THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 30, 2024 Page 9 Boston Region MPO awarded $1M to lead urban heat relief project interdisciplinary project to focus on reducing heat exposure for people who walk and bike in the Boston area Special to The Advocate T he Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has been awarded a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The grant, totaling $1,001,100, will support the MPO’s innovative project titled “Neutralizing Onerous Heat Effects on Active Transportation” (NO-HEAT), which aims to enhance climate resilience by addressing dangerous heat exposure faced by people in Boston-area communities who walk and bike. The NO-HEAT project will integrate urban microclimate data with high-resolution mobility data to assess heat exposure levels for individuals walking or biking across the Boston region. The project will focus on identifying high-risk communities and prioritizing key pedestrian and bike network segments most vulnerable to heat stress. In collaboration with local partners, the MPO will plan, design and implement pilot mitigation measures, such as urban greenery, reflective paint and shaded shelters, to reduce heat exposure at selected high-risk locations. The MPO will partner with the Cities of Chelsea, Everett, Framingham and Revere, along with the advocacy organizations WalkMassachusetts, MassBike, Bike to the Sea and the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA), to carry out the project. These partners will play a crucial role in conducting walkability and “bikeability” audits, as well as leading community outreach and public engagement efforts. “This grant will allow us to take an innovative approach to address one of the pressing climate challenges facing our most vulnerable communities,” said Boston Region MPO Central Transportation Planning Staff Executive Director Tegin Teich. “By leveraging cutting-edge data and working closely with our municipal and advocacy partners, we can create safer, cooler, and more comfortable spaces for people who walk, bike, and roll in our region.” “Heat island effect is particularly pronounced in Everett,” said Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “The City of Everett is engaged in numerous efforts to mitigate these challenges, and this project will provide better data and information to inform future projects and develop and construct those projects.” “As a pedestrian advocacy ~ Everett Public Libraries Calendar of Events ~ CLOSED for Labor Day on Monday, September 2 Parlin Adult and Teens Yarn Club: Parlin Fresco Room, Tuesday, September 3, at 7 p.m. Come chit-chat and stitch! Bring your crocheting, knitting or any other yarn craft and sit and socialize with other members of the crafting community. Recommended for ages 14-109! Puzzle Club: Parlin Trustees Table, Wednesday, September 4, at 3 p.m. Piece together fun and friendship at the Parlin puzzle table! We’ll have puzzles of all shapes and sizes to work on together. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Parlin Children’s Storytime and Sing-along with Karen: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, September 4, at 11 a.m. Join us for a funfilled morning of singing and storytelling with Karen! Suggested ages: newborn to six. Drama Class: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, September 4, at 3 p.m. Do you have a drama queen or king at home? Drama Class in the Parlin Children’s Department is the perfect opportunity for your child to put those acting skills to EVENTS | SEE PAGE 23 organization, we recognize the significance of understanding the impact of heat exposure on individuals who J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. URBAN HEAT | SEE PAGE 19 S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping
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