Showing posts with label climate resiliency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label climate resiliency. Show all posts

Monday, August 03, 2026

This Week & Next About The Neighborhood

On August 5th, the Planning Department is hosting a Public Meeting on Zoning Update to Dimensional Definitions and Code Structure (building height, yards, building lot coverage, etc...) from 6pm to 8pm. 

On August 6th, there are two opportunities to engage with the US Army Corp of Engineers' (USACE) Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) draft report.
  • The Green Ribbon Commission (GRC) is offering a virtual USACE CSRM report briefing that day from 12pm to 1:30pm. Although the registration form is titled GRC Coastal Resilience Financial Blueprint Briefing, this meeting is about the USACE CSRM report. 
On August 8th, the Midway Gallery invites you to the Opening Reception of American PlacesWatercolor paintings of American buildings, coastlines and open landscapes by Lonnie Ash at 6pm. 

Meet the artist, enjoy light refreshments, and experience this thoughtful collection in the Midway Art Tunnel, an intimate and unique gallery space that offers an immersive setting for viewing art.

The exhibition runs through September 27th. The Midway Gallery is located at 15 Channel Center Street. 

Boston Fire Museum Fort Point by Lonnie Ash

On August 12th, the Environmental Business Council is virtually presenting Massport: Reflections from the Chief Climate & Resilience Officer, Jill Horwood, from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm. Massport owns over 300 acres in South Boston. 

On August 13th, the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission will be meeting. On the agenda is the new Celine Restaurant at 324 A Street (former Blue Dragon location).

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

About the Neighborhood: World Cup, Wetlands, Designer Garments, Resilient Fort Point & More

updated 6/17/26 with June 22nd Lolita Abutters Meeting at 6pm  

June 15: Lawn on D hosts FIFA World Cup Watch Party: Haiti v. Scotland at 9pm.Catch select matches on outdoor screens throughout the Grove at the Lawn on D, the Pavilion Tent and in the Lot on D. Lawn on D is located at 420 D Street.

Monday, June 01, 2026

About The Neighborhood: Farmers Markets, Family Fun, Ice Cream, Art & Music

Feels like summer with the return of farmers markets, an ice cream festival and a Caribbean American Heritage Celebration (new!)Sprinkled in are a updates on Article 80 modernization, Landmark Commissioner appointees, a flood resiliency conference, zoning code hearing on residential development parking minimums and an art opening! On Saturday, there are choices galore with the Fish & Farm Market, Southie Family Funday,  FPAC Instrument Petting Zoo and opening day at the Lawn on D. 

June 1: South Boston Farmers Market opens today and every Monday through November from 11am to 5pm at 446 W. Broadway, adjacent to the municipal parking lot. 

June 2: Boston Civic Design Commission Monthly Meeting | Bostonplans.org at 5pm. On the agenda: Planning Department presentations on Article 80 Modernization Updates by Kevin Crossley, Sr. Programmer plus Commissioner Training procedural updates and a discussion of proposed by-laws. 

June 2 - 4, Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl takes place at 88 Seaport Blvd from 12pm to 8pm. Use code SOUTHIE for $3 off each ticket! Taste over 40 flavors from your favorite national and local ice cream brands and enjoy live music. On June 4th is the, Scoop & Sip Beer Garden from 5pm to 8pm. Tickets are $40 and available on site only.


June 3:  Flood Resiliency Conference, from planning to action -innovative funding options, governance and project management to address coastal and riverine flooding, from 8:30am – 12:30pm at the Fort Point room at 290 Congress St. This free conference is sponsored by Save the Harbor Save the Bay,


June 4: City Council Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation Hearing on Docket #0809, an Order for a Text Amendment to the Boston Zoning Code to largely eliminate parking minimums for residential development, at 10am.


June 4: Opening reception of Continuous Signal from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Gallery at 249 A. Artist John Dykes exhibits 20 new abstract paintings exploring layered structure, gestural movement, and translucent fields that evolve into shifting visual networks. The works examine perception, memory, and the unstable nature of systems and language. Show runs runs through June 28th. The Gallery at 249 A is located within the 249 A Street Artists Cooperative.

June 5: City Council Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation Hearing on Dockets #0796-0800 | Boston.gov, a hearing regarding various appointments, including an appointee to the Boston Landmarks Commission and the Fort Point Channel Landmark Commission. The hearing takes place at 10am via zoom. Contact Shane Pac for the zoom link if you wish to comment/testify or watch live at boston.gov/city-council-tv.

June 5: Celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month at the Maritime Park (600 D St) in the Seaport from 5pm to 10pm. Enjoy live music, Caribbean Cuisine, cultural performances and the spirit of the Caribbean. (new!)

June 6: Fish & Farm Market returns for a third year to Boston's Fish Pier every Saturday through October 31st from 9am to 1pm. New this year is live music and craft and art vendors. Buy fresh fish, fresh vegetables and specialty food for your table.

June 6: 15th Annual Southie Family Fun Day hosted by South Boston MOMS Club will take place from 11am to 4pm at the DCR Marine Park, corner of E Broadway & Farragut Rd. Join local families, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations for a full day of entertainment, activities, and community celebration. Guests will enjoy children’s games and activities, live entertainment, food vendors, giveaways, and more throughout the day.

June 6: FPAC Instrument Petting Zoo is back at the Seaport Summer Market (88 Seaport Boulevard) from 1pm to 3pm. Hang out with local musicians, learn about various instruments and maybe find out if you have a secret talent. Saturdays: June 6th, June 13th, June 20th, and June 27th.

June 6: Lawn on D Opening Day kicks off with Harpoon’s annual summer event, Boston Chilling Low Key Music Fest, a one-day outdoor concert experience designed for anyone who enjoys easygoing vibes, live music, and a cold beverage. The free event runs from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with musical performances kicking off at 3:00 PM.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

About The Neighborhood This Week & Next

May 13: Alexandria Real Estate Equities and 15 Necco invite you to be part of the planting installation of their floating wetland on the Fort Point Channel or to catch a sneak peek. Drop by the Harborwalk anytime between 10am and 3pm.


May 13: Shake Shack Abutters Meeting at 6pm (NEW)
Proposal: Shake Shack is looking to extend hours from 10am through 11pm to 10am through 2am (alcohol only until midnight) at 77 Seaport Blvd.
Join Zoom Meeting
+16468287666,,1656032420# US (New York)
Webinar ID: 165 603 2420

May 13:Community Preservation Act (CPA) Grant Fund: Historic Preservation Workshop at 6pm. Join CPA staff and historic preservation grant recipients about how CPA funding can support the preservation of historic resources in the neighborhood. Deadline to apply for 2027 funds is August 31, 2026 at 5pm. 

May 14: New England Aquarium Climate Action in Coastal Cities: A Conversation with Civic Leaders from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Simons Theatre, 1 Central Wharf and via zoom. Join NEAQ to learn how decision-makers in coastal cities work to safeguard and build vibrant public realms for all. Hear what municipal leaders from major cities on the East and West Coasts are doing to better prepare their communities for extreme weather, rising seas, changing air quality, and more. 

May 17: Celine Tag Sale at Blue Dragon from12pm to 4pm. Cash Only. Items include artwork, plates, glassware & serving pieces, tables & décor, vintage benches and furniture, commercial 3-wok station, glass chiller & surprise treasures. 50% of the sales will benefit the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Come celebrate the past and help build what is next.


May 19: FPNA May Neighborhood Gathering at 6pm at 15 Necco & online

May 18: Envoy Rooftop Abutters Meeting at 6pm (NEW)
Proposal: Amend entertainment license to allow for a Disc Jockey on the outdoor rooftop on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 1:00PM to 8:00PM only; add fitness and workout classes on the outdoor rooftop, between the hours of 7:00AM to 3:00PM at 70 Sleeper St.
Join Zoom Meeting
+16468287666,,1655250990# US (New York)
Webinar ID: 165 525 0990

May 21: Reserved Channel Harborwalk Hybrid Community Gathering at 5:30pm at the South Boston Library at 646 East Broadway or via zoom. Boston Harbor Now invites you to join the South Boston elected officials, Massport and city officials to begin planning to complete this Harborwalk loop.  Be the first to see design concepts for completing this section of Harborwalk and help shape this public access and amenity along the Reserved Channel!

Thursday, April 02, 2026

About & Around The Neighborhood This Weekend & Next Week

April 4: The Easter Bunny will be visiting Castle Island and hiding some eggs for an Easter Egg Hunt at 11am. The event is hosted by Congressman Stephen Lynch, Senator Nick Collins, and State Rep David Biele. The hunt will take place at Fort Independence. Don’t miss out on this free and fun family event!


April 4: Anti-Gravity Opening reception with live music by Sara Adkins from 7–9pm at the Distillery Gallery, 516 E 2nd St.

April 7: Street Sweeping starts from 9am to 1pm on Binford St. and on A Street

April 8: A Better City is hosting a free Build to Lead: Lessons in Resilience Panel at 10am in the Fort Point Room, 290 Congress St. 

April 9: Special Neighborhood Mobile Blood Drive from 8:30 am - 2 pm outside of 268 Summer St. Make your appointment today. 

Thursday, November 06, 2025

This Week: ConCom, Snowport Returns, Moakley Park & Harbor Harmonies

About The Neighborhood This Week

updated 11/6: 244-284 A St. requested postponements at Conservation Commission.

11/5: Conservation Commission Public Hearing at 6pm 

The Conservation Commission (ConCom) 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.

Neighborhood Items

  • 3rd Postponement at the request of the applicant. Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-2073 and BOS File No. 2025-034 from Epsilon Associates on behalf of Channelside Acquisitions, LLC, for the proposed construction of a publicly accessible overlook over the Fort Point Channel; construction of retaining walls, platform, and seating for a future public amphitheater; and minor regrading at 15 Necco Street and 244-284 A Street, South Boston Waterfront, MA (25ft Waterfront Area, LUO, Coastal Bank, 100ft Buffer to Coastal Bank, LSCSF).  
  • Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-20XX and BOS File No. 2025-0XX from Childs Engineering on behalf of Poseidon Enterprises for the proposed replacement of deteriorated sections of an existing fender system along a pier face, as well as repairs to structural timber piles and timber pile caps at Barking Crab, 88 Sleeper Street, South Boston Waterfront, MA (LUO).*Continued from the October 22, 2025 hearing.
  • 1st Postponement at the request of the applicant-Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-2XXX and BOS File No. 2025-XXX from Epsilon Associates, Inc. on behalf of Channelside Acquisitions, LLC for the proposed construction of a new bicycle path, subsurface utility connections, pedestrian sidewalk improvements, and minor site grading at 10 Necco Street, South Boston Waterfront, MA (LSCSF).

11/7: The Snowport Holiday Market opens for the season at 11:00am with a ribbon cutting at 1:00pm and a special appearance from Betty the Yeti. The shopping fun & festivities continue through 9pm. The market features 125+ makers, more food than ever before, custom cocktail bars, festive decor, live music, and more. Snowport runs through December 28th. 


11/8: Resilient Moakley Park: In-Person Community Meeting from 11am to 1pm at the Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Road. Get an update on the project and provide input on the future of Moakley Park! There will be activities for children and light refreshments. This meeting will cover the same information as the 11/13 virtual meeting.

11/8: FPAC Harbor Harmonies Chamber Music Concert Series: The Echoes of Light and Shadow from 3pm to 4pm at the South Boston Public Library (646 E Broadway). Free Admission. Reserve your spot today. Trio Coro: Hua Ye on piano, Grant Ho on violin and Minyun Suh on cello.

In The News 

"A rising flood zone risk is affecting the Seaport, 10 percent of Boston's tax base", Boston Globe, October 28, 2025

originally published 11.5.25

Monday, July 14, 2025

Mass Ready Act to Strengthen Infrastructure and Prepare for Disasters. Hearing July 15th.

updated 07/14/25 to included Designated Port Areas.

On June 24, 2025, Governor Maura Healey introduced the Mass Ready Act, a bill that proposes nearly $3 billion in bond authorizations to strengthen infrastructure and protect Massachusetts communities against increasing extreme weather events.

This legislation focuses on crucial infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to roads, dams, and bridges, and establishes a Resilient Revolving Fund for these types of projects. The bill invests in farming and coastal economies and provides communities with resources to reduce flood and heat risk. Finally, the Mass Ready Act emphasizes the protection of water and nature by ensuring safe drinking water, restoring our waterways and preserving vital habitats for wildlife. The bill also includes authorizations to implement ResilientCoasts recommendations, invest in parks, trails, beaches, and historic sites, improve transportation infrastructure, and manage solid waste and decrease pollution.  The bill simplifies the environmental permitting process for priority housing and urgent infrastructure needs, including municipal culvert replacements and other natural restoration projects in the following ways:
  • Allowing priority housing and culvert replacements and salt marsh restoration projects to receive a Chapter 91 license (Sections 21-31) in just 60 days without triggering Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review
  • Cutting duplicative administrative appeals for wetlands regulations, allowing local appeals for these project categories to go straight to the superior court  (Sections 48-51)
  • Adding climate resilience as a goal of the Wetlands Protection Act, simplifying permitting for natural restoration projects;  (Sections 48-51)
  • Removing the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) requirement for priority housing and natural restoration projects, allowing for completion of MEPA review within 30 days rather than up to one year (Sections 12 and 73)
  • State Designated Port  Area Development Commission to identify industry-specific opportunities and needs, assess existing infrastructure with capacity and resources and make growth recommendations. The 21 member commission chaired by Secretary of Economic Development and Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs is to include 3 community group representing the north shore, Boston Harbor and south coast regions (section 67)
The legislation also requires disclosures of flood risk and past damages during home sales and lease signings so renters and homebuyers can make informed decisions and avoid costly damages down the road. Finally, it equips the Board of Building Regulations and Standards to advance climate resilience and housing production through the state building code.  Read full press release.

On July 15th, the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will hold a hybrid hearing on the Mass Ready Act at 1pm. Persons seeking to provide oral testimony, whether in person or remotely, should pre-register by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, using this online form.

originally published 07.08.25

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Upcoming Happenings About & Around The Neigborhood

 Upcoming Happenings 

6/22: Fort Point Festival & Arts Marketplace  will take place from 12pm to 8pm at A Street Park (135 A Street) in association with Alliaza Park Series beer garden pop-up..

6/24: CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS HEARING ON DOCKET #0990, FY25 BUDGET: PUBLIC TESTIMONY at 6pm. Docket #0990, disapproving the Annual Appropriation and Tax Order for FY2025, (Docket #0670), passed by the City Council on June 05, 2024.

6/25:  CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS WORKING SESSION ON DOCKET #0990, FY25 BUDGET: AMENDMENTS at 10am.

6/26: Conservation Commission Meeting at 6pm. Seaport Parcel F & G for proposed soil borings, test pits, and installation of groundwater observation wells located at 85 Northern Ave

6/27: 15 Necco Neighborhood Open House from 10am to 12pm at the Touchdown Space in the lobby.

6/27: South Boston Transportation Action Plan (SBTAP) DRAFT Public Meeting at 6pm at the Tynan Elementary School Cafeteria, 650 East 4th Street.

7/8: CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND TRANSPORTATION HEARING ON DOCKET #0357 at 10am to discuss the possibility of congestion pricing in Boston.

7/8: Summer Street Pilot Open House starts at 5pm with presentation and Q &A at 6:30pm at the Tynan School, 650 E S4th St.

7/9: CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS HEARING ON DOCKET #0925  at 10am to discuss an Ordinance that would provide a property tax exemption for commercial properties occupied by qualifying small businesses. 

7/9: CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND TRANSPORTATION HEARING ON DOCKET #0303 at 2pm to review the rules and regulation of vehicles in relation to expansion of micro mobility access.

7/9: Boston Civic Design Commission Monthly Meeting at 5pm.  Sign up to receive agenda notifications.

7/11: Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park Flood Mitigation Planning & Feasibility Study Virtual Open House at 6pm to review study findings to date, explore how proposed resilience alignments and strategies in the RLFMP will help address current and future flooding risk this area of the South Boston Waterfront which protects port and critical infrastructure and other neighborhood assets, and to provide feedback on preferred alternatives.

Comment Deadlines & Certificates

6/21: Reserved Channel Master Plan Environmental Notification Form comments due to MEPA Analyst, Alexander Strysky. (extended from June 7)

6/21: Reserved Channel BPDA PNF comment deadline (extended from June 7)

7/3:  253 Summer/Lolita Chapter 91 amendment comment deadline   an after-the-fact conversion of extended seasonal outdoor patio & public passageway to the public dock and Harborwalk. Details available online by entering 23-WW03-0004-AMD in “Record ID” search field. Send comments to Frank Taormina. 

7/8: 232 A Street FEIR comments due to MEPA Analyst, Nicholas Perry. 

MMT Parcel 5 RLFMP NPC Certificate: EIR not required


originally published 06.21.24


Monday, April 22, 2024

Happenings This Week Starting Tonight

FY2025 CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REVIEW HEARINGS are ongoing through May 31st. View schedule for particular areas of interest.

4/22: Reserved Channel Development Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting at 6pm. The project is an 8 acres development with eight new buildings of proposed uses including a variety of commercial, research and development, civic, and residential housing. This CAC is a joint BPDA and MEPA review group. This meeting will lay out the role of the CAC and the process. 

4/23: Reserved Channel Development Kick-off Meeting at 6pm at the Condon School, 200 D St. Oxford Properties Group and Pappas Enterprises, is hosting this in-person meeting to discuss the proposed project. This event is the first in a series of four meetings to review the entirety of the proposed project. Later meetings will have more specific topics, including transportation infrastructure, resiliency, public realm and open space, and built form.  

4/24:Morrison Mahoney Boston Strong Neighborhood Blood Drive in front of 268 Summer Street. Please sign up for an appointment from 8:30am to 2pm if you are able to give blood. 

4/27: RESILIENT MOAKLEY PARK CONNECTORS SITE WALK from 10am to 12pm at 165 WILLIAM J DAY BLVD. Join the City of Boston Environment Department, City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority onsite to hear about the project and how it connects to ongoing and future work in the area. Learn about the goals of the coastal flood protection work and tell us what you think about the location, including safety (heat, traffic, etc.), accessibility (ease of crossing) and programming (either informal or formal). Rain date 5/4.

Comment Deadlines

4/26: 232 A Street Planned Development Area #69 draft amendment and PDA Master Plan draft amendment comment deadline. 

4/30: Reminder- MassDEP Climate Resilience Draft Regulations for Waterways (Chapter 91) and Wetlands comment deadline.

  • Send Waterways Resilience comments to dep.waterways@mass.gov with Waterways Resilience Comments in the subject line.
  • Send Wetlands Resilience comments to dep.wetlands@mass.gov with Wetlands-401 Resilience Comments in the subject 

Monday, February 05, 2024

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