News Briefs

BPDA Board Approves Navy Yard Activation

The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors this month addressed activation issues in the Navy Yard’s Shipyard Park.

•Charlestown Navy Yard Activation

The BPDA is committed to the activation of the Charlestown Navy Yard by providing programming that promotes accessibility and community.

The BPDA Board voted to authorize a licensing agreement with Groovy Baby Music Inc. for use of a portion of Shipyard Park. Groovy Baby Music Inc. will use their portion of the park, which is BPDA-owned land, to provide childrens’ community music classes. The company is planning to provide outdoor music and movement classes for children and their families. Classes are open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. The classes will be in July and August.

The BPDA Board also voted to authorize a licensing agreement with the Navy Yard Garden Association to install an interactive public art display known as “Night Skies.” The Garden Association was able to purchase the installation through private donations and a grant from the Browne Fund. The BPDA will help install the mesh light art exhibit which is coming in four large sections from Germany. The display will be installed on the mezzanine of the building at 0 Terry Ring Way. The exhibit will be installed this fall and the Garden Association will program the art exhibit to change seasonally.

Key Members of Boston’s State House Delegation Endorse David Halbert

David Halbert’s campaign for Boston City Council At-Large has been endorsed by several members of Boston’s State House delegation. Two State Senators – State Senator Joe Boncore representing First Suffolk and Middlesex and State Senator Sal DiDomenico representing Middlesex and Suffolk – are joined by State Representatives Nika Elugardo from the 15th Suffolk, State Representative Adrian Madaro from the 1st Suffolk, and State Representative Dan Ryan from the 2nd Suffolk.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Assistant Majority Leader, State Senator Sal DiDomenico, who noted that “David’s dedication to thoughtful and impactful public service shows throughout his platform. From combating food insecurity, to improving educational outcomes, to working to lift families out of poverty, David and I share a deep commitment towards equity & improving the lives of others. I know he will be a strong voice on Boston’s City Council.” 

Charlestown State Rep. Dan Ryan remarked that he knew Halbert to be “the kind of leader in City Hall who will advocate for Charlestown, just as I know he will advocate for every neighborhood in Boston. David has the perspective to give voice to those in the city that have felt forgotten or unseen, and I am excited to see what he will accomplish on the Council.” 

The two State Senators and three State Representatives join Halbert’s steadily growing list of notable supporters.

Councilor Edwards Names Michael Bonetti as Director of Constituent Services

City Councilor Lydia Edwards has announced that Michael Bonetti will elevate to Director of Constituent Services for District 1. 

He first joined Councilor Edwards’ staff shortly after her inauguration in 2018 as her North End community liaison and took over the management of her schedule in 2019.  He has also led the office through outdoor dining in District One and has worked closely with many other departments in that process. As director of constituent services, Bonetti will oversee all constituent cases throughout the district and will manage community liaisons within the office.

“Micheal Bonetti is one of the hardest working people I know,” said Edwards. “He is kind, funny, and follows through. He is passionate about constituent services and will serve the entire district well.”

“I’m excited to serve the people of district one in this new capacity and look forward to the new challenges that come with this position,” said Bonetti.  “I look forward to meeting people and making new connections in East Boston and Charlestown while continuing my work in the North End. This is an exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work!”

In addition to his job on Edwards’ staff, Bonetti serves as a Master of Ceremonies for his local parish of Saint Leonard’s in the North End, and is a proud member of the Saint Anthony Society that hosts the annual Saint Anthony’s Feast in the North End.  He is a life-long resident of the North End and currently lives there with his family.

Massport’s Community Summer Jobs Program Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Community Summer Jobs Program, which has supported thousands of local students through partnerships with community organizations.  This year, 25 organizations are receiving grants to support nearly 300 seasonal jobs.

The annual program is designed to help civic and social service agencies by providing funds to hire youth workers in Massport’s neighboring communities including Bedford, Charlestown, Chelsea, Concord, East Boston, Lexington, Lincoln, Revere, South Boston, Winthrop, and Worcester. Without the assistance of Massport’s Community Summer Jobs Program, many local organizations would not be able to offer affordable summer programs to local residents. Since 1991, close to 8,000 local students have gained valuable work experience in various jobs, such as camp counselor, office assistant, maintenance worker and lifeguard, paid for by the grant.

“Massport is proud to partner with and support the great work of these non-profit groups and community organizations, especially as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic,” said Massport CEO Lisa Wieland. “These summer jobs provide a great opportunity for young people to learn important life skills, gain professional experience, and earn a paycheck, while giving back to their communities.”

The 2021 program will support the following local organizations:

Charlestown Boys & Girls Club

Charlestown Community Center

John F. Kennedy Center

Massport also supports local youth athletic and enrichment programs throughout the year and offers scholarships for graduating high school seniors. For more information on Massport’s community initiatives and youth programs, visit www.massport.com.

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