Two Art Receptions Tonight!

The artists of 249 A STREET ARTISTS COOPERATIVE cordially invite you to visit a new exhibition featuring the works of Domingo and Domingo-Martin Barreres, a father-son artist duo! Domingo‘s exhibit showcases his large portraits of painting palettes, capturing the essence of creativity and expression. Meanwhile, his son, Domingo-Martin, presents his large pop portrait paintings created with a palette knife, offering a unique perspective on contemporary art. Immerse yourself in a vibrant art world showcasing multiple generations of creativity. The Opening Public Reception is:

Thursday, April 18, 2024

6:00 – 9:00 pm

Gallery at 249 A

249 A Street

Can’t make it? No worries—book a personal viewing by calling 617-721-1864. 

Right down the street at Midway Artist Studios, is a reception for  Sustainable Photography, an exhibition of photographs and natural wood sculptures representing the constant change of the landscape and our Earth, and the delicate state it is in, by artist Mona Mira. With the help of Arbor Day Foundation there will be trees planted to off set of carbon emissions footprints for the production of art. There will also be an opportunity to sign up to plant trees and with every purchase a tree will be planted on the person’s behalf. The reception is:

Thursday, April 18, 2024

6:00 – 8:00 pm
The Art Tunnel

Midway Artist Studios

15 Channel Center Street

One Hand. One Heart. One Boston Day. Together Let’s Support Our New Fort Point Families.

In recognition of One Boston Day, please consider making a donation to welcome our new, temporary Fort Point neighbors at the emergency family shelter.  

The United Way of Massachusetts Bay in coordination with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), the Black Refugee & Immigrant Community Coalition, and the Greater Boston YMCA among other community-based organizations, are providing temporary emergency housing and support to approximately 25 families with children who have an urgent and immediate need for shelter in Fort Point. 

Once a family settles into their new temporary housing, the need shifts to the essentials of daily living.  The home essential items listed will help replenish the supplies being used at the YMCA, where families are showering and spending their days. Once families relocate to new housing, they will have extra home essential items to take with them.

Items most needed are:

Diapers (disposable, multiple sizes)

Baby wipes

Baby bottles (new only)

Baby clothing (new only sizes 0-3) Including warm clothing

Baby gear (high chairs, strollers, pack’n plays) in excellent condition – no stains, tears, or missing pieces

View full list of recommended essential items needed at the Fort Point temporary family shelter. Please refrain from donating toy and stuffed animals. 

The drive is running now through May 31, 2024 and there are multiple way to participate. 

• Donate an item from United Way's Amazon wish list.  

• Drop off items at the South Boston Neighborhood House (aka The Ollie) at 136 H St. Monday through Friday between 9:30-5:00pm. If you are unable to drop off your donations or have any questions, please  contact Erin LaMonica, Community Initiatives Coordinator, via email or at 617-268-1619 x 403.

• Make a financial contribution by visiting the United Way 

Fort Point Landmarks April 2024 Public Meeting

updated 4.11.24: with links to present. 

 The FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, April 11, 2024*

6:00 PM

This hearing will be held virtually and NOT in person. 

You can participate in this hearing by going to the Zoom meeting link 

or by calling 929-436-2866 and entering meeting id 952 3241 8996# You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 24.0857 FPC    9 CHANNEL CENTER STREET

Applicant: Chris Rayen

Proposed Work: Install window film at front and rear windows. 

APP # 24.0821 FPC    300 A STREET- moved to ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

Applicant: Mandy Edwards

Proposed Work: HVAC modification project. 

APP # 24.0848 FPC     51 MELCHER STREET

Applicant: Greg Lusky

Proposed Work: Repair work for the maintenance of the skybridge that spans over Melcher Street. Including roof replacement, stucco painting/patching, and window replacement.

II.NEW BUSINESS

Discussion of proposed amendment to Section 8 of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Study Report regarding provisions for the selection of Commission members and alternates from the district.

III. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL

APP # 24.0845 FPC 12 FARNSWORTH STREET: Install new blade sign using existing bracket.

IV. RATIFICATION OF 3/27/24 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

V.  STAFF UPDATES

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

Members: David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy, Vacancy

April 5 - April 11Traffic Advisory: Congress St. Closure & Temporary Lane Restriction & I-90 Closure at Exit 135

Updated 4/9/24: Exit 135 Turnpike off-ramp from I-90 West to South Boston will be closed overnight through Thursday, April 11 with a detour via I-93 North, Purchase Street, and Congress Street.

The Seaport TMA advises that starting Friday 4/5 at 7 a.m. through Monday 4/8 at 5 a.m., there will be work on the roadway at the off-ramp (Ramp F) to Congress Street from I-90 westbound. The right turn from Ramp F will be closed, along with a portion of Congress Street. This lane restriction is required for safety and construction staging as part of the demobilization of the tower crane at the 10 World Trade air rights project.

From I-90 West: At Exit 135 (old Exit 25), the right turn lane from the off-ramp (Ramp F) from I-90 West to Congress Street will be closed, with a detour via B Street and D Street.

From Congress Street East: Congress Street eastbound will be closed between B Street and D Street, with a detour via B Street and Seaport Boulevard. Access will be limited to residents only between Seaport Lane and D Street.

From Congress Street West: Congress Street westbound will be closed between B Street and D Street, with a detour via D Street and Seaport Boulevard. Access will be limited to residents only between Seaport Lane and D Street. Please note that one westbound lane will be open on Friday, April 5 from 7a.m. to 7 p.m.

Detour Timing: 7 a.m. on Friday, April 5, to 5 a.m. on Monday, April 8. 

Friday 4/5 detour map 7am - 7pm

Contact the Project
On-site construction concerns: (617) 592-6531
Questions via email: mpagliocca@suffolk.com

originally published 04.02.24

April Showers Highlight Coastal Resilience & New Developments Spring Up

4/4: Federal Flood Hazard Zoning Updates Info Session at 6pm to review updated flood insurance maps and Article 25 zoning updates with the opportunity to ask questions about changes and insurance implications. 

4/6: Love Your Block Neighborhood Cleanup from 10am -12pm at Wormwood Park. Rain date is 4/7.

4/8: 232 A Street Public Meeting at 6pm to discuss the 7th Amendment to PDA 69, the Development Plan and the response to the BPDA Request for Additional Information.

4/10: Waterfront Space Planning Study Public Meeting at 6pm. Hear recommendations to reform and improve the Chapter 91 Civic/Cultural FPA Space processes and provide feedback.

4/12: Fort Point Channel Landmarks April Meeting at 6pm

4/22: Reserved Channel Development Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting at 6pm. The project is an 8 acres development with eight new buildings of proposed uses including a variety of commercial, research and development, civic, and residential housing. This CAC is a joint BPDA and MEPA review group. This meeting will lay out the process  

4/23: Boston Civic Design Commission Design Committee Meeting at 5pm. Agenda TBA

4/23: Reserved Channel Development Kick-off Meeting at 6pm at the Condon School, 200 D St. Oxford Properties Group and Pappas Enterprises, is hosting this in-person meeting to discuss the proposed project. This event is the first in a series of four meetings to review the entirety of the proposed project. Later meetings will have more specific topics, including transportation infrastructure, resiliency, public realm and open space, and built form.  

MEPA Certificates & Comment Deadlines
3/25: 2 Harbor Building 2: Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) not required. 
4/1: 232 A Street DEIR adequately and properly complies with MEPA. The Proponent may prepare and submit for review a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR).
4/1:Reserved Channel Special Review Procedure Established

4/7: 5 Necco and 15 Necco Chapter 91 Management Plan comment deadline. 

4/30: Reminder- MassDEP Climate Resilience Draft Regulations for Waterways (Chapter 91) and Wetlands comment deadline.

• Send Waterways Resilience comments to dep.waterways@mass.gov with Waterways Resilience Comments in the subject line.
• Send Wetlands Resilience comments to dep.wetlands@mass.gov with Wetlands-401 Resilience Comments in the subject 

Love Your Block Neighborhood Cleanup Saturday!

Today's storm is whipping up some new debris and making a mess in the neighborhood. 

Luckily, there is still time to sign up for Fort Point's 18th annual Love Your Block happening this Saturday, April 6th. 

Come join your neighbors for some outdoor spring cleaning on: 

Saturday, April 6, 2024

10am - Noon

Meet up at Wormwood Park (Wormwood & A Streets)

Tools, gloves and t-shirts will be provided

Sign up

Rain date is April 7th

Focus is A Street, Melcher Street, Binford Street and any other streets requiring attention as well as refreshing Wormwood Park. 

Love Your Block is run in conjunction with the Mayor Office of Civic Organizing's volunteer neighborhood beautification program. 

Street Sweeping Returns April Through November

 April marks the start of the street cleaning season through November 30th.

The cleaning of Binford Street from A Street to the Channel occurs from 9 am until 1 pm. The odd side of the street (closest to Gillette) will be cleaned on the first and third Tuesdays of the month starting April 2, 2024. The even side (next to the Channelside parking lot) will be cleaned on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month starting April 9th.

The street sweepers will also tackle A Street from Binford to Congress on the 1st & 3d Tuesdays beginning April 2, 2024 from 9 am until 1 pm. 

They will cross over to even side of A Street from Melcher to Congress every 2nd & 4th Tuesday commencing April 11th from 9 am until 1 pm. 

Everyday street cleaning occurs on Congress St (Dorchester Ave to E. Service Rd ), Summer St and Sleeper St from 12:01 am until 7:00 am. 

To receive no tow reminders, click here and enter the street name and then scroll down. The street cleaning parking fine is $40. If your car is towed, the minimum tow ticket is $132. More details. Lookup nearby street sweeping schedules here. For discrepancies between the website, and an actual posted street sign, then the street sign is always the one to follow. To be aware of all other parking ticket fees, visit Boston.gov.

Spring Into Action With Love Your Block, Beautiful and Improved Streets, Trillium And Local Updates

updated 3/27/24 with Love Your Block Volunteer Sign Up and MCCA Beautification project. 

 FPNA Neighborhood Gathering

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

6 pm to 8 pm

via Zoom

featuring

Our C-6 Community Officers

Congress Street, Sleeper Street & A Street 

Sidewalk and Street Improvements Update

Pat Hoey, Boston Transportation Department 

Trillium Brewing 

47 Farnsworth St

seeking approval to add distilled spirits

&

Love Your Block Volunteers

Saturday, April 6th 

Sign up today!

introducing

MCCA/BCEC Beautification Project

View Presentation

plus

Neighborhood Updates  

24 Farnsworth Emergency Overflow Family Shelter * Upcoming Development Projects

originally published 03.21.24

Happenings This Week

March 25: Comment deadline for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (see below for more details under 232 A Street).

March 26: FPNA Neighborhood Gathering at 6pm via zoom.

March 26: A Plan for a Safe, Healthy, and Active Summer ‘24 Meeting #2 at 6pm at the Condon, 200 D St.

March 27: 232 A Street Impact Advisory Group Public Meeting at 6:00pm (see below for more details under 232 A Street).

March 27: Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission Meeting at 6pm. Note: new date. 

March 28: Commonwealth Pier Revitalization Notice of Project Change Comment Deadline Send comments to MEPA analyst Alexander Strysky

232 A Street Project
March 25: Comment deadline for the Draft Environmental Impact Report on approx. 335,000 sf  laboratory/R&D & office building city street extension, sidewalks, improvements to the Harborwalk & South Bay Harbor Trail, and site grading for improved neighborhood resiliency. Send comments to MEPA analyst Nicholas.Perry@mass.gov

March 27: 232 A Street Impact Advisory Group Public Meeting at 6:00pm to discuss the recently filed 7th Amendment to PDA. 69, the Development Plan and the response to the BPDA's Request for Additional Information.  The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of documents and discuss potential impacts and mitigation. 

Save the date of April 8: 232 A Street Public Meeting at 6pm to discuss the recently filed 7th Amendment to Planned Development Master Plan no. 69, the Development Plan for 232 A Street, and the response to the BPDA Request for Additional Information. 

Fort Point Landmarks March 2024 Meeting

updated 3/13:  rescheduled from March 19th to March 27th at 6 PM in order to have a a quorum of Commissioners present.

THE FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

will hold a public hearing on:

Wednesday March 27, 2024 (newer date)

6:00 PM

This hearing will be held virtually and NOT in person. 

You can participate in this hearing by going to the Zoom meeting link or by

calling  929-436-2866 and entering meeting id 956 3126 7399#.You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 24.0513 FPC  30 THOMSON PLACE

Applicant: Nathan Turner

Proposed Work: Installation of wall mounted ductwork, condensers and exhaust openings to support a new high-end Italian best in class pizzeria.

APP # 24.0751 FPC 372 CONGRESS STREET(moved to administrative review)
Applicant: Pamela Jagiello
Proposed Work: Recover three existing awning frames with Navy Blue Sunbrella and letter with white letters, JUST SALAD. Replace existing 24" diameter blade sign with new illuminated blade, same size, same location. 24"x 24", Just salad logo, blue background with white logo. Assorted white window lettering, door with hours, logo on front glass.

APP # 24.0517 FPC  7 CHANNEL CENTER STREET

Applicant: Phil Marcotty

Proposed Work: Redevelopment of the existing property at 7 Channel Center including the construction of a new 9-story building.

 II.  ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL

APP # 24.0702 FPC 319 A STREET: Install (1) set of fabricated aluminum letters 

to existing I beam canopy on west elevation to read: "Citrus & Salt."

APP # 24.0648 FPC 5 NECCO STREET: Replacement of a portion of the existing top floor glass wall with an approximately 7’-10” x 23’-4” foot folding door.

III.  RATIFICATION OF 1/11/24 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

IV.  STAFF UPDATES

PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 8:15 PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy, Vacancy Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

originally published 03.06.24

Love Our Historic District? We Are Looking For Commissioners.

If you love our Fort Point Historic District, the City is looking for Commissioners to serve on the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission (FPCLDC). Their goal is to fill all vacancies within the next two weeks.  

The Fort Point Channel Landmark District (FPCLD) encompasses roughly 55 acres across the Fort Point Channel from downtown Boston. Developed in the 1830s by the Boston Wharf Company and owned by the company until the early 2000s, the Fort Point Channel area is Boston’s largest, most cohesive, and most significant collection of late 19th and early 20th century industrial loft buildings. For greater historical background, please check out the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Study Report.

The Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission (FPCLDC) meets on the second Thursday of each month to review exterior alterations. 

If you are a residential property owner or commercial property owner for two years or more within our historic district boundaries, you are eligible. Please read below for exact specifications.

At this time, there are three vacant seats: one full resident property owner seat and two business/commercial property owner seats (full and alternate). Here are the qualifications:

a. All members and alternates from the district shall have established primary residence or property ownership of no less than two years within the District. 

b. The full residential member shall have established primary residency in the District and be a resident owner/occupant

c. The other member and alternate shall be commercial property owners in the District. They are not required to be residents of the District. 

If you are interested in serving or have questions, please contact FPNA (Fort Point Neighborhood Association) today with your contact information, a brief resume, and why you are interested in serving. Those with architectural or historic preservation experience are especially encouraged to apply. FPNA is a nominating organization to the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission. 

originally published 03.03.24

Happenings This Week & Next Plus Opportunities For Feedback

3/18: updated with cancelation of Citrus & Salt Abutter's Meeting. New date tbd.

3/12: South Boston Innovation Campus Joint Impact Advisory Group and Public Meeting  to review NPC for Building 2 at 2 Harbor St. within the South Boston designated port area (DPA). at 6pm. View NPC. 

3/13: AIR POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING at 2:30pm Application for a Modified South Boston Parking Freeze Permit from Howard Stein Hudson on behalf of Channelside Acquisitions, LLC ( 244–284 A St) for 345 commercial spaces and 70 residential excluded spaces in a garage.

3/13: SAVR / 150 Seaport Blvd Abutter's Meeting at 7pm. Proposal: Outdoor seating addition of 54 seats. View meeting recording and enter password: G22U0nX^

3/14: Wetlands and Waterways (Chapter 91) climate resilience draft regulations office hours from 1:30-4:00pm. Register. There will be a final office hours on April 3 from 1:30-4:00pm. Register. Please note that questions are being requested in advance. See the bottom of the page for details*. 

3/14: BPDA Board Meeting 

3/18: CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS WORKING SESSION ON DOCKET #0257,  A working session to discuss an Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department, at 10am.

3/19: Boston Civic Design Committee meetings at 5pm: 232 A St. is on the agenda B. To receive agenda notifications, sign up (at bottom of the page). 

3/19: Citrus & Salt / Abutter's Meeting at 6pm. Proposal: Patio seating Cancelled and will be rescheduled.

3/21: Sign Code Modernization Kickoff Public Meeting at 6pm. BPDA staff will give an overview of the project’s scope, discuss the history of Boston’s signage and sign regulations, and highlight some of the issues hindering the City’s sign code today. The presentation will be followed by an open discussion session to ask questions about the project and collaboratively investigate what the future of Boston’s signage should look like.  View Sign Code Modernization zoning initiative.

3/22:  CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS WORKING SESSION ON DOCKET #0257, a working session to discuss an Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department, at 10am.

3/23: Revelry and Revolution: An Evacuation Day Harbor Cruise from 1pm to 3pm by the National Park Service, DCR and Boston Harbor Now.  Limited tickets available.

Comment Deadlines

3/12: EEA#8161  2 Harbor St Building 2 PNC (Project Commencement Notice) comment deadline  to MEPA analyst alexander.strysky@mass.gov.

3/25:  EEA#16746 232 A Street DEIR comments due to MEPA analyst Nicholas.Perry@mass.gov

3/25: EEA#16746 Reserved Channel Special Review Procedure Request comments due to MEPA analyst alexander.strysky@mass.gov

3/28: EEA# 15985 Commonwealth Pier Revitalization NPC Comment Deadline Alexander Strysky

4/30: Extended Public Comment Period closes at 5pm for all MassDEP climate resilience draft regulations.

• Send Waterways Resilience comments to dep.waterways@mass.gov with Waterways Resilience Comments in the subject line.
• Send Wetlands Resilience comments to dep.wetlands@mass.gov with Wetlands-401 Resilience Comments in the subject line.

********

*MassDEP Office Hours: Participants are encouraged to submit questions about the Wetlands/401WQC regulations, Stormwater Handbook, and/or Waterways regulations in advance of the session(s) you plan to attend.

• Questions submitted in advance (preferably at least one week) of an Office Hours session will be prioritized. “Live” questions will be considered, as time permits. 
• MassDEP may choose not to address questions at these sessions if not received sufficiently in advance or if the question requires extensive evaluation.
• Please refrain from asking site-specific questions related to projects you may be involved in.
• Submit questions here.

originally published  03.12.24