BPS Hybrid Model/Phased-In Reopening
BPS is moving forward with a responsible, phased-in plan to start the school year. This approach will give time to assess health data before each step, with the Boston Public Health Commission. It will allow to address learning needs and opportunity gaps — in person and by providing extra help for students learning online. In every step, families have the choice of whether to opt-in to hybrid learning or stay fully remote.
Each step will begin no sooner than the listed date:
•On September 21, all students will begin with remote learning.
•On October 1, the option of hybrid learning may begin for students with the highest needs.
•On October 15, optional hybrid learning may begin for the youngest students, in all 3 grades of kindergarten: K0, K1, and K2.
•On October 22, opt-in hybrid learning may begin for grades 1-3.
•On November 5, opt-in hybrid learning may begin for grades 4-8. That will include grades 6-8 in the high schools that include them.
•And on November 16, opt-in hybrid learning may begin for grades 9-12.
•Teachers will arrive in school on Tuesday, September 8 to begin preparations for teaching both the remote and hybrid models from their classrooms.
•The first students will not return until at least October 1.
•As more students phase in, it will still be less than 50% of the normal numbers at any given time.
Bunker Hill Housing IAG Meetings
The Bunker Hill Housing development proposal’s Impact Advisory Group (IAG) will re-convene for its first meeting since February on Weds., Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be online.
This will be the first IAG meeting held following the submission of the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) by Bunker Hill Redevelopment Company LLC to the BPDA on February 18, 2020.
The proposed project as described in the DPIR consists of the phased redevelopment of the existing Boston Housing Authority (BHA) owned Bunker Hill Public Housing Development in Charlestown. The proposal includes the phased demolition of the existing approximately 1,110 public housing units and the construction of 2,699 mixed-income housing units, approximately 73,000 square feet of retail and civic space, new public open space, new on and off-street vehicle parking accommodations, and public realm improvements.
This meeting will be hosted online, using Zoom. You must register in advance. For questions, email [email protected] or call (617) 918-4492.
A second IAG meeting online is scheduled for Sept. 30.
Committee on City and Neighborhood Services Working Session, Sept. 17, 10 a.m.: Order for a hearing regarding the City of Boston purchasing liquor licenses. The Chair of the Committee is Councilor Flynn and the Sponsor is Councilor Edwards.
From the Sept. 17 Zoning Advisory Board, 1010 Mass Ave., or online, 5 p.m.:
•440-458 Rutherford Avenue Applicant: Cambridge Corps, Inc. Purpose: Cambridge Crops develops natural and sustainable food coatings to extend the shelf-life of perishable foods. Cambridge Crops recently leased office/warehouse space and wishes to perform research and development of its food product within the warehouse space. No construction is taking place.
• 5 Wallace Ct. Applicant: Alexandra French. Purpose: Change Occupancy from two family dwelling to a single family with extended living space in the basement (Long standing existing condition). Complete renovation including, new plumbing, HVAC, electrical, new bathrooms, kitchen, new windows, new roof. Enlarge existing roof dormer as per plans.
•29 High St. Applicant: Alfonso Sira. Purpose: Construct a new Headhouse for Roof access.
Free BPS Breakfast in Charlestown
Students who wish to get a free breakfast Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 am., have two sites to choose from in Charlestown. This is the BPS initiative, but other organizations are also serving meals in the Town as well.
•Charlestown High School – 240 Medford St.
•Harvard/Kent Elementary – 50 Bunker Hill St.
Citizenship Fees to Increase
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is making significant changes to the naturalization application. Starting October 2, it is raising the cost of application from $725 to $1,200 and eliminating the fee waiver for most low-income residents. USCIS is also increasing the permanent residence (green card) application fee and implementing an asylum application fee, making the United States one of four countries to do so. The City of Boston and the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) are encouraging eligible Boston immigrants to apply for citizenship before the October 2 fee increases. They can contact Project Citizenship at 617-694-5949 for free, high quality legal help with their application.
•Reporting Workplace Safety Concerns
Workers in any size organization have options if they feel they are being pressured into an unsafe situation. Attorney General Maura Healey has created resources for workers to report safety concerns during reopening. They include an online form at the Attorney General’s website and a dedicated Fair Labor hotline at 617-727-3465. People can also find those resources by calling 311.
•How to Report a Problem Property
Since taking office in 2014, Mayor Walsh has made fixing quality of life issues a priority in his administration. From investing in Public Works to making sure community policing is a staple in every neighborhood, we are making sure every neighborhood is clean, safe and a great place to live and work in. Unfortunately some properties in Boston need more help than others, and that’s why we are here. If you know of a property that fits one of the following criteria: multiple calls to 911, one that’s blighted or just a general concern, we encourage you to reach out to your neighborhood liaison.