Veterans Day, Ferries, Climate Action, Lydia at Elephantine Bakery & More

Today, we honor all those who served and are serving our country on Veterans Day, first commemorated as Armistice Day 106 years ago with a celebration of peace.

11/12: Share your feedback on improvements to existing ⛴ ferry routes and infrastructure, new routes and docks, multimodal access and your ferry experiences by completing this survey to help inform the MassDOT/MBTA Water Transportation Study.

11/13: Resilient Moakley Park: Online Community Meeting at 6pm. Get an update on the project and provide input on the future of Moakley Park! Get an update on the project and provide input on the future of Moakley Park! 

11/14: City Council Committee On Environmental Justice, Resiliency, And Parks Hearing on Docket #1850,a hearing to discuss the City of Boston's 2030 Climate Action Plan at 10am via zoom only.  Read the draft 2030 Climate Action Plan. 

11/14: Join Mayor Michelle Wu's South Boston Liaison, Lydia Polaski, from 10:30am to 11:30am at Elephantine Bakery, 332 Congress Street. 

11/19: Join the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for a virtual webinar from 10am to 11am. The ISD team will share important information and resources on topics such as permitting, rental registration, pest mitigation, inspection requests, and much more. If there’s a specific topic you’d like covered or questions you’d like to submit in advance, please email ISD@boston.gov.

This Week: ConCom, Snowport Returns, Moakley Park & Harbor Harmonies

About The Neighborhood This Week

updated 11/6: 244-284 A St. requested postponements at Conservation Commission.

11/5: Conservation Commission Public Hearing at 6pm 

The Conservation Commission (ConCom) reviews projects to determine what conditions, if any, the Commission will impose in order to protect the interests of the public and private water supply, groundwater, prevention of pollution, flood control, prevention of storm damage, protection of fisheries and land containing shellfish, and protection of wildlife habitat.

Neighborhood Items

• 3rd Postponement at the request of the applicant. Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-2073 and BOS File No. 2025-034 from Epsilon Associates on behalf of Channelside Acquisitions, LLC, for the proposed construction of a publicly accessible overlook over the Fort Point Channel; construction of retaining walls, platform, and seating for a future public amphitheater; and minor regrading at 15 Necco Street and 244-284 A Street, South Boston Waterfront, MA (25ft Waterfront Area, LUO, Coastal Bank, 100ft Buffer to Coastal Bank, LSCSF).  
• Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-20XX and BOS File No. 2025-0XX from Childs Engineering on behalf of Poseidon Enterprises for the proposed replacement of deteriorated sections of an existing fender system along a pier face, as well as repairs to structural timber piles and timber pile caps at Barking Crab, 88 Sleeper Street, South Boston Waterfront, MA (LUO).*Continued from the October 22, 2025 hearing.
• 1st Postponement at the request of the applicant-Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-2XXX and BOS File No. 2025-XXX from Epsilon Associates, Inc. on behalf of Channelside Acquisitions, LLC for the proposed construction of a new bicycle path, subsurface utility connections, pedestrian sidewalk improvements, and minor site grading at 10 Necco Street, South Boston Waterfront, MA (LSCSF).

11/7: The Snowport Holiday Market opens for the season at 11:00am with a ribbon cutting at 1:00pm and a special appearance from Betty the Yeti. The shopping fun & festivities continue through 9pm. The market features 125+ makers, more food than ever before, custom cocktail bars, festive decor, live music, and more. Snowport runs through December 28th. 

11/8: Resilient Moakley Park: In-Person Community Meeting from 11am to 1pm at the Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Road. Get an update on the project and provide input on the future of Moakley Park! There will be activities for children and light refreshments. This meeting will cover the same information as the 11/13 virtual meeting.

11/8: FPAC Harbor Harmonies Chamber Music Concert Series: The Echoes of Light and Shadow from 3pm to 4pm at the South Boston Public Library (646 E Broadway). Free Admission. Reserve your spot today. Trio Coro: Hua Ye on piano, Grant Ho on violin and Minyun Suh on cello.

In The News 

"A rising flood zone risk is affecting the Seaport, 10 percent of Boston's tax base", Boston Globe, October 28, 2025

originally published 11.5.25

FPNA October 28th Gathering: The State of Fort Point Channel Flood Protection

updated 10/30/25: Added link to the presentation and next community actions. Please scroll down. 

FPNA's October Neighborhood Gathering

Tuesday, October 28, 2025
6 pm to 8 pm
CRISPR Building Lobby
105 West First Street (in person encouraged)
or via Zoom

featuring 
 Our C-6 Community Officers

As announced at our September Gathering, 
FEMA rejected funding for flood protection along the Fort Point Channel 

The State of Fort Point Channel Flood & Stormwater Protection

 View presentation

Chris Osgood, Director

City of Boston's Office of Climate Resilience

Charlie Jewell, Director of Planning & Sustainability
Boston Water & Sewer Commission

&

Ben Matusow, Senior Project Manager
 Coastal Resilience Delivery Team

discuss:

• Flood Risks along the Channel
• Status of the Proposed Berm
• Latest on the Flood Barrier proposed by the Boston Water & Sewer Commission and why the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE)are interested in that solution*
• Next Steps to Protect the Neighborhood

1. Provide feedback on the US Army Corp Coastal Storm Risk Study
2. Schedule a 30 minute appointment with USACE @ City of Boston
3. Join the FPNA Climate Working Group

originally published 10.22.25

Early Voting, Atlantic Wharf Programming, FPNA Gathering, Election Day, SHINE & More

Now through Friday, October 31st Early Voting for Mayor, District Councilors and Councilors-At-Large at City Hal. Click on link above for hours. View district sample ballot. 

10/27: 391 D Street IAG Public Meeting at 6pm. Phase 2 seeks and third amendment to PDA 50 for the construction of a new fifteen (15) story 160 feet, 438-room hotel of approximately 160,000 square feet on landlocked tidelands. The new combined total will encompass 530 hotel rooms within the Aloft and Element Hotels, up from the originally approved 510 rooms.

10/28: Atlantic Wharf Program Advisory Committee Meeting — Preliminary Review of 2026 Work Plan at 3pm in the Fort Point Room at Atlantic Wharf (290 Congress St – ground level). There will be a recap of 2025 programming and a review of the proposed 2026 events & programming calendar. This meeting is open to the public, welcoming all community members to attend, learn, and share feedback on future Chapter 91 events and programs at Atlantic Wharf.

10/28: FPNA Neighborhood Gathering: The State of Fort Point Channel Flood Protection at 6pm at 105 W. First St (in person encouraged) and via zoom. 

10/29: Boston Wetlands Ordinance  Phase 3 draft regulations Information session at 6pm Phase 3 focuses on climate resilience, extended riverfront, climate equity, and environmental justice. Read Boston Wetlands Ordinance  Phase 3 draft regulations. Comments due 12/15th. 

11/3: 391 D St Public Meeting at 6pm. Please see 10/27 IAG meeting project description above. 

11/4: Boston Municipal Election: Wards 6-11 and 6-12 vote for Mayor, District 2 Councilor and Councilors-At-Large (choose 4 out of 8) at One Boston Wharf Rd from 7am to 8pm. View district 2 sample ballot. 

Have questions about updates to South Boston's long term coastal resilience solutions? Book an appointment with the US Army Corp of Engineers & the City of Boston team at USACE Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Study 30 Minute Appointments

MassDOT/MBTA Water Transportation Study: Complete the survey now through November 12th to share feedback on improvements to existing ferry routes and infrastructure, new routes and docks, multimodal access and your experiences.

On November 19th from 10:30am to 3:30pm SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselors will be at the South Boston Public Library, 646 E. Broadway, to assist older adults in choosing the best healthcare and prescription drug plan to meet their needs. Older adults are encouraged to schedule an appointment for these events or make an appointment for another time, by calling Age Strong at 617-635-4366. You can find more information about all the events happening now through December 5th here. 

This Week: Barking Crab, Martin's Park, BERDO Fest, Coffee & Voter Registration

10/22: Conservation Commission Public Hearing at 6pm

Neighborhood Agenda Items

Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-20XX and BOS File No. 2025-0XX from Childs Engineering on behalf of Poseidon Enterprises for the proposed replacement of deteriorated sections of an existing fender system along a pier face, as well as repairs to structural timber piles and timber pile caps at Barking Crab, 88 Sleeper Street, South Boston Waterfront, MA (LUO).

Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-2XXX and BOS File No. 2025-0XX from Weston & Sampson on behalf of the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department for the proposed temporary flood protections including cast-in-place concrete retaining walls, deployable flood barriers, and general site improvements at Martin's Park, 64 Sleeper Street, South Boston Waterfront, MA (LSCSF, 100ft Buffer to Coastal Beach, 100ft Buffer to Coastal Bank, 25ft Waterfront Area).

10/23: BERDO Fest is a free event and central hub for BERDO building owners and property managers to build connections with experts and professionals across the building decarbonization ecosystem. Participants will learn about the projects that the City is recognizing as leading in building decarbonization. The event will feature a vendor fair that will run from 12:00 - 6:00pm, and panel discussions throughout the day. A light lunch will be provided. BERDO Fest takes place at Artists for Humanity, 100 W First St. 

10/24: South Boston Liaison Coffee Hour with Lydia Polaski at 11am at Caffe Nero, 368 Congress Street.

10/25: Last day to register to vote for the November 4th Boston election of Mayor, District Councilors and 8 City Councilors-At-Large.

10/26: Harbor Harmonies Sacred Strings: From Tambour to Setar, part of the Chamber Music Concert Series, at 3pm at the FPAC Art Space, 70 Sleeper St. Open to the public. Free. 

Lots Going On In & About The Neighborhood This Week

updated 10/20/25 with Water Transportation meeting recording and presentation.

10/7: Atlantic Wharf Coffee Hour at 9am at the Fort Point Room, 290 Atlantic Ave. BXP and the Atlantic Wharf team invite all local organizations, community partners and the public to discuss 2025 programming and community engagement with a look ahead to the 2026 calendar of events. Refreshments will be served. 

10/8: Conservation Commission (ConCom) Public Hearing at 6pm. 
The Commission reviews projects to determine what conditions, if any, the Commission will impose in order to protect the interests of the public and private water supply, groundwater, prevention of pollution, flood control, prevention of storm damage, protection of fisheries and land containing shellfish, and protection of wildlife habitat.

2nd Postponement to 11/5th at the request of the applicant- Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-2073 and BOS File No. 2025-034 from Epsilon Associates on behalf of Channelside Acquisitions, LLC, for the proposed construction of a publicly accessible overlook over the Fort Point Channel; construction of retaining walls, platform, and seating for a future public amphitheater; and minor regrading at 15 Necco Street and 244-284 A Street, South Boston Waterfront, MA (25ft Waterfront Area, LUO, Coastal Bank, 100ft Buffer to Coastal Bank, LSCSF).  

10/8: Reserved Channel Development Developer Public Meeting at 6pm. A 42-acre property located along the Reserved Channel and between Summer Street, West First Street, E Street and Pappas Way. Phase 1 covers 13 acres, 8 new buildings (76% labs. 12% Housing, 7% Commercial and 5% Retail / Amenity). Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 843 7844 1512 Passcode: 276046 

10/8: Water Transportation Study Virtual Public Meeting. View meeting recording and presentation.

Boston Harbor and its connecting waterways offer a unique opportunity to provide transportation for people living, working, and visiting. Ferry service is an important resource that supports growing neighborhoods. It can provide convenient transit in communities with limited public transportation options and increase the resilience of the larger transportation network, especially when there are disruptions to subway or Commuter Rail service.

This MassDOT–led Water Transportation Study is the first step in this effort. View Water Transportation Study project page.

Take water transportation survey.  

10/9: Deployables Day is being held jointly with Ready Boston Field Day#2 from 11am to 3pm. Director of Climate Resilience Chris Osgood and Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett will lead a walking tour of downtown deployable flood barriers beginning at 12 pm outside of the Aquarium MBTA station and concluding at 12:30 with a press event on City Hall Plaza, where the Ready Boston Field Day Fair will be taking place and will also include deployable flood barrier vendors and demonstrations, and emergency preparedness tips.

10/9: FP3 Gallery presents For Promotional Use Only opening at 5:30pm at 346 Congress Street. R.S.V.P.

10/9: Fort Point Landmarks October 2025 Meeting at 6pm. On the agenda is 5 Necco, Martin's Park and 253 Summer St.

10/9: The Artists of 249 A Street Cooperative cordially invite you to the opening reception of the 249 A Street Artists 2025 Open Studios Group Show from 6pm to 8pm at the Gallery at 249A. The show will be on view through October 19th.

10/10: The Distillery Gallery presents After Progress, a solo exhibition of a new body of work by artist and community organizer Yolanda He Yang, from 6pm to 8pm. You are invited to bring with you one object—something still precious, but no longer necessary to keep. Over the course of the evening, these objects will circulate: passed between strangers, traded among friends, or simply shared as stories. The Distillery Studios and Gallery is located at 516 East 2nd Street.

It's A Weekend Art Party In Fort Point!

It’s Friday, and you know what that means — the weekend has officially begun! But this isn’t just any weekend. It’s the third weekend in October, which means one thing for Fort Point: it’s time for the 45th Annual Fort Point Open Studios, hosted by incredible artists and the Fort Point Arts Community (FPAC). 

If you’ve lived or worked in Fort Point for a while, you know this is one of the city’s most beloved art traditions — a celebration of creativity, community, and the over 150 artists who make this neighborhood so vibrant. If you’re new to the area, get ready to experience art in studios, galleries, outdoor installations, performances and activities on both sides of the Fort Point Channel. 

And the best part? It’s free — until you fall in love with a piece of art you just have to take home.

45th Annual Fort Point Open Studios

• Friday, October 17, 2025 from 4pm to 7pm (select studios)
• Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 12pm to 6pm
• Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 12pm to 6pm

Explore artist studios, see art demos, join hands-on workshops, and catch live music throughout the weekend. You’ll have the chance to meet artists, see where and how they work, and even participate in creating art yourself. Whether you’re shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, starting your first art collection, or just looking for something inspiring to do this weekend, Fort Point is the place to be.

Don’t forget to check out the Fort Point Fall Open Studios brochure for the full list of participating artists, galleries, and family-friendly activities.

Did you know Fort Point is home to three buildings dedicated to artists? 

• 249 A Street Artist Cooperative, the pioneer, established in the early eighties
• The Artist Building at 300 Summer Street, opened  twelve years later
• Midway Artist Studios (15 Channel Center Street), the youngest, founded in 2005. 

Celebrating 20 Years of Midway Artist Studios

Join Midway artists, alumni and special guests for a weekend full of open studios, performances, demos, installations, and outdoor activities featuring over 50 artists. Don’t miss the highlight of the celebration - cake and punch outdoors on Channel Center Street at 3 PM on Sunday, October 19th - as the community toasts 20 years of creativity, collaboration, and the people, cultural organizations, developers, and the City of Boston who helped build this thriving artist hub.

Midway's 20th Anniversary Program

Whether you come for the art, the community, or the cake, Fort Point will be buzzing with creativity all weekend long. Mark your calendar, bring friends, bring family, and come see what makes this neighborhood one of Boston’s creative centers.

Coastal Resilience Today, Rats Tomorrow, Open Studios This Weekend & More

updated 10/16 with 10/25 voter registration deadline for 11/4th municipal election. 

10/15: South Boston USACE Coast Resiliency Update Meeting at 6pm. Discover long term resilient actions for Fort Point and how they fit in with all of South Boston, as under review by the US Army Corp of Engineers. 

10/16: Let's Talk Rats! Join the City at 6pm for a community listening session to share your feedback on trash collection and learn about the Boston Rodent Action Plan. 

10/17 -10/19: 45th Annual Fort Point Open Studios! Friday hours: 4pm to 7pm. Saturday & Sunday Hours: 12pm to 6pm. 

10/19: Atlantic Wharf's Fall Fest from 10am - 12pm at Waterfront Plaza. Enjoy live music, a magic show, pumpkin decorating, crafts, face painting, and sweet fall treats — all free and open to the public!

10/21: Boston Civic Design Commission Monthly Meeting at 5pm. Agenda announced October 17th.

10/23: BERDO Fest is a free event and central hub for BERDO building owners and property managers to build connections with experts and professionals across the building decarbonization ecosystem. Participants will learn about the projects that the City is recognizing as leading in building decarbonization. The event will feature a vendor fair that will run from 12:00 - 6:00pm, and panel discussions throughout the day. A light lunch will be provided. BERDO Fest takes place at Artists for Humanity, 100 W First St. 

10/24: South Boston Liaison Coffee Hour with Lydia Polaski at 11am at Caffe Nero, 368 Congress Street.

10/25: Last day to register to vote for the November 4th Boston election of Mayor, District Councilors and 8 City Councilors-At-Large.

originally published 10.15.25

South Boston USACE Coast Resiliency Update Meeting

The City of Boston's Office of Climate Resilience invites you to attend a virtual meeting about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) South Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Feasibility Study in partnership with the City of Boston on:

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

6pm to 8pm

Register

USACE Boston CSRM Appointments are also available starting October 15th. 

The South Boston Coastal Resilience Planning efforts first started in 2018. Over the past 7 years, several draft coastal protection concepts on public and private property have been developed. One funding avenue the City is pursuing for its coastal work is a USACE partnership.

There are several other programs in South Boston: Resilient Moakley Park and Connectors, Resilient Fort Point Channel Infrastructure, Interim Deployables Project, and Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park Resiliency solutions. These City-Led initiatives are working in close collaboration to ensure a whole-of-government approach to building resilience across South Boston. 

The City-Led projects are focusing on closing an assortment of near, mid, and long-term near and mid-term flood pathways whereas the USACE team is developing draft alignments to close long-term flood pathways.

Picking up where our neighborhood plans left off, the USACE team has developed draft alignments to present to you for feedback and questions. Your participation is critical and your input will help guide future direction for this work. 

In case you missed or want a refresher, check out previous USACE engagement events on February 2023 and December 2024.

Fort Point Landmarks October 2025 Meeting

 THE FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION
will hold a public hearing on:
Thursday, October 9, 2025  
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 646-828-7666 and entering meeting id 161 673 9227#. You may also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston. 

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 26.0231 FPC    5 NECCO STREET
Applicant: Adam Kahn 
Proposed Work: Paint company logo at corners of building. See additional items under administrative review. 

APP # 26.0297 FPC   64 SLEEPER STREET
Applicant: Cassandra Martinez
Proposed Work: Installation of a deployable stop log barrier across the walkway underneath the pedestrian bridge in Martin’s Park, including installation of a level concrete sill and embedded footing across the walkway; installation of cast-in-place concrete walls and footings among the granite blocks on either side of the walkway; and installation of a gate valve on the existing drain line that runs beneath the walkway in this area. See additional items under administrative review. 

II.  ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL

APP # 26.0231 FPC 5 NECCO STREET: Install new signage at entryway. 

APP # 26.0297 FPC 64 SLEEPER STREET: Placement of new granite blocks from the same quarry as existing, minimal grounding of existing fractured or uneven rocks and injection of epoxy into cracks between rocks. All features will be restored or enhanced to match their original condition upon completion.

APP # 26.0246 FPC 253 SUMMER STREET: Emergency masonry repairs - repair and replace sills in kind; install helical ties into the mortar joints; remove and reuse/repair/reset/replace bricks in kind; new mortar to match existing; sealant to match existing mortar color.

III.  RATIFICATION OF 8/14/2025 Hearing Minutes

IV.  STAFF UPDATES

V.  PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 7:00 PM

Members: David Berarducci, Vacancy, Thomas Rodde, Vacancy, Vacancy, Alternates: Vacancy, Raber Umphenour

Welcome Elephantine Bakery and Backyard Boston

Elephantine Bakery is now open Wednesday through Monday from 8am to 2pm. Stop by 332 Congress Street to enjoy made from scratch pastries, breakfast and lunch items.

Don't skip the workout. Backyard Boston open at 5 Necco and 15 Necco are offering the Fort Point community special introductory rates. New members may try out a week of workouts and classes for $25 or get $100 off the first month of membership and $20 off each month afterwards. You can also get $50 off a 10 class pack. Email info@backyardbos.com to redeem or stop by. 

Help Us Help Our Neighbors

September is Hunger Awareness and Action Month. State Representative David Biele is running a food drive to support the South Boston Community Health Food Center and St. Monica's Food Pantry.

The pantries are in need of non-perishable items, especially:

• Pasta
• Rice
• Cereal
• Tuna and canned meats
• Peanut butter
• Beans
• Mac-n-cheese

If you are able, please bring a non-perishable food donation to our September 30th Gathering from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Community Work Lounge at 15 Necco Street.

South Boston Community Health Center Food Panty

In 2008, Dr. Nisha Thakrar, a pediatrician at South Boston Community Health Center approached the CEO, Bill Halpin, with a concern. She had patients who weren’t making it to the end of the month with their food supply. She had several moms who had to make the choice to forgo a meal so their children could eat. Such was the beginning of the South Boston Community Health Center’s Food Pantry which embraced the “Food is Medicine” belief among the medical community.

Over the past year, the food pantry has had visits from over 1400 households feeding approximately 3000 people. It serves a variety of people – large families, single parents and seniors. Clients visit the pantry every other week.

The food pantry receives 90% of their food from the Greater Boston Food Bank.  While there is a large amount of food that is of no cost at the GBFB (they are allowed to pick up twice a month) the Health Center spent $9400 in 2024 to supplement from other sources as no one is turned away from the food pantry. 

Current needs include non-perishables such as pasta, rice, cereal, tuna, peanut butter.  The pantry also has a new produce refrigerator that we can accept anything - tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, squash, etc. and has the capacity for frozen meats.

St. Monica's Food Pantry

Monica’s Kitchen, is opened to all South Boston Residents.  The pantry is open to shop every Thursday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.  Clients may choose the items that we have available.  Food selections are typically, Juice, Milk, Beans, Rice, Sauce, Pasta, Rice, Mac-n-Cheese, Cereal, tuna/canned chicken, meat, and bread.  In addition to the staples, they try to order as much fresh produce or vegetables as possible.

Ninety percent of their food comes from the Greater Boston Food Bank.  The pantry is allowed to order every other week and their weight limit is 8,000 pounds.  When available, they are also able to order full pallets.  Pallets usually consist of prepared meal boxes, pasta, and some fresh vegetables.  

The pantry serves about 250 to 300 people/families weekly.

Together, we can help fight hunger in our community!