Summer 2023 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

Summer is here, and I'm excited to keep you updated on all the latest news and events in our vibrant community. From fun-filled gatherings to essential neighborhood initiatives, this newsletter has something for everyone.

As always, if there's anything I can do to assist you or your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 617-376-1352 or via email at aandronico@quincyma.gov. Wishing you a wonderful summer filled with warmth, joy, and cherished moments.

Sincerely,

Anthony

You're Invited: Neighborhood Meeting at Faxon Park on Monday, August 7th at 6:30pm

As part of my efforts to better represent you, I will be hosting an in-person community meeting at Faxon Park (by the pavilion) on Monday, August 7th at 6:30pm to discuss concepts brought forward by the Department of Natural Resources to improve the park. Commissioner Dave Murphy and his team will be joining us to lay out options and listen to your feedback. All are welcome to attend and I hope to see you there (rain or shine).

Quincy Wins Grant To Plant More Trees: Request Yours Today

In June, the City of Quincy received two grants totaling $130,000 from the State to assist with neighborhood tree-planting, watering of new trees, and expanding tree-pits. This grant is in addition to the $400,000 dedicated to street-tree planting in the municipal operating budget. Anyone wishing to have a tree planted in front of their house should email Mike Casinelli at mcasinelli@quincyma.gov or call 617- 376-1251.

Friday Night Programming Underway at Ruth Gordon Amphitheatre

I had a fantastic evening a few weeks ago at the very first installment of Friends’ Fridays at the Ruth Gordon Amphitheatre. It was a big crowd and we had so many members of our community step up to the mic to share their music with us - including my dad! Programming like this will run every Friday here through the end of August, so be sure to mark your calendars.

Good Neighbor Tips

Being a good neighbor goes beyond just living in close proximity; it's about actively contributing to the well-being of our community. Check out these good neighbor tips:

Trash & Recycling

The City asks that you place your rubbish on the curb in front of your home no more than 24 hours before your scheduled pick up, and remove your trash cans from the curb within 24 hours of pick up. Remember to secure your rubbish with tight fitting, durable lids. Doing so helps to prevent animals from getting into your rubbish.

Neighborhood Upkeep

There are basic standards of maintenance to which all Quincy residents are held. Generally speaking, keep your lawn mowed, your fences in safe condition, and do not let junk build up on your property. If you notice that a neighbor's property is potentially in violation of City Code, contact Inspectional Services at 617-376-1456.

Pet Ownership

Be courteous to your neighbors and clean up after your pets - if you notice a lack of waste stations in city-maintained areas, contact me so we can work to resolve the issue.

Council Passes FY24 City Budget

In June, my colleagues and I held several hearings to discuss the Administration's proposed FY24 Budget and ultimately passed a budget before our mandated deadline. During those hearings, we reviewed city revenues - Quincy had $31.5M in new growth last year, a $10.1M increase in state aid, and local receipts from sources such as building fees, the meals tax, and excise taxes that exceeded projections.

The nearly $406M budget included new investments for a fourth ladder company for the fire department, two historical archivists in the library, a new crisis response specialist for the police department, and other additional personnel. The budget includes $127.5 million for the school department and $78.5 million for public safety operations. The largest year-over-year increases in the budget were driven by changes in employee costs - unions settled new contracts and non-union employees also received market adjustments.

For more details on the FY24 Budget, you can visit www.quincyma.gov/departments/municipal_finance/city_budget.php

Supporting Clifford Marshall & Point Webster

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Clifford Marshall & Point Webster Fun Run & Wellness Expo! I was proud to again be a sponsor of this event, say hello to the kids, and thank the organizers for all they do year-round to support our schools. I’d also like to give a shoutout to the Quincy Police Department for providing an escort for our runners.

Additional thanks to Neon Marketplace for providing a water station along the route - they were so enthusiastic about helping out when I first broached them about the idea and I know they’ll continue to be a valued community partner. Already looking forward to next year’s run!

Free Summer Lunch Program Open to all Kids Under 18

This past week, I stopped by the Fore River Clubhouse alongside Quincy Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Mulvey to talk with QPS Staff about the Free Summer Lunch Program and hand out a couple of meals to the kids. The program was instituted during the pandemic and has stuck around ever since thanks to the positive reviews from families who rely on the service. Each day, QPS provides more than 600+ lunches across its five service locations to kids under 18. Thank you again to Superintendent Mulvey, Jane, and Nancy for taking the time to discuss the program with me.

Program details below

QPS provides FREE healthy, delicious lunches to any child age 18 and under during the summer vacation, Monday to Friday from 11am-1pm, at five convenient locations: Parker Elementary School, Lincoln-Hancock School, Fore River Clubhouse, Snug Harbor School, and Montclair Elementary School. Kids may visit any of their locations but must eat on-site. There are no registration nor income requirements to participate. For additional information or if you have questions, please call Sara Dufour, Director of Food Services, Quincy Public Schools, at 617-984-8768.

Pedestrian 'Rapid Response Flashing Beacons' Being Replaced, Added Across City

I want to send a special thanks to the City of Quincy Traffic Team for their work replacing the broken “Rapid Response Flashing Beacon” on Franklin St by Norman Rd! This summer, I was contacted by a handful of residents who pointed out that this flashing beacon was in need of repair and they suggested additional spots around town where these beacons could improve pedestrian safety.

With that in mind, I reached out to the traffic team to see what we could do. The team will be out replacing a few more of these beacons this summer and will even add net new crossing systems to increase pedestrian safety - including one by the 1000 Southern Artery Senior Center and the Presidential Estates building.

Andronico Visits 1000 Southern Artery, Provides Update on Building and Area Improvements

Thank you to my friends at the 1000 Southern Artery Senior Center for the warm welcome this past month. Of course, it always helps when you bring refreshments from Coffee Break Cafe and pastries from Fratelli's with you. At our meeting, we discussed the latest updates on building and surrounding area improvements:

The Traffic Department has confirmed that a new Flashing Beacon and Crosswalk will be installed on Southern Artery by the South Wing

The City continues to work to engage with the MBTA to place a covered bus station on Southern Artery by the North Wing

The 'No Turn on Red' Sign, as you approach Southern Artery from South St, has been removed so drivers stop using the North Wing pickup/drop-off area as a thruway

Building Management has confirmed that they are engaging with contractors to get an estimate for a new security system (cameras and new key FOB)