April 1 is known for pranks, but for many commercial tenants in the South End this year, it has been a date on the calendar that is no joke. With the COVID-19 response coming so fast and furious in March,…
Bay Village Takes to Social Media to Stay Connected
Though it may be small, the neighborhood of Bay Village is coming together in big ways to help each other. Bay Village Neighborhood Association (BVNA) president Bethany Patten spoke with the Sun about how they are keeping each other informed…
SBA, Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization on Friday: Massive Effort Will Work With Local Lenders to Distribute
Following President Donald Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin announced Tuesday that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and…
Fenway Organizations Come Together to Form Fenway Cares
While the Fenway Community Center (FCC) remains closed until Governor Charlie Baker lifts his stay at home order, many Fenway organizations have joined forces with the FCC to create a group called Fenway Cares. Fenway Cares, according to FCC Executive…
Downtown Parks a Source of Respite Amid Uncertainty
As so many other things remain uncertain and the Commonwealth enters its second week under a stay-at-home advisory, many residents have taken to the City’s many parks as respite. The Sun spoke with Friends of the Public Garden’s Executive Director…
Legislature Passes Bills to Help Local Governments, Restaurants: Michlewitz Commends Leaders for Steadfastness
The State Legislature passed several pieces of legislation over the past few days that focus on helping local businesses like restaurants by allowing liquor license holders to sell beer and wine with food to go – along with a municipal…
State Designates Newton Pavilion for Shelter, Treatment of Homeless Individuals
Just days after the idea was floated in the South End Forum Opiate Working Group, the state moved fast to designate and begin working to configure the Newton Pavilion into a COVID-19 treatment and quarantine hospital for the homeless in…
Mayor Walsh Announces Temporary Parking Enforcement Changes
To address the transportation needs of residents, health care providers and businesses during the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, Mayor Martin Walsh and the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) announced updated enforcement regulations and transportation services on Thursday afternoon, March 27.…
Housing Court Standing Orders Will Bar New Eviction Cases Through April 21
Though it is an unintended consequence of the state court system trying to promote social distancing and health, there will also be an added protection for tenants affected by the COVID-19 response who are in fear of being evicted from…
Baker Administration Starts Online Portal for Equipment
The Baker administration on Sunday announced an online portal where individuals and companies can easily donate or sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and volunteer to support the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts. This effort will ensure that front line responders get…
Office of Economic Empowerment Launches Digital Financial Resources Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
The Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment has launched a new digital tool for residents in Massachusetts experiencing financial changes due to the COVID-19 outbreak. With the goal of providing relevant financial education for families, the Office of Economic…
Consumers Facing Financial Hardships Due to COVID-19 Urged to Contact Local Banks
The Massachusetts Bankers Association urged consumers who are facing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic to contact their financial institution for assistance. Local banks throughout the Commonwealth have pledged to work with their customers – individuals and businesses –…