Boston, MA

4 questions with Mayor Wu on changing Boston’s streets

Published

2 years ago

September 22, 2022

Press Room

4 questions with Mayor Wu on changing Boston’s streets

Native

“I do not see vehicles because the enemy. I see visitors and wasted time because the enemy. Air pollution is the enemy.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, seen using her bike to work from her dwelling with a bunch of fellow Roslindale residents. David L. Ryan / The Boston Globe

For the file: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is just not a member of the NUMTOT Fb group.

For these studying that final sentence and questioning what precisely the acronym stands for, it’s fairly a mouthful: New Urbanist Memes for Transit-Oriented Teenagers.

And what precisely does that imply?

City Dictionary is fairly succinct: “The acronym is often used to consult with any younger individual that appreciates public transit in addition to city improvement, whereas preventing gentrification.”

The net group boasts over 226,000 members who put up severe — and, because the title implies, not-so-serious — takes on a spread of metropolis planning and transportation points — the sort of subjects that has fashioned the spine of Wu’s progressive political popularity.

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“I’m technically not within the Fb group,” Wu says after fun. “However I, in spirit, positively establish (as a NUMTOT).”

That doubtless comes as no shock.

The 37-year-old millennial mayor is among the T’s fiercest advocates and amongst its most vocal challengers. She’s additionally attracted critics for her assist of lease stabilization insurance policies.

Within the mayor’s workplace, she’s expanded town’s fare-free bus program (which she helped provoke) and has pursued her imaginative and prescient for a Inexperienced New Deal for Boston, starting, partly, with a inexperienced overhaul of Boston Public Faculties buildings.

There’s extra, however that’s a brief model of a hard-to-whittle-down checklist.

On Tuesday, that checklist received a bit longer as Wu introduced town will preserve a variety of avenue adjustments rolled out through the 30-day shutdown of the MBTA’s Orange Line that ended Monday. The adjustments have been initially aimed toward mitigating the closure’s influence on commuters.

Right here to remain are a brand new Chinatown MBTA SL4 bus cease, a pop-up bike lane on Columbus Avenue that may stay open till December (and presumably then change into everlasting), a precedence bus and bike lane on Huntington Avenue from Brigham Circle to Gainsborough Road, Copley Sq.-area bus lanes, and extra Bluebikes docks.

Moreover, a stretch of Boylston Road between Amory and Lamartine streets will proceed to be a one-way avenue, and parking adjustments within the South Finish will stick round to offer higher curbside administration. Jamaica Plain pavement marking and signage have additionally been improved for enhanced visitors security and administration.

“We’ve been in a nerve-racking interval about transportation during the last 30 days with the Orange Line shut down,” Wu mentioned in an interview on Wednesday afternoon. “However the fact is that the Higher Boston area had been going by way of a fairly nerve-racking transportation expertise lengthy earlier than that.”

Reached by cellphone, Wu spoke in regards to the decision-making course of behind the adjustments, what she realized about Boston’s transit system through the shutdown, and the influence 5 % fewer vehicles on town’s streets might have on lowering visitors congestion.

Right here’s what she mentioned:

Editor’s observe: This interview has been edited for size and readability.

1. Boston.com: The folks of Boston have, sort of, gotten used to a few of these adjustments during the last 30 days. However are you able to inform me just a little bit extra about how town selected these adjustments particularly, like, out of the opposite ones that you possibly can have stored? What knowledge or methodologies are driving a few of these selections?

Wu: We’ve been in a nerve-racking interval about transportation during the last 30 days with the Orange Line shut down.

However the fact is that the Higher Boston area had been going by way of a fairly nerve-racking transportation expertise lengthy earlier than that. The pandemic modified lots of people’s commuting patterns — in some instances briefly and in some instances long term. However previous to the pandemic, Boston had the worst rush hour congestion anyplace within the nation. And we’re already beginning to see the return of visitors and enhance in commute occasions that impacts folks’s livelihoods and salaries, in addition to their psychological well being and time we get to spend with our household and associates.

So this can be a core concern on how we are able to develop sustainably and equitably as a metropolis, with transportation as a key piece of what’s accessible to residents all throughout our area: jobs, housing, schooling, and all of the alternatives that we’re making an attempt to create.

The Orange Line scenario was sudden, however our groups labored extremely laborious to organize and plan and assist the MBTA in order that the above-ground (bus) shuttling operation might run as easily as doable whereas the MBTA was upgrading tracks and indicators and stations underground.

Within the course of, we drew on data and knowledge that we already had in some instances from a few of our totally different streets pilots, like Copley Join (town’s pilot program that closed some streets within the sq. for public programing this summer season) and different data that the Boston Visitors Administration Heart has at all times been gathering and taking a look at.

So, our hope all through the 30-day interval was to not solely handle a nerve-racking scenario, however to measure, be taught, and enhance each single day throughout that interval with an eye fixed in the direction of maintaining lasting influence wherever doable. And so a number of of those bus lanes and bike lanes characterize tasks that town had hoped to get completed in some unspecified time in the future anyway, or tackle spots which can be notably congested and harmful in terms of visitors and vehicles. So we now have an excellent quantity of knowledge collected throughout this 30-day interval and earlier than to establish the place it really works very effectively for visitors move and pedestrian security and transit entry to maintain these adjustments.

2. You talked about Copley Join so perhaps you sort of answered this query already, however you’re making three bus lanes everlasting in Copley Sq.. Clearly we’ve seen bus-only lanes arising in several neighborhoods lately, however you recognize perhaps … not as on the similar (slower) price that we’ve seen in additional of the central, downtown areas like these ones might be.

What’s the important thing to creating positive that bus lanes in these busier areas work effectively? Downtown and Again Bay are filled with slim, tiny streets. Is there a steadiness that you must attain in deciding find out how to handle visitors and ensure it’s not a burden on these busier areas?

Boston is a historic, dense metropolis, and as we develop, the capability to maneuver folks on our streets is among the limiting elements. We’re already at or nearing capability of our streets in lots of instances, and to make sure that we are able to create housing so folks can afford to remain and stay in Boston and add jobs to the realm, proceed seeing alternatives in our development sectors and in academic alternatives throughout town, we now have to be considering in another way in some instances about find out how to transfer much more folks on the identical public house that’s out there on our roadways.

Bus lanes and bike lanes and different infrastructure are solely pretty much as good as they’re clear and used that approach. I imply, I’ve been in a lot a scenario the place you must go round a parked supply truck in a motorcycle lane, which could be fairly harmful, or see a parked automotive within the devoted bus lane on my morning journey in on the bus from Forest Hills.

And so, design selections and enforcement sources to make it possible for these are actual lanes is vital. And having linked connectivity between totally different choices in order that it’s not only for a brief stretch that you simply skilled a smoother journey, however you possibly can truly get to your vacation spot.

3. What’s one thing you realized in regards to the metropolis’s transit system — you recognize, not simply the MBTA itself however the ecosystem at giant, if you’ll, — through the Orange Line shutdown interval?

What’s one factor that I realized? That we are able to, in reality, transfer shortly and do massive issues once we select to.

There was all of two weeks to prepare for a large enterprise, and our groups had each day, typically hourly, coordination with the MBTA. It actually takes that stage of partnership and collaboration to suit all of the items collectively. You’ll be able to’t separate our subway system from buses and visitors and the Metropolis of Boston from our companion cities throughout the area.

So all of those items depend on one another. However once we all get on the identical web page, we are able to see fairly massive enhancements, fairly quick.

4. This Boston Herald editorial mentioned just lately that you simply see vehicles as “the enemy.” It simply received me considering: What are your critics not understanding about your imaginative and prescient for town’s transit system? Possibly folks see a few of this modification as too quick for them to deal with. Is there a response to that?

I don’t see vehicles because the enemy. I see visitors and wasted time because the enemy. Air pollution is the enemy.

Look, I’m in a multigenerational family. I’ve two younger children. I understand how that our streets are at present designed. We get within the automotive to go locations as effectively. And so, it’s not an all or nothing proposition to say we have to make adjustments in order that our entire system and the numerous ways in which folks get round all match collectively.

Eliminating visitors is an pressing concern. It’s choking the expansion of our financial system. It’s making our housing market extra strained. It’s affecting so many features of individuals’s day-to-day lives. It’s depressing to be caught in visitors to get to work, and that makes it more durable for firms to find right here or for younger folks to attach with the internship alternatives and social actions and sources that we’re making an attempt to create for everybody all throughout town.

It doesn’t take that a lot to make a distinction. I believe when there have been research (that recommend), and even when The Boston Globe did their Highlight collection on visitors within the area, seeing even a 5 % discount within the variety of vehicles on the highway opens up the house … that’s the distinction between gridlock and (having) visitors that may move easily.

Not everybody goes to have the ability to or need to (not) be behind their autos instantly. But when we are able to make that 5 % distinction, that’s life altering for people who find themselves making selections about the place to stay, what jobs they will take, what group they really feel linked to.

And so, we are able to both select to kick the can down the highway and pay for it, with even higher value down the highway, or as we’ve seen with why we wanted to even have an MBTA shutdown to start with, we are able to begin now and roll up our sleeves to actually deal with our public areas, together with roadways, as an area that ought to be serving the frequent good.

Materials from earlier Boston.com stories was used on this report.

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Boston, MA

Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics free live stream

Published

11 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics free live stream

There is NBA action on Sunday, Jan. 12 that sees the Boston Celtics welcoming the New Orleans Pelicans to TD Garden in Boston.

The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Boston. Fans looking to watch this NBA game can do so for free by using DirecTV Stream, which offers a free trial. You can also watch on FuboTV, which also offers a free trial and $30 off your first month, or SlingTV, which doesn’t offer a free trial but has promotional offers available.

The Celtics have lost two of their last three and are 11-8 since the start of December, and now sit at 27-11, still the second-best mark in the East. The Pelicans are 8-31, but have won three of their last five.

WATCH THE GAME FOR FREE HERE

Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics

When: Sunday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. EST

Where: TD Garden in Boston

Stream: FuboTV; Sling; DirecTV Stream (free trial)

Betting: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.

What is FuboTV?

FuboTV is an internet television service that offers more than 200 channels across sports and entertainment including Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. From the UEFA Champions League to the WNBA to international tournaments ranging across sports, there’s plenty of options available on FuboTV, which offers a free trial and $30 off the first month for new customers.

What is DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream offers practically everything DirecTV provides, except for a remote and a streaming device to connect to your television. Sign up now and get three free months of premium channels including MAX, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Starz.

What is SlingTV?

SlingTV offers a variety of live programing ranging from news and sports and starting as low as $20 a month for your first month. Subscribers also get a month of DVR Plus free if they sign up now. Choose from a variety of sports packages without long-term contracts and with easy cancelation.

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An NBA 1st: Jokic, Westbrook record triple-doubles in same game for 2nd time this season

By MICHAEL KELLY Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook made NBA history on Friday night, becoming the first pair of teammates to record a triple-double in the same game multiple times in a single season.

Jokic finished with 35 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds for his NBA-leading 15th triple-double of the season in the Nuggets’ 124-105 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Westbrook had 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

“I think it’s that’s the style both of us play,” Jokic said. “I’m just glad we’re winning the games because that’s more important than the stats. It’s special, the relationship, how the guys are willing to run the lanes and get to the corner. They know the ball’s going to find them.”

They’re also the first to record a 25-point triple-double in the same regular-season game.

“Wow. That’s pretty crazy. We’re watching history, folks,” Denver coach Michael Malone said.

The pair also accomplished the feat at Utah on Dec. 30. Jokic had 36 points, 22 rebounds and 11 assists that night while Westbrook had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Westbrook made all seven of his shot attempts, both free throw attempts and didn’t have a turnover in that game.

Westbrook credited Malone with giving him the freedom to play his game.

“Being able to do that allows me to be able to make guys around me better,” Westbrook said Friday. “Try to bring this team some leadership, some energy, some toughness. We’re just getting started on figuring it out.”

Jokic had missed the previous two games with an illness before returning against the Nets. He went to the bench late in the third quarter one rebound shy of his 145th career triple-double and the Nuggets leading by 18.

Brooklyn rallied to get within five and Jokic returned and had nine points, four assists and three rebounds in the fourth.

Jokic got his 10th rebound after Westbrook blocked Keon Johnson’s shot with 6:51 left.

Westbrook had four assists in the fourth to record his 202nd career triple-double, which is the most in an NBA career. It was his third triple-double this season, his first in Denver.

Westbrook signed with the Nuggets last summer after spending the last three seasons in Los Angeles with both the Lakers and the Clippers.

The Associated Press contributed to this article

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Boston, MA

Maguire & Caldarone: Bilingual education a must for BPS students

Published

22 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

Maguire & Caldarone: Bilingual education a must for BPS students

The Boston Public Schools (BPS) enroll students from 139 different countries who speak 66 different languages at home. Roughly one-third of BPS students are classified as Multilingual Learners or English Language Learners (ELs), which means they are not fluent in English and need their instruction augmented in some way.

It’s the “in some way” which is the topic of intense debate both locally and nationally. The Boston Teachers Union (BTU) wants to change the way the BPS teaches EL students. The BTU wants the BPS to end its current practice of having a general education teacher also deliver English language instruction. President-elect Donald Trump recently told Time magazine that he wants to keep only some of the Department of Education operational “just to make sure they’re teaching English in the schools.”

In an effort to help ELs, the BPS recently announced the creation of new dual language programming for the ‘25-’26 school year. At first only 200 students will be served but expansions are planned. These programs range from “newcomers” who do not speak any or only very limited English, to advanced programs in high school where students are eligible to receive the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation.

All of these approaches only nibble around the edge of the issue, and even if these programs are faithfully implemented the core issue remains unchanged: American students are at a disadvantage globally if they remain monolingual.

Finland, often hailed as the world exemplar of public education, requires its students to learn four languages by the time they graduate secondary school. Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Whatever language a student speaks at home, that student learns the other official language in school. The goal is to have all Finns able to speak to one another in order both to build a national community and to make commerce easier. Then Finns learn two more languages (one of which is usually English).

Over 43 million people in the United States speak Spanish at home (13% of the population). In Boston,16% of the population speaks Spanish. So let’s follow the Finnish model and have all our students – and citizens – understand one another.

Boston already has a few dual-language programs in not only Spanish but also in Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language. What if Boston simply expanded these programs so that all students in the BPS became proficient in at least two languages?

If this were to happen, then Boston graduates would be in high demand. A 2023 report by The Century Foundation states that bilingual students have better problem-solving skills and improved working memory due to their more active neural networks as a result of their learning two (or more) languages.

There are other benefits of bilingualism such as better social-emotional development and even a potential delay in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (again due to expanded neural pathways).

Practically speaking, bilingual employees can earn up to 20% more than their monolingual counterparts. Workforce Essentials reported in 2023 that US businesses lose roughly $2 billion annually due to language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. Undeniably our world is becoming more interconnected. BPS graduates who are multilingual would have a great advantage in both college and career.

Boston is already moving in the direction of increased multilingual instruction. In the Dec. 18, 2024 School Committee meeting, BPS interim CFO David Bloom gave a report which stated that over the past year the general education population in the BPS decreased by 22% whereas the number of ELs increased by 11%. Simply put, Boston has to increase its multilingual instruction anyway. Why not go all in?

There are two frequent arguments against bilingual education. One is xenophobia and the other is parsimony. For a “nation of immigrants” it is illogical for us to fear our neighbors’ words and cultures. As for the cost, let us beware of the “bait and switch” of vouchers or school choice.

It is also important to also note that many private/independent schools offer language instruction from Grade 1 through Grade 12. They know that doing so will make their graduates more competitive in college and beyond.

There is no denying that Boston needs to do better by its students. If we continue the current model we will likely continue with the current results. An expansive bilingual program would both improve our students’ lives and attract more families to the district.

Finally we could also help our students and families by having our teachers learn Spanish and/or other languages in their professional development sessions. We can all learn from each other.

Para los estudiantes de hoy, la educación bilingüe es esencial para la universidad, la carrera y nuestra sociedad global. Creemos que todos los estudiantes deberían tener la misma oportunidad de aprender otros idiomas.

(Michael Maguire teaches Latin and Ancient Greek at Boston Latin Academy and serves on the Executive Board of the Boston Teachers Union. Julie Caldarone is the retired Director of World Languages for Boston Public Schools. She currently co-teaches a course entitled, “Spanish for BPS Educators.” The ideas expressed here are their own.)

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Boston, MA

Red Sox Icon David Ortiz Urges Boston To ‘Make It Rain’ For Free-Agent Slugger

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Red Sox Icon David Ortiz Urges Boston To ‘Make It Rain’ For Free-Agent Slugger

The Boston Red Sox hive mind doesn’t always come to a perfect agreement on what they want the team to do. That is, of course, unless David Ortiz is asking for it.

A three-time World Series champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the most clutch players of all time, Ortiz is unquestionably on the Red Sox’s all-time Mount Rushmore. Even though he retired in 2016, he’s still closely woven into the fabric of the organization.

Ortiz sees what we all do: this Red Sox team is close to being ready to contend for the playoffs, but there’s one key ingredient missing. He made his feelings known about what he hopes the front office does between now and Opening Day to address that issue.

On Saturday, Ortiz relayed a simple message to the Red Sox: spend whatever it takes to get one more big bat.

“There’s still some guys out there that we can still go for, and I think we have a really good front office,” Ortiz said in an appearance on NESN. “To put a good lineup together nowadays is not that difficult. What you got to do is just make it rain, and you can go pick a few guys. Now pitching, on the other hand, is the toughest thing to put together.

“We got pitching. Pitching can always stop good offenses. The playoff is a playoff pitching (staff) we got right now. We line up a couple of thunders in the lineup to help (Rafael Devers) and the rest of them boys — one good bat would do.”

Ortiz and NESN host Tom Caron both strongly hinted at the end of the interview who that big bat could be: former Houston Astros All-Star Alex Bregman. Manager Alex Cora also signaled earlier in the day that Bregman would be a great fit in Boston.

Bregman isn’t quite Ortiz, but he does have one thing on him: the career record for OPS at Fenway Park. He has a wild 1.245 mark in 98 plate appearances in Boston throughout his career.

When David Ortiz asks for something, the Red Sox would usually be wise to follow through. And it seems he wants Bregman. Will that move the needle in the suites at Fenway?

More MLB: Red Sox Predicted To Land Ex-Padres $28 Million Gold Glover In Free Agency Surprise

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