Thursday, March 31, 2016

Boston City Council Looks At Urban Renewal, Speed Limits, Community Preservation & More

City Council President Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. The Boston City Council considered these items and more at their March 23d and March 30th meetings:

Urban Renewal: The Council voted to pass an order granting the Boston Redevelopment Authority 6 years of continued urban renewal authority over 14 districts. The order commits the BRA to an Action Plan (including reviewing the boundaries of districts, especially the South End and Charlestown), proactive notifications for Council feedback on minor modifications and proposed eminent domain actions, meetings with the City Council every six months, and an annual report of urban renewal activity. Read the entire report here: http://meetingrecords.cityofboston.gov/sirepub/agdocs.aspx?doctype=agenda&itemid=19117
Councillor Wu felt that 5 years is a sufficient amount of time for completing the inventory of Loan Disposition Agreements that govern affordable housing protections, getting feedback from affected communities, applying it all to update the Urban Renewal area boundaries and blight definitions, then coming back to the Council for a real extension request. However, there was opposition to a 5-year timeline because that would land the expiration in an election year and potentially politicize the issue. In weighing whether to allow an additional year,  Councillor Wu asked the BRA to commit to some larger reforms beyond the UR conversation. Namely, Councillor Wu asked for full budget transparency (historically the BRA operations budget has been left out of City budget materials, and the only publicly available documents are top-level summaries recently posted to the BRA website) and changes to the Article 80 process. After meeting with the new CFO of the BRA, Councillor Wu was comfortable with their commitment to financial transparency--presenting revenue sources, operations spending, capital projects, and staffing details at this year's Council budget hearings--and to seriously explore Article 80 reforms with the Council. Most importantly, the BRA agreed to come before the Council every 6 months, which Wu believes is frequent enough for the Council to monitor the status of the inventory and redrawing boundaries, and it will also allow us to ensure participation and feedback from residents in affected areas. 
Councilor Jackson stated that he would be voting No because the BRA should not be given an extension when their organizational audits have revealed so many issues, and many residents oppose urban renewal. The order passed 10-3 (Councilors Jackson, Pressley & Zakim voting against). The next steps are for the Mayor to sign the order, the BRA Board to take it up at their next meeting (April 14), and then the State Dept of Housing & Community Development to approve the request.

Parking Fines & Towing: The Council voted to pass Mayor Walsh’s ordinance to extend the parking pilot that increased fines but eliminated towing in Charlestown. The ordinance gives authority to the Transportation Commissioner to designate zones where fines for not moving a car during posted street cleaning times increases from $40 to $90 but towing is eliminated. The pilot program ended with a sunset clause on November 30, 2015, and Councilor LaMattina noted that there was strong support for continuing the program in Charlestown. Councilor Linehan stated that because the City does not tow for parking violations around a, towing for street cleaning is punitive. The revised language specifically restricts the program to Charlestown, with a public process including Council hearings before any expansion might happen.

IndyCar: Councilor Linehan called for a hearing on the Grand Prix of Boston, proposed for Labor Day weekend 2016. He stated that it was important for the Council to give residents a voice in the process and examine the impacts on the neighborhood. The item was referred to the Committee on Arts, Culture & Special Events for a hearing. Note: Hearing is scheduled for April 5th at 3pm, Iannella Chamber City Hall.

Charter Reform: Councilors Flaherty and Baker reported on two home rule petitions sponsored by Councilor Baker that would amend the City Charter, pending approval from the State Legislature:
Choose your office: This would change it so that a candidate may only seek the nomination for one municipal office at a time, rather than being able to run simultaneously for both Council and Mayor. The sponsors noted that this would be out of respect for constituents and to save money from potential special elections that might result.
Council terms: This would extend the term of office for City Councilors from two to four years. Councilor Baker noted that not only would this be a cost saving measure to the city (a citywide election costs roughly $800,000), but it would also align Council elections with Mayoral ones when there is increased turnout. Councilor Baker noted that he gets involved with development projects in his District that take two years from conception to groundbreaking, and having a four year term would create more stability for monitoring these major changes to the district.
Both home rule petitions remain in committee for further action.

Community Preservation Act: Councilors Campbell and Flaherty reported back on yesterday’s hearing to discuss adding the Community Preservation Act (CPA) to the November 2016 ballot as a binding referendum at a 1% surcharge and with exemptions on the first $100,000 in assessed value for residents and businesses, as well as for low-income homeowners (a family of four making below $78,800) and low-moderate-income seniros (60+ years old making less than $68,950 for 1 person or below $78,800 for a 2-person household). The CPA created a statewide fund that Boston already pays into; opting-in with the 1% surcharge would make Boston eligible to receive matching funds from the statewide fund, and Boston could also put existing linkage and Inclusionary Development funds into the pot for a greater match. The revenues from CPA (both collected directly from the surcharge and from the match) would be earmarked for affordable housing, open space and recreation, and historic preservation. At the hearing, advocates estimated that this would generate $20M annually for the City. Councilor Linehan stated that he would be voting against putting this on the ballot, as he believes the City budget already relies too heavily on property owners for revenue and does not believe we should add to the burden, especially after recent property value assessments resulted in huge tax increases across the city. The matter will remain in committee for further discussion.

Speed Limits: Councilor Baker filed a home rule petition to lower the default speed limit in Boston. Currently, state law mandates that the speed limit for unposted streets in thickly settled areas is 30mph, and signs can be posted with a different speed limit if supported by a traffic engineering study. However, 30mph is very fast and poses a safety risk for Boston’s densely settled residential streets; plus it is cost prohibitive to conduct traffic engineering studies for every street. The petition would lower unposted speed limits on thickly settled ways and business districts to 20mph and to 15mph in school zones. Councilor Baker noted that this would complement the Mayor’s push for VisionZero and Complete Streets. The matter was referred to the Committee on Government Operations for a hearing.

Substance Use Disorder: Councilors Essaibi-George, Linehan & McCarthy filed a hearing order to discuss supporting and fostering partnerships with substance use disorder service providers. Alcohol and drug use disorder impacts countless Boston families, and the Council is in a unique position to convene service partners and city departments, especially the newly formed Office of Recovery Services. The matter was sent to the Committee on Homelessness, Mental Health, and Recovery for a hearing.

BPS Water Fountains: Councilors Essaibi-George, Campbell & Pressley called for a hearing on the use of water fountains at BPS schools. The sponsors and several other Councilors pointed out that many schools use water bottles because the water from water fountains has either tested above safe lead levels or has not been tested in a while. With older school buildings, even though Boston’s water quality is among the best in the nation, the water can become contaminated as it travels through older pipes and comes out of the water fountains. In addition to the alarming and irreversible safety hazard of lead exposure for young children, abandoning plastic water bottles for safe, quality tap water has environmental, economic, and health benefits. Councilor Jackson also pointed out that many schools must have a separate water budget to purchase these bottles, and he connected these issues to the larger problem of underfunded schools. Councilor Essaibi-George stated that not only should water fountain water be tested, but water in the bathrooms as well. Councilors Campbell and Pressley emphasized that this is a social justice issue and dovetails with Councilor Pressley’s efforts on school food. The matter was sent to the Education Committee for a hearing.

Upcoming Hearings/Working Sessions (Watch at www.cityofboston.com/citycouncil/live.asp
Thursday, 3/31 at 11AM, Confirmation for Craig Galvin as Zoning Board of Appeal member (Planning & Development)
Monday, 4/4 at 6PM, Connolly Branch Library in JP: Hearing on Renaming Hyde-Jackson SquareBoston’s Latin Quarter” (Arts, Culture & Special Events)
Tuesday, 4/5 at 3PM, IndyCar (Arts, Culture & Special Events)
Thursday, 4/21 at 11:30AM, Sister Cities Program (Arts, Culture & Special Events)


For complete notes on this meeting and prior Boston City Council meeting notes, visit MichelleForBoston.com or sign up to receive these notes
automatically each week by email. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Cypher Street Raising Public Safety Concerns

updated 3/31/16: The Boston Public Improvement Commission votes in favor of the Cypher Street petition under the condition of environmental approval by the appropriate city, state and federal agencies.

The Boston Grand Prix' plans to place part of their race track on Cypher Street is raising public safety and environmental concerns in the neighborhood. IndyCar Boston, promoters of the Boston Grand Prix, is petitioning the City of Boston's Public Improvement Commission to allow them to widen Cypher Street for their three day auto race event Labor Day weekend. 

The growing concern focuses specifically on concentrations of toxic waste largely from PCBs that exist under and adjacent to Cypher Street and whether construction of the proposed widened roadway will cause any public health / safety impacts to abutting residents as well as event attendees. The highest concentration of PCBs including land under Cypher Street has been sealed with temporary caps, which are under the supervision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ground water monitoring wells exist to be sure that no toxic waste seeps into the water.  Any change in use of that area needs approval by the EPA. Originally the site was to be re-mediated with the expansion of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, which is now on hold. 

The Public Improvement Commission should consider public safety and ensure that city, state and federal environmental authorities (Federal EPA, State Department of Environmental Protection, State Environmental Review Agency- MEFA, Boston Environmental/Public Health Dept. and Boston Conservation Commission) have the opportunity to review and give their approval on the petitioner's roadway changes before rendering a decision. The environmental agencies' reviews should be made public and shared with residents in the abutting Fort Point, South Boston Waterfront/Seaport and St. Vincent's Lower End neighborhoods. 

The petition will grant the City a right of way up to 60' wide on Cypher Street, a street currently under State/Massachusetts Convention Center Authority ownership, which raises serious issues regarding the responsibility of future remediation of the toxic waste and cost estimated to be in the millions.

The public is invited to voice concerns and opinions at the 
Public Improvement Commission Public Hearing:

Thursday, March 31st
10 am
City Hall room 801

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

FPNA March Meeting: Councillor Essaibi-George, Hot Topics & Boston Shines

The Fort Point Neighborhood Association invites all neighbors to attend their upcoming neighborhood meeting, Join the conversation and welcome our newest City Councillor-At-Large, Annissa Essaibi-George, to Fort Point on: 


Tuesday, March 29, 2016

6 pm – 8 pm
 Factory 63
 63 Melcher St.
  
featuring special guest
Councillor-At-Large Annissa Essaibi-George


with

Neighborhood Hot Topics
Binford Street Cleaning, Boston Grand Prix, Northern Avenue Bridge, South Boston Waterfront Municipal Plan, 7 Channel Center St. & more...


and

Spring into Shines

A spring planting event along A Street & Wormwood Park 
Business Volunteer Day is April 29th. Resident Volunteer Day is April 30th.
Please note new dates for Boston Shines.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Fort Point Character, History & Livability

The recent news of General Electric choosing Fort Point for their corporate headquarters brings to light the continuous challenge of balancing increasing development and community growth with the character, history and livability of our neighborhood.

The Massachusetts Community Preservation Act (CPA) combines advocacy efforts to provide funding for a variety of initiatives that help to maintain a municipality's character, history and livability through a local Community Preservation Committee. 

Municipalities that adopt the CPA levy a small property tax surcharge and become eligible for a state match based on the revenue collected and other funds committed by the City of Boston for community preservation purposes. 

Almost half of the cities and towns in Massachusetts have already adopted the CPA and have collectively generated a total of $1.4 billion to address community needs. CPA would allow Boston to raise $20 million/year for affordable housing, open space and recreation, and historic preservation, by adding a 1% surcharge to property tax bills. View details of the CPA docket order offered by Councilors Michael Flaherty and Andrea Campbell.

Adopting the Community Preservation Act has the potential to fund important preservation projects (like the Northern Avenue bridge), and much desired open green space and affordable housing. 

Calls to action
  • Write your City Councilor Bill Linehan, asking that CPA be placed on the ballot. 
  • Attend the upcoming hearing on Community Preservation Act
Tuesday, March 29
1 pm
City Hall
Iannella Chamber, 5th floor

Please note that a vote will not be taken at this hearing. However, if the City Council does subsequently vote to pass this measure, it will be placed on the ballot in November for voters to ultimately decide whether the CPA will be adopted.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Boston City Council Appoints FPDLC Commissioner, Reviews Parking Fines Pilot & More

City Council President Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. The Boston City Council considered these items and more at their March 16th meeting:

Appointments & Confirmations

The Council voted to confirm the following appointments:
• Back Bay West/Bay State Road Architectural Conservation District Commission: Pamela Beale (member) and Terri North (alternate) until April 2017
• Bay Village Historic District Commission: Stephen Dunwell and Ruth Knopf as members until June 2018
• Boston Landmarks Commission: John Amodeo (alternate) and John Freeman (member) until June 2018; Thomas Hotaling (member) and Bradford Walker (member) until June 2017
• South End Landmark District Commission: Catherine Hunt as member until June 2017
• St. Botolph Area Architectural Conservation District Commission: Francoise Elise as alternate until June 2017
Fort Point District Commission: Thomas Rodde as alternate until May 2018

The Mayor also appointed Will Morales as the new Commissioner of the Boston Center for Youth and Families and nominated Craig Galvin for the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term until March 2019, pending Council confirmation.

Parking Fines & Towing: Mayor Walsh filed an ordinance to extend the parking pilot that increased fines but eliminated towing in Charlestown. The ordinance gives authority to the Transportation Commissioner to designate zones where fines for not moving a car during posted street cleaning times increases from $40 to $90 but towing is eliminated.  The pilot program ended with a sunset clause on November 30, 2015, and Councilors Flaherty and LaMattina noted that there was strong support for continuing the program in Charlestown.  Councilor Zakim objected to suspension and passage, asking for a hearing or working session to make sure BTD would not expand the program to neighborhoods that want to keep towing in place for street cleaning. The matter was assigned to the Government Operations Committee.

Urban Renewal: No action on Urban Renewal this week at the Council. The BRA filed for an extension with the State for 60 days until June 29, 2016, while the Council’s vote for a longer term extension is still pending.

Just Cause Eviction: Councilors Zakim & Baker reported back on Monday’s hearing on Just Cause Eviction, which lasted 5 hours and saw people filling up the Council Chamber and both overflow rooms. Both Councilors stated that there was a window of opportunity for the Council to work with tenant advocates and landlords to pass legislation that would help stabilize neighborhoods and protect good tenants and good landlords. The matter will remain in the Committee on Housing & Community Development for further action.

Homelessness: Councilor Essaibi-George reported back on her hearing to examine the impacts of homelessness on children, young adults, and families yesterday. She had convened representatives from BPS, DND, and the State to discuss the current programming for kids and families struggling with homelessness and challenges ahead. The matter will remain in the Committee on Homelessness, Mental Health & Recovery for further action.

For complete notes on this meeting and prior Boston City Council meeting notes, visit MichelleForBoston.com or sign up to receive these notes automatically each week by email. 

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Boston Grand Prix March Public Community Meeting

The public is invited to attend a Boston Grand Prix community meeting on:

Wednesday,March 16, 2016
6 PM
Boston Convention Exhibition Center
415 Summer St, Room 154

At last month's public meeting, IndyCar Boston, organizers of the Boston Grand Prix, offered to meet with residential buildings individually to address specific building questions regarding the event.  


If you have any questions or concerns regarding how the Boston Grand Prix may impact your building and daily activities/quality of life, please contact Ken Ryan or Kate Norton to arrange for the IndyCar Boston team to meet with your building.

The Boston Grand Prix is scheduled to take place Labor Day weekend 2016 with the option to run through 2020. Past presentations and Boston Grand Prix letter of intent with the City and State agencies are available online at Fort Point Neighborhood Association. February and March schedule of deliverables as outlined in the letter of intent are: 


2/8:   Final traffic management plan

2/22: Final construction management plan
3/1:   Draft of regional transportation and public outreach plan
3/30: Public comment deadline to City of Boston's Public Improvement Commission
3/31: Public Improvement Commission Approval Deadline
3/31: Final regional transportation and public outreach plan

Revised track course as of 3/3/2016

View most recent draft of the detailed track course.

Prior Boston Grand Prix posts


originally posted 3.4.16

Friday, March 11, 2016

South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) invites you to attend the fourth South Boston Waterfront Municipal Harbor Plan public meeting on:

Wednesday, March 16, 2016
6pm - 8pm
City Hall, 5th floor, Piemonte Room

In February, the City of Boston initiated a planning process to renew and amend the South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (South Boston MHP). The intent of the planning effort is to facilitate the redevelopment of the parcels at 150 Seaport Boulevard and update the South Boston MHP with the numerous planning initiatives and City policies related to the planning area that have developed since the plan’s approval in 2000. 

View past meeting presentations and meeting notes. The next meeting is scheduled for March 30th at 6 pm. 

If you have any questions, contact Chris Busch, Senior Waterfront Planner at the BRA via email or by phone at 617.918.4451 

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Boston City Council Looks At Appointments, Voting in Our District, Urban Renewal & More

City Council President Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. The Boston City Council considered these items and more at their March 9th and February 24th meetings:

Appointments pending Council Confirmation
• Back Bay West/Bay State Road Architectural Conservation District Commission: Pamela Beale (member) and Terri North (alternate) until April 2017
• Bay Village Historic District Commission: Stephen Dunwell and Ruth Knopf as members until June 2018
• Boston Landmarks Commission: John Amodeo (alternate) and John Freeman (member) until June 2018; Thomas Hotaling (member) and Bradford Walker (member) until June 2017
• South End Landmark District Commission: Catherine Hunt as member until June 2017
• St. Botolph Area Architectural Conservation District Commission: Francoise Elise as alternate until June 2017
• Fort Point District Commission: Thomas Rodde as alternate until May 2018

2016 Elections & Large Precincts: Councilor Linehan called for a hearing to discuss the voting plans for voters in disproportionately large precincts in Boston. Especially in District Two, voters must wait in several hour-long lines during high-turnout elections like the Presidential Election. Because reprecincting must happen at the state level, the City does not control where people vote, but we can make sure the Elections Department is as prepared as possible to move voters through quickly. The matter was referred to the City, Neighborhood Services & Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing.

Urban Renewal: Councilor Linehan reported back on this last week’s public hearing and working session on the Boston Redevelopment Authority’s request for a 10-year extension of urban renewal powers. At last Thursday’s 4-hour hearing, the Council heard from the BRA, advocates, and stakeholders. Several Councilors went on record opposing a 10-year extension, citing the need for more accountability and changes to the plan boundaries. At yesterday’s working session, BRA Director Brian Golden reiterated that the BRA would submit an action plan of commitments to justify the need for an extension, as well as giving the Council more oversight over “minor modifications” to urban renewal plans. He also stated that the BRA would be open to a 7-year extension instead of 10 years, but believes Boston needs a longer extension to follow the principle of “do no harm” – because the BRA does not have an inventory of all the Loan Disposition Agreements (LDAs) that reference urban renewal powers, they worry that losing the powers might void contracts preserving affordable housing; also some current projects need urban renewal to proceed. Councilor Wu, along with several other Councilors, believe that the BRA should only receive a shorter-term extension because the power to bypass the Zoning Board of Appeals and lessen the chance of appealing a land use decision in court is extremely significant and must be narrowly tailored to the need. City Council President Wu would be open to a maximum authorization of 5-years for the BRA to complete their LDA inventory, redraw boundaries and edit plans, seek public feedback, then come back with a proper renewal request. The docket will remain in committee for further action, likely next week.

Puppy Mill Bill: Councilor O’Malley filed an ordinance that would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at stores in Boston with penalties of $300 per offense – only animal shelters or animal rescue organizations could make these pets available for sale, barter, auction, or transfer. Councilor O’Malley noted that pet stores often source from commercial breeding facilities that have multiple violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, and these inhumane conditions lead to health and behavioral issues in the animals, while shelters in Boston are experiencing an increased number of surrendered rabbits. The ordinance would also prohibit “roadside sales,” which are currently not regulated in Boston. The matter was sent to the Committee on Government Operations for a hearing.

For complete notes on this meeting and prior Boston City Council meeting notes, visit MichelleForBoston.com or sign up to receive these notes automatically each week by email. 

Wednesday, March 09, 2016

Dine Out Boston Continues

Dine Out Boston, formerly known as Restaurant Week, continues this week through March 11 and next week from March 13 - March 18, 2016. Sample area restaurants at special prices. Choose your favorite or try some place new among award winning restaurants in Boston, Cambridge and the suburbs.  


Participating Fort Point and Seaport restaurants include: Bastille Kitchen*, Blue Dragon*, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, M.C. Spiedo, Morton's The Steakhouse, Ocean Prime, Outlook Kitchen + Bar, Rosa Mexicano, Smith & Wolensky, Strega Waterfront, and Tamo. 

Chefs design prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Each participating restaurant selects ONE of the three price options. Lunch prices are $15/$20/$25. Dinner prices are $28/$33/$38.

For a complete list of participating restaurants, search Dine Out Boston.

*Dinner only.

Help Boston Prepare for Extreme Weather: Community Meeting March 12th

Today's unusually warm temperatures may make us happy, but they are indicative of a growing trend of extreme weather. Who will forget last winter's blizzards? Last summer's heatwave? Morrissey Blvd. flooding yet again?

Come and be heard at a community meeting
on the current climate projections for the City of Boston.

Saturday, March 12th
1 pm
The English High School
144 McBride St, Boston, MA 

Learn about current scientific projections for climate change in the City of Boston and share how recent weather events have impacted your lives, neighborhoods and businesses. Your input is needed to help inform Boston’s long-term planning efforts! Five $100 door prizes will be given away, so be sure to attend.

Co-Sponsored by the City of Boston’s Chief Resilience Officer and The Boston Harbor Association in partnership with City of Boston Office of Environment, Energy and Open Space, BSA Foundation, Engagement Lab @Emerson College and World Wildlife Foundation.

Monday, March 07, 2016

Fort Point Channel Landmarks March 2016 Meeting

Update 3/9/16: The correct meeting start time is 5:30 pm. 

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

Thursday, 10 March  2016
5:30 PM
Boston City Hall – Piemonte Room (5th Floor)

After 5:30 pm, enter and exit City Hall at the Dock Square entrance on Congress Street
(across from Faneuil Hall).

Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, review of architectural violations and such business as may come before the commission, in accordance with Ch. 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended. 

I. DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

5:30 PM Previously presented: 14 January 2016
Application 16.921 FPC 376 Congress Street
Applicant: Bill Lukashok, Hill Country Boston, LLC (Tenant)
Proposed Work: Modify storefront openings, replace storefront infill, replace two banner signs, install a marquee, and install a canopy and patio

6:00 PM Previously presented: 14 January 2016
Application 16.907 FPC 44 Thomson Place
Applicant: John Kiernan, Fort Point Channel Investors, LLC(Owner)
Proposed Work: Remove infill and modify openings, create at-grade entrance(s), and install signage

6:00 PM Previously presented: 14 January 2016
Application 16.908 FPC 25 Thomson Place
Applicant: John Kiernan, Fort Point Channel Investors, LLC(Owner)
Proposed Work: Remove infill and modify openings, create at-grade entrance(s), and install signage

6:00 PM Previously presented: 14 January 2016
Application 16.909 FPC 47 Farnsworth Street
Applicant: John Kiernan, Fort Point Channel Investors, LLC(Owner)
Proposed Work: Remove infill and modify openings, create at-grade entrance(s), and install signage

6:45 PM
Application 16.1099 FPC 27-43 Wormwood Street
Applicant: John Moran, Alpine Advisory Services (Applicant)
Proposed Work: Install twelve telecommunication antennas, twelve remote radio heads, and three junction boxes on the smokestack, all painted to match the underlying masonry.

7:15 PM
Application 16.1101 FPC 363 Congress Street
Applicant: Denis Dowdle, Madison Properties (Applicant)

Proposed Work: Install porous asphalt paving, electric vehicle parking, light poles and a valet booth; removing the chain link fence and installing internally illuminated bollards and a 6’-0” tall black chain link fence with barbed wire along Congress Street; and an 8’-0” tall black chain link fence with barbed wire around the utility equipment.

7:45 PM
Application 16.1102 FPC 9 Channel Center Street
Applicant: Dan McGrath, Berkeley Investments (Applicant)
Proposed Work: Modify a loading bay fronting Medallion Avenue.

8:00 PM
Application 16.1104 FPC Various Locations
Applicant: Kosta Jovanovic, Crown Castle (Applicant)
Proposed Work: Modify three light poles to accommodate telecommunications equipment.

PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 8:30 PM

Thursday, March 03, 2016

Two Great Art Associations Holding Openings Tonight

The South Boston Arts Association invites you to the Grand Opening of their new gallery, Arts Around The Corner, located just around the corner from the gift shop, Neatly Nested, at the corner of West Broadway and E Street. The Grand Opening is March 3, 2016 from 7 pm - 9 pm with music by Peter Golemme. Grand Opening exhibiting artists are: Evie Johnson, Joanie Miller, Anne Roper, Dennis Conway, Joe Kerbatis, Tom & Pat Steiner, Dan McCole, Deb Putnam and Judith Sweeney.

Closer to home, the Fort Point Arts Community invites you to an opening reception of their new exhibition, HIGH LOW, at the FPAC Gallery located at 300 Summer Street. The opening reception is from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. RSVP. HIGH LOW is a group show featuring  four Boston-based artists whose work involves the recycling of art historical tropes and genres with abjectness, irony, and humor. The artists are Alexandra Borovski, Alexander Clayton Johnson, Nick Mello, and Eric Stefanski.

Wednesday, March 02, 2016

South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting

The Boston Redevelopment Authority invites you to attend the South Boston Muncipal Harbor Plan meeting on:

Wednesday, March 2, 2016
6pm - 8pm
City Hall, 5th floor, Piemonte Room

In February, the City of Boston initiated a planning process to renew and amend the South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (South Boston MHP). The intent of the planning effort is to facilitate the redevelopment of the parcels at 150 Seaport Boulevard and update the South Boston MHP with the numerous planning initiatives and City policies related to the planning area that have developed since the plan’s approval in 2000. The planning effort will be administered by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and developed in conjunction with a harbor planning advisory committee that will meet at regularly scheduled public meetings through the winter.
  
The renewal and amendment process will be guided by Chapter 91 of the M.G.L. and 310 CMR 9.00, the Waterways Regulations, which govern new development and uses along the state’s coastline to protect the public’s rights on private and Commonwealth tidelands. The Commonwealth recognizes that each harbor is unique and encourages municipalities to develop comprehensive plans, in accordance with 301 CMR 23.00, the Harbor Plan Regulations, that are tailored to their own objectives and also consistent with state tidelands policies. As harbor plans are long-term, active planning documents the regulations have provisions for renewal and amendments to accommodate changes to development programs and local policy and planning goals. 
  

The South Boston MHP renewal will comprise the entire 108 acres of the South Boston MHP planning area, with a single-site amendment for the parcels at 150 Seaport Boulevard, where the Whisky Priest and Atlantic Beer Garden establishments are currently located. When the South Boston MHP was being developed in 2000 these properties were some of the only active businesses in the planning area, functioning as water dependent seafood markets up until the late 1990’s, when they were converted into restaurant use. The redevelopment of these parcels was not anticipated at the time of the South Boston MHP and provisions to facilitate additional density at the property were not included in the plan, however, the state’s approval of the South Boston MHP did contemplate additional height at the location with the consolidation of developable land. With the parcels now under common ownership, and surrounded by new development, there is new interest and opportunity to revitalize the property and have it function to expand the Harborwalk network, enhance the public realm and improve waterfront access. 
  
The City of Boston foresees future comprehensive waterfront planning efforts that will be informed by the long range planning currently underway including the Imagine Boston 2030 citywide planning process, Go Boston 2030, Boston Creates, Housing a Changing City and Boston’s Climate Action Plan. 
source: BRA website