By Mayor Martin J. Walsh
Every spring, we release our Capital Investment Plan which funds the critical improvements to our infrastructure and facilities in Boston over a five-year period. It is a reflection of our priorities, and is guided by the voices of over 15,000 residents who offered input for our citywide plan, Imagine Boston 2030. Our Capital Plan funds the essentials of community life — our schools, streets, libraries, and parks, including climate and resilience projects. It’s a commitment to all those who call Boston home and to our future generations.
Here in East Boston, we’re making investments across a wide range of projects, including parks and open space, streets and transportation, our schools’ infrastructure, and our delivery of City services.
We know how vital parks and community spaces are to building community in your neighborhood, that’s why we are Investing in high-quality and accessible community and gathering spaces for our residents. $8.9 million will be allocated to complete the building renovation to the BCYF Paris Street pool. This renovation includes upgrades to the mechanical systems, bathrooms and locker rooms, along with the pool deck, lighting and entryway. One million will be used to convert the former Orient Heights branch library into a new senior center for East Boston’s older residents, giving them a place to gather, and connect with others. In addition, Noyes Park will be updated and rehabilitated using $4.8 million to update the play lot, courts, fields and lighting.
We are also investing in the future of the infrastructure of East Boston, by funding high-quality facilities and infrastructure to better serve residents. Our biggest investment is $30 million to design and construct a new East Boston Police Station to aid in keeping the East Boston community safe. In addition, we are making a $3 million investment to rehabilitate the vital McArdle bridge. Finally, $2.2 million will be used for building repairs to the Engine 5 fire station. These improvements include a new roof and gutters, masonry work, window and door repairs, and drain improvements for the station.
We are investing in the future of Boston by funding our schools, with $900,000 for a new masonry project at the Adams School. This project will address needed repairs for the school.
We also know how vital it is to protect our city from the growing effects of climate change. That’s why we are investing $3.3 million in citywide climate resiliency planning efforts. This major investment includes Jeffries Point and Porzio Park in East Boston.
Now that we’ve submitted Boston’s budget, where do we go from here? First, to the City Council, where it will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary. After it’s gone through that process and secured approval, it will go into effect, starting in July 2020 and running throughout the next 12 months. We hope you will continue to provide your valuable input on what we as a city can do to raise up your community. If you’d like to learn more about the Capital Plan and how this budget was created, go to budget.boston.gov.
Martin J. Walsh is the Mayor of Boston.