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City Hall To Go: East Boston

Join us on September 3, 2024, as we make a scheduled stop in East Boston at MBTA Maverick, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. 

September 3, 2024
  • 10:00am - 11:30am
  • MBTA Maverick
    19 Maverick Square
    Boston, MA 02128
  • Contact:
    Office Civic Organizing
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    East Boston
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-09-03T10:00:00 - 2024-09-03T11:30:00

Our vibrant City Hall On The Go truck has a scheduled stop near your neighborhood, bringing essential municipal services right to you.

Please note, that we do not accept cash payments on the truck.

CITY HALL ON THE GO SERVICES

  • Absentee ballot request

  • Affidavit resident sticker

  • Appeal parking ticket

  • Basic Inspectional Services

  • Business certificate

  • Census registration

  • File discrimination claim

  • File domestic partnership

  • Handicap parking

  • Medicaid and health insurance applications

  • Pay delinquent excise

  • Pay excise tax

  • Pay parking ticket

  • Pay real estate tax

  • Referrals for ASAP services

  • Register dog license

  • Register to vote

  • Request birth certificate

  • Request death certificate

  • Request marriage certificate

  • Resident parking sticker

  • SNAP applications

  • Taxi coupons

  • Farmers market coupons

  • Youth Pass registration

September 3, 2024
  • 10:00am - 11:30am
  • MBTA Maverick
    19 Maverick Square
    Boston, MA 02128
  • Contact:
    Office Civic Organizing
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    East Boston
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-09-03T10:00:00 - 2024-09-03T11:30:00

Finding Accessible, Affordable, And Available Housing

The Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities invites City of Boston residents with disabilities who are interested in learning more about finding housing.

October 23, 2024
  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm
  • ZOOM
    Boston ,
  • Contact:
    Disabilities Commission
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-10-23T17:30:00 - 2024-10-23T18:30:00

Finding housing can be incredibly difficult. This webinar will include information on accessible housing — what features are included in "accessible" or "ADA" housing units including mobility or sensory units. It will also include information about how to search for accessible and affordable housing and how housing "lotteries" work.

Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us at Disability.boston.gov or call 617-635-3682

Register for the event

October 23, 2024
  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm
  • ZOOM
    Boston ,
  • Contact:
    Disabilities Commission
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-10-23T17:30:00 - 2024-10-23T18:30:00

Financial Empowerment For People With Disabilities Webinar

The Boston Disability Commission invites City of Boston residents with disabilities who are interested in learning more about earning, saving, and spending money.

October 16, 2024
  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm
  • Zoom
    Boston ,
  • Contact:
    Disabilities Commission
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-10-16T17:30:22 - 2024-10-16T18:30:22

This webinar is an opportunity for people with disabilities to learn about free financial wellness resources that the City of Boston has available for you and your family. Including help building credit, finding free banking options, and free tax preparation, come learn how we can help you on your financial journey. In addition, learn about disability specific savings accounts called ABLE accounts.

Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us at Disability.boston.gov or call 617-635-3682

Register for the event

October 16, 2024
  • 5:30pm - 6:30pm
  • Zoom
    Boston ,
  • Contact:
    Disabilities Commission
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-10-16T17:30:22 - 2024-10-16T18:30:22

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
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-09-07T12:00:00 - 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
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-09-07T12:00:00 - 2024-09-07T16:00:00

ADU Design Workshop

Are you planning to build an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) and have questions on your plans? Sign up for a virtual design workshop!

December 4, 2025
  • 4:00pm - 5:30pm
    Repeats monthly on Thursday, but only the first instance of this set, starting from December 4, 2025, until December 4, 2026
  • Contact:
    Mayor's Office of Housing
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2025-12-04T16:00:00 - 2026-12-03T17:30:00

The ADU Design Workshop is an opportunity for Boston homeowners who are interested in building an ADU in their home or on their property to get feedback from City staff before they submit a building permit application to the Inspectional Services Department.

Sign up to get your building plans reviewed, get your specific questions answered, listen to other project proposals, or learn more about building an ADU in Boston. 

December 4, 2025
  • 4:00pm - 5:30pm
    Repeats monthly on Thursday, but only the first instance of this set, starting from December 4, 2025, until December 4, 2026
  • Contact:
    Mayor's Office of Housing
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2025-12-04T16:00:00 - 2026-12-03T17:30:00

Higginson Lewis Parking Changes Public Meeting

August 19, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm
  • 131 Walnut Ave.
    Higginson Lewis Elementary
    Boston , MA 02119
  • Contact:
    Safe Routes to School
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-08-19T18:30:00 - 2024-08-19T20:00:00

The City of Boston is planning changes to the parking on Walnut Ave between Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Humboldt Ave to improve safety for students at the Higginson Lewis School. We will be moving parking from the south side of the street to the north side of the street, so that students do not have to cross the street to reach their caregiver’s vehicle during school arrival and dismissal. In addition, we will be installing two speed humps, per the image above.  

Please join us in a meeting to discuss the upcoming changes and to provide input on the parking regulations. The Meeting will be held at the Higginson-Lewis School (131 Walnut Ave. Boston, MA 02119) on August 19, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

To find out more about Safe Routes to School and other projects in this neighborhood, please email us at SRTS@boston.gov

August 19, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm
  • 131 Walnut Ave.
    Higginson Lewis Elementary
    Boston , MA 02119
  • Contact:
    Safe Routes to School
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-08-19T18:30:00 - 2024-08-19T20:00:00

Meet Your Age Strong Advocate

Age Strong can assist older adults with: applying for city services and government benefits(including SNAP, Medicare and Medicaid), connecting to programs/resources, and more!

September 11, 2024
  • 11:00am - 1:00pm
    Repeats monthly on Wednesday, but only the second instance of this set, starting from September 11, 2024, until February 10, 2025
  • BPL Roslindale
    4246 Washington Street
    Roslindale,
  • Contact:
    Cassandra Desroches
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Roslindale
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-09-11T11:00:00 - 2024-09-11T13:00:00

Boston Public Library - Roslindale Branch

4246 Washington Street, Roslindale

The 2nd Wednesday of each month from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Cassandra Desroches at 617-635-4646 or cassandra.desroches@boston.gov

September 11, 2024
  • 11:00am - 1:00pm
    Repeats monthly on Wednesday, but only the second instance of this set, starting from September 11, 2024, until February 10, 2025
  • BPL Roslindale
    4246 Washington Street
    Roslindale,
  • Contact:
    Cassandra Desroches
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Roslindale
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-09-11T11:00:00 - 2024-09-11T13:00:00

Meet Your Age Strong Advocate

Age Strong can assist older adults with: applying for city services and government benefits(including SNAP, Medicare and Medicaid), connecting to programs/resources, and more!

August 14, 2024
  • 11:00am - 1:00pm
  • BPL Roslindale
    4246 Washington Street
    Roslindale,
  • Contact:
    Cassandra Desroches
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Roslindale
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-08-14T11:00:00 - 2024-08-14T13:00:00

Boston Public Library - Roslindale Branch

4246 Washington Street, Roslindale

The 2nd Wednesday of each month from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Cassandra Desroches at 617-635-4646 or cassandra.desroches@boston.gov

August 14, 2024
  • 11:00am - 1:00pm
  • BPL Roslindale
    4246 Washington Street
    Roslindale,
  • Contact:
    Cassandra Desroches
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Roslindale
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2024-08-14T11:00:00 - 2024-08-14T13:00:00

E-Bikes Program: Applications Help for selected applicants

In-person help with applications for the Boston E-Bikes Incentive Program is available on Wednesdays, drop-in 9 a.m. -5 p.m.  Room 721, 7th floor.

September 17, 2025
  • 9:00am - 5:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Wednesday, starting from September 17, 2025, until November 5, 2025
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    E-BIkes Program Manager
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2025-09-17T09:00:26 - 2025-09-17T17:00:00

For residents, who selected for voucher through the Boston E-Bikes Incentive Program, we are offering in-person help to submit required documentation to claim the voucher. Drop in between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

We can also help answer any clarifying questions about the program. Please note that you must have a working email that you know a password to and can access during your visit.

September 17, 2025
  • 9:00am - 5:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Wednesday, starting from September 17, 2025, until November 5, 2025
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    E-BIkes Program Manager
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2025-09-17T09:00:26 - 2025-09-17T17:00:00

Deployables Day

A citywide training exercise on temporary flood protection.

October 9, 2025
Event Date2025-10-09T11:00:00 - 2025-10-09T15:00:00

Join us for 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.

October 09, 2025 | 11 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 City Hall Plaza. 

Visit deployable flood barriers across the city. A walking tour begins at 12 p.m. at the Aquarium T Station and will conclude at 12:30 p.m. at City Hall Plaza where we will hear from local climate leaders. 

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

October 9, 2025
Event Date2025-10-09T11:00:00 - 2025-10-09T15:00:00
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 12PM outside the Aquarium T Station on the Long Wharf side.

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.

 

Have Questions?
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email us at environment@boston.gov
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