Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Creating A Waterfront For All: Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grants Available

Bolstering the Wu Administration's ongoing work to create a waterfront that is accessible to all, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and the Fort Point Channel Operations Board are accepting applications for the 2022 Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grant Program. The application can be downloaded from the BPDA website.


Now in its 11th year, the program provides financial resources for capital improvements and public programming within and along the Fort Point Channel, as envisioned in the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan. The plan was established in 2002 through a collaborative effort between the BPDA, City of Boston, landowners, nonprofit and cultural leaders, and residents to encourage new cultural activities and year-round programming in Fort Point.
 
Approximately $50,000 is available to organizations for the 2022 grant cycle. The competitive grant seeks creative proposals for water-based programming in and around Fort Point that will benefit the general public, including such things as new water-based infrastructure, public events, art installations, and educational opportunities.
 
To be eligible, an organization must be tax-exempt or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit. For-profit organizations may be eligible for funding at the discretion of the Fort Point Channel Operations Board if the project constitutes a not-for-profit, public project.
 
Applications are due on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 5 P.M. Funding for the grants stems from the Chapter 91 Waterways Regulations License for Atlantic Wharf, a project developed by Boston Properties.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Fort Point Landmarks April 2022 Meeting


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

Thursday, April 14, 2022
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 929-205-6099 and entering meeting id 860 3591 2279#/ You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 22.0919 FPC        305 CONGRESS STREET
Applicant: Keenan Brinn
Proposed work: Install small cell facility on an existing Boston light pole; replace existing pole to accommodate new antenna and equipment cabinet.

APP # 22.0924 FPC       A STREET
Applicant: Keenan Brinn
Proposed work: Install small cell facility on an existing Boston light pole; replace existing pole to accommodate new antenna and equipment cabinet.

APP # 22.0926 FPC        253 SUMMER STREET
Applicant: Keenan Brinn
Proposed work: Install small cell facility on an existing Boston light pole; replace existing pole to accommodate new antenna and equipment cabinet.

APP # 22.0960 FPC       44 THOMSON PLACE
Applicant: Ashlea Andrews
Proposed work: Install new signage including 1 set halo lit letters on aluminum pan sign, 1 blade sign, and 4 window vinyls.

APP # 22.1038 FPC        51 MELCHER STREET
Applicant: Alex Muñoz 
Proposed work: Build elevator shaft wall behind windows that can be seen from Necco Court.

APP # 22.1039 FPC        11 SLEEPER STREET
Applicant: Philip Marcotty
Proposed work: Replace existing transformer and associated concrete pad with transformer placed on podium; installation of flood barriers.

APP # 22.1042 FPC        12 FARNSWORTH STREET
Applicant: Philip Marcotty
Proposed work: Modifications to the loading dock at the rear of the building, modification of select windows, hardscape improvements at the rear (west) elevation. Install security cameras, new louvers, and Fire Department connection. At the roof level, install new equipment which will remain minimally visible from surrounding public ways.

II. Ratification of  10/14/2021 & 2/10/2022 Public Hearing Minutes

III. Staff Updates

IV. Projected Adjournment: 8:00PM


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

Monday, April 04, 2022

Just In: No Parking on A Street Between Necco & Wormwood

updated 4/4/22: No parking area extended on A St from Necco Street to Binford Street from 9:30am to 3:30pm through April 7th. 

updated 3/10/22: Vicinity Energy work for 15 Necco details added

There is no parking on A Street between Necco and Wormwood Streets Monday - Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm starting today, March 9th, through April 7th. Be sure to move your car by tomorrow morning and every weekday morning before 9:30am to avoid it being towed. Please help spread the word to your neighbors. 

The parking restrictions are due to the start of utility work on A Street. Vicinity Energy is running a new steam pipe from their existing service on West 2nd Street to 15 Necco Street, which National Alexandra Real Estate Equities announced will be the future home of Eli Lilly's Institute for Genetic Medicine.

The work is expected to last through the fall. It will be done in sections of approximately 150 feet and when an area is being excavated parking will not be allowed.



originally published 03.08.22

Boston City Council Looks At PILOT, Electric Bikes, Affordable Housing & More

City Council Communications and City Councilor Kendra Lara publish updates from Boston City Council meetings. Below are some highlights from March 30, 2022 City Council meeting:

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS FROM COUNCIL MEETING


Councilors Louijeune and Mejia offered the following: Petition for a Special Law re: An act authorizing the City of Boston to grant four additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the specified premises.

Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for a hearing on the state of Boston's non-governmental, nonprofit social sector and charting a post-pandemic recovery. President Flynn referred this matter to the Committee on COVID-19 Recovery. President Flynn referred this matter to the Committee on Government Operations.

Councilors Breadon, Louijeune and Bok offered the following: Resolution in support of H.3080/S.1874, An Act relative to payments in lieu of taxation (PILOT) by organizations exempt from the property tax. The council adopted this resolution.

Councilors Breadon, Louijeune and Bok offered the following: Resolution in support of H.3457/S.2309, An Act relative to electric bicycles.

Councilors Fernandes Anderson, Arroyo and Worrell offered the following: Order for a hearing to explore a digital marketplace pilot program.

Councilors Murphy, Louijeune and Breadon offered the following: Order for a hearing to address the lack of athletic opportunities for our students.

Councilors Edwards and Flynn offered the following: Petition for a Special Law re: An Act regarding the disability pension for Elaina Mcalister.

Councilors Flynn, Edwards and Murphy offered the following: Resolution recognizing women veterans during Women's History Month.

Councilors Lara, Louijeune and Bok offered the following: Order for a hearing regarding the state of affordable housing and Boston's Inclusionary Development Policy. President Flynn referred this matter to the Committee on Housing and Community Development.

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND HEARINGS

Tuesday April 5, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Ways and Means hearing on Docket #0295Order for a hearing to explore municipal bonds and other fiscal options to increase affordable housing and community investments

Tuesday April 5, 2022 at 5:30 PM
Community Preservation Act hearing on Docket #0313 - Message and order for an appropriation order in the amount of Twenty Seven Million Two Hundred and Five Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Four Dollars ($27,205,854.00) from Fiscal Year 2022 community preservation fund revenues for community preservation projects at the recommendation of the City of Boston Community Preservation Committee

Wednesday April 6, 2022 at 12:00 PM: Council Meeting View Agenda.

Thursday April 7, 2022 at 6:30 PM

Redistricting Meeting A meeting to hear public testimony regarding redistricting from residents of District 1, District 2 (includes Fort Point, Seaport, South Boston, Downtown, Chinatown & more...) and District 9