Wednesday, March 22, 2023

FPNA Spring Neighborhood Gathering Tuesday, March 28th

 You are invited to a spring

 
Fort Point Seaport Neighborhood Gathering

on
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 (correct date)
6 pm to 8 pm
District Hall or online

featuring
Our C-6 Community Officers

Findings From
Kelly Sherman
Waterfront Design Manager, Boston Harbor Now

&
Spring & Summer in the Seaport 
Molly Griffin
 Community & Partnerships Coordinator, WS Development
 
with
Neighborhood Updates & Discussions
Massport-Cypher St. Polluted Soil Plans, Atlantic Wharf Public Spaces Proposed Reconfigurations  & More

********************************************************************************
Your Feedback Needed

March 31: Life Sciences Building Design Guidelines public comments are due. More information and submission details

April 7: Atlantic Wharf Chapter 91 Public Spaces public comments are due. 

********************************************************************************

Upcoming Happenings

Wednesday, March 22:  Boston Harbor Now’s Harbor Use Forum at 8:30 am featuring 310 Northern Ave.  When the BPDA completed the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park Master Plan Update, they planned a new mix of uses where lab buildings would co-exist with and help support the working port. Come find out about their climate mitigation fund and more. 

Thursday, March 23: There is a movie filming in town. Parking restrictions start Wednesday on Medallion and Thursday on A, Binford and D Streets. The scoop.

Wednesday, March 29: 330 C St Public Meeting at 6pm. The proposal consists of a new six-story 74-room hotel, with a ground-floor restaurant, situated on the corner of C Street and Cypher Street (behind the Convention Center).


Tuesday, April 4: City Council Hearing on Docket #0145 to discuss the safety of light poles, bridges, and other public infrastructure in the City of Boston (including the bridges over Fort Point Channel). 

Wednesday, April 12: 232 A St Public Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed life sciences project and the potential impacts before the Proponent files their Project Notification Form ("PNF").

Thursday, April 13: Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission meeting, agenda not posted yet.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Unique Cafe & Art Related Space Opportunities at The Artist Building at 300 Summer

Dreamed of opening your own café or art gallery? The Artist Building at 300 Summer is offering two unique rental opportunities. 

A 1,700 square foot café in their Atrium including a kitchen. 


A 1,094 square foot arts-related space with large glass windows and doors that abuts the atrium and formerly housed the FPAC Gallery.  The space is also available for other arts related non-profits or arts related business uses.



Reasonable rent for the right fit to join this artist building composed of 47 live-work spaces and 7 businesses.

The building at 300 Summer Street is a historic structure originally built for Boston’s wool trade in 1898 by the Boston Wharf Company. With large windows, abundant light, and views of downtown Boston and the harbor, the building was perfectly suited for conversion to artist lofts. In 1992, the Fort Point Arts Community acquired the building and Keen Development redeveloped it into a artist live/work limited equity cooperative joining fellow artists at the 249 A Street Artists Cooperative in the neighborhood.

Filming in Fort Point This Thursday. Parking Restrictions Start Wednesday On Medallion & Thursday for A St, Binford & D St.

A new film, titled "Quincy", will be filming in Boston this March and April starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.  

On THURSDAY, MARCH 23RD, there will be filming exterior scenes in the Channelside lot at the end of Binford Street, closest to the Harborwalk. Filming times will be from approximately 4PM-8PM.  To facilitate filming, we will need to permit street parking for our production vehicles. See below for dates.  Please be aware of posted parking restrictions. The streets affected include: 

NO PARKING: 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22ND (6pm) – THURSDAY, MARCH 23rd (11:59pm)    

  • Medallion Ave.; 2 hours spaces in front of the Channel Center garage between Richards St and W. First St. 

THURSDAY, MARCH 23rd  (10am – 11:59pm)  

  • A St.; both sides between Binford St. and Iron St.
  • Binford St. (both sides) Approx. 100’ at the end of Binford St. closest to the Harborwalk 
  • D St.: both sides between Danby St. (Element Hotel) and Cypher St.

 There will be limited parking at the Channel Center Garage for residents who have resident permit stickers and are affected by the parking restrictions listed above.  Please contact the locations department in advance to coordinate access.  

The film's location department is working with the City of Boston and the Boston Police to help ensure filming go smoothly. We will do everything possible to minimize any impact of our activities on your neighborhood. If you have questions or concerns (scheduled deliveries, construction, accessibility needs, etc.), please call me at the number below. 

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to filming in your neighborhood. 

Sincerely,  

Locations Department
781-269-1573
QuincyLocationsDept@gmail.com

Monday, March 20, 2023

Atlantic Wharf Wants Changes To Our Public Spaces. Meeting Monday, March 13th.

updated 03/20/23: Added presentation link to MassDEP and the presentation will be posted shortly on BPDA website.

MassDEP in conjunction with the BPDA are holding a meeting tonight regarding proposed changes to our public spaces at Atlantic Wharf as mandated under the MA Public Waterfront Act (Chapter 91) and need your feedback. The meeting will be held:


Monday, March 13, 2023
6pm
Atlantic Wharf Fort Point room or online

Comment Deadline: April 7th 
Submit comments to DEP.Waterways@mass.gov with the subject line “Atlantic Wharf"

Boston Properties, Atlantic Wharf's owner, is proposing changes to their special public destination facility or interior public spaces part of their Chapter 91 license #11419 requirements. The major changes are to:

  • relocate the Fort Point Room from its existing 2nd floor space to a ground-floor space fronting on Congress Street, combining a space previously used as a restaurant (Boloco) with space occupied by the Boston Society of Architects (BSA space)
  • convert the existing Fort Point Room to commercial office uses
  • discontinue the use of the existing 2nd floor exterior deck

Boston residents and abutting neighbors are encouraged to attend Monday night to discover more about the changes above and all changes under consideration:

  • Will the new proposed space meet the needs of the public and abutting neighbors?
  • Will the groundfloor be activated in a way that adds value and enhances the existing standards/experience?
  • How will the public interact with the spaces and what will be the public experience?

  • How will privatizing the Fort Point room and deck provide public benefits & support programming?
  • How will the loss of 2,630 square feet of interior public space be reinstated or recaptured? This does not include the loss of 3,270 sf from the 2nd floor terrace. 

  • What will happen to the 2nd floor non-profit office space? 
  • Why is the civic cultural concierge being replaced by a tv screen?
click on image for better viewing

There is a lot to consider in determining whether the proposed changes benefit the public more or less than before, especially when regarding this special destination facility of public accommodation.

In addition to the 2nd floor Fort Point room and the 2nd floor non-profit office, the original ground floor approved in 2006 included:

  • A "Town Square," of approximately 6,300 square feet of skylit civic gathering space within the atrium area of the Graphic Arts and Tufts Buildings, with programming and promotion to be provided by the Proponent (to remain in the current size & condition?)
  • A Multi-Media Performance Area, approximately 3,800 square feet, providing a destination location for visitors and city residents to learn about Boston's history, culture, diversity and future (BSA space being replaced by a meeting room?)
  • A waterfront restaurant and cafe/performance venue, part of the Fort Point Channel "RestaurantRow," providing flexible space for alternative uses and populations at different times of the day (being replaced by a meeting room?)
  • A "Channel Concierge," providing information, maps, ticketing, and details on current events (to remain?)
  • A Community Art Gallery (to remain in the current size & condition?)

The comment deadline is April 7,2023. Comments should be submitted to: DEP.Waterways@mass.gov with the subject line “Atlantic Wharf”.

Atlantic Wharf (formerly known as Russia Wharf) underwent redevelopment in 2005 for the properties at 530 Atlantic Ave. and 270-286 Congress St.  The site planning started with the BPDA (then BRA) and the Fort Point Downtown Municipal Plan and as stated above is subject to the MA Public Waterfront Act, commonly referred to as Chapter 91, administered by MassDEP. MassDEP required a SPDF or special public destination facility to offset the impacts of the redevelopment and to provide exceptional public spaces, programming and public benefits. 

Resources

originally published 03/15/23

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Breakfast, Race, Parade & Parking

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is Sunday, March 19, 2023. The 3.5 mile parade will begin at 1 PM at the Broadway T station (red line), move along West Broadway to East Broadway, before making its way around the Medal of Honor Park and ending at Andrew Square. Broadway will be closed to traffic from approximately 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

St. Patrick's Day Parade route

The St. Patrick’s Day Road Race will also take place on Sunday beginning at 11 AM.  Runners will follow the famous parade route, 2 hours before the parade steps off.  The race starts and ends at the Boys & Girls Club (230 West 6th), left on Dorchester St, down E Broadway and back to W Broadway, left on E, left on West 6th, and will end at 12 pm. The turn around point is the Farragut Statue at Pleasure Bay/Boston Harbor. 

Before these two events start is the St. Patrick's Day Breakfast hosted by Senator Collins and broadcast live starting at 10am on Caught in Southie's Instagram page, Irish Hit Parade Radio and Boston Neighborhood Network Media

To accommodate the race and parade and staging/dispersal and clean-up, drivers should expect the following roads to be closed to vehicular traffic. Street closures effected by the parade will start as early as 5 AM and streets closures from the road race will start around 9 AM.  Delays are expected on West 6th Street from F to Dorchester and F (odd side only) from 6th to Bowen Street.

Tow Zone, No Stopping, Boston Police Special Event Sunday
Additional parking restrictions that will be implemented temporarily to support Sunday’s events are as follows:
  • A Street, Both sides, from Binford Street to West Second Street
  • Binford Street, Both sides, from A Street heading northwesterly to end at 45 Binford Street
  • West Second Street, Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to A Street
  • Dorchester Avenue, both sides from Gillette Park to Old Colony Avenue
  • Dorchester Avenue, both sides, from Dorchester Street to Damrell Street
  • Foundry Street, both sides, from Greenbaum Street to Dorchester Avenue
  • West Fourth Street, Both sides, from A Street to Dorchester Avenue
  • West Broadway, Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to Dorchester Street
  • East Broadway, Both sides, from Dorchester Street to P Street
  • P Street, Both sides, from East Broadway to East Fourth Street
  • East Fourth Street, Both sides, from P Street to K Street
  • K Street, Both sides, from East Fourth Street to East Fifth Street
  • East Fifth Street, Both sides, from K Street to G Street
  • G Street, Both sides, from East Fifth Street to #96 G Street
  • Thomas Park, Both sides of southerly arm (opposite normal traffic flow), from G Street to Telegraph Street
  • Telegraph Street, Both sides, from Thomas Park to Dorchester Street
  • Dorchester Street, Both sides, from Telegraph Street to Dorchester Avenue
  • E Street at West Broadway Street on the West Third Street side
  • L Street at East Broadway on the East Third Street side.
  • Old Colony Avenue at Dorchester Street on the inbound side
The Channelside parking lot at 45 Binford St offers $5 dollar weekend day parking in 24 hour 5am - 5am intervals. 

The Channel Center Garage at 116 W First St is $12. Please check with garage for further details.

South Boston resident parking sticker holders can find alternate parking accommodations starting at 6pm  Saturday, March 18th through 8pm Sunday, March 19th at the Marine Park Garage at 12 Drydock Ave. 

Other Southie fun facts for March 19th: Liquor Stores will close at 4pm. All bars and restaurants in 02127 will close between 6-6:30pm and patrons will need to leave by 7:30pm. There will be zero tolerance and a $200 citation for public drinking or public cannabis consumption. 

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Life Science Building Design Guidelines Public Meeting

updated 3/15/23 with link to March 14th meeting recording and March31st comment deadline. The presentation is the same as the first meeting. 

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) is hosting a public meeting to review draft Life Sciences Building Design Guidelines on: 

March 14, 2023 (2nd meeting added)*
6pm - 7:30pm

Submit comments to LifeScienceDesign@Boston.gov by March 31st 

*Note: This meeting will be a repeat of the 2.28 meeting


With over 25 Life Sciences lab building existing, proposed or under construction in Fort Point and the Seaport (including the Raymond L. Flynn Industrial Park) and not counting the Dot Ave Corridor, this is a meeting you won't want to miss. 

The BPDA is creating design guidelines for life science buildings that can help shape the impact of life sciences and ensure new development advances citywide goals and contributes to and fits within Boston’s urban fabric. As Boston continues its leadership as a global center for life sciences, these design guidelines form one part of a larger BPDA effort to support thoughtful, context-sensitive, and flexible growth of the life science industry.

originally published 2.16.23

Tuesday, March 07, 2023

Fort Point Landmarks March 2023 Meeting

updated 03/07/23 with design review poject presentations.

 THE FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, March 9, 2023
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  914 8329 9515#.You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 23.0654 FPC 25 THOMSON PLACE
Applicant: Nate Turner
Proposed Work: Replace existing transom glazing with louvers for mechanical equipment. 

APP # 23.0655 FPC 25 THOMSON PLACE
Applicant: Nate Turner
Proposed Work: Proposed Work: Install signage including lit lettering, blade sign and menu placard. 

APP # 23.0651 FPC THOMSON PLACE
Applicant: Paul Connolly
Proposed Work: Install signage and wayfinding graphics.

APP # 23.0652 FPC 12 FARNSWORTH STREET
Applicant: Philip Marcotty 
Proposed Work: Install two gas heaters at south end of the outdoor dining area which will be attached to the underside of the existing canopy structure. 

APP # 23.0588 FPC  280 SUMMER STREET withdrawn by applicant 
Applicant: David Woolaver  
Proposed Work:  Reclad all rotted wooden window trim with matching aluminum. See additional items under administrative review.

APP # 23.0624 FPC 332 CONGRESS STREET
Applicant: Matthew Wessling 
Proposed Work: Install new through-wall flashings after removal of displaced brick atop existing cast iron channels that will be removed and replaced. See additional items under administrative review. 

APP # 23.0645 FPC 381 CONGRESS STREET moved to administrative
Applicant: Matthew Wessling 
Proposed Work: At rear elevation (south) facing Summer Street: removal and replacement of 500 square feet of brick units. See additional items under administrative review. 

APP # 23.0623 FPC 263 SUMMER STREET moved to administrative
Applicant: Matthew Wessling 
Proposed Work:  Removal of steel embedded in the masonry wall and securement of loose metal. See additional items under administrative review. 

APP # 23.0590 FPC   44 FARNSWORTH STREET
Applicant: David Barbagallo
Proposed Work:  Install antennas along the existing gamma sector.

APP # 23.0653 FPC 51 MELCHER STREET
Applicant: Alex Munoz
Proposed Work: Streetscape improvements along Melcher Street including tree pits, bike racks and bollards; streetscape and accessibility improvements at the Melcher and A Street intersection including accessible curb ramps.

II. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL: In order to expedite the review process, the commission has delegated the approval of certain work items, such as those involving ordinary maintenance and repair, restoration or replacement, or which otherwise have a minimal impact on a building’s appearance, to commission staff pending ratification at its monthly public hearing. Having been identified as meeting these eligibility criteria and all
applicable guidelines, the following applications will be approved at this hearing:
► Applicants whose projects are listed under this heading NEED NOT APPEAR at the hearing. 

APP # 23.0590 FPC 332 CONGRESS STREET: Repoint mortar joints, replace damaged brick, repair cracked stone, replace sealant at window perimeter joints, window glazing joints, metal-to-metal window frame joints, cast iron masonry joints and all penetration perimeter joints, cast iron and wood surfaces will be scraped, primed and repainted - all to match existing.

APP # 23.0645 FPC 381 CONGRESS STREET: At rear elevation facing Summer Street: in kind repointing of brick mortar joints; removal of spalled/cracked brick faces and replaced in kind; application of clear water repellent to the entire area.

APP # 23.0622 FPC 44 FARNSWORTH STREET: Replace sealants at window perimeter joints, window glazing joints, metal-to-metal window frame joints, brick masonry expansion joints, and precast concrete panel to panel joints matching colors of the sealants installed at the north elevation.

APP # 23.0623 FPC 263 SUMMER STREET: Repoint chimney to match existing;
repoint brick mortar joints to match existing; replace spalled brick unit(s) in kind; replace spalled limestone unit(s) in kind and add supplemental anchoring prior to limestone
repair; remove failed sealants and replace existing sealants to match existing color and profile, repaint 1st floor wood window mullions to match existing.

APP # 23.0588 FPC 280 SUMMER STREET: withdrawn by applicant 
At front and rear elevations repoint masonry in kind, install caulking at all window perimeters.
Complete washdown of the building using mild, environmentally friendly wa

II. RATIFICATION OF 1/12/23, 2/9/23 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

III. STAFF UPDATES

IV. PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 8:15 PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION
David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy
Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

orignally published 03.02.23

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

2/28 FPNA Neighborhood Gathering Now Virtual with City Council President, Bus Rapid Transit, Landmarks, Tishman & More

 Virtual Fort Point Seaport Neighborhood Gathering


Tuesday, February 28, 2023
6 pm to 8 pm

ZOOM ONLY

featuring

Our C-6 Community Officers

District 2 Update
City Council President Ed Flynn

Summer Street Bus Rapid Transit Pilot
Matthew Moran, Boston Transportation Dept. Transit Team Director

&
A Pitch for Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commissioners 
Steve Hollinger, Fort Point Landmark Study Committee Member & Resident

introducing 
232 A Street
Justin Miller, Tishman Speyer

with
Neighborhood Updates & Questions

Upcoming Happenings

Wednesday, February 22: Virtual Abutters Meeting for Savr Restaurant at 6pm. The Savr Restaurant is requesting an all alcohol license for their proposed location at 150 Seaport Blvd. 

Thursday March 2nd: Cypher St./ E St. Public Safety Improvements Community Meeting in person at 6pm at 105 W 1st St.

Thursday, March 9th: Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission Meeting at 6pm. Interested in learning more about the historic district or becoming a Commissioner? Check out this meeting.

Tuesday, March 14: Life Sciences Building Design Guidelines Public Meeting at 6pm. A meeting for anyone who lives or will be living next door to one of the over 25 Life Sciences lab buildings in Fort Point and the Seaport. This is a repeat of the March 1st meeting that was rescheduled to February 28th. 

 

Help us build a better neighborhood together. Contact FPNA today!

originally published 02.21.23

Monday, February 27, 2023

Massport Hosts In-Person Cypher St./E St. Community Meeting

 

Massport will be hosting an in-person Cypher St./ E St. Community Meeting this Thursday, March 2nd at 6pm at:

CRISP Thereaputics
Community Room (lobby level)
105 West First Street

The meeting will present the project's public safety improvements for all transportation modes, pedestrian access and a new connection to E Street.  Please email community@massport.com for more information. 

Monday, February 20, 2023

Land Deal Near BCEC Generating Backlash

The State House News Service reported on February 16, 2023 the the land deal near the BCEC is generatng backlash. 

Collins, Councilors Protest In Letter To Convention Center Authority

Sam Drysdale 2/16/23 5:53 PM


FEB. 16, 2023.....City officials and a state senator representing South Boston raised concerns Thursday that the independent convention center authority may be planning under "false pretenses" to develop land taken by eminent domain for mixed use rather than convention-related purposes.

Sen. Nick Collins, Boston City Council President Ed Flynn and City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty sent a letter to state and city officials on Wednesday in opposition to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority's plan to lease for 99 years three parcels of land on the South Boston waterfront for what they say is not its intended purpose.

After a meeting of the MCCA board on Thursday, a spokesperson for state Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz also expressed concerns about the process of soliciting development proposals.

The mostly unbuilt 6.2 acres of asphalt along D and E streets across the street from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center were taken by eminent domain in 2012 and 2013 to expand the convention center industry in the area.

After owning the properties for over a decade, the MCCA opened a 30-day bidding period for the land on the week of Thanksgiving, resulting in only two bidders, according to the letter.

One development proposal filed by the Boston Global Investors firm would build three mixed-use commercial buildings that would include ground floor retail, a grocery store, a green roof for public gathering and urban agriculture, parking spaces and over 40,000 square feet of public open space.

Cronin Development's proposal also includes three mixed-use buildings on the three land parcels. They propose a gallery focused on Black and brown artists, a performance and lecture space, life sciences labs, an open market area with food vendors, full service grocery store and a parking garage.

Both proposals also include 50,000 square feet of office space for the MCCA.

In the request the MCCA sent out on Nov. 21 to solicit proposals and start the 30-day bidding process, the authority said it was seeking development that "activates the D Street neighborhood through office, commercial, industrial and/or similar uses," delivers the 50,000 square feet of office space for the authority, fulfills BCEC's parking needs and includes space dedicated to "community-based uses."

When asked about the best use of the land for future development, authority spokesperson Philip Crohan referred to the "key elements and features we have identified as necessary."

Collins said the development proposals didn't fit the listed purpose for the land taking in the 2012 and 2013 orders of taking, which say the properties should be used for "the expansion, operation, and promotion of convention and exhibition centers" or other facilities "necessary to provide services or accommodations to the public in connection" to the convention market.

"These assets were taken by eminent domain for a particular purpose that is not being executed with an open-ended bid offering," Collins, Flynn and Flaherty wrote to Administration and Finance Secretary Gorzkowicz and Boston's Chief Financial Officer Ashley Groffenberger, who sit on the board. "This has given rise to the concern about the MCCA land banking under false pretenses."

Collins said he believed the properties were intended for, and should still be used for, mid-priced hotels to make BCEC more competitive for mid-priced conventions, rather than just luxury events.

"In addition to making Massachusetts more competitive in the meeting and conventions business by offering different price points, [hotels] would also deliver high-quality, blue collar jobs for a diverse array of area residents," the South Boston Democrat said.

The MCCA's request for proposal also says they expect the lease price per year would be "at least" $5 per square foot, which at 6.2 acres, is $1.35 million. In 2012 and 2013 the MCCA paid roughly $51 million for the land, Crohan said. The lease agreement is for a term of 99 years.

"We have heard from previous owners who would like their property returned if the aforementioned public purpose is no longer the driver for the need to own this land," Collins, Flaherty and Flynn wrote.

The three South Boston politicians urged the MCCA's board of directors to stop the "unusual and uncompetitive process so that the community and taxpayers can be sure that their assets are handled with integrity."

The authority board met Thursday to discuss the bids, but members quickly retreated into an executive session. The session was closed to the public under the basis that open discussion of the land rental "could have a detrimental effect on the Authority's bargaining and negotiation position."

Shortly after the public meeting was closed for the board to speak privately, Flynn tweeted, "Another example of @MassConvention's lack of transparency: their board meetings are neither in person nor public. Anyone from the public trying to log in to the meeting right now where a 99-year public land lease is being discussed has been shut out. Time for change! #bospoli."

Crohan said the authority could not release any details of what was discussed in the executive session.

"The purpose of this function is to avoid any influence or detrimental effect to ongoing or future purchases, exchanges, or leases of property that an open meeting may inflict," Crohan said. "Because of the very definition and purpose of an executive session, I cannot comment on matters discussed by the committee members after their decision to enter into this portion of the meeting."

Late Thursday, a Gorzkowicz spokesman reflected the secretary's concerns.

"The secretary, as a member of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority board, has expressed concerns to Executive Director Gibbons about the process used in the issuance of the RFP for development of parcels adjacent to the convention center in South Boston, which resulted in just two bidders. He looks forward to hearing more from the director and his fellow board members about potential paths forward," Gorzkowicz spokesman Matt Murphy said in a statement to the News Service.

Collins was also frustrated by the Thursday meeting, pointing out that the meeting was held over Microsoft Teams, which he said is less accessible than Zoom.

"Not everyone has access to Teams, they should probably be live-streaming it on their website," he said. "Hybrid is fine but things need to be open to the public."

Collins newly chairs the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, which oversees matters concerning competitive bidding on public contracts as well as open meeting law concerns. He received the appointment on Wednesday.

"Based off of what's going on with the convention center, there's clearly a need for reform, and the committee will be looking at that this session," Collins said.

He also filed a bill (SD 2406) that would require any state or quasi-state agency that takes private property by eminent domain and does not use it for its intended purpose to return the land back to the original owner at the cost at which it was taken.

Nine of the 13 members of the MCCA board are appointed by and "serve at the pleasure of the governor," and two members are appointed by the mayor of Boston. The two other members are Gorzkowicz and Groffenberger, or a designee for Boston's CFO.

A spokesperson for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu did not reveal the mayor's feelings on the matter.

"The Mayor is committed to working with city and state elected officials and community stakeholders to determine the best path forward," the spokesperson said in a statement.

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Abutters Public Meeting for Savr Restaurant at 150 Seaport

The Office of the Mayor invites you to a virtual abutters meeting on:

Wednesday, Febuary 22, 2023
6pm

to review the following proposal by 

The SAVR Restaurant
seeking an all alcohol liquor license
150 Seaport Blvd. 

Passcode: eaBsJ4geH37

By Phone: +1-408-418-9388
Access Code: 2330 386 3215

If you cannot attend this meeting, have any questions or comments about this proposal, or need interpretation services, please contact in advance: 

Conor Newman
Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
conor.newman@boston.gov
617-635-2678


Monday, February 06, 2023

Fan Pier Parcel H at BCDC Tuesday Night

The Boston Civic Design Commission (BCDC) will be holding their monthly meeting

Tuesday, February 07
5pm
via phone by calling 669-254-5252 and entering meeting ID: 160 368 5044

BCDC meetings discuss the public realm impacts of major projects currently being reviewed by the BPDA. Commission meetings are open to the public. To view a project presentation to the Commission, please visit the project's timeline through the related project link on this page.

The agenda is as follows (times may be approximate and agenda is subject to change):

5:00 PM – 5:05 PM Call to Order
Approval of the January 2, 2023 Monthly Meeting Minutes 
Approval of January 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2023 Design Committee Minutes 

5:05 PM – 5:10 PM Presentation of BCDC evolution
5:10 PM – 5:20 PM Presentation of the 2022 BCDC Annual Report

Report from Review Committee
Summary report on projects followed by vote to review later in the meeting
5:20 PM – 5:25 PM 155 North Beacon Street, Brighton
                                 Fan Pier Parcel H, South Boston Waterfront

Report from Design Committee (20 minutes each)
Votes
5:25 PM – 5:45 PM 3390 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
5:45 PM -  6:05 PM Olmsted Village, Mattapan
Presentation to the Commission (25 minutes each)

Informational presentation preceded by a short introduction from Boston Planning & Development Agency staff
6:05 PM – 6:30 PM 155 North Beacon Street, Brighton: New life science complex

6:30 PM – 6:55 PM Fan Pier Parcel H, South Boston Waterfront
Parcel H within the Fan Pier Planned Development Area (PDA 54) is a residential building with ground and second floor facilities of public accommodation including civic/cultural space.
Fan Pier Parcel H


6:55 PM – 7:00 PM Staff Update on BPDA Design Vision

All are welcome to attend