Press Releases - Brendan Crighton

Lynn and Nahant Share Better Beaches Funding

05/19/2025

Lynn and Nahant Share Better Beaches Funding

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay awarded the City of Lynn and the Town of Nahant $31,500 in grants to host free beach events and programs throughout the summer.

The grant funding comes from the organization’s Better Beaches Program Partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Better Beaches works with communities to create free events on area beaches, with the goal of fostering a stronger and inclusive sense of community for people to enjoy.

Funds for the program came from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and from Save the Harbor’s annual JetBlue Shamrock Splash fundraiser.

“I can say that I’m very excited about it, and I will be looking forward to working with the organization,” Chair of the Board of Selectmen Rob Tibbo said.

Executive Director of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, Chris Mancini, shared his excitement for the opportunities to create more events.

“The program has been going since 2008, and it’s a grant for free events on beaches… Nahant will be getting more than $30,000, or ten percent of the grant pool,” Mancini said. “And it’s going to be concerts in Red Rock Park, surfing, outdoor painting, and they’re all free — open to everybody.”

Mancini continued, “This year has brought many new challenges facing organizations like Save the Harbor… So, we’re particularly grateful to be sharing these spectacular urban natural resources in a state that understands the value of our 40 years of work.”

Mancini said the organization is especially grateful for its long partnership with the Massachusetts DCR. “Not to mention the stalwart support from the Healey/Driscoll administration and the Metropolitan Beaches Commission, as well as from JetBlue and all of our corporate partners whose support allows us to activate our beaches all summer long,” he said.

The grantees will bring free programming all summer long to 13 beaches in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull. The 80 groups receiving grants this year are based in all the metropolitan beachfront and waterfront communities, as well as a dozen surrounding cities and towns.

State Sen. Brendan Crighton commented on how the grant can help bolster activity within the community.

“Community engagement and awareness of harbor and beach ecology are some of the many ways Save the Harbor strengthens our state and expands access to public spaces… It’s inspiring how Better Beaches promotes engagement with ecology by creating personal connections to our fantastic state beaches,” he said.

Crighton continued, “This is something that’s been successful since its inception, where it brings in as many people as possible to the local beaches… They’ve done concerts at Red Rock Park, some painting lessons as well, but it’s also about familiarizing people with keeping the beaches clean.”

Since the program began, Better Beaches has supported more than 2,100 free events and programs and leveraged more than $7.3 million in state and local investment in beachfront and waterfront communities. This year, Better Beaches events are expected to draw nearly 500,000 attendees to more than 200 free events and programs, according to the press release.

“I am proud and excited by the diversity of the Better Beaches partners,” DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo said. “Working with Save the Harbor to improve the life and access to the waterfront for all visitors to our neighborhood shows how vibrant a community we have in the Commonwealth and how DCR’s beaches can welcome and serve everybody.”

“I’m very grateful for the Better Beaches Grant. This will be the fifth year that I’ll be doing painting at Red Rock Park, it’s something that the community is really looking forward to,” Annette Sykes of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay said. “This year, we’re including for one day only an evening sunset painting on August 1.”

She continued, “We’re going to be having a guest painter, a local painter who is on the autism spectrum, who will be there to inspire the community visitors to work on their own pieces of art… We’ll be giving lessons to help people at every stage, it’s free for everybody.”

Read the article from the Daily Item here

Cities seek new plan to replace aging schools

05/13/2025

Cities seek new plan to replace aging schools

STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, MAY 13, 2025.....As public school officials registered support Monday for overhauling the state's school construction financing formula, the Senate's education point person said the Legislature may need a dedicated plan for Boston Public Schools.

School districts in communities of color and so-called Gateway Cities, which are home to predominantly working-class and lower-income families, are not getting enough state funding aid to build new schools or repair decades-old buildings, advocates and educators told lawmakers.

"Our facilities are in a dire need, and students in Boston have the misfortune of attending schools that are often crumbling and don't have the space for the needs of education today," Johnny McInnis, a music teacher at Boston Public Schools and political director at the Boston Teachers Union, said at a hearing. "In particular, the renovation of our vocational school, Madison Park, is pending, and we hope that the state can support our efforts to rebuild this vocational school."

McInnis testified before the Joint Committee on Education as part of a panel backing legislation from Rep. Daniel Cahill and Sen. Brendan Crighton (H 526 / S 318) that would pump more money into the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

The bill increases the amount of sales tax revenue dedicated to the School Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund, allows school districts with a "disproportionate need for school building renovations or replacements" to use up to 1% of their Chapter 70 aid on renovation or replacement expenses, and removes the 80% reimbursement cap for school building projects, among other reforms.
Committee co-chair Sen. Jason Lewis indicated a follow-up conversation is needed with Boston stakeholders, and the Winchester Democrat said he would also be happy to speak with BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper and Mayor Michelle Wu.

"The challenge obviously with Boston is it's so much larger than any other district, and there's so many school buildings that are in need of renovation," Lewis said. "Seems to me we need to come up with a dedicated plan and partnership with the MSBA. I know there's been some conversation about that. My understanding is that Baltimore came up a number of years ago with a plan, working with their state legislature and all their local stakeholders because they, similar to Boston, had many old buildings that needed renovation or to be rebuilt."

Lewis later acknowledged that other school districts -- including Worcester, Springfield and Lynn -- also fall into a "unique" category of needing a substantial volume of building renovations.

Crighton, a Lynn Democrat, pointed out the city has more than 13 schools that are over a century old.
"This bill, as you heard earlier, certainly is intended to help the MSBA," Crighton said. "We appreciate the work that they do to continue to build schools across our commonwealth, but we believe that these well thought-out and vetted reforms could go a long way to really help Gateway Cities like Lynn."

Lynn has built only one new school in the past 25 years, Mayor Jared Nicholson said. Another new school building project is also "on the brink of financial viability," which he credited to the Legislature and to the MSBA for boosting its reimbursement level.

"But without reform, we're going to have to go another generation to be able to afford to build another school under the current system that we have," said Nicholson, who outlined "creative solutions" Lynn has deployed like transforming a former bank office building into a high school.
"We're a whole elementary school short as it is," the mayor added. "That's just in terms of capacity -- never mind the quality of the facilities and that the increase in construction costs, as you know, create a huge disparity in the formula, which is disproportionately borne by municipalities, given the cap on the reimbursement rates."

Read the State House News story here

Senate Injects $1.33 Billion into Statewide Education, Transportation Projects

05/09/2025

Senate Injects $1.33 Billion into Statewide Education, Transportation Projects

(BOSTON—5/8/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today passed a $1.33 billion plan to invest in public education and transportation across the Commonwealth. The Senate’s bill directs funding to expand career and technical education opportunities, bolster construction projects at local schools and college campuses, and support public transit, road and bridge funding for city and town governments.

The bill, S.2512, prioritizes regional equity by providing support statewide for K-12 school district special education programs, rural roads and bridges, capital improvements for public bus transportation, and infrastructure upgrades at Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities.

The overwhelming success of the Fair Share amendment to the Constitution—voted for by residents in 2022—generated more than $1 billion over initial projections in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. This legislation contains restricted one-time investments in public education and transportation initiatives and primarily uses funds from that surtax, which is paid by households in Massachusetts earning more than $1 million per year. The Senate will debate its annual general budget later in the month.

“This bill answers the clear message that our residents sent us in 2022—to invest these dollars across the state to continue building the high-quality education and transportation systems Massachusetts deserves," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D–Ashland). “At a time of economic uncertainty, we are committed to supporting our schools and making sure that residents can travel safely, and these Fair Share funds allow us to do that. I am deeply grateful for the hard work of Chair Rodrigues and the Senate Ways & Means Committee for putting this bill together, and to each Senator for contributing their ideas and support.”

“I’m pleased the Senate has passed this Fair Share supplemental budget, prioritizing regional equity while also maintaining fiscal integrity during these highly uncertain times,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “By utilizing almost $1.3 billion in one-time surplus surtax revenues, the proposal strengthens the Commonwealth’s economic foundation by making meaningful investments in education and transportation. This budget plan reaffirms the Senate’s strong commitment to educational excellence, provides significant resources for special education, and makes substantial investments in our transportation infrastructure. It goes above and beyond to give everyone a ‘fair share’.”

“Amid waves of uncertainty at the national level and devastating federal cuts, the Massachusetts Senate answered the call of residents to use surplus Fair Share Amendment funds to invest equitably in education and transportation across the Commonwealth,” said Senate Ways and Means Vice Chair Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “The Senate bill passed today will provide transportation solutions for small, rural towns, will begin addressing the debilitating backlog of deferred maintenance on public higher education campuses, will provide meaningful help to school budgets pushed to the breaking point, and more. Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for leading the Senate to live our shared commitment to regional equity.”

“The quality of our nation-leading public education system and public transportation infrastructure often define who we are as a Commonwealth,” said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I am proud that this supplemental budget represents a balanced, smart, forward thinking and common-sense approach that directly infuses funds into these consequential sectors to help address residents' most pressing needs amidst economic uncertainty and pinching budgets. I am grateful to Chairman Rodrigues and Vice-Chair Comerford for their thoughtfulness and collaborative approach in crafting this bill, and to Senate President Spilka for her continued leadership on our Commonwealth's priorities and shared values.”

“Our transportation system impacts nearly every part of our lives, from housing costs to economic mobility to climate change,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee. “This legislation secures funding to support infrastructure upgrades to the MBTA, capital investments in our regional transit, and improvements to our local bridges, roads, and culverts. Through these various initiatives, residents of the Commonwealth will experience safer, more reliable and more efficient travel.”

“These Fair Share dollars will provide critical support to municipalities struggling with growing education expenses by increasing state reimbursements for rising special education costs, providing additional financial relief for local school building projects, and investing in literacy and English-Language Learning programs,” said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I am proud to have been the lead Senate sponsor of the Fair Share Amendment. With this revenue from the state’s highest earners, we can continue to invest in the high-quality schools and innovative transportation projects that help make Massachusetts a top-ranking state to live in and raise a family.”

Education

Education investments in the supplemental budget include funding for:

Special Education Costs. $248 million, including circuit breaker reimbursements to local school districts.
Public Higher Education Deferred Maintenance. $190 million for higher education overall, including $10 million for lab resources for community colleges following the success of MassEducate.
Career Technical Education Capital Grants. $100 million to expand capacity and accommodate additional career technical education opportunities.
Local School Construction Relief. $50 million to support cities, towns and school districts experiencing extraordinary school construction increases due to inflation or the impacts of tariffs.
Literacy Growth. $25 million to support accelerated literacy growth for students in kindergarten through grade 3.
English Language Learning Programs. $10 million for educational grants to reduce the waitlist for services for speakers of languages other than English to learn English and subsequently help fill in-demand jobs.

Transportation

Transportation investments in the supplemental budget include funding for:

MBTA Improvements and Infrastructure Upgrades. $370 million for improvements and infrastructure upgrades across the MBTA system, comprising:
- $200 million to replenish the MBTA budget reserve after the MBTA’s recent use of reserve funds for operations support.
- $100 million in workforce and safety training to implement Federal Transit Administration improvement recommendations.
- $50 million for commuter rail system maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
- $20 million for the MBTA’s low-income fare relief program.
Local Road Improvements. $190 million for shovel-ready transportation improvements to roads, bridges, and culverts.
Regional Equity in Transportation. $105 million for regional transit initiatives composed of:
- $50 million for capital improvements to equipment and facilities at Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) that serve and connect all regions of the Commonwealth.
- $25 million for RTA workforce recruitment and retention improvement efforts.
- $20 million for ferry infrastructure improvements.
- $10 million for on-demand micro-transit shuttles and Last Mile grants to foster an innovative multimodal transit system.
World Cup Preparations. $5 million for transportation improvements associated with the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Amendments

During debate on the Senate floor, members from around the state contributed to the initial proposal with amendments reflecting their priorities and district needs. Notable amendments adopted during the debate include:

Amendment 128 from Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn). Sets aside funds for assistive reading technologies so local school districts can purchase resources such as audio books and voice-text format books to bolster struggling readers in Massachusetts, including children with vision impairments, learning disabilities, or physical disabilities.
Amendment 213 from Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston). Supports nurses by allocating funds toward expansion of the facilities at UMass Boston’s Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the ninth largest nursing school in the country that offers several undergraduate and graduate degree programs; also directs UMass Boston to study the feasibility of establishing a satellite campus at the site of Carney Hospital in Dorchester.
Amendment 106 from Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). Directs funds for ferry services including pier and dock maintenance serving passengers between the South Coast, Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.
Amendment 223 from Senator Lydia Edwards (D-East Boston). Directs funds toward planning and construction of a ferry dock in the East Boston Designated Port Area, along with money for ferry terminal capital improvements in Winthrop.
Amendment 15 from Senator John Keenan (D-Quincy). Edits the language regarding the bill’s supplemental grant program, which helps school districts deal with skyrocketing material costs for school building projects due to inflation, to also include projects with material cost increases due to tariffs.

A comprehensive fact sheet detailing the investments proposed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, including further investments and funding sources, is available in the Senate’s press room. Video of debate is publicly available on the Senate website for viewing, as is the full list of investments approved by the Senate.

Different versions having passed both chambers of the Legislature, the branches will now move to resolve their differences before sending a compromise bill to the Governor for her signature.

Read the press release in the Senate Press room here

Mass. Should Say: ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’

04/26/2025

Mass. Should Say: ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’

In the United States, there has been a significant decline of religious affiliation, leading to an enormous number of shrinking congregations left to try and maintain large buildings and surplus land. But new legislation would add Massachusetts to the list of states seeking an innovative solution to make it easier by developing those excess assets into much-needed affordable housing.

The legislation, commonly known by the acronym “YIGBY,” would give faith-based organizations by-right approval to build multi-family housing on excess land as long as the parcels comply with building codes and environmental standards. Since 2022, California, Maryland and Washington have passed similar laws. At the municipal level, Atlanta, San Antonio and Seattle are among the cities with initiatives to encourage faith-based groups to build affordable housing on their surplus land.

“Initiatives like these have the potential to be a win-win proposition, supporting the missions of faith-based organizations that are connected with the neighborhoods where they are rooted while making a significant dent in the overall Massachusetts’ housing shortage,” said Rachel Heller, CEO of the Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA).

Potential for 80K Units
In California, the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley estimated that faith-based organizations and not-for-profit colleges (also covered by that state’s legislation) owned over 170,000 acres of land – five times the size of Oakland – that could be developed into affordable housing.

An initial estimate conducted by undergraduates at Boston College’s Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action found that housing development on Massachusetts property owned by faith-based organizations could conservatively yield up to 80,000 units, nearly 40 percent of the commonwealth’s estimated shortfall of more than 200,000 units.

The YIGBY bill would allow multifamily housing development at between 30 and 50 units per acre by right, with so-called density bonuses for projects that include either a higher percentage of affordable units or units that would be affordable to lower income households.

Without the legislation, faith-based groups would need to have excess land rezoned before they could develop it into housing, a lengthy and expensive process. The cost of rezoning makes projects less likely to be financially feasible, while the threat of appeals and lawsuits from neighbors that often accompany rezoning add extended delays, imposes additional costs and make the ultimate outcome highly uncertain.

Many religious leaders are already engaged in housing affordability, whether as a pillar of a larger social justice ministry or in service to vulnerable congregants. The fact that these leaders are trusted community stakeholders not only makes them well positioned to give voice to pressing community needs, but also to shepherd new housing.

Impactful Support for Congregations
In addition to the benefits housing development brings to communities and the economy, it can also provide impactful support to faith-based organizations.

With too many shrinking congregations trying to maintain property they can’t afford, the National Council of Churches estimates that 100,000 congregations – about a quarter of those currently in operation – could be forced to close by 2050. A ground lease to a developer, for example, could benefit a faith-based group by increasing its revenue and eliminating maintenance costs for structures and other property it no longer uses.

Notably, redeveloping sacred spaces where family weddings, funerals and baptisms took place is fundamentally unlike repurposing a factory. And spaces such as large sanctuaries do not lend themselves to multifamily housing. But others, such as outbuildings, meeting halls, dormitories and surface parking lots are well suited to either adaptive reuse or new construction. And providing housing for low- and moderate-income households fits squarely within the missions of most faith-based organizations by addressing a critical societal need.

Out-migration from Massachusetts has accelerated in recent years and survey after survey puts housing prices atop the list of reasons for the departures.

“There is a dearth of homes for nurses, teachers and firefighters who can’t live in the communities they serve, as well as the seniors and young people who are priced out of their long-time communities,” said Cindy Rowe, CEO of the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA).

The YIGBY bill is sponsored by state Rep. Andy Vargas and state Sen. Brendan Crighton, both of whom see housing production as a top priority. CHAPA has begun building a coalition of organizations such as the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, the Archdiocese of Boston’s Planning Office for Urban Affairs, JALSA and the Pine Street Inn.

Passing zoning reform is never easy in Massachusetts, but this new bill uniquely appeals to a broad base of support with deep local roots. As Sen. Crighton notes, “This has the potential to be a real gamechanger.” And frankly, that is just what we need.

Susan Gittelman is executive director of B’nai B’rith Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer currently working in Boston, Cambridge, MetroWest and the North Shore.

Read Banker and Tradesman story here

Driving Change: Senator Brendan Crighton on Issues Facing Massachusetts in 2025

04/16/2025

Driving Change: Senator Brendan Crighton on Issues Facing Massachusetts in 2025

In the latest episode of the Back in Session Podcast, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Massachusetts State Senator Brendan Crighton for an engaging conversation about the state’s legislative landscape. Representing the Third Essex District, which includes coastal communities like Lynn and Nahant, Senator Crighton brings a wealth of experience from his background in public service and his role as chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation.

Find the podcast episode here

MassDOT Announces Special Commission on Micromobility

04/09/2025

MassDOT Announces Special Commission on Micromobility

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing the creation of a Special Commission on Micromobility that will be responsible for studying current state and local regulations and developing recommendations to expand micromobility use to help achieve shared goals for increasing mobility options, emission reductions, and economic vitality. Micromobility vehicles include bicycles, scooters, e-bikes, skateboards, uni-wheels, and other small personal travel devices. The commission is a result of Governor Healey’s economic development legislation, the Mass Leads Act.

“MassDOT is proud to launch the Special Commission on Micromobility—a cross-secretariat initiative dedicated to examining the current landscape of micromobility regulations in Massachusetts and shaping thoughtful recommendations for the future,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Micromobility options like e-bikes and e-scooters offer exciting opportunities to strengthen our transportation network. Through this Commission, we aim to advance policies that prioritize safety, support innovation, and expand access for communities across the Commonwealth.”

“DCR manages a vast trail network across the state that thousands of people use every day for recreation, exercise and transportation,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We’re excited to work with our partners on the Special Commission on Micromobility to evaluate how e-bike, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices affect how people travel on our trails and parkways and how we can ensure that all users have a safe and comfortable experience.”

“The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security looks forward to collaborating with the Special Commission to explore policies regarding Micromobility and its role in our transportation infrastructure,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Our commitment to public safety requires us to balance innovation and accessibility with the need to ensure safe usage, the protection of pedestrians and drivers, and establish clear enforcement guidelines.”

"MassBike is encouraged to see the State thinking and working holistically about the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging mobility technology.” said Galen Mook, Executive Director at MassBike. “An increasing number of folks in Massachusetts are getting around on e-bikes, scooters, one-wheels, and different accessibility and mobility devices. We may be catching up to the realities of how folks are rolling on our streets, sidewalks, and paths, but we know that by providing more options for more people to get around more often will help Massachusetts prepare for the future of transportation."

“Micromobility adoption has grown rapidly in recent years and represents a real opportunity to ease congestion, reduce emissions, and expand transportation options for people,” said Scott Mullen, Transportation Demand Manager at A Better City. “Thank you to Secretary Tibbits-Nutt and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for seizing this opportunity to advance a thoughtful classification and regulatory regime and roadmap for future growth to help communities across the Commonwealth scale micromobility.”

Following a series of public meetings, the commission will deliver a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

Special Commission on Micromobility Members:

Name Affiliation
Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Chair Secretary and CEO, MassDOT
Susan Terrey Deputy Secretary, EOPSS
Gerald Autler Director of Trails and Greenways, DCR
Sen. Brendan Crighton Senator, Third Essex, Senate Chairperson, Joint Committee on Transportation
Rep. James Arciero Representative, Second Middlesex, House Chairperson, Joint Committee on Transportation
Nick Gove Deputy Chief of Transportation, City of Boston
Chief John G. LeLacheur Chief, City of Beverly Police Department
Nathaniel Malloy Senior Planner, Town of Amherst
Naroa Coretti Sanchez Researcher, MIT Media Lab
Leonardi Aray President, Consulting Planners of Massachusetts
Dorothy Fennell Co-Founder & CEO of Cargo-B
Galen Mook Executive Director, MassBike
Scott Mullen TDM Director, A Better City
Kara Oberg Owner, The Ride Cafe
Stefanie Seskin Director of Policy and Practice, National Association of City Transportation Officials | WalkMassachusetts Board Member
Name Affiliation

For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/special-commission-on-micromobility

Read MassDOT Press Release here

Lynnfield DPW Awarded $85,400 for Software

04/07/2025

Lynnfield DPW Awarded $85,400 for Software

LYNNFIELD — A grant of $85,400 was recently awarded to the Lynnfield Department of Public Works as a part of the Community Compact Information Technology.

The announcement was made through the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and the Division of Local Services, which will pay for the purchase, installation and creation of an online DPW work order system and building maintenance system.

“We are very excited for this opportunity. Implementation of this software will allow for the department to operate more efficiently and allows several departments that rely on DPW services the opportunity to review the progress and status of their requests,” said Town Administrator Robert Dolan. “The program will also start to provide some accountability and record the maintenance of equipment in buildings, both of which DPW Director John Scenna has prioritized in his working group.”

According to Scenna, the current work order system is limited in its capabilities, especially concerning tracking projects, which require someone to call the DPW in order to get an update.

“[Work requests] need to be manually inputted into a ticket and that goes into a database. That ticket gets printed, it goes into someone’s mailbox, it changes buildings,” Scenna said. “Who knows where these work orders end up, and we end up with a long database… I found a work order from 2017. The work order said ‘Remove the stage after graduation.’ It was still open.”

Scenna explained this during his Fiscal Year 2026 DPW budget presentation during the March 3 Select Board meeting, including it as a part of his capital improvement plan requests.

“If the principal at a particular school wants to know ‘What’s the status of this repair?’ an online software could provide him with that answer in minutes,” he said. “Right now, he has to make a call and leave a message. It becomes quite cumbersome.”

The IT Grant is one of four competitive grants offered through the Community Compact Program, which also provides funding to municipalities for pursuing Best Practices, Efficiency & Regionalization, and Municipal Fiber projects.

State Rep. Bradley Jones Jr. and State Sen. Brendan Crighton congratulated the town on securing the grant, which will act as a one-time payment to implement the technology infrastructure and purchase the needed equipment and software.

“This grant award will enable the Town of Lynnfield to modernize its work order process, moving from a paper-based system to an online system that will allow for real-time data sharing so DPW officials can better coordinate and address issues in a timely fashion as they arise,” Jones said. “This updated system will create a streamlined process for maintaining the Town’s facilities, which will benefit all Lynnfield residents.”

“Ensuring that Lynnfield has the technological capacity to manage their work order systems will benefit both the Department of Public Works and the community members,” Crighton said. “This funding will enable them to upgrade their work order process to more efficiently and effectively address concerns.”

Read Lynn Item article here

Healey Appeals to Seniors

04/02/2025

Healey Appeals to Seniors

LYNN — Gov. Maura Healey kicked off her visit to the Lynn Senior Center Tuesday morning with a spirited round of bingo, sharing laughs with local seniors before taking the podium to promote the state’s recently expanded tax relief measures.

With the April 15 tax filing deadline approaching, Healey urged residents to take full advantage of the new benefits available to seniors and families.

Joined by local and state leaders including Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, State Sen. Brendan Crighton and State Reps. Dan Cahill and Jenny Armini, Healey highlighted the doubled Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, which now offers up to $2,730 in housing-related tax relief for eligible residents 65 and older.

She also emphasized the expanded Child and Family Tax Credit, now $440 per dependent with no cap, which Healey described as the largest such credit in the country.

“All you have to do is file your taxes,” Healey told the crowd. “We want to put more money back in your pockets — whether you’re a senior, have kids, or are caring for a dependent adult.”

Healey also mentioned a range of broader affordability initiatives her administration has implemented, including the state’s first-ever low-income MBTA fare discount, universal free school meals, and a $6 billion energy affordability plan designed to lower heating and utility bills over the next five years.

The governor encouraged residents to visit mass.gov/taxcuts to learn more, check eligibility, and access free tax filing services. She noted that resources are also available for disabled residents, immigrant taxpayers, and caregivers of dependent adults.

Mayor Nicholson opened the event by welcoming Healey and praising the senior center as a vital community hub, shaped by the seniors it serves. He said that support from the city, state, and federal partners helped bring the new center to life.

“We see every day in this building how important that community is — and also the struggles that they’re having,” Nicholson said. “Part of those struggles is the ever-increasing cost of living, and so to have the availability of this tax relief… I know is helping them make it through, and we really appreciate it.”

Meegan Best, the city’s elder services director, shared stories of grandparents in Lynn who are raising grandchildren and directly benefiting from the tax credits.

“I have two grandparents who are raising grandchildren in the Lynn Senior Center right now that are utilizing that tax credit,” Best said. “I have an additional grandparent who is 86 years old raising a grandchild who is using the child credit. These things are so impactful for our families.”

Healey also used the event to condemn the Trump administration’s termination of $106 million in federal K–12 education grants for Massachusetts, calling the move “outrageous” and “devastating.” The funds, originally allocated under the federal Education Stabilization Fund, had supported projects like HVAC upgrades, mental health services, school safety improvements, and tutoring.

According to Healey’s office, Lynn stands to lose $339,357 as a result of the decision, which was announced in a notice sent to states at 5:03 p.m. Friday — just three minutes after the new deadline had already passed.

“It’s quite a contrast between what Donald Trump is doing and what we are doing in Massachusetts,” Healey said. “We are going to remain committed to supporting our young people.”

Nicholson also voiced frustration over the cut, saying some of Lynn’s education projects funded by the grants had been delayed by construction challenges but were still essential to the district’s recovery from the pandemic.

“It’s outrageous that that money would be cut,” Nicholson said. “We were fortunate with the money we did get… Some of those projects were just a bit over the timeline. There’s a beautiful facility opening soon for special education students, some of whom are medically fragile and have significant needs. That’s what that money is going to — and it should come to. It’s ridiculous that they are trying to clog this money up and take things away.”

Healey closed the event by reaffirming her administration’s focus on affordability and continued investment in public health, education, and housing.

“We’re going to keep cutting costs, investing in people, and delivering real relief,” she said. “And we want every resident to know — there’s money waiting for you, but you have to file to claim it.”

Read Lynn Item article here

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $4 Million to Improve State Public Housing

03/25/2025

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $4 Million to Improve State Public Housing

Boston — The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities awarded more than $4 million this month to help improve living conditions for public housing residents in three communities. The awards are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing efforts to repair, rehabilitate and modernize public housing throughout the state.

“These awards have a positive and tangible impact on the quality of life for public housing residents,” said Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “For too long, our public housing system has been underfunded. Thanks to the Affordable Homes Act, we can reinvest in our communities and make public housing a place where people can life with pride and dignity.”

Governor Maura Healey signed the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act in 2024, which included $2 billion in authorizations to make capital improvements across the more than 43,000 units of state-aided public housing, including $150 million dedicated to the decarbonization of public housing and $15 million for accessibility upgrades.

The most recent public housing awards include initiatives in three communities that will improve lives for seniors through infrastructure and safety improvements, energy efficiency and comfort.

The Everett Housing Authority was awarded $3,453,605 to replace plaster ceilings that are collapsing as well as for roof replacement and insulation work at a 120-unit development for seniors.

“I am excited to see these state funds help the Everett Housing Authority get the necessary resources they need to keep residents safe and warm,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico. “This investment will ensure my home city can preserve critical public housing for my constituents living there now and for all future tenants to come. I want to thank Secretary Augustus and the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities for awarding this significant funding to support a critical public housing renovation project in my district.”

The Gloucester Housing Authority was awarded $275,138 from EOHLC’s Emergency Reserve Fund to cover a gap on a project that will upgrade electrical and fire alarm systems at a public housing development for seniors. The award will supplement $799,343 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for a total estimated cost of $1,074,480.

"Our state continues to face a serious housing shortage, and we can't afford to lose units from our public housing inventory because of deferred maintenance or other unmet needs," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. "These funds, placed in the capable hands of housing authority officials, will prevent that from happening, modernize these units, and ensure that they continue to be safe and available for the people that need them."

"Senior public housing is a vital part of our community, and it is essential that these homes remain safe and secure for our residents," said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante. "Thank you to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for investing in critical safety upgrades like the new fire alarm system at the Sheedy Building."

The Lynn Housing Authority was awarded $350,000 through the state’s decarbonization program to install heat pumps at a 47-unit public housing development for seniors. The award will support a pilot program for using window-mounted heat pumps. Heat pumps reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared with other types of heating and cooling systems.

“We must continue to work towards a future of sustainability and clean energy that also helps to lower costs for our residents,” said Senator Brendan Crighton. “We are thankful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for these funds which will support the great decarbonization work being done by the Lynn Housing Authority.”

"This grant funding is crucial for addressing the urgent need to replace individual heating and cooling systems," said Representative Dan Cahill. "I want to thank Charlie Gaeta and his team for their advocacy on behalf of the residents of Lynn, and I look forward to ongoing discussions with Lynn Housing about the site's long-term plans."

“Making our housing stock more efficient helps reduce long-term costs, supports healthier living conditions, and advances our climate and equity goals,” said Representative Sean Reid. “We are so thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Augustus and his team for this much-needed investment.”

Read EOHLC Press Release here

Lynn Ferry Service Returns March 31

03/23/2025

Lynn Ferry Service Returns March 31

Commuting from Lynn to Boston will get easier March 31 when ferry service returns.

The first boat will depart the EDIC Pier on Blossom Street Extension at 6 a.m. next Monday for the trip to Long Wharf in Boston. There will be five weekday trips to Boston: 6, 7:30 and 9:20 a.m. and 5 and 6:30 p.m. The ferry will return from Long Wharf to Lynn on weekdays at 6:45 and 8:15 a.m., and 4, 5:45 and 7:15 p.m.

Weekend service will return Memorial Day Weekend on May 24. The Saturday and Sunday departures from Lynn will be at 8 and 10 a.m., noon, 3, 5 and 6:45 p.m. The departure times from Boston back to Lynn are: 8:45 and 11 a.m., 4, 6:40 and 8:25 p.m.

The cost of a one-way trip is $7 ($3.50 for reduced fare riders). Children age 11 and under are free. The capacity is approximately 150 per trip.

“We are excited for the return of the ferry,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “Water transportation is playing a growing role in transportation infrastructure for the City and the region.”

The MBTA reinstated ferry service to Lynn in 2023 after a 5-year absence, with approximately 20,000 passengers. Last year, more than 30,000 commuters traveled to and from Boston on the ferry, with weekend service offered for the first time.

“We look forward to the momentum continuing to build,” said EDIC/Lynn Executive Director James Cowdell. “More and more people are realizing what a convenient and efficient way it is to get to Boston.”

“The Lynn Ferry remains a vital transportation option, enhancing economic development and workforce mobility,” Sen. Brendan Crighton said.

Read Lynn Item article here