Mayor Menino Makes Pocketing a Hefty Tax Credit Easier Than Ever

Eligible working families may qualify for a credit of up to $5,657 Mayor Thomas M. Menino kicked off Boston’s ninth Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign today by announcing the opening of 28 free tax prep centers across the city to assist residents in filing their taxes and claiming the credit. This year, with two additional sites, the campaign’s largest-ever volunteer corps, and a host of new resources available for residents, the Boston EITC Coalition anticipates a record turnout. However, awareness of the credit is crucial. Millions of dollars go unclaimed each year, which could otherwise be in the pockets of those who need it the most. For more information: http://www.bostontaxhelp.org/

MassDOT allocates $191,000 to Chinatown Gateway Park

The Boston Redevelopment Authority is pleased to announce today that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has transferred approximately $191,000 in funds to be used for the redesign and construction of Chinatown Gateway Park, also known as Mary Soo Hoo Park. Back in October 2009, Mayor Menino and BRA Director John Palmieri joined the Chinatown community along with state transportation officials to announce that a design team, Stephen Stimson Associates, had been selected for the renovations. The BRA is in the midst of hosting community meetings to solicit feedback in order to finalize the design before the work begins. The next public meeting is expected to be held on February 25, 2010. Construction is expected to start this summer.

Young Bostonians get financial advice at ONEin3 Money Night

More than 70 ONEin3ers met Wednesday night in Boston to see a presentation by financial advisor Jennifer Lane. Lane, who appears regularly on New England Cable News and authored The Complete Idiot's Guide to Protecting Your 401(k) and IRA offered her best advice for young people who want to be financially healthy, wealthy and wise.

The event was presented in partnership with the YWCA of Boston and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Boston.

For more information, visit ONEin3Money.org

Construction to begin on Gardner Museum addition

Mayor Menino and architect Renzo Piano kicked off construction of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s new 70,000 square foot expansion on Thursday, January 21. The addition is intended to relieve pressure on the historic building and collection, improve the visitor experience, and preserve Isabella Gardner’s legacy. It will feature four new volumes, a 2,000-square-foot special exhibition gallery, a 300-seat performance hall, and expanded garden space. The $118 million project is expected to be completed in early 2012.

Green Awards nominations now open

From now until until February 26, nominations are open for the Mayor’s 2010 Green Awards. The awards recognize Boston residents and businesses that are committed to sustainability and environmental awareness.

Mayor Menino launched the Green Awards in 2007 as part of the his commitment to honoring businesses, residents and community leaders that help Boston achieve its ambitious sustainability goals.

“What better way to say thank you and promote the best practices of tomorrow than by honoring the leaders of today," Menino said. "Whether you’re a homeowner dedicated to reducing waste or a large business implementing sustainable practices at your company, every contribution brings Boston closer to achieving our green potential.”

Green Award winners from last year include Boston Sand & Gravel, Equal Exchange Café, Lights Out Boston, Nitsch Engineering, Urban AdvenTours, Landry’s Bicycles, the Colonnade Hotel, and the Westin Copley. The fourth annual Green Awards Ceremony is set to take place in April.

January 12 BRA Board Meeting recap

The January 12 meeting of the BRA Board of Directors covered a variety of topics including amendments to the Boston Medical Center Institutional Master Plan and the Harvard University Longwood Campus Institutional Master Plan, development projects taking place in South Cove, Hyde Park, Allston, Dorchester, the Charlestown Navy Yard and South Boston, and the use of housing funds for a green energy retrofit project in partnership with National Grid and the US Department of Energy’s Energy Star rating system.

See the draft agenda here.

BRA research director publishes a report on transnationalism

Boston Redevelopment Authority director of research Alvaro Lima
published a report last month on the impact transnational immigrants -- people who move to a new country but keep strong economic, social, and political connections with their countries of origin -- have on local communities.

The report, entitled "Transnationalism: What It Means to Local Communities," contradicts the widely-held perception that "transnational ties are antithetical to immigrant incorporation in new nations." Lima's research suggests that transnational immigrants are often more integrated than traditional immigrants, usually "doing better for themselves, while contributing more to their host communities."

Read the full report here.