Eastie update

***Two people died and two others were injured in an overnight fire at 64 Gove Street, which caused an estimated $250,000 in damage. The fire broke out before 3 a.m. and is still under investigation. The fatalities are the first fire-related deaths in the city in 17 months. Photo courtesy of The Boston Herald.

***The East Boston Times reports that State Sen. Anthony Petruccelli managed to acquire the remaining funds necessary to complete the study by the state's Department of Public Health on the effects that Logan Airport has on local residents. According to the legislation added to the state budget by the Eastie senator, Massport will pay the final $195,000 to complete the $1.3 million study into the consequences of breathing in jet fuel exhaust and other pollutants. The Times story points out a conclusion reached by WBZ-TV two years ago when parts of the unfinished study were leaked: "Lung cancer rates are higher the closer you get to the airport."

***Firefighter and Eastie resident Danny Gomes acted heroically earlier this month when he treated a stab victim, summoned emergency responders and helped catch the perpetrator -- while at the same time making sure not to lose his dog and the Mother's Day flowers he'd just purchased. Talk about multitasking. I'm reminded of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer takes over driving for an incapacitated bus driver while at the same time fighting off a violent passenger -- all the while making the stops on the bus route.

***The new Santarpio's location, on Route 1 in Peabody, is a bit behind schedule and now expected to open in July. It was good to see the venerable pizza mecca and the City of Boston come together to tidy up the long-time parking area beneath the highway across from the Porter Street side of the restaurant.

***With the economy beginning to recover, expect to see several development projects move forward again. One of the most exciting would seem to be a new branch library that would be modern and have more space than the two current branches combined. Right now the city is attempting to find the best location for the new facility.

***Tickets are currently on sale for the June 24 Salesian Boys & Girls Club breakfast at Suffolk Downs, which will honor the late Wally Bowe. Information available here at EastBoston.com.