Seaport Smalls: Free Fun Saturdays For Your Tiny Crew

Starting Saturdays in January 2024 from 10AM-11AM indoors at The Paseo at 111 Harbor Way, a rotating selection of free children's programming for ages 0-8 years old. Seaport Smalls programming partners are: Jungle Jim with magic & balloons, Little Groove Music, music for kids, Music at The Blissful with Evan Haler, and Whiz Kidz for science & fun. Seaport Smalls will occur Saturdays January through April. 

Reserve a spot for your small one. 

Brought to you by Boston Seaport. 

Reimagining Gillette's 31 Acres. Community Meeting December 6th

updated 12/15/23: with Gillette Reimagination project presentation and meeting video.

As a part of a broader business transformation, Gillette will be reshaping its operations in our neighborhood, marking a new chapter in the company's long history in Boston. The decision will bring an opportunity to reimagine Gillette's 31-acre waterfront campus, unlocking new possibilities for the future. 

The company will host a community meeting ahead of a robust public planning process to help shape the site's future on:

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 6pm

View Presentation

View Meeting Recording in English, Cantonese, Mandarin or Spanish

If you would like to Sign Up for Gillette Reimagination Updates via email, click here. 

'

originally published 11.14.23

MCCA Cypher Street Remediation Project Meeting Tonight

updated 12/12/23 with meeting presentation and meeting recording. 

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) and Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) are hosting a virtual Cypher Street Project Meeting tonight:

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

6pm

View presentation

View meeting video

Since the November 2nd meeting, MCCA engaged Ileen Gladstone as the Community Licensed Site Professional. Although this project is different from the Cypher St Improvements Project currently ongoing by Massport, Ileen Gladstone will service on behalf of the neighborhood on both projects helping to answer questions and coordinate between the two projects from an environmental review perspective. View November meeting presentation and meeting recording.

*This meeting is being conducted via Mircosoft Teams. If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft Teams, you may want to click on the join meeting link above a few minutes beforehand.

Contact
Arthur​ Fritch, CMP, CEM
MCCA Community Liaison

originally published 12.12.23

Fort Point Landmarks December 2023 Meeting

updated 12/14/23 at 6:15pm with 30 Thomson Place application withdrawn by applicant. 

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

Thursday, December 14, 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 985 3303 8730#.You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 24.0266 FPC  47 FARNSWORTH STREET (moved to admin review 12/13/23)
Applicant: Mario Watkins
Proposed Work: Install new lighting.

APP # 24.0511 FPC  333 SUMMER STREET (moved to admin review 12/13/23)
Applicant: Jason Parillo 
Proposed Work: In the same location as existing install (1) new blade sign and (1) new wall mounted sign. 

APP # 24.0513 FPC  30 THOMSON PLACE  Application withdrawn by applicant. 
Applicant: Nathan Turner
Proposed Work: At roof install condensers; at rear install wall mounted ductwork and exhaust openings.

II.  ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL

APP # 24.0497 FPC  9 CHANNEL CENTER STREET
Install temporary signage.

III.  RATIFICATION OF 11/9/23 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

IV.   STAFF UPDATES

V.  PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 7:30 PM

Members: David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy, Vacancy
Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

originally published 12.11.23

Toy Drive and Holiday Party

State Representative David Biele cordially invites you to his fifth Annual Toy Drive to benefit children in our community around Christmas and the holiday season on:

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

6-8pm

Amrheins

40 West Broadway

Please bring an unwrapped toy for ages 0 to 16 and help spread holiday cheer to the children in our neighborhood. The toy drive gives presents to over 500 children in South Boston.

Complimentary food will be provided. 

You are invited to

Two Related Neighborhood Meetings: One Civic & Cultural + One Park Design

updated 12/07/23 with 244-284 A STREET CHANNELSIDE OPEN SPACE WORKSHOP presentation and video.

The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture in conjunction with the BPDA is holding a public meeting on the planning and analysis of waterfront civic and cultural facilities and programs related to MassDEP required Chapter 91 spaces aka facilities of accommodation (FPA):

Waterfront Civic Cultural Space Planning Study Public Meeting

November 15, 2023 | 6:00 p.m.

View Meeting Materials

View Meeting Recording

This meeting will provide the public with an update on the status of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture’s Waterfront Space Planning Study as well as report out the initial findings from the Related Beal RFI for 244-248 A Street, which will be one of the case studies part of the initiative. 

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

The Boston Parks Department and Related Beal are hosting a community workshop to review and gather input on design updates for key areas/program elements within the two primary parks at the 244-284 A Street (Channelside) development project. 

The workshop will focus on the picnic area, play space, interactive fountain, and overall plantings.

244-284 A STREET CHANNELSIDE OPEN SPACE WORKSHOP

November 28, 2023 | 6:00 p.m.

View Presentation

View Workshop

The green open space is required as part of MassDEP Waterway 50% open space requirements, MHP (municipal harbor plan), and City’s PDA (planned development area), and community advocacy that the parks once created be transferred to the City of Boston Parks department.

Interpretation and translation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us at LCA@boston.gov or 617-936-9380.

About The Neighborhood This Week: Gillette, Holiday Art Sales & Other Developments

You won't want to miss what's going on and about the neighborhood this week.

December 5: 7 Channel Center Redevelopment Meet & Greet and Abutters Open House at 6pm at Gilbane's office at 10 Channel Center Street. Meet the new building owners, Phase 3 Real Estate and meet their team, featuring CBT Architects. Learn about the proposed changes to the redevelopment, including full demolition of the existing building and presentation on new design and project timeline. The updated building design is proposed to go before the Fort Point Landmark District Commission for their approval the following week. 

December 5: Squares + Streets Citywide Draft Zoning Amendment Public Meeting at 6pm to present a draft zoning text amendment that will create new Squares + Streets zoning districtsto be adopted into the Boston Zoning Code. Staff will also present on proposed updates to the “Regulation of Uses” section of the Boston Zoning Code (Article 8) to better organize and modernize land uses for today’s needs.  

December 6: Reminder Gillette Community Meeting at 6pm. As a part of a broader business transformation, Gillette will be reshaping its operations in our neighborhood, marking a new chapter in the company's long history in Boston. The decision will bring an opportunity to reimagine Gillette's 31-acre waterfront campus, unlocking new possibilities for the future.  This special meeting hosted by Gillette will help shape the 31 acre site and will be followed by a robust public planning process. Join meeting!

December 7: Opening of PAPER CLIPS, A Small Works Holiday Exhibit, featuring

(mostly) works on paper - all priced under $200, from 6pm to 8pm at the Gallery at 249 A, 249 A Street. Paper Clips features more than fifty artworks from artists working at the 249 A Street Cooperative. The exhibit offers a diverse range of techniques and subject matter. Drawing, painting, printmaking & photography are some of the mediums available for gift giving.

Artworks are original, unframed and attached to the wall with paper clips (hence the name) and affordably priced under $200.00 to meet your budget.

Plus Ornaments & Stocking Stuffers - $25.00 and under.

The gallery is also open by appointment. To schedule a visit contact fortpointstudio@gmail.com

December 8: Deadline extended to participate in the BPDA Article 80 Modernization: Community Engagement Survey  The primary goal of this project is to create a predictable and transparent development review process that builds trust with all those who participate in the process. Read more about Article 80 Modernization: Community Engagement and Development Review Operations Improvement.

December 9 - December 10: Linda Huey Holiday Pottery Sale from 12pm to 5pm at 249 A Street, fifth floor. Linda Huey Pottery invites you to come and see a large selection of pottery with something for everyone, pottery, sculpture, and small affordable gifts. Cookies and punch will be served as well goody bags to take home. For more information, visit LindaHuey.com and via Facebook. The Annual Paperclips Holiday Show with small works by 249 A Street artists will also be open in the ground floor gallery.

Linda Huey Ceramics

Summer Street Pilot Starts Monday

The six month evaluation period for the Summer Street dedicated bus/truck lane pilot and protected bike lane begins on Monday, December 4th. The pilot spans Summer Street from South Station to East First Street. Over the next six months, the City will be piloting these dedicated lanes to improve travel time reliability for transit and freight vehicles. It will also be making cycling safer and more convenient along this important corridor.

The Boston Transportation Department welcomes your feedback on whether these new configurations are achieving their intended goals. There are several ways you can provide input - by taking the online survey, attending public meetings in early 2024, or emailing the project team directly. Let them know what's working well and where there are opportunities for adjustments or improvements.

Sign up for email updates.

The aim for this pilot to balance the transportation needs of all users along the Summer Street corridor. Your feedback will be crucial in determining the right long-term configuration for our city. Read more details on the Summer Street Pilot. 

Giving Time To Your Neighborhood Starts With Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday, FPNA is asking neighbors to give their time to their neighborhood. In particular, FPNA is looking for resident Building Ambassadors and for residents to join the inaugural Fort Point Planning and Development Committee. 

Did you know that there are 19 residential buildings in Fort Point?
FPNA is looking for Building Ambassadors to act as conduit of neighborhood communication between FPNA and your fellow residents. Be the first to know and help spread the word to your neighbors. FPNA sends on average 12 emails annually with neighborhood news and invitations to our monthly neighborhood gatherings. Become your residential building's Ambassador today.

If you missed last week's FPNA's November Gathering, you may not be aware that over 80 acres are coming up for planning and development. It is an exciting time in our neighborhood's growth with Gillette, BCEC and Pappas Way offering potential opportunities for housing, parks, civic spaces, safer streets and neighborhood retail. With a combination of private and state landowners, the time is now to start to engage, coordinate, collaborate with other neighborhoods and listen to advocacy experts to create the best outcomes for Fort Point. If neighborhood growth is important to you, please join FPNA's Planning and Development Committee.

If you haven't already, FPNA invites you to become a member or to renew your membership. An individual membership is $35 and a family membership is $50. You can pay by check or via venmo@FPNA-Boston. Please join FPNA today!

About The Neighborhood Happenings & Festivities

updated 11/28/23 with 11/30 Public Meeting regarding a new zoning code amendment to waive Article 80 review of affordable housing projects. Details below. 

Upcoming Happenings

November 25: 3rd Annual Martin's Park Ship Lighting from 4pm to 6pm. Keep an eye on the Channel for the arrival of Santa by boat. If you would like to volunteer this November including the Ship Lighting, please complete this form. Check out all the Boston Park's holiday lighting celebrations.

November 28: West Broadway Tree Lighting with surprises at 5pm at the W. Broadway parking lot across from Capo. 

November 28: 244-284 A Street (Channelside) Open Space Workshop at 6pm. The Boston Parks Department and Related Beal are hosting a community workshop to review and gather input on design updates for key areas/program elements within the two primary parks at the 244-284 A Street (Channelside) development project. Register.

November 30: Deadline to complete the BPDA Article 80 Development Review Modernization Survey. The primary goal of this project is to create a predictable and transparent development review process that builds trust with all those who participate in the process. Here is one opportunity to engage and we encourage you to complete the survey. Read more about Article 80 Modernization: Community Engagement and Development Review Operations Improvement. 

November 30: Public Meeting on Zoning Code Amendment to Waive Article 80 Large Project Review to preserve or create Affordable Housing at 6pm.  If the Authority has determined that such waiver will increase the availability or quality of Affordable Housing in the City and that such Proposed Project will not generate significant adverse impacts outside the Lot. 

November 30: South Boston Christmas Stroll. Shop, Dine & Splurge from 4pm to 6pm starting with the arrival of Santa on a fire truck. The Original Dickens Carolers will be strolling along East Broadway (4-6 p.m.) and West Broadway (5-7 p.m.). And free Pedicab rides will be available from 5:30-7:30pm to whisk customers to their favorite establishments.

November 30: 84th annual Boston Common lighting celebration starts at 6pm with skating at the Frog Pond at 5pm. This year’s tree from Nova Scotia is a 45’ white spruce. Chronicle will be broadcasting at 7pm. 

December 1: Light Up Seaport from 5pm to 9pm at Seaport Common.

December 3: Mayor Wu's Enchanted Trolley Tour at 2pm at M Street Park.

December 6: Gillette Community Meeting at 6pm. This special meeting hosted by Gillette will help shape the 31 acre site and will be followed by a robust public planning process.

Chapter 91 Comment Deadlines
November 22: 310 Northern

November 27: 24-26 Drydock Ave

November 29: 22 Drydock

originally published 11.16.23

FPNA Gathering Introduces New Councilor-At-Large, Neighborhood Liaison, Restaurant, Over 55 Acres & More

 You are invited to 

A Neighborhood Gathering
on

Tuesday, November 21, 2023
6 pm to 7:30 pm
Sign Up
District Hall, 75 Northern Avenue
or
via Zoom

featuring
Our C-6 Community Officers
&
A Look Ahead at Development & Planning
of over 55 acres in the neighborhood 

Ileen Gladstone
Cypher Street Construction Update

introducing

Henry Santana 

Boston City Councilor-At-Large Elect

Lydia Hamilton Polaski 

South Boston Neighborhood Liaison

A New Restaurant at 319 A Street

formerly Oak & Rowan

&

 Join the

Neighborhood Planning Committee

Neighborhood Building Ambassadors

originally published 11.26.23

Interested In Gardening In The Neighborhood?

Two opportunities to garden in the neighborhood at two locations (A Street Park and Wormwood Park) on one day November 11th (rain date November 12th). 

 A Street Park
Community Gardens Lottery

  Saturday, November 11, 2023 (rain date 11/12)
 10 am

Garden Plots

Medallion Ave Extension in front of Channel Center Garage

A Street Park is a City of Boston Park bordered by Richards and W_. 1^st Streets featuring 8 garden plots, tot playground, dog park, half basketball court and flexible field_.

There will be two garden plots opening in 2024 with 5 garden plots opening in 2025 and one in 2026. Names will be drawn for the two 2024 garden plots and a eight garden waiting list_. Everyone on the waiting list will receive a plot within three years or less. If you are unable to attend, you may send a proxy providing a completed Proxy form is emailed to FPNA by November 11th at 5pm. Proxy may be involved in plot selection. Please bring your own pen to fill out your lottery entry. 

 

Garden plots are for a 3 year term to allow more people the opportunity to garden_. You must agree to the Community Garden Lottery Terms & Procedures.If you are designated a plot, you must be prepared to start planting your garden this spring. 

Make Fort Point Bloom
  Saturday, November 11, 2023 (rain date 11/12)
10:30am 
Wormwood Park (Wormwood & A Streets)

Join your neighbors for coffee and donuts before digging in. We have 300 bulbs to plant and need your help. Just think how lovely it will be to walk by daffodils blooming along the A Street linear garden. 

Tools and gloves provided. Green thumbs not required. 

We will be planting, raking and sweeping until 2:30pm. 

Boston Blooms is a city wide program beautifying neighborhoods by planting daffodils generously donated by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. 

Any questions, please contact FPNA_.

_{originally published 11.1.23}

Fort Point Landmarks November 2023 Meeting

 THE FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, November 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 963 6282 0363#.You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 24.0394 FPC      25 THOMSON PLACE

Applicant: Levi Martin
Proposed Work: Install new blade sign and light.

II.  RATIFICATION OF 10/23/23 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

III.   STAFF UPDATES

IV.  PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 7:00 PM

FPNA Joins Downtown, Wharf District & Leather District in Councilor-At-Large Candidates Forum

updated 10/25/23 with Candidate Forum live stream by South Boston Beat.

 FPNA invites you to a special

Boston City Council At-Large Candidate Forum

hosted in conjunction with
Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association
Leather District Neighborhood Association & Wharf District Council


Tuesday, October 24, 2023
5:30pm to 7:30pm
networking at 5pm
Atlantic Wharf
290 Congress Street
Fort Point Room, 2nd floor
View Candidate Forum

Meet and speak directly with candidates, plus hear public candidate remarks on Public Safety, Community Engagement & Climate Resiliency.

featuring At-Large Candidates (in alphabetical order)

Clifton Braithwaite
Ruthzee Louijeune*
Julia Mejia*
Erin Murphy*
Bridget Nee-Walsh
Shawn Nelson
Henry Santana
Catherine Vitale

*running for re-election

District 2 Sample Ballot

Please note the Candidate Forum replaces our October Neighborhood Gathering.  

Boston City Council Election

 

The November 7th election will select both At-Large and District City Councilors.

 

The Boston City Council has 9 District Councilors and 4 At-Large Councilors, all of whom have the same legislative and voting powers, but may perceive their roles and who they represent differently. 

 

District City Councilors are elected by the residents of a single area of Boston, known as a District. The District boundaries are updated every 10 years, after the decennial census — and this upcoming 2023 Election will be the first to use the new District Map adopted after the latest redistricting.

 

At-Large City Councilors are elected by the whole city.

 

November 7th Election Details

Voter Registration Deadline: October 28th
Register to Vote | Check Your Registration

Early Voting: Sat, Oct 28 - Fri, Nov 3

Vote by Mail: October 31st Application Deadline

Election Day: Tue, Nov 7 from 7am to 8pm at District Hall, 75 Northern Ave for residents of 02210

November Happenings: Art, BCEC & Cypher, Marine Park & More

November 2: 310 Northern Ave & 5 Fid Kennedy Ave (Parcel X), RLFMP, South Boston DPA Chapter 91 License Amendment Virtual Public Hearing at 2pm, requesting an extended term. Register.

November 2: 249 Artists Cooperative invites you to the opening reception of Video + Paint, New Work by Bebe Beard + Steven Muller from 5pm to 7pm at the Gallery at 249 A St.

November 2: MCCA (BCEC) Cypher St Remediation Project Public Discussion from 6pm to 8pm at 105 West First St. This project is different from the Cypher St Improvements Project that is currently ongoing by Massport. The BCEC parking lot abutting Cypher St. also requires environmental remediation. Attend to find out more.

November 6: 24-26 Drydock Ave, RLFMP, South Boston DPA. Chapter 91 License Amendment Virtual Public Hearing at 2pm, requesting an extended term. Register.

November 7: Final day to vote in the Boston City Council Election from 7am to 8pm at District Hall, 75 Northern Ave. Up for election are the District 2 City Councilor and 4 City Councilors At-Larges. ICYM last week's At-Large Candidates Forum, you may view it here.

November 9: 20-22 Drydock Ave & 331-339 Northern Ave (Parcel G/H), RLFMP, South Boston DPA . Chapter 91 License Amendment Virtual Public Hearing at 2pm, requesting an extended term. Register.

November 11:  A Street Community Garden Lottery at 10am and Fort Point Blooms daffodil planting at 10:30am. Details.

Save the date for the 3rd Annual Martin's Park Ship Lighting on November 25th. If you would like to volunteer this fall and/or at the Ship Lighting, please complete this form.

In Case You Missed It

October 27^th Government Accountability, Transparency & Accessibility Hearing on Community Engagement in Planning

October 30^th Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks Hearing on Storm Water Management & Flood Hazard Mitigation