with a ple to queue indoors. Fenway Civic Association, also ties and not just a job.” Cypress ly be used for those who have
Host Community Agreement, “Should we need additional brought up several concerns, Tree has also made a “commit- placed an order ahead of time
and the Zoning Board of Appeal space, customers will be placed including that there is a summer ment to employees volunteering and are just picking it up, so they
approved the request for a con- in a virtual queue to receive a program for high schoolers at annually with local charitable are “anticipating” around four
ditional use permit on February text when there is availability,” Berklee College of Music, and organizations,” and will be a point of sale systems there. On
23. a slide presented at the meeting the underage students would be part of “charitable campaigns.” the second floor, where the hope
Victor Chiang, President of reads. “On dates when the Red right around the corner from Cypress Tree will also host is to have more consultation with
Cypress Tree Management Fen- Sox play or there are concerts at the proposed shop. He said this meetings four times a year “for customers, there will likely be at
way, LLC, said that the proposal Fenway Park we will increase our makes him “disagree” with the neighbors to come and share least 10 point of sale systems.
includes the Little Steve’s portion security staff to ensure patrons fact that it is compliant with buf- concerns to work together on When asked about a timeta-
of the building, “as well as the do not block the side walk.” fer zone regulations. potential solutions.” ble moving forward, Chang said
entirety of the second floor.” He Chiang also said that as a Chiang said that according to A resident asked about the that in a perfect world, the store
said the space totals 6,000 square result of previous concerns from zoning rules, it is compliant, but ratio of staff to customers in the would open about a year from
feet, and there is 1800 square feet the community about public con- “we understand that concern.” store, and Chiang said that while now, but the “reality” is that
of basement space for “back of sumption, Cypress Tree has com- He reiterated that IDs will be ver- there is “no set ratio” at this both construction and the final
the house” employee use only. mitted to not selling individual ified both at the door and again point, there is a total occupancy inspection process by the Can-
He said that the location com- pre-rolls, and signage that states before a purchase is made. He of about 108 people in the store, nabis Control Commission “can
plies with requirements for buffer the illegality of consuming mar- said that Cypress Tree will have including employees. He said be slow,” so it might take longer
zones for schools, and explained ijuana in public will be placed a “zero tolerance policy” for dis- that the team is “envisioning” than that to open.
how the process would work within sight as customers leave tributing product to underage 20 to 25 employees per shift, but Chiang told those in atten-
with customers. the store. individuals, and that employees they plan on hiring more than dance that once the store opens,
Chiang said that IDs will “The location couldn’t be any would be terminated right away that to handle shift changes and he hopes to have meetings like
be checked and verified upon worse,” said John Bookston of if they were found “diverting increases and decreases for busy this “on a quarterly basis, and
entrance using IDScan, and peo- the Fenway Civic Association. product” to those under the age and slow periods. continue our dialogue with the
ple would then queue indoors. He expressed several concerns of 21. He said that he hopes there community.”
THE CITY OF BOSTON CAN HELP YOU
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monthly bill to go with the 30% discount on water. New discount
automatically applied to those already signed up. Are you eligible
but don’t presently get a discount? Call 617-989-7800 to get signed up.
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March 18, 2021 THE BOSTON SUN PA G E 9
Garden Clubs in the city find new ways to make ends meet
By Dan Murphy So Sherden said she reached each year to prune and care for Despite the Twilight Gala it was cancelled, many of spon-
out to Jennifer Craig, the muse- city-owned sidewalk trees. Garden Party’s cancellation last sors and guests converted their
As gardens and greenspace um’s development director and “This year, we knew we year, it was still lucrative for the sponsorships and ticket purchas-
have become more essential than “quizzed her about how they couldn’t have an in-person Garden Club of the Back Bay, es into donations, which we very
ever before during the pandem- pulled it together and did what event,” said Catherine Borden, thanks to the generosity of some much appreciated.”
ic, it’s also made fundraising for they did.” co-president of the Garden Club supporters. To donate to the Garden Club
groups like the Beacon Hill Gar- Filming for this year’s virtual of the Back Bay, “so we decided “We were well into planning of the Back Bay’s annual appeal
den Club and the Garden Club of Hidden Gardens Tour will take to do an annual appeal, although for our annual fundraiser last to support its tree care efforts,
the Back Bay, which were both place in May, Sherden said, so we want to go back to in-person year when the whole world shut click on gardenclubbackbay.
forced to cancel in-person events “the gardens are in a state of fundraising again at some point.” down,” Borden said, “and when us15.list-manage.com.
last year, more challenging and bloom,” and so that the videog-
subsequently compelled them to rapher can then be allotted a full
find new and creative ways to month to edit the video before its
make ends meet.
The Beacon Hill Garden Club
release.
While Sherden looks forward Virtual Public Meeting
had to cancel the longstanding to the Hidden Gardens Tour
Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill returning as in-person event, she
Tour, which typically draws
around 2,000 visitors to the
said, “We hope this will be the
one year where people can see it
Amend Article 32 Groundwater Zoning
neighborhood, last year due to from anywhere in the world.”
Monday, March 29 Zoom Link: bit.ly/3rsZaNZ
the pandemic, but it’s returning Advance tickets for the Hid-
this year, albeit as a virtual event 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
den Gardens of Beacon Hill Tour
this time. will be available at the Beacon Meeting ID: 161 812 6907
Molly Sherden, president of Hill Garden Club’s website at Project Proponent:
the Beacon Hill Garden Club, beaconhillgardenclub.org for Boston Planning and Development Agency
said the Hidden Gardens Tour $25 each, or you can buy a tick-
would take place as a virtual et and one of the Garden Club’s Project Description:
event debuting June 30 and fea- books for $45, which, Sherden This public meeting is to present proposed amendments to Article 32 Groundwater
ture seven gardens, at least two said, is quite a bargain since a Conservation Overlay District of the zoning code and receive comments in order to extend
of which have never been seen book alone retails for $35. protection to groundwater levels in areas of the city with older buildings on wooden piles built
before on a previous tour, and The Garden Club of the Back on filled land. This includes parts of East Boston, downtown waterfront, Roxbury/South End,
they’re both located in Louisburg South Boston and Audubon Circle.
Bay’s biggest annual event, the
Square. Twilight Gala Garden Party,
The idea was inspired by has been cancelled both this and mail to: Bryan Glascock
the virtual tour that the Con- last year due to the pandemic, Boston Planning & Development Agency Close of Comment Period:
One City Hall Square, 9th Floor
cord Museum hosted last year, so the group has launched an 4/9/2021
Boston, MA 02201
which, Sherden said, proved to annual appeal to help it raise the phone: 617.722.4300
be a successful outing for them. approximately $20,000 it spends email: bryan.glascock@boston.gov
BostonPlans.org @BostonPlans
Outdoor Dining (from pg. 8) Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
of the successful initiatives from Boston Black Hospitality Coa-
last year’s program, such as lition to ensure added techni-
streamlined permitting. Applica- cal assistance is available for
tions for outdoor dining licenses
on both public and private prop-
businesses to apply. Weekly
“Help Sessions” were held from
Virtual Public Meeting
erty are now open, and business- December through January to
es can apply online at the city’s help businesses navigate the pilot
website.
“Outdoor dining was one of
process. The City of Boston is
also planning to host additional
Amend Accessory Parking Zoning
the bright spots last summer and office hours and workshops to Wednesday, March 31 Zoom Link: bit.ly/3kUXdqQ
fall, and we’ve seen the benefits help businesses with their appli- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
it has had on our neighborhoods: cations as needed. Meeting ID: 161 611 0558
supporting local businesses, a The 2021 Outdoor Din- Project Proponent:
safe and enjoyable experience for ing Pilot Program season for Boston Planning and Development Agency
restaurant patrons, and an added approved restaurants will begin
resource for Boston’s small busi- on March 22, 2021, and will end Project Description:
nesses during this challenging on December 1, 2021, weath- This is a public meeting to present proposed zoning changes that would make Accessory Parking a
time,” said Mayor Walsh. “I’m er permitting. Restaurants that Conditional Use in neighborhood business subdistricts. Currently it is an Allowed Use in basements and
thrilled we are able to start this took part in the 2020 temporary first floors where there is an Allowed Use on the upper floors, such as residential. This condition creates a
program even earlier, and I look outdoor dining program and blank street wall with no active first floor use and runs counter to planning goals for neighborhood
subdistricts. By making Accessory Parking Conditional, requiring a Conditional use permit, it provides and
forward to businesses and resi- who wish to do so in 2021 must
opportunity for community input and design review. See 3/31/21 on the BPDA Calendar for more info.
dents taking advantage of it.” re-apply, and the City will also
The Mayor said the city be accepting applications from mail to: Bryan Glascock
has also focused on providing restaurants that did not take part Boston Planning & Development Agency
One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Close of Comment Period:
resources to businesses of color, in the 2020 temporary outdoor 4.9.2021
Boston, MA 02201
and has made more than 200 dining program. phone: 617.722.4300
personalized outreach calls to Additional information on email: bryan.glascock@boston.gov
every business that applied for outdoor dining, and applications
outdoor dining last year. The for businesses, is available on BostonPlans.org @BostonPlans
Mayor’s Office of Economic boston.gov.
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
Development has met with the
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