Government

Until Further Notice: DCR Says Ongoing Repairs Happening on Southwest Corridor Bike Path

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Starting today, and continuing until further notice, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be repairing the Southwest Corridor Park's bike path.  

DCR repairs will include the removal of cobblestone strips and path resurfacing from 6 am to 4:30 pm. The bike path will remain open for the duration of work, and detours may be in effect. Where applicable, DCR is advising users to walk on adjacent sidewalks, and that cyclists should dismount and walk bicycles. DCR said the schedule and scope of repairs will be posted on its website, and updated on an ongoing basis.

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Elections

Special Election: MacGregor Wins 10th Suffolk District State Rep Seat

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Bill MacGregor was quickly congratulated after the polls closed as the winner of the special election for the 10th Suffolk District state rep seat on Tuesday night. The district includes West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, and some of Roslindale and Brookline, but is primarily West Roxbury. In Boston, MacGregor netted 3,098 votes (45.51%), according to Boston's Elections Department. Orthman came in second with 2,303 votes (33.83%), and Segel took 1,392 (20.45%). There were also 15 write-in votes.

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Animals

There’s A Lot More Fish in Jamaica Pond After Last Week

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One of the great benefits of being governor of Massachusetts means you have the option of participating in the annual stocking of Jamaica Pond -- and Governor Maura Healey didn't miss her first opportunity to do so. Healey was joined Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ryan Woods, Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, students from John F. Kennedy Elementary and Curley K-8 schools, and MassWildlife staff on April 27. According to Boston Parks and Recreation, more than 1,000 trout were released into Jamaica Pond -- approximately 800 rainbow trout averaging 14 inches long, 25 brook trout and 65 brown trout averaging 18 inches long, and 170 tiger trout, a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout, averaging 14 inches long. The fish for the stocking event were raised at state hatcheries.

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Government

Emerald Necklace Conservancy Receives Oversized $250K Check for Economic Development Initiatives

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Earlier this month Emerald Necklace Conservancy President Karen Mauncy-Brodeck received an oversized $250,000 check for the organization's economic development initiatives. Mauney-Brodek received the check from state Sen. Mike Rush (D-Norfolk/Suffolk District) from the Commonwealth’s Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund, which is helping the areas of the state that were hardest hit by the pandemic. Rush remarked that the Conservancy continued to offer free programs and took great care of the parks, ensuring that residents and visitors had a safe and attractive space to gather, play and reflect during the pandemic and beyond.

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City Services

CPA Funding Approved for New Curley School Playground, Jackson Square Greenway, Churches, and More

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Community Preservation Act funds will be used to build a new school playground, support new affordable housing, and historically rehab several churches,

Mayor Michelle announced 56 projects will receive more than $40 million through CPA funds. The Boston City Council approved the funding on April 12. By law, projects must support the creation or preservation of affordable housing, historic sites, or open space and recreation. Since 2018, Boston has awarded more than $157 million to support 293 projects including 112 open space and recreation projects, 46 affordable housing projects, and 135 historic preservation projects, according to a press release. The following are the eight Jamaica Plain projects that are receiving funding:

361 Centre Street

$3,000,000 to partially fund an​ ​adaptive reuse rental proj​ect utilizing the vacant Blessed Sacrament Church in the Hyde Square neighborhood.

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Government

Former State Rep. Elugardo Joining Sen. Markey as Chief Counsel

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Former state Rep. Nika Elugardo is going to Washington to be Chief Counsel for U.S. Senator Ed Markey's office. Elugardo will be joining Markey's staff in Washington D.C to focus on issues including immigration, the judiciary, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, electoral reform, gun safety, criminal justice reform, and housing -- just to name a few. “I have long been inspired by the Senator’s history of boldly and loudly speaking challenging truths in the halls of power, even when it could hurt him politically,” said Elugardo. “Senator Markey’s rare political courage is matched by his integrity and focus on justice and equity. This is how he has motivated intergenerational voters of all races and genders to courageously engage our democracy."

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Government

Pressley: Courtroom Treatment of Trump Shows There Are Two Legal Systems — For Rich & Everybody Else

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Following the arraignment of former President Donald Trump, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley said the courtroom treatment he was afforded was a slap in the face of Black, Brown and low-income people stuck in jail before trial. “...despite his well-documented criminal history, the fact that Trump was brought into a courtroom, arraigned, and allowed to return home in a matter of hours is a slap in the face to the millions of Black, brown, and low-income people locked in jails across the country before a trial," said Pressley (D-MA 7). "This is another example that we have one legal system in America for the rich and powerful, and another for everyone else." Pressley added that while his formal indictment for falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments is a step in the right direction towards accountability, he needs to be held accountable for among other things, inciting an insurrection, and conspiring to overturn an election. She added that Trump is also taking advantage of his arraignment.

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Government

ICYMI: Curtis Hall Gym Spiffed Up Thanks to Celtics

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Curtis Hall Community Center's gym is looking better than ever thanks to the Boston Celtics, who led a project to refurbish the gym. The gym was closed from late January to the first week of March. The refurbished gym was also done with the support of TD Bank. The work to the gym included

Gym floor work/refurbishing (repairs, sanding, coating, lines/logos/designs, finish sealing)

Wall painting and repairs on both lower and upper walls

Wall graphics on select areas

Repairs to all four backboards and hoops

The Celtics have partnered with Boston Center for Youth & Families to renovate more than 10 spaces in BCYF centers including gyms, computer labs, and multi-purpose rooms.

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Development

Governor, Mayor Announcing State’s ’23 Affordable Housing Funding Awards Including JPNDC Low-Income Senior Housing Project

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Governor Maura Healey will be joined by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Wednesday in Jamaica Plain when the governor will announce the Commonwealth's affordable housing funds for 2023, including one JP project for low-income senior housing. Healey is making the announcement during a press conference at the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation's (JPNDC) Brewery Complex, where Wu will also deliver remarks. JPNDC will be receiving funding for two projects that will create 87 new affordable homes for low-income seniors, including 39 units at their project at 3371 Washington St. in Jamaica Plain.

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Government

Congresswoman Pressley Wants Gender Equality Amendment Added to U.S. Constitution

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Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is calling for a 28th amendment to be added to the U.S. Constitution that would establish gender equality. Pressley (D-MA 7) and Cori Bush (D-MO 1) will host a press conference on Tuesday to launch a Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment. The caucus will "partner with a multi-generational, multi-racial and inclusive coalition of advocates, activists, scholars, organizers, and public figures; and center the people who stand to benefit the most from gender equality, including Black and brown women, LGBTQ+ people, people seeking abortion care, and other marginalized groups," according to a press release. The new caucus is being launched 100 years after the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was initially proposed in Congress to provide full equality for women by the 19th Amendment. On Monday, Pressley and Bush, in coordination with the Congressional Black Caucus are leading members on the House floor to speak about the ERA, and specifically Black women's contributions to get the ERA into the Constitution and ratifying state-level ERAs.

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