Paul Scapicchio - City of Boston

Councillor Updates North End Voters

February 2000

Dear Friend,

As I begin my second term on the Boston City Council, I want to take a moment to update you on some important city initiatives being planned for the North End and waterfront area. It is an exciting time to call Downtown Boston home!

The Parks Department is currently renovating Langone Park on Commercial Street. The project will provide a new tot lot, walkways, lighting, waterfront seating, and an observation area. Further, the park's little league field will be completely reconstructed. A new irrigation system, clay infield, and sod outfield will allow children to play on a state of the art facility over-looking the U.S.S. Constitution and Bunker Hill.

One block down Commercial Street, the city is constructing a new Mirabella Pool Bathhouse at a cost of $2.08 million. If you pass the site you will see that the old structure has been torn down and replaced by scaffolding, mortar, and bricks. Come springtime, a warm and modern one-story facility will replace the cavernous eyesore that served us for so many years. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2000, just in time for the summer season.

The budget also allocates $1 million for Boston Community Centers to renovate the Nazarro Community Center. Part of this funding has already been used to install air conditioning in the senior center. The remaining funds will be used to re-tile the stairwell, and overhaul the gymnasium. The gym will have new backboards, refinished floors, and fresh paint. These over-due gym improvements will provide our youth with the type of facility they deserve.

The largest neighborhood project is the refurbishing of the Christopher Columbus (Waterfront) Park. This much needed renovation will begin by autumn of 2000. Currently, public meetings are being held to offer residents a chance to provide their input into the new design of the park. It is our hope that this public process will result in a great park space that residents can enjoy for years to come.

Other projects include the installation of new lighting on the North Washington Street Bridge, extensive renovations to the Hanover Street Fire Station, and upgrading of Cutillo "Stillman Street" Playground. My office was proud to advocate for these major improvements, and it is our ardent hope that the monies spent will enhance the community. If you have any questions about these or any other issues, please feel free to contact my office.

Sincerely,
Paul Scapicchio

Councillor Updates East Boston Votors

February 2000

As I begin my second term on the Boston City Council, I want to take a moment to update you on some important city initiatives being planned for East Boston. It is an exciting time to call East Boston home!

The Boston Public School System is in the process of making physical improvements to several local schools including the O'Donnell, McKay, Alighieri, Guild and Otis Schools. Also, East Boston High School is undergoing a $25 million renovation. As part of the project, the School Department will build a new gymnasium, cafeteria, kitchen, new science labs, and a library.

Boston Community Centers allocated funds for the Harborside Community Center to renovate bathrooms, locker rooms, shower areas, and classroom floors. The athletic area will receive a new gym floor, dividers, and handball courts. The second floor bathrooms will be converted into much needed classrooms and office space.

The Parks Department will be active in East Boston as well. The city has set aside over $2.2 million for the East Boston Greenway project. The proposed urban oasis will contain pedestrian walkways, bike paths, and open green space. Residents will enjoy a new world of recreational opportunities when the project is complete.

This past fall, the Boston Transportation Department initiated a public process to redesign Orient Heights Square. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion and increase public safety in the area. Parking changes have already been made in Maverick Square and several new traffic lights will be installed at dangerous intersections throughout East Boston.

Other projects include revamping Porzio Park, improving Paris Street Pool, repairing the East Boston Library, upgrading East Boston Stadium, and rebuilding the 88 Steps and Golden Stairs. These city repairs will proceed while the state renovates Constitution Beach and collaborates with the city on the development of East Boston's Waterfront. My office was proud to advocate for these public improvements, and we hope that they will enhance the community.

Finally, I applaud the decision by Federal Aviation Administration head Jane Garvey to seek a more in depth environmental study for proposed Runway 14/32 at Logan Airport. Her decision effectively delays the project for at least one year and hopefully forever. This decision represents a major victory for the people of East Boston.

If you have any questions or concerns about the above projects or any other issues, please feel free to contact my office.

District 1 City Councilor Paul Scapicchio led a group of colleagues in approving an ordinance that protects tenants facing displacement by condominium conversion. The ordinance requires landlords to give elderly tenants, disabled tenants, and low and moderate-income tenants 5-year notice of their intention to convert apartment buildings into condominiums. It also places a cap on annual rent increases and mandates a relocation allowance of up to $2000.00.

Referring to the ordinance Scapicchio stated, "we're trying to do all we can to protect our most vulnerable residents. I hope this small step can a allow some people to rest easier knowing that they will now be protected."

The five years notice requirement is a reflection of the long waiting period seniors now endure while seeking of any intention to subsidized elderly housing. It also shows an awareness on the City Council's part of the difficulty people have locating available housing in the city's current tight housing market. The $2000.00 relocation allowance is meant to offset increased moving expenses that elderly and low income
tenants now face.

Scapicchio vowed to work with his fellow Councilors to find ways to create housing that the working people of Boston can afford.

On October 7, 1999, City Councilor Paul Scapicchio chaired a hearing at the Nazzaro Center regarding tour bus operations in the North End. At the hearing many residents voiced their concerns of double parking, illegal parking, and the idling engines of tour buses.

In response to the community's concerns, Councilor Scapicchio has worked with the Boston Transportation Department to post signs on Commercial Street indicating that engine idling is forbidden and violators will be fined. The signs were placed in front of the Steriti Skating Rink and the Kinney Garage, the two locations that allow tour bus parking in the community.

This stretch of Commercial Street is the area where buses have been the biggest problem. Residents have suffered from the noise and pollution of illegally idling buses for a long time without oversight. The new signs are a first step in a process to combat the problems of tour buses in the neighborhood.

Scapicchio, who has fought for better enforcement of the idling laws since taking office, stated, "I am thrilled with the response of the Transportation Department to this ongoing problem. They came to our community, listened to our concerns, and are collaborating with my office and the Environment Department to have the Air Pollution Control Commission and environmental personnel do the actual fining".

Scapicchio has also been pleased with the Boston Police Department's increased presence in moving illegally parked tour buses and forcing bus drivers to turn off their engines.

Scapicchio pledged to continue his efforts, along with the Boston Police, B.T.D, and Public Health officials, to hold tour bus operators accountable for their actions. Scapicchio also plans to have the tourism industry fund a detail officer to handle the busiest areas during foliage season. "We have taken some steps to address the neighborhood's concerns," stated Scapicchio. "We will continue to monitor the situation and look for solutions that we all can live with."

U. S. Census Bureau Now Hiring City Councilor Paul Scapicchio urges all interested East Boston residents to seek employment with the Census Bureau. The local office of Census 2000 needs approximately 680 people to start work in January. Councilor Scapicchio is happy to add that the minimum salary range for positions with the census is $12.50 per hour. There are part-time, and flexible hour positions available. Councilor Scapicchio encourages local residents to take the Census in East Boston. "Neighborhood people know the community and do a better job of accurate census taking than non-residents", said Scapicchio. "An accurate census is important because federal resources are allocated according to many statistical factors which can only be determined through a census. We want to get our fair share of all federal funds." "I want to make sure that East Boston residents are being considered for these positions," said Scapicchio. "These are well paid positions that neighborhood people should have the first opportunity to fill." Anyone interested in these opportunities should call 617-889-1970.

City Councillor Paul Scapicchio would like to praise Mayor Tom Menino for securing over $42.9 million in various projects for the East Boston community in the FY2000 Capital Plan Budget. Working closely with the Mayor's office, Councillor Scapicchio secured monies needed for many important neighborhood projects. Several area schools will be improved through projects aimed at improving the exteriors of the buildings and the school yards themselves. East Boston High School alone will realize $25,802,800 in construction dollars for a media center, science labs, a renovation of the ground floor classrooms, and various other upgrades. Public safety issues will be addressed with an upgrade to the Boston Fire Department Engine 9 Station, the appropriations of design and acquisition funds for the development of a new Boston Police Department Area A-7 Station, and the construction of an Ambulance Garage in the neighborhood. The budget also addresses recreational areas such as the complete renovation of pool locker rooms and bathrooms at the Paris Street Pool, the construction of the Harborside Skate Park, and the creation of the East Boston Greenway pedestrian pathway/bikeway. Councillor Scapicchio said, "The Mayor has obviously been paying close attention to East Boston and the needs of the community. He has really stepped up to the plate and hit a home run for the people of East Boston. With programs like a $15 million street-repaving initiative, Mayor Menino has directed the benefits of the city's booming economy back to neighborhoods like East Boston."

City Councillor Paul Scapicchio, in response to the repeated violation of posted regulations prohibiting tour buses from travelling Hanover Street, has called for a hearing with the Boston Transportation and Boston Police Departments. According to residents, despite signs forbidding their travel down Hanover Street, the buses routinely travel the street and idle while passengers disembark. "Hanover Street is hard enough to drive through without the busses taking up space, emitting noxious fumes, and destroying our tranquility," stated Scapicchio. These tours come in from out of state and drop off tourists who don't even spend money at North End businesses.

In an effort to reign in these scofflaws, Councillor Scapicchio will bring together the BTD and BPD to find out why the posted regulations prohibiting the buses are not being enforced. "We have had enough," insists Scapicchio. "Residents of the North End are entitled to the right to freely travel their streets. Why are these tour operators allowed to openly flaunt posted regulations while we are constantly receiving tickets for similar offenses? It is time we held tour operators accountable." Residents who are interested in testifying are urged to attend the hearing at the Nazarro Center on Thursday, October 7th at 6:30p.m.

District 1 City Councillor Paul Scapicchio today described the new concessions which he helped secure in the Parcel 7 Parking Garage mitigation agreement. Under the new terms of the agreement, the monthly parking rate for North End residents will be reduced from $200 a month to $150 a month. Validated parking for patrons of local businesses will also be reduced. Under the new agreement, the rate will drop from $5 to $3 for periods over 1 hour but less than 3 hours.

According to Scapicchio, the last minute amendments to the agreement will save local residents over $300,000.00 in the first ten years of the agreement. Specifically, each North End resident who earns a monthly space will save $600 annually under the plan, which now includes a mandatory renewal option. This $600 figure multiplied by sixty (60) spaces, amounts to a yearly savings of $36,000. Over the initial ten years of the agreement, the savings would total $360,000.00.

The second change involves a better value for those who shop, dine, or visit senior housing in the North End. The $5 rate negotiated in 1997 will be decreased to $3 for the first three hours. This will provide tens of thousands of dollars in additional savings over the life of the plan. Scapicchio stated, "This parcel is important to both the businesses and the residents of the North End. We negotiated as hard as we could for the community, and I commend Chairman Kerasiotes for working with us."

Scapicchio lauded Mayor Thomas Menino, Senator Robert Travaglini and Representative Salvatore DiMasi for their pivotal roles in the negotiations. "This was a team effort from start to finish, stated the Councillor. Senator Travaglini and Representative DiMasi worked hard for the people of the North End to hammer out the original mitigation package and their leadership paved the way for these final improvements." Moreover, "pressure from the Menino administration provided additional leverage and allowed us to extend the terms of the agreement beyond the initial ten year limit imposed. Scapicchio concluded that "North End residents deserve more attention on Central Artery issues because the construction impacts are so dramatic here."

District 1 City Councillor Paul Scapicchio, working with Judge Joseph V. Ferrino, chairman of Italian Heritage project, placed an order in the City Council that designates October as "Italian History Month" in the City of Boston. Scapicchio feels that October, the month in which we celebrate Columbus Day, will be the perfect time to acknowledge and honor the achievements of the Italian people of the United States. Scapicchio added, "Italian-Americans are an integral part of the communities and neighborhoods of Boston. The contributions of Italian-Americans in all aspects of life are numerous. Whether it be economic, scientific, musical or literary, Italians Americans have made a profound impact on life in the U.S."

The Councillor's order closely follows the filing of legislation in the Massachusetts. Legislature which would set aside October as "Italian Heritage Month." It is hoped that these filings, both at the City and State level, will promote an appreciation and understanding of the contributions of Italian-Americans.

District 1 City Councillor Paul Scapicchio recently received the endorsement of several major labor unions. Scapicchio, who has no opponent in his re-election bid, expressed his gratitude for the support from organized labor and the thousands of workers and their families who are represented by these unions. These endorsements reflect labor's recognition of Councillor Scapicchio's exemplary record on the issues that affect working men and women.

Some of the labor unions which have given Scapicchio their endorsement include: the Service Employees International Union (Locals 103 and 285), The Iron Workers District Council of New England, AFSCME Council 93, The Boston Teachers Union, The Boston Carmen's Union Local 589, The International Assoc. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 264, The Sheet Metal Workers Union Local #17, The Painters and Allied Trades Local 35, and The Laborers Union. While announcing his union's endorsement, James Wyllie, Recording Secretary of The Boston Carmen's Union, said, " The Carmen's Union feels very fortunate to have a friend of Paul's stature and integrity running for re-election as City Councillor. He will continue to be a great asset to the working men and women in Boston."

Councillor Scapicchio, who is very thankful of the outpouring of labor support, said, " I have tried to consistently defend the working men and women of Boston and have represented them on many issues that affect their livelihood. I will continue to work on behalf of Boston's working men and women as the City enters the new millenium."

Due to the fact that Councillor Scapicchio is running unopposed, his name is not on Tuesday's Primary Ballot, however, it will appear on November's General Election Ballot.