Effective Monday, April 6, new, tighter restrictions will be put in place in the City of Boston to reduce the impact and spread of the coronavirus. Announced by Mayor Marty Walsh on Sunday, April 5, every individual is now encouraged to cover their mouth and nose when out in public. This includes when on essential Read More…
Dear Neighbors, As we begin to feel the effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 in Boston and around the world, our ability to personally connect and communicate has been compromised, so I want to take time to reach out to you directly. Let me start by saying, thank you. Thank you for your patience and Read More…
The Boston City Council had a full agenda for their second-ever virtual council meeting. Much of the conversation focused on the impacts of COVID-19 on Boston residents and workers, as well as on housing and businesses. The Council spoke about resolutions that can be enacted now, and how the city can prepare for future recovery. Read More…
State officials extended the emergency order closing of non-essential businesses through May 4th and announced several updates related to the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, the Department of Public Health’s Stay-At-Home Advisory remains in effect. Hotels, motels, and short-term rentals may now only be used for efforts related to fighting COVID-19, like front line health workers Read More…
District One City Councilor Lydia Edwards, who is also the Chair of the Boston City Council Committee on Housing and Community Development, is proposing a reallocation of $2 million of Community Preservation Act revenue to an emergency rental voucher program to provide relief for residents economically impacted by COVID-19. The Community Preservation Act (CPA) typically provides Read More…
Mayor Walsh has announced that the ban on single-use plastic bags in the City of Boston has been temporarily lifted for essential businesses during the public health emergency of coronavirus. Boston’s plastic bag ordinance went into effect in December 2018 and was rolled out in stages through July 2019 to stores of all sizes. Consumers Read More…
The North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) Election is currently scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nazzaro Center (30 N. Bennet Street). All North End residents 18 and older (City of Boston, Ward III, Precincts 1, 2, 3, or 4) interested in running should email NEWNC directly Read More…
District One City Councilor Lydia Edwards, representing the North End, East Boston, and Charlestown, shared the latest COVID-19 guidance from the state, as well as resources related to unemployment, small business support, and emergency childcare centers measures in her latest newsletter. Friends, As we adapt to difficult times and grapple with new social norms, it’s Read More…
On Monday, March 23, Governor Baker issued an emergency order requiring all employers that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public from Tuesday, March 24, at 12 p.m. (noon) until Tuesday, April 7 at noon. Exempt industries include: healthcare, public safety, groceries and take-out restaurants, utilities and infrastructure Read More…
Downtown JournalAn occasional column about city life Nothing dulls my senses more than a televised press conference. However, recent State House pressers starring Charlie Baker catch my full attention. When the Massachusetts governor talks to reporters about the coronavirus situation, he communicates clearly and speaks well, answering reporters’ questions without attitude or comment. Baker, generally, Read More…
By Mayor Martin J. Walsh The coronavirus is a serious public health crisis that is affecting every aspect of life in our city. I know that the changes have been disruptive, and the cancellations have been disappointing. Some working people are losing paychecks, worried about bills, and struggling with childcare. And through it all, many Read More…
Following the official closure of Boston City Council on March 16th, the weekly meeting was hosted virtually for the first time ever. Facing some technical difficulties with video and audio issues, the City Council meeting pressed forward with many representatives joining remotely. “It is important that our work continue,” City Council President Kim Janey stated. Read More…