Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Your South Boston Newsletter Full of Good Information

Anna White, our new South Boston liaison, publishes a newsletter with local and City events. You can sign up (scroll down to stay connected) here.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CURBSIDE FOOD WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM

Building on her commitment to make Boston a Green New Deal City, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Public Works Department announced that a curbside food waste collection program with rolling online enrollment is now available. Food waste collection will align with residents’ scheduled trash and recycling collection days. This program will reduce the City’s reliance on landfills and incinerators, and make it more convenient for Boston residents to dispose of their household food waste. The food waste, which will be collected through a partnership between Garbage to Garden and Save That Stuff, will be sent to Save that Stuff's composting site in West Bridgewater to be turned into compost that will be made available to Boston parks, gardens, and schools, and sent to Waste Management's CORe Facility in Charlestown where it will be made into clean energy. Learn more here.



City Announcements

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CITY INITIATIVES FOR A SAFE, HEALTHY SUMMER

Mayor Michelle Wu announced the City of Boston’s comprehensive plan for a safe and healthy summer for all Boston residents, communities, and neighborhoods. Mayor Wu announced several violence prevention and intervention initiatives, including the Community Ambassadors Program, “Adopt a Block” initiative, Operation Homefront, and new employment and job training opportunities. These programs fill critical gaps in service delivery, build new possibilities for Boston, and ensure the City fully supports our communities most directly impacted by violence with the safety, trust, and accessibility that residents deserve.

This new, intensive approach addresses public safety through a lens of public health, equity, economic opportunity, and community trust. The initiatives announced today will also organize the wide variety of preexisting programs from the Mayor’s Office, Boston Public Schools (BPS), the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), the Human Services Cabinet, and the Boston Police Department (BPD) into a coordinated network of services to support Boston residents this summer. Learn more here.

MORE THAN $800,000 AWARDED TO 120 LOCAL ARTISTS AND CREATIVE WORKERS THROUGH THE OPPORTUNITY FUND

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture announced 120 grants totaling $801,343 have been awarded to artists, teaching artists, cultural practitioners, and creative workers as part of the City’s Opportunity Fund program. This is the fifth year of the program, and the most funding that has been allocated to the program to date. Learn more here.

MAYOR WU PROVIDES UPDATES ON CITY EFFORTS TO ADDRESS CRISES CENTERED AT MASS AND CASS

Mayor Michelle Wu provided updates on the City of Boston’s next steps to address the intersection of unsheltered homelessness and substance use crises, centered in the area surrounding Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. The City of Boston has developed a comprehensive Warm Weather Plan to address immediate public safety and public health needs during the spring and summer months. Learn more here.

CALL FOR FARMERS MARKET VOLUNTEERS

The Mayor's Office of Food Justice is looking for volunteers to support Farmers Markets this summer. Spend time outside and working with amazing farmers and vendors! If you're interested, please submit this form: bit.ly/Volunteer-FM

APPLICATION FOR POP-UP COOLING KITS

The City of Boston, acting through Climate Ready Boston (CRB), is granting 30 Pop-up Cooling Kits (“cooling kits”) to community based organizations (CBOs) that have public events this summer with access to potable water. The cooling kits are mobile water misting tents designed for short-term use to easily set up and disassemble and provide immediate cooling. Each cooling kit includes a hose, misters, and a tent to set up at public outdoor events throughout the summer. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply ASAP as kits are limited. Apply here.

Pride Month Kickoff at City Hall
To kickoff the month, the City will be hosting an event on Wednesday, June 1, 5PM, 

which will include the lighting up of Boston City Hall in the colors of the Pride Flag.

There will also be a speaking program with remarks from the Mayor and 

LGBTQ+ community members and live performances from local LGBTQ+ artists.

This kickoff event will also serve to amplify other Pride events being held throughout

the month. The City of Boston’s theme for this event will be “PRIDE: Past, Present,

and Future!” Please register today at Pride Month Kickoff. 


Public Meeting | Bus Network Redesign - Boston (Virtual) Thursday, June 2, 6PM
The Bus Network Redesign is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make bold

improvements to the bus network for the people who depend on it most.

We’re proposing a better bus network and want to hear what you think. At this 

meeting, MBTA staff will provide an in-depth presentation on the proposed network

map and lead small group discussions. This meeting will focus on Boston.

Register here

SPARK Boston Pint with a Planner: Southie Edition
Ever seen a new building going up in your neighborhood, and wondered "how did

that get there?" Join us on Thursday, June 2, 6PM – 8PM at Roza Lyons, 709 East 

Broadway, to meet the people behind the magic of Boston's biggest housing boom

ever. Staff members of the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA)

will join the SPARK Boston Council in South Boston for the first (of hopefully many)

mixers. Learn more about the BPDA's many functions as a quasi-government 

agency in a low pressure environment with snacks and friends. Register here.


Southie Family Fun Day
You're invited to Southie Family Fun Day on Saturday June 4, 11AM - 4PM, hosted 

by the South Boston MOMS Club. The event will be held at Marine Park. 

Learn more here

South Boston Famers Market
The South Boston Famer’s Market will kick -off their season on Monday, June 6,

12PM-6PM in-front of the muni-lot on West Broadway.

Donna Summer Disco Party
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment will host

Celebration of Summer: Donna Summer Disco Party on Thursday, June 16 on

Copley Square. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and 

will take place between 6PM and 9PM. This annual event celebrates the start

of summer with the music of Donna Summer! Learn more here


 

Your South Boston Liaison, Anna White

Anna White moved to Boston from Albany, New York and has been a resident of
the City for more than 20 years. She has a deep passion for civic engagement
and brings to the role a wealth of public service and community engagement experience. 
Learn more here.

Friday, May 27, 2022

Traffic Advisory Sunday For Boston Run To Remember

The  Boston Run to Remember will be taking place on Sunday, May 29. This event is expected to bring 6,000 attendees to the South Boston Waterfront. Expect increased area activity, traffic, and limited parking.

Please note street closures:
4:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Seaport Blvd B to D Street closed
6:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Seaport Blvd to Atlantic Ave closed

A Northbound and a Southbound lane will be open on the Moakley Bridge between Sleeper Street and Atlantic Ave to allow traffic to exit and enter bypassing Seaport Blvd and provide access to Congress St.

Seaport TMA highly recommends that people traveling through the Seaport utilize public and alternative transportation modes throughout the day of this event. MBTA Silver Line service may see busier than normal ridership levels and area garages may also be busier. If you must drive, please allow additional time for your commute.

You can refer to the Seaport TMA South Boston Waterfront Calendar of Events for a complete overview of daily events and attendees this month.

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Community Listening Sessions

updated 5/26/22: with videos, presentation and survey link.

The Fort Point Channel Working Group held two Virtual Listening Sessions and hopes you will share your thoughts on ways to activate the watersheet and make the 244–284 A Street project and Fort Point Channel’s Seawall Basin an inclusive, equitable, active and inviting destination for all the residents of our city.
Share your ideas, by taking the Fort Point Channel Working Group Survey by June 1st or email FPNA.


This meeting hosted by Save the Harbor / Save the Bay and the Fort Point Channel Working Group is in response to the BPDA's October 20, 2021 Request for Supplement Information, where the proponent of the 244–284 A Street Development was asked:
How does the proposed project embrace and respond to the 2002 Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan? The Plan calls for significant in-water infrastructure to support small boat programs and art installations including a new pier and boat house. This type of facility would be appropriate for a project of this scale along the Channel.
The Proponent should develop a series of meetings and workshops to advance watersheet activation uses and programs with organizations familiar with the Channel and opportunities for year round use and enjoyment of the Channel and also abilities to attract and welcome Boston’s diverse populations. Organizations including Save the Harbor / Save the Bay, Friends of the Fort Point Channel, the Boston Children's Museum, Fort Point Arts Community and the numerous nonprofit organizations funded through the Fort Point Channel Operations Board.

The  Fort Point Channel Working Group is currently comprised of Boston Harbor Now, The American Cities Coalition, Boston Children's Museum, Fort Point Arts Community (FPAC), Fort Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA), Friends of the Fort Point Channel, Save The Harbor, Save The Bay, Wharf District Council, Related Beal, BPDA and MassDEP.  

originally published 05.09.22 

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

May Happenings Around or About The Neighborhood

updated 05.19.22 with May 26 Congress St Reconstruction Public Meeting and May 31st 51 Melcher St. IAG Public Meeting.

UPCOMING HAPPENINGS

May 18: Conservation Commission Meeting start at 6pm. Check out neighborhood items on the agenda from ICA Cliff Diving to Pier 10 (38 Drydock) to L Street Power Plant to MassDOT improvements on Cypher, Richards & Fargo.

May 19: Parcel X (310 Northern Ave.) Public Meeting 6pm - 8pm. The proponent proposes the demolition of the two (2) existing, single-story industrial buildings and the construction of a new, two (2)-building, approximately 742,000 square foot life sciences/research and development campus 

May 20 - May 22: HarpoonFest 2022 Celebrate the local Boston music scene with beer in hand! 
Friday 6pm - 11pm and Saturday 12pm - 7pm at 306 Northern Ave.

May 21: Boston Harbor Islands Free Ferry Day from 8am – 2:30pm. Tickets available on first come, first serve basis. 


May 26: Congress St. (Fort Point) Reconstruction Project Public Meeting at 6:30pm. Boston Public Works will present revised designs to sidewalks, lighting, crosswalks and street trees informed by feedback from residents and businesses since February's meeting. Register Today.

May 27: Fort Point Arts Community Final Friday’s Open Mic @ Assemblage 5pm - 9pm. Artists interested in performing at the event should show up at 5 pm to get on the setlist and patrons interested in watching should arrive around 6 pm. R.S.V.P.

May 31: 51 Melcher St Impact Advisory Group Public Meeting at 6pm regarding proposed conversion to Life Sciences labs and office.  The purpose of the meeting is the potential impacts and mitigation for the project. Register.


COMMENT DEADLINES
June 10th: MEPA BMIP/Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park Master Plan and 24 Drydock NPC. Watch MEPA Virtual RLFMPF Master Plan Update site visit. Direct comments to Alexander Strysky, MEPA Analyst.

originally published 05.17.22

Sunday, May 15, 2022

Conservation Commission May 2022 Public Meeting

The Boston Conservation Commission (ConCom) will hold its next bi-weekly public hearing on:

May 18, 2022
6:00 p.m
Dial-in audio: 1-929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 686 458 2044 #
Participant ID: provided upon log in

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. View Full Agenda

Neighborhood Agenda Items

Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-1870 and BOS File No. 2022-029 from Childs Engineering on behalf of the Boston Planning and Development Agency for the proposed pile repair, installation of structural jackets, and installation of a floating dock with access gangways and a pedestrian waiting area, located at 38 Drydock Ave, South Boston, MA (DPA, LUO, LSCSF, Waterfront Area, 100ft Buffer to Coastal Bank)

Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-1872 and BOS File No. 2022-031 from VHB on behalf of HRP 776 Summer Street LLC for the proposed reconstruction the seawall, landside regrading, and extension of stormwater outfalls located at 776 Summer St, South Boston, MA (DPA, LUO, Coastal Bank, LSCSF, Waterfront Area, 100ft Buffer to Coastal Bank)

Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-1834 from Nitsch Engineering on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the proposed roadway improvements located at Cypher St, Richards St, E St, and Fargo St, South Boston, MA (LSCSF)

Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-XXXX and BOS 2022-XXX (ICA Cliff Diving) from Collins Engineers, Inc. on behalf of Hangman Productions USA Inc. for the proposed temporary construction of a diving platform on the stone revetment and roof of the Institute of Contemporary Art located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, South Boston, MA (LUO, Coastal Bank)

Acceptance of the Order of Conditions:

Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-1866 and BOS File No. 2022-025 from Bohler on behalf of CRE-MLL Farnsworth Property Owner LLC for the proposed construction of a stormwater infiltration system, overflow connection, and rear stairs located at 33-41 Farnsworth St, South Boston, MA (LSCSF) 

Pro Tip: These meetings can last long. Through the power of zoom, you can zoom in and out to see where they are on the agenda.

originally published 05.12.22

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Fort Point Landmarks May 2022 Meeting

05/10/22: revised agenda and updated with available presentations

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

Thursday, May 12, 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 884 0359 7124# You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 22.1102 FPC         343 CONGRESS STREET- withdrawn by staff
Applicant: Pamela Jagiello
Proposed work: Install new signage.

APP # 22.1154 FPC         44 THOMSON PLACE
Applicant: Ashlea Andrews
Proposed work: Install new signage.

II. Administrative Review: : 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

APP # 22.1143 FPC         332 CONGRESS STREET
Remove and replace steel channels, repair brick masonry, repoint, and paint steel to match existing.

APP # 22.1052 FPC         15 CHANNEL CENTER STREET
Repoint rear façade.


III. Advisory Review: 

17 FARNSWORTH STREET
Proposed Work: Demolish existing parking garage and construct a new Life Sciences building.

IV. RATIFICATION OF 3/10/2022 AND 4/14/2022 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

V. STAFF UPDATES

VI. PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 8:00 PM

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

originally published 05.05.22

Wednesday, May 04, 2022

Spring Neighborhood Gathering Eyes The Waterfront, City Services, Streets, Funding & Developing News

updated 5/4/22 with Museum presentation.


 You Are Invited

to a

Fort Point Seaport Spring Neighborhood Gathering
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
6 pm to 8 pm
District Hall (75 Northern Ave.)
or
Online


featuring
C-6 Boston Police Community Service Officers 

City of Boston Office of Neighborhood Services
Director Enrique Pepen 

Connecting Seaport to North Station via Bus Rapid Transit
Matthew Moran, 
Transit Team Director, Boston Transportation Dept.

&

New Water Experiences & Flood Protection
Boston Children's Museum Waterfront Master Plan
Carole Charnow, President & CEO of  The Boston Children's Museum
Charlayne Murrell-Smith, VP External Relations & Corporate Development


plus
What's In The City Budget for Seaport & Fort Point?

Word On The Streets

The Latest Life Sciences Development Updates

with
Open Community Questions

originally published 04.22.22

Grand Circle Travel Hosts Blood Drive This Thursday

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo by donating blood (if you can) for those in need.

THE MGH BLOODMOBILE IS COMING TO 

Grand Circle Travel 
347 Congress St.
Thursday, May 5
9:30 am - 3:00 pm

Click here to schedule an appointment 

Am I Eligible? Click HERE