City of Boston - Press Releases

Traffic Advisory, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and Additional Weekend Events

Transportation Department — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Boston drivers are advised that the annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and other events being held this weekend may delay traffic and will result in additional pedestrian traffic on local streets. The Boston Transportation Department is urging both drivers and pedestrians to proceed with caution when travelling around the City. As always, those coming into Boston for these events are encouraged to take the MBTA

The annual Avon Walk for Breast...

Boston EMS Hosts Community Celebration at Castle Island

Boston Emergency Medical Services — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Boston EMS to Host Community Celebration,

EMS Day at Castle Island

This Saturday, May 19^th, Boston EMS is kicking off our annual National EMS Week events with a Community Celebration at Castle Island in South Boston. There will be activities from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for all ages, including ambulance tours, presentations and giveaways as well as demonstrations. The event is...

Boston Public Library Teams with Boston Medical Center to Serve Pediatric Patients

Library — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

BOSTON – May 18, 2012 – The Boston Public Library is working with the bWell Center, a new resource and support center at Boston Medical Center, to provide books, library cards, and health information to the hospital’s pediatric patients.

The “Check It Out” program loans patients and their families books in English and Spanish that may be returned to the bWell Center or to any Boston Public Library location. The books that are curated monthly by a...

Captain Richard Quinlan - 40 Years of Service

Fire Department — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Fire Captain Richard Quinlan of the Training Division observed 40 years of service to the Boston Fire Department on May 17, 2012. In a ceremony at Headquarters, Commissioner Roderick Fraser and Chief of Department Steve Abraira presented Captain Quinlan with his 40 years of service pin and certificate.

Congratulations Captain and thank you for your service to the people of Boston.

Parks Dept. Seed Grants Support City Gardeners

Parks and Recreation — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced that 26 community groups will receive “Seed Grants” from a Boston Parks and Recreation Department program providing grants to local community gardens.

In 2012, the Seed Grants program will distribute more than $5,990 among groups in neighborhoods citywide. Eligible applicants applied in April for funds for community garden services and/or equipment.

“Seed Grants are our way of showing appreciation for all that...

Boston EMT Retiring After 30 Years

Boston Emergency Medical Services — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Boston EMT Retiring After 30 Years

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/05/17/boston-emt-retiring-after-30-years/#.T7VCShOTek0.twitter

BOSTON (CBS) – For three decades, he’s answered the call on the streets of Boston. Now, Mike Vojak is retiring in June after 30 years as a Boston EMT. WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Carl Stevens...

Mayor Menino Announces S.P.R.I.N.G. Summer Violence Prevention Strategy

Mayor's Office — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Menino today joined Boston public safety, human services, and health officials to kick off S.P.R.I.N.G., an anti-violence strategy to get a jump start on stemming summer violence. The aggressive six-part strategy is a coordinated effort across government agencies and community partners. It will focus on sharing information, problem property enforcement, re-entry coordination, increased deployment, neighborhood engagement, and gang feud/player ceasefires. The Mayor also...

Mayor Menino Announces 2012 Garden Contest

Parks and Recreation — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Boston’s green thumbs have until July 13 to register for Mayor Menino’s 2012 Garden Contest presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and sponsors Comcast, JetBlue, and the Boston Herald.

This year’s contest includes new categories and the contest’s first Hall of Fame along with the exciting news that sponsor JetBlue has come on board this year to support the City of Boston’s green efforts by providing a Grand Prize trip to...

Mayor Menino Announces New Institutional Development Moving Forward

Mayor's Office — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

BRA Board Approves Emmanuel College Institutional Master Plan

Total development square footage: 330,000 square feet

Housing: 720 dorm beds

The Boston Redevelopment Authority Board unanimously approved the new Emmanuel College Institutional Master Plan (IMP), which includes plans for two new buildings that will still need Article 80 approval, and the addition of a new parcel.

The IMP calls...

Mayor Menino Announces New Developments Moving Forward

Mayor's Office — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

New Senior Housing for Mission Hill

The BRA Board unanimously approved the Housing Creation Proposal by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services (MHNHS) to commit up to $279,386 in Housing Linkage Funds for the development of the MHNHS Roxbury Crossing Senior Building Project. The project will include 39 affordable housing units - 35 units for those at or below 50% of the area median income and 4...

Mayor Menino Announces Long Anticipated Deal for North Street Property

Mayor's Office — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino, in a letter today, informed families of the popular John Eliot K-8 School that the City has acquired nearby North Bennet Street School buildings, allowing for expansion of the Eliot in the coming years.

“The Eliot K-8 is a true gem, which is attracting young families to Boston,” said Mayor Menino. “Parents have urged us to expand this small, successful school. Expanding...

Boston Blooms Brightens City Neighborhoods

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department are celebrating the greening of the city with a year-long series of Boston Blooms events and initiatives that reward and encourage residents to enjoy plant life and gardening in the city.

The year kicked off with the March 13 Boston Flower Show Preview Party giving ticket holders an advance look at the show while supporting rehabilitation of the Parks Department’s greenhouses at Franklin...

ParkARTS Watercolor Workshops Return in June

Parks and Recreation — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will be holding its popular series of ParkARTS Landscape Watercolor Painting Workshops, presented in partnership with official sponsor and art supplier Blick Art Materials, during the month of June at three Boston locations.

The series of eight workshops for budding artists ages nine and up is just one of the many offerings of the 16th annual ParkARTS program sponsored by Bank of America. These hands-on watercolor painting workshops enable...

City of Boston Memorial Day Observances

Parks and Recreation — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced several Memorial Day observances taking place in City-owned parks and cemeteries.

On Thursday, May 24, the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, a non-profit dedicated to the families of military service personnel from Massachusetts fallen in service to the United States, will host a service at 10:30 a.m. at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Boston Common.

The event will include the reading of the names of Bay...

Traffic Advisory, Pedestrian Access Maintained, but Stuart Street Closed to Vehicles This Weekend

Transportation Department — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Due to continuing work on the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the Liberty Mutual site, Stuart Street, between Berkeley and Arlington Streets, will be closed to vehicular traffic again this weekend. The street will be closed beginning on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 8 PM and will not reopen until Monday, May 14 at 6 AM. Pedestrian access to Stuart Street businesses will be retained throughout the street closure.

The Boston Transportation Department is advising drivers that the...

Red Sox Pitcher Rich Hill Joins Mayor Menino for Tomato Plant Giveaway

Parks and Recreation — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino will be joined by Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill to give away 2,012 tomato plants in partnership with Mahoney’s Garden Centers of Brighton and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The 2,012 tomato plants were grown by Mahoney’s Garden Center specifically for the Boston Blooms program and affectionately named the “TOM-ato” in Mayor Menino’s honor.

The giveaway will be...

Traffic Advisory, Mother's Day Weekend Events

Transportation Department — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Transportation Department is advising drivers to expect additional pedestrians using local roadways this Mother’s Day weekend due to special events taking place around town. Traffic may be delayed as well. Drivers and pedestrians alike are reminded to be cautious, and use of the MBTA rather than private vehicles is encouraged whenever possible.

The Mother’s Walk for Peace

The Annual...

Boston's CIO selected as Finalist for MIT Sloan Symposium

Innovation & Technology — Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 9^th Annual MIT Sloan CIO Symposium today announced four finalists for the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium 2012 Award for...

Summer Hours at Boston Public Library Locations

Library — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

BOSTON – May 7, 2012 – The Boston Public Library is preparing for its annual shift to summer hours.

Sunday service at the Central Library in Copley Square continues through May 20, 2012. Sunday hours will return at the Central Library in the fall. After May 20, the Central Library will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Traffic Advisory, Walk for Hunger

Transportation Department — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Traffic and parking restrictions will be in place on streets in Downtown Boston and in Brighton on Sunday, May 6, 2012 due to the annual Walk for Hunger which raises funds for Project Bread. In particular, traffic congestion is expected on the streets surrounding the Boston Common. An estimated 40,000 people are expected to participate and the Boston Transportation Department is encouraging all to use the MBTA to come into the City for this event. The walk...

Mayor Menino Announces "Summer Fast Track Program" at ISD

Mayor's Office — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced that, beginning today, the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will kick off a “Summer Fast Track Program” aimed at expediting the permitting process for summer home improvement projects.

Certain home projects are guaranteed to be reviewed within 7 days, with immediate decisions available for some projects!

“This is the year to get that deck built, or put in a swimming pool, or purchase that...

Traffic Advisory, Stuart Street Closed to Vehicular Traffic Only This Weekend

Transportation Department — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Transportation Department is advising drivers that Stuart Street, between Berkeley and Arlington Streets, will be closed to vehicular traffic this weekend for the purpose of erecting a pedestrian bridge at the Liberty Mutual construction site. The street will be closed beginning on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 8 PM and will not reopen until Monday, 7, 2012 at 3 PM. Pedestrian access to Stuart Street will be retained throughout the street...

City's Technology Leader named to Industry Hall of Fame

Innovation & Technology — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced today that Bill Oates, Chief Information Officer for the City of Boston, is a 2012 inductee into the CIO Hall of Fame from IDG’s CIO magazine. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon a select group of established IT executives and visionaries that have had significant impact in the field of IT. Oates will accept his award at the CIO Hall of Fame awards ceremony held on May 1, 2012, at Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort in Marco Island,...

Mayor Thomas M. Menino celebrates groundbreaking for Boston's innovation center

Mayor's Office — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today Mayor Thomas M. Menino celebrated the groundbreaking on the Boston innovation center, a huge milestone for the Innovation District on the South Boston waterfront. The center will be a hub for entrepreneurs to meet and exchange ideas, to convene programs and events, and to build the City’s innovation economy.

“This is a key piece of innovation infrastructure for Boston,” said Mayor Menino. “There are dozens of organizations in Boston looking to...

Boston Vocational High School Students Receive Hands-On Electric Vehicle Experience

Transportation Department — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, April 26, 2012, fifty 11^th and 12^th grade students enrolled in Madison Park Technical Vocational High School’s Electric and Automotive program participated in an event focused on the subject of Electric Vehicles. The students learned more about the science behind these increasingly popular cars, as well as about the role that renewable energy will play in vehicle technology of the future and what that means for the City of...

New Lieutenant Promoted by Commissioner Fraser

Fire Department — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Commissioner Roderick Fraser administered the oath of office on April 27, 2012 to new Lieutenant Devon Watson from Ladder 14. Before family and friends, he was pinned with his new badge by his wife Tania. A certificate was also presented by Chief of Department Steve Abraira.

Also present was the President of Local 718 Rich Paris and some of his colleagues from Ladder 14.

Patch: Off Duty EMTs, Firefighters Revive Runner at Doyle's 5 Mile Race

Boston Emergency Medical Services — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

http://jamaicaplain.patch.com/articles/off-duty-paramedics-firefighters-revive-runner-who-had-heart-attack-during-doyle-s-5k

City To Remove Diseased Copley Square Trees

Parks and Recreation — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Copley Square are co-hosting a public information meeting on Wednesday, May 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rabb Hall in the Boston Public Library Central Library in Copley Square to discuss the scheduled removal of 20 diseased London Planetrees in Copley Square Park.

The affected trees are located throughout the park and average eight-inches dbh (diameter at breast height). All specimens are dead or dying due to canker...

New Downtown Bicycle Wayfinding Program Gets Underway in Boston

Transportation Department — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Transportation Department this week began the installation of 90 Bicycle Wayfinding signs that are being posted at busy intersections Downtown to point the way for cyclists to popular sites in Boston.

City of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said, “The installation of these new Bicycle Wayfinding signs is yet one more step in our ongoing effort to ensure that Boston is easily accessible for cyclists. We welcome bikes on our local streets and we will do whatever it...

Biographers, Journalists, and Historians Visit Boston Public Library Locations in May

Library — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

BOSTON – April 26, 2012 – Over a dozen insightful researchers and novelists will visit Boston Public Library locations throughout May. Speakers will also cover such topics as the roots of autism, the theory of multiple intelligences, and routes to tracing Native American ancestors.

Please note: An author talk with Walter Isaacson has been postponed until Fall 2012. Please check www.bpl.org/calendar for details as they...

Mayor Menino Celebrates Groundbreaking of New East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library

Mayor's Office — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for the new East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library, a $17.4M project overlooking Bremen Street Park. At 15,000 square feet, the new branch will serve the entire community with more than double the combined public space of the two branches currently operating in East Boston.

“The East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library was the first municipally funded branch library in the United...

Mayor Menino' Invites Residents to 14th Annual Coffee Hours

Parks and Recreation — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department invite residents to enjoy free informational Coffee Hours in various neighborhood parks throughout the city. The annual series, sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, will take place from May 3 through June 23.

The Coffee Hours give residents a unique opportunity to speak directly with Mayo rMenino about open space and other needs in their neighborhoods. Through these one-on-one discussions and a suggestion...

City of Boston Receives Awards for Technology Achievement from the Renowned Public Technology Institute

Innovation & Technology — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced today that the City of Boston has won two distinguished awards from the Public Technology Institute (PTI). The awards recognize the city’s Boston About Results (BAR) Performance Management Program as the winner in the Web & E-Government category and the innovative Citizens Connect Live was recognized for significant achievement in the Mobile category. This annual competition recognizes PTI members who demonstrate how they use technology to...

Mayor Menino Launches the "You Have Rights" Campaign

Mayor's Office — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Menino today kicked off the “You Have Rights” public education campaign that aims to raise awareness about tenant rights and the importance of reporting substandard housing without fear of retribution. The campaign follows the evacuation of residents at 25 Harrison Avenue, the Chinatown building that was found in February to be housing tenants in unsafe living conditions. It is estimated that just over 67% of the occupied housing units in the City of Boston are...

Mayor Menino Asks Residents to Step Up and Sweep Up to Help Make Boston Shine

Mayor's Office — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today encouraged Boston residents to “step up and sweep up” for the City’s 10th Annual Boston Shines: Citywide Neighborhood Clean Up and Community Service Volunteer Program, to be held on the weekend of April 27-28. Yesterday, Mayor Menino got into the cleanup spirit by sweeping outside City Hall Plaza and releasing a video encouraging residents to join him to help ready Boston for spring.

Traffic Advisory, Fenway Park Area

Transportation Department — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Boston Transportation Department is advising drivers to make every attempt to detour around the FenwayPark area today as traffic is heavily congested due to the 100^th Anniversary event taking place at FenwayPark.

In particular, Boylston Street, from Ipswich Street to the Sears Rotary, should be avoided. Those heading into Fenway are strongly encouraged to take the MBTA (

Mayor Menino Announces Winners of 6th Annual Mayor's Green Awards

Mayor's Office — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today announced the winners of the 6th Annual Mayor’s Green Awards, which recognize local business, residents and sustainable food leaders for doing their part to make Boston a greener, more sustainable, and livable city. Award winners are chosen for extraordinary performance related to sustainable environmental practices such as energy conservation, water conservation, waste management,...

Traffic Advisory, Sunday, April 22, 2012

Transportation Department — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Boston drivers are advised that traffic will be affected by two events being held in the City on Sunday, April 22, 2012 – the Greek Independence Day Parade and Doyle’s Emerald Necklace Road Race. The Boston Transportation Department encourages those coming into the City to attend to leave their cars at home and take the MBTA. Those who choose to drive should watch for additional pedestrians using the City’s roadways.

Greek Independence Day...

Mayor Menino Highlights $1.8 Billion Capital Plan, Makes People the Priority through Neighborhood Investments

Mayor's Office — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined city officials and community leaders at Adams Park in Roslindale to highlight the City’s five year, $1.8 billion Capital Plan, which includes 336 projects across Boston, investing $100 million more than last year and creating nearly 700 construction jobs in FY 2013. The City’s FY13-17 capital plan aims to bring people together by improving the quality of life in Boston’s neighborhoods, focusing projects to improve local...

Mayor Menino Supports Drug Enforcement Agency's Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-back Day

Mayor's Office — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

WHAT: The City of Boston will participate in the nationwide Prescription Drug Take-back Day. The event offers community members an anonymous, safe and environmentally-friendly solution to properly dispose of unused/expired prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.

WHERE & WHEN: Saturday, April...

Statement of Mayor Thomas M. Menino on House Agriculture Committee decision to cut SNAP benefits by $33 billion

Mayor's Office — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

“This is a wrongheaded action by Washington officials who want to worsen the already unacceptable levels of hunger and poverty across America,” Mayor Menino said “Every mayor and every person who cares about families struggling to put food on the table should speak out now. Together we can show the world that we are a caring nation.”

Mayor Menino, chair of the United States Conference of Mayors Task Force on Food Policy, today reacted strongly to the...

Mayor Menino Thanks Marathon Volunteers and First Responders for Successful Weekend

Mayor's Office — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today released a video personally thanking all of the Boston Marathon volunteers and the City’s first responders for making Marathon Weekend in Boston a success.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-UWthhS_Bw&feature=youtu.be

Video Transcript:

“Hello, I’m Mayor Tom...

Mayor Menino Announces New Developments Moving Forward

Mayor's Office — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced this morning that the Boston Redevelopment Authority’s Board of Directors approved several projects at its meeting last night.

The 411D Street project in the Innovation District will add two new buildings with approximately 197 units of new rental housing, including 26 innovation units to the neighborhood. A former nursing home in Brighton, located at 1501 Commonwealth Ave, will be repurposed with 55 new units of housing, including 17...

City of Boston Celebrates Patriot's Day April 16, 2012

Arts, Tourism & Special Events — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino will kick-off the 237^th Patriot’s Day Celebration in Boston on Monday morning, April 16, at 9:00AM with a Flag Raising Ceremony on City Hall Plaza. The Patriot’s Day Parade will march from City Hall Plaza and continue onto Kings Chapel on Tremont Street where there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the grave of William Dawes. The parade will proceed to the Old Granary Burial Grounds...

Open House and New Exhibition at the BPL's Norman B. Leventhal Map Center

Library — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library will host an open house on Saturday, April 21, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The afternoon will include hands-on activities for children and tours of the new exhibition America Votes with Curator Ronald Grim at 1:30pm and 2:30pm.

The all-ages open house will have special elements for young people, including opportunities for bookmark-making, map puzzles, compass rose coloring pages, and more. “The Leventhal Map...

Mayor Menino Appoints Boston's Host Community Advisory Committee

Mayor's Office — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today announced that he has established a Host Community Advisory Committee to ensure integrity, accountability and transparency during the establishment of a potential destination resort casino in the City of Boston. The Advisory Committee will consist of 5 members appointed by Mayor Menino and is part of the Mayor’s aggressive approach to managing the casino development process in Boston. Today’s announcement is part of a four-pronged strategy...

Mayor Menino Submits FY 2013 Budget to City Council

Mayor's Office — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

“Our relationships, both established and those we seek to create, are at the heart of the FY13 budget.”

– Mayor Menino

Today, Mayor Thomas M. Menino presented his $2.4 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2013 and five year $1.8 billion Capital Plan, including $217 million in new FY 2013 project authorizations....

Traffic Advisory - Boston Marathon

Transportation Department — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Drivers are cautioned that vehicle traffic will be prohibited and parking will be restricted on many streets in the City of Boston on Monday, April 16, 2012, due to the running of the Boston Marathon as well as other Patriot’s Day activities taking place in the City. The Boston Transportation Department is strongly recommending that the public use the MBTA to travel to and from Boston on this day.

TRAFFIC...

Mayor Menino Encourages Residents and Businesses to Join 10th Annual Boston Shines Citywide Cleanup, April 27 - 28

Mayor's Office — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today encouraged Boston businesses and residents to sign up for the City’s 10th Annual Boston Shines: Citywide Neighborhood Clean Up and Community Service Volunteer Program, to be held on the weekend of April 27-28. The annual event fosters neighborhood pride, providing more than 5,000 volunteers with tools and materials to clean parks, recreational spaces and business districts to beautify Boston for the spring and summer....

A Yelp to let us compare cities, towns

Boston About Results — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

A Yelp to let us compare cities, towns

EDITORIAL | Edward L. Glaeser

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