City Council provides tax relief, funding for safer streets and grants to make Boston shine

The Council voted to approve Docket #1621, the annual order for the Fiscal Year 2019 tax classification to set the residential factor at the lowest level permitted by state statute, as well as to approve residential exemptions at the maximum rate, which is 35% of the average assessed value of eligible residential parcels. The passage of this order will result in the maximum discount and savings available to owner-occupied residential property owners. Councilor Ciommo stated that, “The City relies heavily on property tax for City funds, but has always placed importance on providing maximum relief to resident taxpayers.”

The Council also voted to approve Docket #1612, authorizing an appropriation of $6.5 million from the City’s Capital Grant Fund to address the impact of transportation network companies, such as Uber and Lyft, on the City’s public travel infrastructure, like municipal roads and bridges. Councilor Ciommo stated that, “These investments will help make City streets safer and more reliable, while planning for the lasting impact of transportation network companies on our transportation, traffic, and infrastructure.”

Docket #1614, which establishes the “Make Boston Shine” trust fund that will be used to fundraise and award small grants to residents and community groups involved in service projects to beautify Boston and keep neighborhoods clean, was also approved by the Council.  The program may be familiar to many Boston residents as it has been around for many years as simply Boston Shines. Councilor Ciommo said, “This trust will make fundraising and awarding grants for community projects simple, flexible, and transparent, allowing residents to be supported and engaged in efforts to clean and beautify their neighborhoods.” The establishment of the trust allows for organizations to donate, and for residents to build community. The trust makes it possible to expand Boston Shines to include neighborhoods that did not qualify to participate in the past, as well as making equipment and materials readily available to those who would like to make Boston shine.