Happenings About The Neighborhood This Week: Gillette, Article 80, Fish & Farm & Family Fun Day

updated 6/17/25 with 15 Necco's June 4th Floating Wetland presentation. 

6/3: Boston Civic Design Commission Monthly Meeting at 5pm. Agenda includes the Gillette Redevelopment Master Plan PDA, referred for initial review and recommendation by the Planning Department Review Committee.

6/4: 15 Necco's Floating Wetland and Watersheet Activation Community Gathering from 6pm to 8pm at the Community Work Lounge. The wetland is part of 15 Necco’s commitment to provide meaningful public benefits to the Fort Point neighborhood and watersheet.  Come give your feedback around the types of events and programs that could center around this newly proposed attraction to the Fort Point Channel. View Presentation.

6/4: Conservation Commission Public Hearing at 6pm. Agenda includes Request for Determination of Applicability to conduct two (2) soil test borings to support geotechnical analysis informing the Fort Point Channel Infrastructure Project at 20 Gillette Park, South Boston Waterfront, MA.

6/5: Article 80 Modernization: Improving Development Review | Public Meeting at 6pm Learn the latest on the Article 80 Modernization project, early actions to improve the Article 80 process and draft zoning amendments to correct outdated language & introduce changes to the Boston Civic Design Commission procedures. Comment deadline June 15th. 

6/6: Improving Development Review | Office Hour at 12pm.  Staff will be available to answer questions, go through project material, or discuss future engagement opportunities. There will also be an Office Hour on June 10 at 5pm. 

6/7: Fish and Farm Market Opening Day from 9:30 am to 1:30pm at Boston's Fish Pier (Seaport Blvd & D St.) featuring fresh food and specialty items from local farms and local fisherman. Free 30 minute parking for market customers. The seasonal market will run every Saturday. 

6/7: 14th Annual Southie Family Fun Day returns courtesy of the MOMS Club of South Boston from 12pm to 5pm at DCR Marine Park (corner of E Broadway & Farragut). Free activities, performances, snacks and surprises. The Southie Family Fun Day will be held rain or shine.

originally published 06.03.25

Gillette Announces Master Plan Development Filings To The Neighborhood

P&G Gillette is excited to let you know that they filed a Master Plan for the South Boston site along Fort Point Channel. We’ve been proud to call this site our home for over 120 years, and this filing is the culmination of years of thoughtful consideration to develop a long-term plan that not only is right for our company, but for the future of the South Boston neighborhood and city at large. The plan aims to transform our 31-acre Gillette campus into a vibrant mixed-use development that prioritizes community and economic opportunities for all Boston residents.

This redevelopment represents a generational opportunity to reshape our transit-oriented campus for the next century, aligning with community aspirations and regional priorities for a vibrant future.  The draft Master PDA, supplemental and additional information filings can be viewed here.

 

The Master Plan has benefited from well over a year of engagement with key community stakeholders, residents and local organizations, including over 15 meetings and workshops. Residents and neighborhood groups provided important feedback about their goals and vision for the site that we have incorporated into this filing including:

·        A Vibrant Connection: Designing new streets and public spaces to enhance connectivity across the neighborhood and to the waterfront.

·        Urban Waterfront Open Space: Incorporating a 6.5-acre signature open space alongside smaller accessible areas to meet diverse community needs.

·        A Hub for Civic Space and Cultural Opportunity: Creating dynamic spaces for gathering, creativity, and year-round activities and experiences.

·        Resilient and Future-Focused: Committing private investment to critical resiliency efforts and mobility solutions (for pedestrians and cyclists) to ensure a safer, more sustainable neighborhood.

·        Housing: Introducing thoughtfully planned housing, with at least 30% of the new development reserved for residential use, along with the potential for millions of dollars in linkage funds to support affordable housing initiatives in Boston.

·        Careers for the 21st Century: Generating thousands of modern, meaningful jobs that support families and fuel Boston’s future, thereby expanding economic opportunities and growth across the city.

 

The Master Plan filing will kick off a formal review by the City’s Planning Department that will include more rounds of community engagement and opportunities to continue to provide feedback. In addition to the public meetings, we are open to connecting with your organization directly at an upcoming meeting.  Please let us know if you are interested in this and we will work to schedule a discussion. 

 

To provide you with as much advance notice as possible, the upcoming meeting dates are as follows:

·        IAG Meetings: May 12 (in person) & May 27 (virtual) from 6-8pm

·        Community Meetings: May 14 (in person) & May 29 (virtual) from 6-8pm

 

As always, more information about the project and upcoming meetings can also be found at:  www.gillettebostonupdate.com and on the City’s Planning website.

 

Thank you for all your support to date and we look forward to your continued partnership ahead. 

 

Kara L. Buckley

Global Grooming Communications & Community Affairs Leader

P&G/Gillette

Chapter 91 & Article 80 About The Neighborhood

updated 12.26.24: with 244 - 284 A Street East Development area and West Development area presentations.

CHAPTER 91 PUBLIC MEETINGS as posted in the MEPA Monitor

• 12/5: One Harbor Shore Drive, Fan Pier Parcel H, Public Meeting at 6pm In accordance with Consolidated Written Determination (CWD) W02-0404-N issued 11/21/02 for the construction and maintenance of a 14-story mixed-use building (and a one-story mechanical penthouse) to be constructed above an existing previously authorized 3-level underground parking facility (License No. 13634). The proposed building will include residential, lobby, retail, restaurant/café, and civic/cultural space on the ground floor, dedicated civic/cultural space on the 2nd floor, and residential uses on floors 3 through 14; and completion of remaining public realm improvements within the Fan Pier Development. The project will be the final building to be licensed under the CWD.  Enter 24-WWAR-0104-APP in the record id field of the EEA Portal. Public Comment Deadline:  January 8, 2025.  

• 12/10: 244-284 A Street, Fort Point Channel, Public Meeting at 2pm for three (3) Chapter 91 Waterways Licenses in accordance with the Consolidated Written Determination (CWD) No. 23-WW16-0001-APP issued on April 25, 2024 for the construction of the Channelside East Development Area including a R&D/Lab Office building (G6), Necco Street Park, and Necco Street Extension in and on Filled Commonwealth Tidelands. Enter 24-WWAR-0110-APP, 24-WWAR-0112-APP, and 24-WWAR0113-APP in the EEA Portal. View East Development Area hearing presentation. Public Comment Deadline: January 6, 2025

• 12/10: 244-284 A Street, Fort Point Channel, Public Meeting at 6pm will cover the same information as the 2pm public meeting.  View East Development Area presentation. Public Comment Deadline: January 6, 2025

• 12/16: 244-284 A St at 12pm for the remaining five (5) Chapter 91 Waterways Licenses in accordance with the Consolidated Written Determination, for the construction of the Channelside West Development Area including a residential building (G4), a commercial/mixed-use building (G5), associated Fort Point Channel Park, Waterfront Open Space, and below-grade parking garage in and on Filled Commonwealth Tidelands. Enter 24-WWAR-0107-APP, 24-WWAR-0108-APP, 24-WWAR-0109APP, 24-WWAR-0111-APP, and 24-WWAR-0114-AP in the record id field of the EEA Portal. View West Development Area presentation.  Public Comment Deadline: January 6, 2025. 

• 12/16: 244-284 A Street Public Meeting at 6pm will cover the same information as the 12pm public meeting. View West Development Area presentation. Public Comment Deadline: January 6, 2025

ARTICLE 80
12/15: Action Plan to Improve Boston’s Development Review Process (Article 80) comments and survey deadline. Help shape the future of community engagement and development project mitigation. 

originally published 12.5.24

Looking To Get More Involved In Your Neighborhood?

updated 11/19/24 with tonight’s Boston Police Department COMPSTAT Meeting.

Lots going on in and about the neighborhood in November. Looking to get more engaged in your neighborhood? Here are some upcoming opportunities:

11/12: Boston Civic Design Commission Monthly Public Meeting at 5pm with greetings from the new Chief of Planning Kairos Shen.

11/12: 244 – 284 A Street Watersheet Activation and Floating Dock Virtual Public Meeting from 5:30pm to 7pm.  A presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

11/13: City Council Committee on Ways and Means Hearing on Docket #1002, A hearing to create a Boston Development Fund in the Planning Department at 2pm.The creation of a $100 million development fund, using a one-time appropriation from the city’s “free-cash” balance, would be targeted at boosting development across the city; and allow developers to tap into the fund for four reasons:

• city granting lower-than-market-rate loans targeted at building already permitted housing units
• city purchasing permitted-but-unbuilt IDP units as forever-deeply-affordable units owned by the city
• city matching a development’s coastal resilience effort up to $1,000,000
• city purchasing retail vacancies in unbuilt office buildings to use as civic space such as libraries, senior centers, day cares, and community centers (similar use of Chapter 91 public spaces).

For more details, view the docket.

11/13: Boston University's Community Discussion & Research regarding the Gillette Redevelopment at 6:30pm at 105 W. First St, and hosted by FPNA and West Broadway Neighborhood Association. 

11/14: Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission Public Meeting at 6pm

11/14: Blue Bike Station Expansion Virtual Public Meeting at 6pm

11/18: Design Vision Office Hours from 9:30am to 12pm. The Planning Department in partnership with the community has compiled a draft report on a Design Vision for Boston. The draft report includes design principles and values meant to help guide the future of design and development by helping us build what we value, center people, and uplift diverse lived experiences in Boston. Join to learn more and share your feedback on the draft report. This is the first virtual office hours event and is open to the public.

11/19: Boston Police Department COMPSTAT Public Meeting from  6-7:30 PM at Gillette Headquarters, 1 Gillette Park.  COMPSTAT has traditionally been an internal meeting where Boston Police Department (BPD) leaders discuss current crime trends and patterns in all of the City’s districts and coordinate planning to strategically address them. In 2023, the BPD began incorporating the community as a key partner in these efforts, to improve the BPD’s work to address the continually changing needs of the communities they serve. This meeting will focus on the South Boston community. For more info, please contact the BPD C-6 Community Service Office at 617-343-4747.

11/19: Boston Harbor Now Harbor Use Forum Celebrating 40 Years of Harborwalk with Harborwalk co-founder Lorraine Downey from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Fort Point Room at Atlantic Wharf and via zoom.

11/20: Design Vision Office Hours from 3:30pm to 7pm. The Design Vision draft report includes design principles and values meant to help guide the future of design and development by helping us build what we value, center people, and uplift diverse lived experiences in Boston. Join us to learn more and share your feedback on the draft report. This is the 2nd virtual office hours event and is open to the public.

 UPCOMING DEADLINES

November 18: MA ResilientCoasts survey due. ResilientCoasts initiative is to develop a comprehensive, state-wide strategy for coastal resilience in the Commonwealth. Scroll down to the middle of the page for meeting presentations and videos.

November 27: 263 Summer Street PDA amendment and PDA Development Plan comments due.  

November 27: 263 Summer Street Chapter 91 amendment to license #9342b to perform stormwater improvements and change the use of an 8-story building with basement as follows: convert basement management office into a gym, convert basement storage area to restaurant or retail use, continue retail and restaurant use on first floor, and convert floors 2 through 8 from commercial office to residential use with an associated roof deck located on Filled Tidelands comment deadline. Enter  #24-WWAR-0083-APP into EEA Portal. Send comments to frank.taormina@mass.gov 

November 30: Blue Bike Station Expansion survey due.

December 15: Action Plan to Improve Boston’s Development Review Process (Article 80) comments and survey due. View Presentation, public meeting recording and take survey. 

originally posted 11.12.24

A Looks At Happenings This Week & Next

updated 10/28: with Article 80 Modernization/Improvement Plan Public Meeting presentation and survey link. ResilientCoasts survey link (see below).

10/16-10/18: Climate Beacon Conference 2024: Building Better, Powering Better, Moving Better and Adapting Better at Atlantic Wharf, 280 Congress St. This is a free conference. On Thursday afternoon, the Wharf District Council will present the public/private partnership that created the district’s “Conceptual Masterplan for Climate Resilience” based upon the City’s Climate Ready.

10/17: Boston International Logan Airport, seaward of Runway 27, Flowed Tidelands Chapter 91 public meeting at 2pm. Register. Project plans and documents for this application are on file for public viewing electronically at: EEA ePLACE Public Access Portal  (enter 24-WW14-0003-APP in the “Record ID” field). If you need assistance, please contact susan.you@mass.gov, Comment deadline 11/10^th.

10/18: Neighborhood Office Hour with South Boston Liaison, Lydia Polaski, at the Superette Courtyard (131 Seaport Blvd) at 10:30am. Grab a coffee and treat at Mia's Bakery. 

10/18-10/20: Fort Point Open Studios is occurring around the neighborhood from the FPAC Art Spaces at the Envoy to artist studios at The Artists Building at 300 Summer Street,The Muse at 63 Melcher, 249 A Street Artists Cooperative and Midway Artist Studios at 15 Channel Center St. Buy art directly from the artists while exploring Fort Point's Historic District! Enjoy live music and more. 

10/21: 259-267 Summer Street (aka the Boston Wharf Co sign building) Public Meeting from 6-8pm. Convert existing office building to mixed-use building, to contain approximately 77 dwelling units, with amenity space, and approximately 3 commercial/retail units, as part of the Office to Residential Conversion Pilot program.  Register.

10/21: 22 Drydock Avenue Public meeting at 6pm. The Notice of Project Change (NPC) proposes the construction of a pedestrian bridge connecting the third floor of ISQ2 to the third floor of ISQ3 over Northern Avenue. The NPC Project includes approximately 1,440 square feet of new construction with minimum clearance height of approximately 32.5 feet over all portions of Northern Avenue.

10/21: MA ResilientCoasts Public Meeting at 6pm.  The goal of the ResilientCoastsinitiative is to develop a comprehensive, state-wide strategy for coastal resilience in the Commonwealth. In collaboration with the state’s coastal communities and other stakeholders, ResilientCoasts will pursue a multipronged approach to identify regulatory, policy, and funding mechanisms to develop focused long-term solutions. Take Survey by November 18th.

10/23:Action Plan to Improve Boston’s Development Review Process (Article 80) Public Meeting from 6:30pm to 8pm. View Article80 Draft Action Plan. This meeting will repeat on Saturday, 10/26 from 11am to 12:30pm 
View Presentation, recording and take survey. Comment deadline is November 20th.

10/24: Gillette’s in-person Community Workshop at 6pm at 105 W 1^ST Street for pre-filing planning of the redevelopment of Gillette’s approximately 31-acre site along the Fort Point Channel. It is anticipated that the Project will be built out in phases. It is further anticipated that the Project will support the transition from a site located in a Manufacturing Zone where allowed uses are primarily commercial and industrial uses to a site zoned to also include residential uses as allowed uses. It is further anticipated that redevelopment of the Project Site will include a combination of contiguous, usable green open spaces linked to adjacent public realm improvements

10/25: MA ResilientCoasts Public Meeting at 10am.  The goal of the ResilientCoastsinitiative is to develop a comprehensive, state-wide strategy for coastal resilience in the Commonwealth. In collaboration with the state’s coastal communities and other stakeholders, ResilientCoasts will pursue a multipronged approach to identify regulatory, policy, and funding mechanisms to develop focused long-term solutions.  Take Survey by November 18th. 

10/26: Action Plan to Improve Boston’s Development Review Process (Article 80) Public Meeting from 11am to 1pm (new time). View Presentation, recording and take survey. Comment deadline is November 20th.

A Look At Happenings About The Neighborhood Starting Tonight

Check your calendars for these neighborhood happenings.

The City Planning Department released their Article 80 Modernization Phase 2 Draft Recommendations Feedback Report. 

9/10: Boston Civic Design Commission at 5pm. Agenda includes Reserved Channel (South Boston Waterfront) and Article 80 modernization presentation to the Commission. 

9/12: Fort Point Channel Landmark Commission September Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum. We are looking for Commissioners, residents and architects. Please email fpnaboston@gmail.com for details. 

9/12: BPDA (BRA & EDIC) Board Meeting: Agendas published 48 hours beforehand.

9/14: Ready Boston Field Day from 11 am - 3pm, part of National Preparedness Month. Learn how to prepare for emergencies and disasters and leave with safety tips, giveaways, and life-saving skills.

9/19: Stone Living Lab Seminar: Commonwealth Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer from 2pm to 3pm to hear about climate resilience throughout the state.

9/19: Gillette Site Tour & Community Workshop from 5pm to 7pm to reimagine 31 acres along the Fort Point Channel in advance of filing a master plan.  Rain date/date for those unable to attend on Thursday is 9/21 from 10am to 12pm. 

9/23: Save the Harbor virtual MBC Metropolitan Beaches Climate Workshop at 10am featuring tools, experts and advocates to increase resiliency, while preserving access to our public beaches. Register.

9/24: FPNA Neighborhood Gathering from 6pm to 8pm. Details TBA.

9/25: Boston Harbor Use Forum- Reserved Channel Development from 8:30am to 10am. The project will  reimagine a 42-acre business park along the west side of the Reserved Channel. 

9/25 WEBINAR: BERDO Compliance for Condominium Associations | Boston.gov from 6pm to 8pm. At this event, the Environment Department will also announce the release of the new BERDO Compliance Handbook for Condo Associations.

9/27: Deployables Day, a citywide training exercise on temporary flood protection plus a resource fair for property owners still considering temporary flood protection, from 10am to 3pm. 

Happenings Around & About The Neighborhood This Week & Next

updated 6/16/24 with 372 Congress Just Salad Abutters meeting.

Don't miss what is happening in the neighborhood the first two weeks of June.

June 5: Conservation Commission Meeting at 6pm, includes 7 Channel Center St. NOI and related stormwater report regarding the building's demolition and construction and 232 A Street request for a determination of applicability. 

June 6: Life Science Public Safety In Person Public Meeting at 6pm at 105 W 1st St. This  is a public meeting in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Boston Fire Department, and Boston Emergency Medical Services to discuss the public safety protocols and regulatory responsibilities currently in place for the Boston Life Sciences industry.  

June 6  BPDA Article 80 Development Review Process Draft Recommendations last  Workshop Virtual from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM 

June 8: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2024 from 12pm to 3pm at The ICA. 

June 10: BPDA Article 80 Development Review Process Draft Recommendations survey survey deadline. View draft recommendation materials. 

June 10: 311 Summer St (327 A Street elevation) Abutters Meeting/Five Iron Golf (NEW) at 7pm. Proposal: All alcoholic beverage license until 2am and outdoor patio. Doors open at 6am. View meeting recording

June 11: Summer Street Pilot Open House from 5PM - 8PM @ The 105 by Breakthrough (CRISPR) at 105 W 1st St, Boston, MA 02127

June 12th: Zoning Commission Public Meeting at 9am. Agenda includes:

• Said text and map amendments would adopt FEMA’s new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which will be effective as of July 3rd, 2024, which is necessary in order for Boston to maintain its designation as a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) community. Said text amendment brings Article 25 into compliance with federal flood regulations for development in the floodplain while the adoption of the new FIRMs will codify where these regulations will apply.
• 7th Amendment to the Master Plan for Planned Development Area No. 69, The 100 Acres and Development Plan for 232 A Street within Planned Development Area No. 69, The 100 Acres.

June 12: 372 Congress St / Just Salad Abutters Meeting at 7pm

Proposal: Common Victualler License. Anticipated opening August 2024 View meeting recording. 

June 13: Chapter 91 license amendment hearing LCTB Fort Point, LLC requesting an amendment to Waterways License No. 14667 at 2pm to authorize an after-the-fact conversion of 853 sf of Necco Court (private way) and change of use of approximately 488 sf of the paver area for extended seasonal outdoor (Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar) separated with a wood beam riser from a 365 sf area (15 to 20 foot wide) for continued public pedestrian access to the public docking facility and Harborwalk located on Filled Tidelands. Project plans and documents for this Waterways Application are on file for public viewing electronically at: https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/EEA/PublicApp/ (enter 23-WW03-0004-AMD in the Search Page in the “Record ID” field). Send comments to Frank Taormina.  Comment deadline is July 3^rd.

June 13: Fort Point Channel Landmarks Commission Public Meeting at 6pm.

June 14: Summer Street Pilot Open House from 12:30PM - 1:30PM via Zoom

June 17: South Boston Beaches Climate Workshop hosted by Save The Harbor Save The Bay & The Metropolitan Beaches Commission at 6pm at at Saint Monica's Church, 331 Old Colony Ave. Learn tools and strategies to increase resiliency and improve coastal defense while preserving public access to South Boston public beaches in conjunction with South Boston's adaptation and resiliency priorities. Register. Outcomes and initial recommendations will be released in the fall.

June 21: Reserved Channel Master Plan Environmental Notification Form comments due to MEPA Analyst, Alexander Strysky. (extended from June 7)

June 21: Reserved Channel BPDA PNF comment deadline (extended from June 7)

originally published 6.05.24

Help Improve Boston's Development Review Process

updated 06/04/24 with links to virtual workshops.

If you have not yet attended the Development Review Process Draft Recommendations Workshops, please attend one of the remaining Improving Boston's Development Review Process Workshops:

May 30: Menino Community Center from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM 125 Brookway Road, Roslindale

June 1: Bolling Building from 2:00 PM–4:00 PM at 2300 Washington Street, Roxbury         

June 4  Virtual from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM 

June 6  Virtual from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM 

All workshops will have identical content. You may join the one that works best for you. Food and childcare will be provided for in-person workshops.

Review the draft recommendation materials online 

If you are unable to attend the in-person workshops, please visit the project page to review the workshop materials and share your feedback by completing the survey by June 10th.

originally published 05.28.24

What's Happening This Week & Next

Now through March 1st: Early voting for the MA Presidential Primary at City Hall, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 8pm and Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm. Click the link above for more details and polling sites. 

2/28: Boston Harbor Now’s Harbor Use Forum: Stone Living Lab Research, Education & Engagement Projects at 8:30am – 10am. The Lab is an innovative and collaborative partnership focused on testing and scaling up nature-based approaches to climate adaptation in Boston Harbor and beyond.

2/28: Article 80 Modernization In Person Public Meeting from 6pm - 8pm at Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, 2nd Floor - School Committee Room, 2300 Washington St. Roxbury, MA 02119.The project team will share the results of engagement, analysis, and peer cities research conducted during phase 1 of the project. View Article 80 Modernization Community Engagement and Development Review Operations Improvement Phase 1 Report.

2/29: CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS HEARING ON DOCKET #0257, a hearing to discuss an Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department, at 10am. View Docket.  Written comments may be sent in advance.

2/29: Article 80 Modernization Virtual Public Meeting from 6pm - 8pm. This meeting is a repeat of the 2/28th meeting. See description and link to the report in the 28th meeting above.

3/5: MA Presidential Primary Election Day. Vote in person in at an unleased storefront in The Paseo located at 55 Pier 4 Blvd./111 Harbor Way from 7am to 8pm. The Paseo connects Harbor Way and Pier 4 Blvd. Please note this new location is being utilized while District Hall is under renovation.