What To Know Happening About The Neighborhood This Week

updated 6/25/26 with Abutters Meeting recording. 

June 22: 253 Summer Street / Lolita Fort Point Abutters Meeting at 6pm to add 3 tvs on patio for seasonal outdoor entertainment. View meeting recording.

June 22: Community Meeting: South Boston High School Building Update from 6pm to 7pm at BCYF Tynan, 650 E Fourth Street. Join for a City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services + Boston Public Schools community meeting regarding the former Excel High School / South Boston High School building. There will be an update on preparation activities over the past year including a building renovation, and the identification of a new school community to be housed at this historic site. Register here. 

June 23: Atlantic Wharf Programming Coffee Hour at 9am to discuss the kick off of 2027 event planning, upcoming programming and community engagement. The event will take place in the Fort Point Room at 290 Congress St.

June 24: Resilient Fort Point Channel Virtual Information Session at 6pm This community information session will provide updates on the Resilient Fort Point Channel Infrastructure Project, including progress on design and permitting. Participants will also learn about the project’s purpose, projected effectiveness, proposed timeline, and opportunities for community input.

June 27: Moakley Park Community Update from 12pm to 2pm in person at Moakley Park.  Enjoy food, music and activities while learning more about the park project and share your thoughts,

June 29: Resilient Fort Point Channel Open House + Site Walks Drop-in attendance is welcome any time between 4 and 7pm at 15 Necco St. There will be site walks with the project team at 5 pm and 6 pm.

June 30: FPNA Summer Neighborhood Gathering featuring a MA Senate Legislative Update, Fort Point Near Term Resilient Infrastructure Update, Neighborhood Happenings and introducing Kids In Tech, 5 Necco Chapter 91 non-profit operator, at 6pm at the Community Work Lounge at 15 Necco.

originally published 06.22.26

Atlantic Wharf Annual Meeting Tonight!

The 2026 Atlantic Wharf Annual Meeting is taking place Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 PM in the Fort Point Room at Atlantic Wharf (290 Congress St, Boston, MA – street level).

 

This meeting is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. We encourage you to RSVP to marketing@bxp.com or simply come Tuesday evening.  Guests who RSVP will receive a copy of the 2026 Atlantic Wharf Annual Plan via email in advance of the meeting. Printed copies will be distributed at the meeting.

 

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

A Look At What's Going On This Week & Next

updated 02/06/24 with links to Abutters Meetings videos. 

Starting today, there's lots going on about the neighborhood, especially our waterfront. Resiliency tops MassDEP's agenda with information sessions this week followed by hearings next week on draft regulations updates to Chapter 91, wetlands and water quality. 7 Channel Center Public Meeting is tonight. Next week Boston Harbor Now is hosting 232 A Street and the Fort Point Channel Operations Board Annual meeting is occurring. There are two new establishments looking to open up and more (see below):

Jan 17: Waterways (Chapter 91) Climate Resiliency Draft Regulations Public Information Sessions (virtual at 1pm or 6pm)

Jan 17: Conservation Commission Public Meeting at 6pm. Agenda includes EMS station at 34 Drydock and a request of extension of orders for Seaport L5 (1-27 Boston Wharf Rd. 

Jan 17: 7 Channel Center Street Update Public Meeting at 6pm hosted by the BPDA to review new building design as well as an opportunity to learn about Life Sciences use and  protocols and communications within a mixed use development. Postponed.

Jan 18: Squares + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours from 12:30 to 1:30pm

Jan18:  Wetlands / WQC Climate Resiliency Draft Regulation Public Information Sessions (virtual at 1pm or 6pm) 

Jan 18: BPDA Board Meeting.

Jan 20: The Gallery at 249 A hosts the opening of Urban Edge, a new exhibit of works by Steve Kromer and Duane Lucia from 3pm to 6pm at 249 A Street.

Jan 22: Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture Chapter 91 Waterfront Civic/Cultural Spaces Survey deadline.

Jan 23: Wetlands / WQC Climate Resiliency Draft Regulations 3rd Public Information Session (virtual at 1pm)

Jan 23: Squares + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours from 12:30 to 1:30pm and from 6pm to 7pm.

Jan 24: Boston Harbor Now's Harbor Use Public Forum to discuss 232 A Street at 8:30am. View video recording.

Jan 24: Fort Point Channel Operations Annual Meeting from 4pm to 5:30pm will take place at the Fort Point room, 2nd floor, 200 Atlantic Ave. Agenda will include:

• Recap of Atlantic Wharf 2023 Annual Plan
• Presentation of Atlantic Wharf 2024 Annual Plan
• Update on Atlantic Wharf Fort Point Room Proposed Relocation & Improvements 
• Other Channel-wide Updates

Jan 24: Sidenote / 391 D Street Abutter's Meeting at 5:30pm New restaurant concept abutting D’s Keys Dueling Pianos. Expansion of all alcohol license between businesses. View Abutters Meeting by clicking here & entering passcode: W66VY.c@

Jan 24: Elephantine Bakery / 332 Congress Street Abutter's Meeting at 6:30pm seeking beer, wine, and cordials license. View Abutters Meeting by clicking here & entering passcode SE+4x?RC

Jan 25: Waterways Waterways (Chapter 91) Climate Resiliency Draft Regulations Public Hearings  (virtual at 1pm or 6pm)

Jan 25: 332-340 Summer Street Abutter's Meeting at 6:30pm. Seeking to renew use as a (40) vehicles fee based parking lot through Dec. 31, 2026. View Abutters Meeting by clicking here & entering passcode Jsqs4&5c

Jan 30: FPNA Neighborhood Gathering at 6pm. Details TBA.

originally published 01.17.24

2024 Atlantic Wharf Annual Work Plan & Chapter 91 Programming Public Meeting

There will be an in person public meeting on October 17, 2023 at  4pm to present the proposed 2024 Atlantic Wharf Annual Work Plan. During the meeting, Boston Properties (BXP) will present an overview of the future Fort Point Room, which will be relocated in 2024. 

All community members are welcome to attend the meeting and to participate in the review of the 2024 Plan and the discussion of future Chapter 91 event and community programming for the Fort Point Room.

The meeting will take place in the Fort Point Room on the 2nd floor of Atlantic Wharf at 290 Congress St. 

To RSVP, please email marketing@bxp.com.

For more information, view Related posts

originally published 10.10.23

Atlantic Wharf Wants Changes To Our Public Spaces: Comment Deadline April 7th

updated 04/05/23 with FPNA presentation (under resources) at the bottom.
updated 03/20/23: Added link to presentation below along with links to MassDEP and the BPDA website.

MassDEP in conjunction with the BPDA are holding a meeting tonight regarding proposed changes to our public spaces at Atlantic Wharf as mandated under the MA Public Waterfront Act (Chapter 91) and need your feedback. The meeting was held:

Monday, March 13, 2023

6pm

Atlantic Wharf Fort Point room or online

View meeting presentation

Comment Deadline: April 7th 

Submit comments to DEP.Waterways@mass.gov with the subject line “Atlantic Wharf"

Boston Properties, Atlantic Wharf's owner, is proposing changes to their special public destination facility or interior public spaces part of their Chapter 91 license #11419 requirements. The major changes are to:

• relocate the Fort Point Room from its existing 2nd floor space to existing ground-floor space fronting Congress Street, combining a space previously used as a restaurant (Boloco) with space operated by the Boston Society of Architects (BSA space)
• convert the existing Fort Point Room to commercial office uses
• discontinue the use of the existing 2nd floor exterior deck

Boston residents and abutting neighbors are encouraged to attend Monday night to discover more about the changes above and all changes under consideration:

• Will the new proposed space meet the needs of the public and abutting neighbors?
• Will the ground floor be activated in a way that adds value and enhances the existing standards/experience?
• How will the public interact with the spaces and what will be the public experience?
  
  

• How will privatizing the Fort Point room and deck provide public benefits & support programming?
• How will the loss of 2,630 square feet of interior public space be reinstated or recaptured? This does not include the loss of 3,270 sf from the 2nd floor terrace. 
  
  
• What will happen to the 2nd floor non-profit office space? 
• Why is the civic cultural concierge being replaced by a digital information screen?

click on image for better viewing

There is a lot to consider in determining whether the proposed changes benefit the public more or less than before, especially when regarding this special destination facility of public accommodation.

In addition to the 2nd floor Fort Point room and the 2nd floor non-profit office, the original ground floor approved in 2006 included:

• A "Town Square," of approximately 6,300 square feet of skylit civic gathering space within the atrium area of the Graphic Arts and Tufts Buildings, with programming and promotion to be provided by the Proponent (to remain in the current size & condition)
• A Multi-Media Performance Area, approximately 3,800 square feet, providing a destination location for visitors and city residents to learn about Boston's history, culture, diversity and future (BSA space being replaced by a multi-media room?)
• A waterfront restaurant and cafe/performance venue, part of the Fort Point Channel "RestaurantRow," providing flexible space for alternative uses and populations at different times of the day (being replaced by a multimedia meeting room)
• A "Channel Concierge," providing information, maps, ticketing, and details on current events (being replaced by a digital information panel)
• A Community Art Gallery (to remain in the current size & condition)

The comment deadline is April 7,2023. Comments should be submitted to: DEP.Waterways@mass.gov with the subject line “Atlantic Wharf”.

Atlantic Wharf (formerly known as Russia Wharf) underwent redevelopment in 2005 for the properties at 530 Atlantic Ave. and 270-286 Congress St.  The site planning started with the BPDA (then BRA) and the Fort Point Downtown Municipal Plan and as stated above is subject to the MA Public Waterfront Act, commonly referred to as Chapter 91, administered by MassDEP. MassDEP required a SPDF or special public destination facility to offset the impacts of the redevelopment and to provide exceptional public spaces, programming and public benefits. 

Resources

Request for Minor Modification of Chapter 91 License 11419

Russia Wharf (Atlantic Wharf) Chapter 91 License 11419

Russia Wharf Redevelopment Plan Development Area #66

Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan  

Fort Point Downtown Municipal Harbor Plan

FPNA April 2023 Neighborhood Presentation

originally published 03/10/23

FPNA Spring Neighborhood Gathering Tuesday, March 28th

 You are invited to a spring

 

Fort Point Seaport Neighborhood Gathering

on

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 (correct date)

6 pm to 8 pm

District Hall or online

Sign Up

featuring

Our C-6 Community Officers

Findings From

The Fort Point Waterfront Community Design Program

Kelly Sherman

Waterfront Design Manager, Boston Harbor Now

&

Spring & Summer in the Seaport 

Molly Griffin

 Community & Partnerships Coordinator, WS Development

 

with

Neighborhood Updates & Discussions

Massport-Cypher St. Polluted Soil Plans, Atlantic Wharf Public Spaces Proposed Reconfigurations  & More

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

Your Feedback Needed

March 31: Life Sciences Building Design Guidelines public comments are due. More information and submission details. 

April 7: Atlantic Wharf Chapter 91 Public Spaces public comments are due. 

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

Upcoming Happenings

Wednesday, March 22:  Boston Harbor Now’s Harbor Use Forum at 8:30 am featuring 310 Northern Ave.  When the BPDA completed the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park Master Plan Update, they planned a new mix of uses where lab buildings would co-exist with and help support the working port. Come find out about their climate mitigation fund and more. 

Thursday, March 23: There is a movie filming in town. Parking restrictions start Wednesday on Medallion and Thursday on A, Binford and D Streets. The scoop.

Wednesday, March 29: Licensing Board Hearing at 10am regarding liquor licenses for Savr restaurant at 150 Seaport (St. Regis), Tuscan Kitchen (53 Northern Ave.) and Serafina (11 Fan Pier Blvd)

Wednesday, March 29: 330 C St Public Meeting at 6pm. The proposal consists of a new six-story 74-room hotel, with a ground-floor restaurant, situated on the corner of C Street and Cypher Street (behind the Convention Center).

Tuesday, April 4: City Council Hearing on Docket #0145 at 2pm to discuss the safety of light poles, bridges, and other public infrastructure in the City of Boston (including the bridges over Fort Point Channel). 

Wednesday, April 12: 232 A St Public Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed life sciences project and the potential impacts before the Proponent files their Project Notification Form ("PNF").

Thursday, April 13: Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission meeting, agenda not posted yet.

originally published 03.22.23

Fort Point Channel Operations Board Annual Meeting January 18th

The Fort Point Channel Operations Board will be having their annual meeting on Wednesday, January 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Fort Point Room on the  2nd floor of Atlantic Wharf, 290 Congress Street. 

In addition to the standard annual reports, there will be an overview of the requested changes to Atlantic Wharf's Chapter 91 license that removes the Fort Point room and relocates other FPA spaces within this Special Destination Facilities of Public Accomdation. View the request to MassDEP,

The agenda

Recap of Atlantic Wharf 2022 Annual Plan

Presentation of Atlantic Wharf 2023 Annual Plan

2023 Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grant Program

Overview of Atlantic Wharf Fort Point Room Relocation & Improvements

Congress Street Bridge Lighting Project Update

The Fort Point Channel Watersheeet Activation Plan goals and elements have informed Municipal Harbor Plans specific to the area as well as state Chapter 91 Waterways licensing of projects along the Channel.

If you have any questions, please contact Rich McGuiness via email or at 617-918-4323.

About The Neighborhood The Week of January 9th

Mark your calendars. Here is what is going on about the neighborhood the week of January 9, 2023. 

Jan 9: MassDEP Waterways ICA Draft Management Plan Public Meeting at 6PM. View draft management plan, which correlates to their Chapter 91 license #9951. The meeting will be held via zoom. Public comment deadline is January 23, 2023.

Jan 11: Green Infrastructure GRCx - Addressing Boston's Stormwater Woes at 8:30am. Overview of Boston's current stormwater management strategy, the updated EPA regulations, and a Q&A with our expert panel: Ken Moraff, EPA Region I Water Division Director; Kate England, Director of Green Infrastructure, City of Boston; Patrick Herron, Executive Director, Mystic River Watershed Association and Adam Chapdelaine, Deputy Director, Green Ribbon Commission – Moderator

Jan 11: Public Meeting on Linkage and Lab Uses Zoning Update | Boston Planning & Development Agency (bostonplans.org) includes an increase of linkage rate for labs from 6pm- 7:30pm. Public comment deadline extended to Feb. 1.

Jan 12: 10 Fan Pier (Mass Mutual building) Abutters Meeting at 5:30pm for the following proposal: an application for the transfer of an all alcoholic beverages license for the operation of a new restaurant by "Upper Spectacle LLC". You may also dial +1 646 558 8656 and enter the Meeting ID 841 1305 6389.If you cannot attend this meeting, have any questions or comments about this proposal, or need interpretation services, please contact Anna White in advance.

Jan 12: Fort Point Channel Landmarks Monthly meeting: Public Works is presenting on Congress, Sleeper and A Street. View full agenda. 

Jan 18: Fort Point Channel Operations Board Annual Meeting | Boston Planning & Development Agency (bostonplans.org) from 2pm - 3:30pm in the Fort Point room at Atlantic Wharf, 290 Congress Street, 2nd Floor.

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.

• View Saturday, May 14, 2022 Listening Session
• View Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Listening Session #2
• View Presentation

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 

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.

Fort Point Channel Operations Board 2022 Annual Meeting

The Fort Point Channel Operations Board will be holding their annual meeting via Zoom on:

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Join Meeting Via Zoom

Public is welcome to attend this free event.

The Agenda:

• Recap of Atlantic Wharf 2021 Annual Plan
• Presentation of Atlantic Wharf 2022 Annual Plan
• 2022 Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grant Program
• Other Channel-wide Updates

What is the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan? To determine how to take better advantage of the Fort Point Channel's potential, the BPDA initiated a watersheet planning process with the Fort Point Channel Working Group and Fort Point Channel Abutters Group, which involved area residents, business owners and stakeholders. 

The resulting Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan envisions the channel as a location for a wide range of water’s edge and floating public uses, including piers, docks and landings for cultural attractions, recreational boating and sightseeing. The Plan also endeavors to seamlessly balance these public uses with the existing water-dependent uses along the Channel, including the Gillette Company, Barking Crab and Hook Lobster, as well as advancing water transportation initiatives. 

The activation goals and elements of the Plan have informed Municipal Harbor Plans specific to the area as well as state Chapter 91 Waterways licensing of projects along the Channel. The Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan is an important part of the ongoing development plans and permitting of 15 Necco, 244-284 A Street and Hook Wharf (James Hook). 

Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grants Available

Bolstering the Janey 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 2021 Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grant Program.  

Now in its tenth 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 2021 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 4, 2021 at 5 PM. Funding for the grants stems from the Chapter 91 Waterways Regulations License for Atlantic Wharf, a project developed by Boston Properties.

Fort Point Channel Operations Board 2021 Annual Meeting

The Fort Point Channel Operations Board will be holding their annual meeting via Zoom on:

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Register

Public is welcome to attend this free event.

The Agenda:

• Recap of Atlantic Wharf 2019 Annual Plan
• Presentation of Atlantic Wharf 2021 Annual Plan
• 2021 Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grant Program
• Other Channel-wide Updates

What is the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan? To determine how to take better advantage of the Fort Point Channel's potential, the BPDA initiated a watersheet planning process with the Fort Point Channel Working Group and Fort Point Channel Abutters Group, which involved area residents, business owners and stakeholders. 

The resulting Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan envisions the channel as a location for a wide range of water’s edge and floating public uses, including piers, docks and landings for cultural attractions, recreational boating and sightseeing. The Plan also endeavors to seamlessly balance these public uses with the existing water-dependent uses along the Channel, including the Gillette Company, Barking Crab and Hook Lobster, as well as advancing water transportation initiatives. 

The activation goals and elements of the Plan have informed Municipal Harbor Plans specific to the area as well as state Chapter 91 Waterways licensing of projects along the Channel. The Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan is an important part of the ongoing development plans of 15 Necco, 244-284 A Street and Hook Wharf (James Hook). 

Ground Floor Uses & Watersheet Activation: 244 -284 A St Public Meeting Tuesday

10/21 Updated with presentation link (see below). Meeting video should be available within next 24 hours at Boston Plans.

The next meeting for the 244-284 A St development will focus on Ground Floor Uses and Watersheet Activation on:

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

6  pm

View Presentation

View Meeting Video

This entire site is under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 91 and MassDEP jurisdiction, which means that in exchange for property owners using MA filled tidelands, there must be public access and substantial public benefits and public purposes provided. Buildings in jurisdiction must have ground floors composed of 75% facilities of public accommodation (FPA). FPA may include retail, restaurants, bars, cafes, community, civic or cultural spaces, etc. There is also a requirement of 50% open space, which will be covered in part by the ongoing 100 Acres Open Space design initiative. 

What do you think the neighborhood needs? Do we want a diverse mix of uses that can also be family friendly at different price points?  How would you or your family enjoy spending time at the ground level of the proposed three buildings? How could ground floor uses complement water activities?

Chapter 91 also requires public access, which is why the Harborwalk exists and provides an easy and inviting access for all to the Channel from inland communities.

Once at the Channel, water activities like canoeing and kayaking can be supported and complemented with on-shore interpretive signage, boat facilities, public art, etc...

Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan

How would you activate the watersheet? The Fort Point Watersheet Activation Plan presents ideas and a vision. The plan starts on page 25.  What would you like to see implemented? What other ideas would be fun? 

NEW Project Comment Deadline: November 10, 2020

The next meeting will be an Impact Advisory Group Meeting on November 5. The public is welcome to attend. 

originally published 10.19.20

Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grantees Announced

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), a member of the Fort Point Channel Operations Board (FPCOB), awarded four grants totaling over $50,000 to art, education and community organizations with plans for activating the Fort Point Channel watersheet for the 2020 season.

Grant applicants were asked to submit creative proposals for water-based programming in and around Fort Point that will benefit the general public, including such things as public events, art installations, and educational opportunities.

The four grantees are proven non-profit organizations that have successfully delivered waterfront activation programs in the past. They fulfill many of the grant criteria, including equity and inclusion by introducing Boston students to the beauty of our waterfront, year-round activation through public programming and art installations and activation of the watersheet itself through boat programs.

The grant program builds on the goals of the Fort Point Watersheet Activation Plan, a BPDA planning process that involved local residents, business owners and stakeholders to create a vision for Fort Point channel as a location for public activation and use. The Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grant Program is funded by the Chapter 91 Waterways Regulations License for Atlantic Wharf, developed by Boston Properties.

2020 Winning Projects

Fort Point Arts Community 2020 Floating Public Art Series

Applicant: Fort Point Arts Community (FPAC)
Award: $16,000

Building on the successful growth of FPAC’s Floating Art Program, this funding will bring two new and engaging temporary floating public art projects to the Fort Point Channel and Harborwalk in 2021. These public art projects will continue to increase the visibility of Fort Point as a cultural destination.

Boston Rowing Center Adult Rowing and Lunchtime Livery Program

Applicant: Hull Lifesaving Museum
Award: $12,000

The Hull Lifesaving Museum will use this grant to continue bringing participants to their Boston Rowing Center in Fort Point Channel for fitness, exploration and community, beginning with the annual Fort Point Open Rowing Race and continuing through the year with weekly adult rowing outings. New this year, the Hull Lifesaving Museum has begun a series of workshops for adult rowing members to learn more about boating safety, navigation, and Boston’s maritime heritage.

Brown Box Theatre Project 2020-2021 Season: Much Ado About Nothing

Applicant: Brown Box Theatre Project
Award: $13,000

As part of the Brown Box Theatre Project’s tenth season of free theater on the Fort Point Channel, the organization will present Much Ado About Nothing for their annual Shakespeare offering. The grant will also help fund two additional productions as part of the 2021 season, which have yet to be determined.

Discovering Fort Point Channel

Applicant: “e”, Inc.
Award: $9,692

For the past six summers, “e” inc., a planet science learning and action center, has used this grant funding to provide free daily field trips to Fort Point Channel for youth from various urban summer camps and social service centers to enjoy hands-on science lessons on the Fort Point Channel in July and August.

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