Urban College of Boston is entering a pivotal phase in its evolution, focusing on solidifying its legacy and fostering a broader community of support to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
President Yves Salomon-Fernández, who is now in her third academic year, highlighted the school’s rapid growth, with over 1,100 students enrolled in classes focused on early childhood education and social services training, both online and in-person.
Salomon-Fernández’s journey began when she moved to the United States from Haiti at the age of 12. After attending Boston Latin School and earning her degree from UMass Boston, she obtained her doctorate at Boston College. Her experience as a college administrator, including her recent role at Southern New Hampshire University, has shaped her vision for Urban College.
Supporters like longtime advocate O’Brien recognize the unique challenges faced by Urban College students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees and may be new to the country. O’Brien stated that Salomon-Fernández embodies those challenges and aspirations for the college community.
Adding to the college’s initiatives, Walsh, a prominent figure who has served as a commencement speaker, expressed his commitment to help increase involvement and support for Urban College, emphasizing Salomon-Fernández’s proactive approach.
In another part of Boston, housing initiatives are unfolding with the completion of a significant new residential development. Last Tuesday, newlyweds Ernestine Tiongson and George Giunta were surprised with a housewarming event that brought reporters and city officials to their new residence at 281 Franklin St.
Mayor Michelle Wu attended to celebrate the first project completed under her tax break program, designed to foster conversions of office space into residential units. Tiongson and Giunta received a snake plant as a housewarming gift and shared their excitement about the new apartment, which has contributed to the city’s goal of addressing housing shortages.
To date, the city has received 17 applications for converting a total of 655,000 square feet of office space into new residential units. Although progress has been slow, the mayor and developers see potential in the ongoing conversions, including Boston Pinnacle Properties’ project that transformed five floors of office space into 15 apartment units.
Developer Adam Burns pointed out the elements that made his project viable, emphasizing the importance of the tax break in the financial calculations for such developments.
Moving forward, a larger conversion project at 44 Bromfield St. is set to launch, although it will not utilize the city’s program. The developer found it more feasible to proceed without the tax incentive, which speaks to the complexities involved in converting office spaces to residential use.
Wu acknowledged that while these smaller projects only scratch the surface of the housing crisis, every contribution helps inject vitality into downtown neighborhoods and supports local business revenue. She remarked, “Every new home matters,” underscoring the need for more residential opportunities to revitalize the city.
In a shift in leadership, Cheryl Cronin of the Boston Public Market Association announced her departure from the CEO position in January after nearly ten years in the role.
Cronin’s tenure began when the market opened in early 2015, and under her leadership, it has flourished with around 30 stalls primarily featuring local food vendors. However, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a strategy shift to attract more tourist traffic rather than relying solely on office workers.
The market faced significant challenges during the pandemic, including a drastic loss in foot traffic, but with support from the Kendall Foundation, which provided $750,000 in funds, Cronin has managed to stabilize the market and keep stalls occupied through reduced rents.
Currently, rental income constitutes nearly half of the association’s $2.5 million budget, supplemented by state funds and philanthropic support. Cronin expressed her gratitude, stating, “This has been the most gratifying experience of my professional career,” signaling her bittersweet sentiment as she prepares to leave the organization.
Meanwhile, Boston’s skyline will feature a poignant tribute this Thursday night as several office towers are illuminated in blue to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks.
This initiative, inspired by Gogi Gupta of Gupta Media, aims to bring attention to the memory of that tragic day. The lighting will include prominent structures, with participation from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which will light up the Zakim bridge, and the city itself illuminating City Hall and the Bolling Building in Roxbury.
Gupta’s dedication to remembering 9/11 stems from a concern that the memories of the event, particularly for younger generations, are fading. He emphasized the importance of communal remembrance and solidarity, stating, “If everyone takes a second and just remembers the lives lost, I will have achieved what I wanted to achieve.”
This collaboration among local businesses and city officials reflects a broader commitment to remembering a pivotal moment in history, as cities across the nation engage in similar acts of remembrance each year.
image source from：bostonglobe
