city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last updated:

Haitian Expressions

Part of the Community Canvas Series presented by the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion bringing community events to Nubian Square this July, August, and September.

September 14, 2024
  • 4:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Nubian Square
    CORNER OF MELNEA CASS BLVD AND WASHINGTON STREET
    Boston, MA
  • Contact:
    Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
  • send an email
  • 617-635-5729
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
2024-09-14T16:00:00 - 2024-09-14T20:00:00

Experience the vibrant culture of Haiti with Haitian cuisine, performances, music, and dynamic dance classes.

Expresiones haitianas

Parte de la Serie Lienzo Comunitario presentada por la Oficina de Inclusión y Oportunidades Económicas, que traerá eventos comunitarios a Nubian Square en julio, agosto y septiembre.

Experimente la vibrante cultura de Haití con cocina criolla, presentaciones, música y dinámicas clases de baile. 

Ekspresyon Ayisyen 

Yon pati nan Seri Twal Kominotè prezante pa Biwo Opòtinite Ekonomik ak Enklizyon, pote evènman kominotè yo nan Nubian Square sa a Jiyè, Out, ak Septanm.

Dekouvri kilti dinamik Ayiti avèk kwizin Ayisyen, pèfòmans, mizik, ak klas dans dinamik. 
 
September 14, 2024
  • 4:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Nubian Square
    CORNER OF MELNEA CASS BLVD AND WASHINGTON STREET
    Boston, MA
  • Contact:
    Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
  • send an email
  • 617-635-5729
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
2024-09-14T16:00:00 - 2024-09-14T20:00:00
Last updated:

Back-to-School Event

Part of the Community Canvas Series presented by the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion bringing community events to Nubian Square this July, August, and September.

September 7, 2024
  • 12:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Nubian Square
    CORNER OF MELNEA CASS BLVD AND WASHINGTON STREET
    Boston, MA
  • Contact:
    Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
  • send an email
  • 617-635-5729
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Other
  • Posted:
2024-09-07T12:00:00 - 2024-09-07T16:00:00

This event kicks off the school year with a back-to-school event featuring DJ, free haircuts, a bouncy house, games, and art activities.

Evento de vuelta a la escuela

Parte de la Serie Lienzo Comunitario presentada por la Oficina de Inclusión y Oportunidades Económicas, que traerá eventos comunitarios a Nubian Square en julio, agosto y septiembre.

Este evento da el inicio al año escolar con una actividad de vuelta a la escuela en la que habrá DJ, cortes de pelo gratuitos, una casa inflable, juegos y actividades artísticas.

Aktivite Rantre Lekòl 

Yon pati nan Seri Twal Kominotè prezante pa Biwo Opòtinite Ekonomik ak Enklizyon, pote evènman kominotè yo nan Nubian Square sa a Jiyè, Out, ak Septanm.

Aktivite sa a demare ane lekòl la ak yon evènman retounen-lekòl ki prezante DJ, koupe cheve gratis, yon chato konflab, jwèt, ak aktivite atistik yo. 

September 7, 2024
  • 12:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Nubian Square
    CORNER OF MELNEA CASS BLVD AND WASHINGTON STREET
    Boston, MA
  • Contact:
    Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
  • send an email
  • 617-635-5729
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Other
  • Posted:
2024-09-07T12:00:00 - 2024-09-07T16:00:00
Last updated:

Piers Park Sailing Center - Kayak the Night

Kayak the Night is hosted by Piers Park Sailing Center and supported by the Wake Up The Night Grant. 

August 29, 2024
  • 8:30pm - 10:00pm
  • Piers Park Sailing Center
    95 Marginal Street, 02128
  • Contact:
    Office of Nightlife Economy
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    East Boston
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
2024-08-29T20:30:00 - 2024-08-29T22:00:00

“Kayak the Night” is funded through the Office of Nightlife Economy at the City of Boston. Each event will have food, kayaking and fun. This is a substance-free event that children and adults are invited to attend.

We will have Coast-Guard approved lights for safety on kayaks as well as two safety boats that will be able to provide kayakers with support should they need it. You need to reserve a date/spots in order to attend the event. Reservations can be done by emailing mvillagomez@piersparksailing.org with the number of people that are attending and what date you’re hoping to attend. Folks with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to participate and we will have activities for them as well.

August 29, 2024
  • 8:30pm - 10:00pm
  • Piers Park Sailing Center
    95 Marginal Street, 02128
  • Contact:
    Office of Nightlife Economy
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    East Boston
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
2024-08-29T20:30:00 - 2024-08-29T22:00:00
Last updated:

Wake Up The Night Teen Socials

Wake Up The Night Teen Socials, supported by the Wake Up The Night Grant, provide a vibrant and inclusive space for youth under 20 to connect. 

August 23, 2024
  • 6:00pm - 9:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from August 23, 2024, 2 times
  • 2377 Washington Street
    2nd Floor
    Roxbury, MA 02119
  • Contact:
    Office of Nightlife Economy
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
  • Posted:
2024-08-23T18:00:17 - 2024-08-23T21:00:00

Wake Up The Night Teen Socials, hosted by Chills Diamond Ring Education Foundation, are an a vibrant and inclusive space for youth under 20 to connect, celebrate diversity, and access resources for growth through social gatherings, cultural activities, performances, and workshops.

Wake Up The Night Teen Socials will take place on August 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 2377 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 (2nd Floor).

August 23, 2024
  • 6:00pm - 9:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from August 23, 2024, 2 times
  • 2377 Washington Street
    2nd Floor
    Roxbury, MA 02119
  • Contact:
    Office of Nightlife Economy
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
  • Posted:
2024-08-23T18:00:17 - 2024-08-23T21:00:00
Last updated:

Deployables Day

A citywide training exercise on temporary flood protection.

Toggle
Page Sections
September 27, 2024
2024-09-27T10:00:00 - 2024-09-27T15:00:00

Join us for the first annual Deployables Day, a citywide training exercise on temporary flood protection

Boston is among the most vulnerable cities in the country to flooding. As sea levels rise, damaging floods will shift from a rare occurrence to a common reality.

September 27, 2024 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Experience deployable flood barriers at City Hall Plaza. 

Learn about the City’s flood protection measures, ways to stay safe during a flood, and whether a deployable is right for you at Faneuil Hall. 

Visit deployable flood barriers across the city.

Explore how the City is being protected from flooding and what you can do to stay safe.

September 27, 2024
2024-09-27T10:00:00 - 2024-09-27T15:00:00
Join the Walking Tour
/
Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett and Chris Osgood, Director of Climate Resilience, will be leading a Downtown walking tour of deployable flood barriers. This walking tour will begin at 12 pm outside of the Congress St entrance of City Hall

Maps and Wayfinding

Contact: Environment

Deployables Day Event Map

Explore resources of Vendors, City Departments and Partners

Deployables Demonstration Map

Experience a Flood Deployable Demonstration

What is a deployable flood barrier?

A deployable is a flood barrier system that is put into place before or during a flood, and then taken down after the flood has passed. Deployable flood barriers can be more effective than traditional temporary barrier methods, such as sandbags, and can be quickly deployed with minimal setup time. 

What does a deployable look like?

A deployable flood barrier is constructed from textile-based materials and metal posts that reside in a small container and are manually deployed. The supporting wall can belong to surrounding buildings or short to close-off doorways. The design is scalable to accommodate a range of water heights and layouts

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How do I apply for a permit to install a deployable flood barrier?

Retrofitting your building with a deployable flood barrier will require an ALT Permit with the Inspectional Services Department.

If your proposed flood barrier is not completely contained within your privately-owned land parcel, you will need to apply for a Specific Repairs license from the City’s Public Improvement Commission. This requires several steps:

  1. Reach out to the Office of Emergency Management at OEM@BOSTON.GOV for input on how to incorporate your proposed flood barrier into existing emergency planning efforts in your area.
  2. Engage a building engineer to create engineered plans for your proposed barrier based on an existing conditions report which establishes property lines, building edges and sidewalk composition.)
  3. Reach out to the  Public Improvement Commission at PIC@BOSTON.GOV to notify the Commission of your interest in applying for license
  4. With PIC’s approval, submit your request for a Public Hearing on your proposed project.

How do I know when to put up my deployable flood barrier?

  1. For liability reasons, the City does not provide specific guidance on when to deploy privately-owned barriers. You can reference the Coastal Flood Resilience Design Guidelines and  Zoning Viewer for new construction and building retrofits to understand more about flood risk at your specific building’s elevation. 
  2. Best practice is to maintain a regularly-updated standard operating procedure (SOP) for when and how to deploy your flood barrier. Some factors to consider when creating an SOP include how long it takes to install, accessibility of entrances and exits when the barrier is deployed, and systems of notification for the building’s occupants
FAQ- For Building Owners

My building has a deployable flood barrier, how can I make sure it’s in compliance with City requirements and regulations?

Once installed, deployable flood barriers must be registered with the Office of Emergency Management via the Deployable Flood Barrier Registration Form. Building owners are responsible for keeping their registration information up to date

My building does not have a deployable flood barrier, how can I learn more about whether one is needed?

If you're a private building owner in Boston looking to assess whether a deployable flood barrier is suitable for your property, the City’s Coastal Flood Resilience Design Guidelines can provide valuable insights. Here’s a step-by-step approach to using these guidelines effectively:

  1. Assess your flood risk: The Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District (CFROD) includes areas of the City of Boston anticipated to be flooded with a 1% chance storm event in 2070 with 40-inches of sea level rise. You can determine whether or not your building is in the CFROD by consulting the Zoning Viewer.
  2. Evaluate Building Vulnerabilities: Identify the specific vulnerabilities of your building. This includes the potential entry points for floodwaters (such as doors, windows, and garage openings) and the critical areas that need protection.
  3. Review Recommended Protection Measures: The City’s guidelines outline various floodproofing strategies based on different flood scenarios and building floor elevations.
  4. Consult with Experts: Engage with an architect or building engineer who can help assess your building’s specific needs based on the guidelines. They can offer recommendations on the most effective deployable barrier systems and ensure that the chosen solution aligns with both the guidelines and your building’s requirements.
  5. Review Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the deployable barriers you consider meet local regulations and standards for flood protection. (See: How do I apply for a permit to install a deployable flood barrier? below)
  6. Plan for Integration: If deployable barriers are suitable, plan how they will be integrated into your building's flood preparedness strategy. This includes training for staff or occupants on deployment procedures and ensuring that the barriers are readily accessible when needed.

What types of deployable flood barriers exist?

 

Deployable flood barriers come in various types, each designed for different scenarios and levels of flood risk. Here’s a rundown of some common types:

  1. Inflatable Barriers: These are quick to deploy and typically consist of large, inflatable tubes that can be rapidly filled with air or water to form a barrier. They are often used in temporary or emergency situations.
  2. Modular Barriers: These systems consist of interlocking units that can be assembled to create a barrier of the desired length and height. They can be made from materials like plastic, metal, or composite materials and are useful for both temporary and semi-permanent installations.
  3. Hydraulic Barriers: These barriers use water pressure to create a seal. They typically consist of a flexible membrane supported by water-filled bladders or other hydraulic mechanisms. They can be effective for longer-term solutions and can adapt to various flood depths.
  4. Barrier Walls: These are often made from materials like concrete, metal, or reinforced plastic and can be erected or dismantled as needed. They can be either permanent or deployable.
  5. Sandbags and Water-filled Barriers: Traditional sandbags are still commonly used, though they are labor-intensive to deploy. Water-filled barriers are similar but use water instead of sand, offering quicker setup and removal.
  6. Rolling Barriers: These are large, roll-up barriers that can be unrolled and placed across an area to form a flood barrier. They are typically made from durable materials like heavy-duty fabrics or polymers and are often used for large-scale protection.
  7. Fabric and Composite Barriers: These barriers use advanced fabrics or composite materials to create a deployable barrier. They are often lightweight and designed for quick deployment and storage.
  8. Gates and Shields: These barriers can be deployed across doorways, driveways, or other openings. They are often used in combination with other types of barriers for added protection.

How do I talk to my building owner or super about deployable flood barriers?

If you are a tenant in a flood-prone building and aren't sure if your building manager or owner knows about flood deployables, share this page with them! It features a FAQ for property managers and owners to help them assess if a deployable flood barrier is right for their property.

 

 

  •  

How can I stay safe during a flood?

  1. Check out the Office of Emergency Management’s Tips for Dealing with a Flood. 
  2. Sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston.
  3. Know your zone! Know your hurricane evacuation zone and route and be prepared to evacuate if directed by public officials.
  4. Find out how vulnerable your home is to flooding and, if your home is in a flood-prone area, contact the National Flood Insurance program to learn what mitigation measures you can take in advance.
  5. If you live in a flood-prone area, keep these materials on hand: sandbags, plywood, lumber, plastic sheeting, trash bags, shovels, work boots, and gloves.
  6. Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, copies of critical information, and non-perishable food items.

 

Emergency Preparedness Resources

Climate Resilience in Boston

Boston is taking action to adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change

Tips for dealing with a flood

We coordinate Emergency Management, Emergency Preparedness, and Homeland Security Planning for the City of Boston

Alert Boston

Sign up for emergency alerts
Have Questions?
/
email us at environment@boston.gov
Last updated:

BCYF Marshall Fun Fest: August 22

Mark your calendar and bring your friends and family to a fun and free Neighborhood Fun Fest Party!

August 22, 2024
  • 4:30pm - 7:00pm
  • BCYF Marshall Community Center
    35 Westville Street
    Dorchester, MA 02124
  • Contact:
    BCYF Marshall
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Dorchester
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
2024-08-22T16:30:00 - 2024-08-22T19:00:00

Mark your calendar and bring your friends and family to a fun and free Neighborhood Fun Fest Party and learn more about your neighborhood community center!  The Fun Fest will be held on Thursday, August 22, from 4:30 - 7 p.m. at BCYF Marshall Community Center, 35 Westville Street in Dorchester.

The BCYF Fun Fest will offer a variety of free activities including music, a cookout, DJ and dance party, ice cream, children’s activities, giveaways, and information about BCYF Marshall Community Center’s programming and activities.  

In the case of rain or other weather issues, please check BCYF’s social media pages, @BCYFCenters, for updates. 

August 22, 2024
  • 4:30pm - 7:00pm
  • BCYF Marshall Community Center
    35 Westville Street
    Dorchester, MA 02124
  • Contact:
    BCYF Marshall
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Dorchester
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
2024-08-22T16:30:00 - 2024-08-22T19:00:00
Last updated:

BCYF Charlestown Fun Fest: August 8

Mark your calendar and bring your friends and family to a fun and free Neighborhood Fun Fest Party!

August 8, 2024
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • Doherty Park/BCYF Clougherty Pool
    Bunker Hill Street
    Charlestown, MA 02129
  • Contact:
    BCYF Charlestown
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Charlestown
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
2024-08-08T17:00:00 - 2024-08-08T19:00:00

Mark your calendar and bring your friends and family to a fun and free Neighborhood Fun Fest Party and learn more about your neighborhood community center!  The Fun Fest will be held on Thursday, August 8, from 5-7 p.m. at Doherty Park/BCYF Clougherty Pool in Charlestown.

The BCYF Fun Fest will offer a variety of free activities including music, a cookout, DJ and dance party, children’s activities, giveaways, and information about BCYF Charlestown Community Center’s programming and activities.  

In the case of rain or other weather issues, please check BCYF’s social media pages, @BCYFCenters, for updates. Additional Fun Fests will be held over the course of the summer at other BCYF centers including August 22 at BCYF Marshall Community Center in Dorchester. Visit our website for dates and locations.

August 8, 2024
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • Doherty Park/BCYF Clougherty Pool
    Bunker Hill Street
    Charlestown, MA 02129
  • Contact:
    BCYF Charlestown
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Charlestown
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
2024-08-08T17:00:00 - 2024-08-08T19:00:00
Last updated:

Open Streets Boston - Hyde Park

Join us on River Street, from Hyde Park Avenue and River Street to Fairmount Street and Davison Street on Sunday, August 11, in Hyde Park for the newest edition of the Open Streets Boston journey!

Toggle
Page Sections
August 11, 2024
  • 10:30am - 5:00pm
  • River St.
    From Hyde Park Ave. and River St. to Fairmount St. and Davison St.
    Hyde Park, MA 02136
  • Contact:
    Open Streets Boston
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Hyde Park
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
  • there will be MBTA Service Changes for this event

    View MBTA Service Changes

2024-08-11T10:30:25 - 2024-08-11T17:00:00

Enjoy live music, mouthwatering food trucks, kid-friendly activities, and vibrant local art that will unite our community. This is your chance to connect with neighbors and discover more about local businesses and organizations along the route.

Open Streets Boston is free and open to everyone, so bring your friends and family and come down to River Street, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don't miss out!

hyde park sob map

August 11, 2024
  • 10:30am - 5:00pm
  • River St.
    From Hyde Park Ave. and River St. to Fairmount St. and Davison St.
    Hyde Park, MA 02136
  • Contact:
    Open Streets Boston
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Hyde Park
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Outdoor
  • Posted:
  • there will be MBTA Service Changes for this event

    View MBTA Service Changes

2024-08-11T10:30:25 - 2024-08-11T17:00:00

Programming

Event Photos

Folks at a Hyde Park Open Streets event

Folks at a Hyde Park Open Streets event

Folks at a Hyde Park Open Streets event

Folks at a Hyde Park Open Streets event

Folks at a Hyde Park Open Streets event

Last updated:

Teen Day with the Vigorous Youth

Part of the Community Canvas Series presented by the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion bringing community events to Mattapan Square this July, August, and September.

August 24, 2024
2024-08-24T10:00:00 - 2024-08-24T13:00:00

Join us for Teen Day at the Mattapan Farmers Market with the Vigorous Youth program of Mattapan Food and Fitness! Teens can enjoy a variety of activities, engage with local vendors, and watch performances by talented youth. 

Día del Adolescente con la Vigorosa Juventud

Parte de la Serie Lienzo Comunitario presentada por la Oficina de Inclusión y Oportunidades Económicas, que traerá eventos comunitarios a Mattapan Square en julio, agosto y septiembre.

¡Únase a nosotros en el Día del Adolescente en el Mercado de Granjeros de Mattapan en el marco del programa Juventud Vigorosa de Mattapan Food and Fitness! Los adolescentes podrán disfrutar de una gran variedad de actividades, relacionarse con los vendedores locales y ver las actuaciones de talentosos jóvenes. 

Jounen Adolesan ak Jèn Vigoure

Yon pati nan Seri Twal Kominotè prezante pa Biwo Opòtinite Ekonomik ak Enklizyon, pote evènman kominotè yo nan Nubian Square sa a Jiyè, Out, ak Septanm.

Rejwenn nou pou Jounen Adolesan nan Mache Kiltivatè Mattapan lan ak pwogram jèn ki vigoure Mattapan Food and Fitness! Adolesan yo ka pwofite de yon varyete aktivite, angaje ak machann lokal yo, epi gade pèfòmans jèn ki gen talan.

 

 

August 24, 2024
2024-08-24T10:00:00 - 2024-08-24T13:00:00
Last updated:

Immigrant Small Business Day

Part of the Community Canvas Series presented by the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion bringing community events to Mattapan Square this July, August, and September.

August 17, 2024
2024-08-17T10:00:00 - 2024-08-17T13:00:00

Join us at Mattapan Farmers Market and support immigrant-owned businesses at Immigrant Business Day! Shop for a variety of products while celebrating the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit within our community.

Día del Comercio de Inmigrantes

Parte de la Serie Lienzo Comunitario presentada por la Oficina de Inclusión y Oportunidades Económicas, que traerá eventos comunitarios a Mattapan Square en julio, agosto y septiembre.

¡Únase a nosotros en el Mercado de Granjeros de Mattapan y apoye a los comercios propiedad de inmigrantes en el Día del Comercio de Inmigrantes! Compre una gran variedad de productos mientras celebra la diversidad y el espíritu emprendedor de nuestra comunidad.

Jounen Ti Biznis pou Imigran 

Yon pati nan Seri Twal Kominotè prezante pa Biwo Opòtinite Ekonomik ak Enklizyon, pote evènman kominotè yo nan Nubian Square sa a Jiyè, Out, ak Septanm.

Rejwenn nou nan Mache Kiltivatè Mattapan epi sipòte biznis imigran yo posede nan Jounen Biznis Imigran yo! Achte yon varyete pwodwi pandan y ap selebre divèsite ak lespri antreprenè nan kominote nou an.
 
August 17, 2024
2024-08-17T10:00:00 - 2024-08-17T13:00:00
Subscribe to Family friendly
Provide Your Feedback
Back to top