The BRA announces the approval of the 319 A Rear project:
$150million Residential Project Approved in Boston’s Innovation District
BRA board approved a $150million, residential project at 319 A Street Rear -bringing new rental housing to Boston’s Innovation District. 319 A Street Rear will be a 268,500 square-foot, 21-story, 180 foot-tall building that will be home to 184 new rental apartments. The building will be the first rental building built as part of the City’s Innovation District. Located in the heart of the Fort Point Channel this redevelopment will support of the Innovation District, through the creation of twenty-seven “innovation housing” units at 63 Melcher Street. The innovation housing units are intended for individuals whose income is too high to qualify for formally restricted affordable housing units but who are often priced out of the housing market. The innovation units are a smaller unit type that have a flexible layout and have access to a shared common area.
319 A Street Rear will also include nineteen affordable housing units and five affordable artist live/work units located at 63 Melcher Street. Construction is set to begin in 3rd quarter 2011 with an estimated completion date in the 3rd quarter 2013. 319 A Street Rear will be developed by Archon Group, L.P. and Goldman Properties. This project will create 200 construction jobs and 30 permanent jobs.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Winter Solstice Art Celebration at BCEC tomorrow (12/16)
First Annual Winter Solstice Art Celebration
December 16, 2010
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
300 Summer StreetBoston, MA 02210
Showcasing our Neighborhood Artists from:
Artists for Humanity
Fort Point Arts Community
South Boston Arts Association
The Distillery Studios
http://www.southbostonartsassoc.org/winter%20solstice%20invite.pdf
December 16, 2010
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
300 Summer StreetBoston, MA 02210
Showcasing our Neighborhood Artists from:
Artists for Humanity
Fort Point Arts Community
South Boston Arts Association
The Distillery Studios
http://www.southbostonartsassoc.org/winter%20solstice%20invite.pdf
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Summary of Channel Center Mtgs
From Cam Sawzin:
--
There have been two Community meetings about this next phase of the
development of Channel Center. Below, a quick outline of some points
raised:
General positive feedback was expressed about the decision to preserve
the buildings slated for demolition at 5, 7 and 9 Channel Center Street
and that changes the location of parking. From what I understood, Iron
Street is now going to be where it is currently and the parking will be
about 20 feet further away. The park is larger which is great, and there
were many other related project changes discussed.
There was concern about how mitigation money would be spent because
there was some question about using this money for one project for all
of South Boston which was a surprise. The impact advisory group had
looked at social and cultural problems created by development and BRA
was negotiating a cooperation agreement with the developers. How much
money and how would it be spent is an issue. We are hoping for multiple
projects for Fort Point, which is most affected. We are lucky to have
such a committed and well informed IAG committee advocating for this
neighborhood.
Permanent community/cultural space was expected by the community, but
which was not legally binding in the agreement and currently not being
offered. Concern was expressed that there was not enough room for
artists in the project and it was offered on the 2nd or third interior
to the block.
Parking pressure will be created by the projects and the btd mitigation
on Medallion Way behind Channel Center for resident parking is even
more important. Traffic safety is a current issue. There will be a
10,000 contribution towards installation of a conduit from A Melcher
Street signal to a future A Street Binford A Street signal as well as
other A Street improvements.
If anyone who attended the meeting has other comments, clarifications,
corrections and additions they would be most welcome!
Best,
Cam Sawzin
--
There have been two Community meetings about this next phase of the
development of Channel Center. Below, a quick outline of some points
raised:
General positive feedback was expressed about the decision to preserve
the buildings slated for demolition at 5, 7 and 9 Channel Center Street
and that changes the location of parking. From what I understood, Iron
Street is now going to be where it is currently and the parking will be
about 20 feet further away. The park is larger which is great, and there
were many other related project changes discussed.
There was concern about how mitigation money would be spent because
there was some question about using this money for one project for all
of South Boston which was a surprise. The impact advisory group had
looked at social and cultural problems created by development and BRA
was negotiating a cooperation agreement with the developers. How much
money and how would it be spent is an issue. We are hoping for multiple
projects for Fort Point, which is most affected. We are lucky to have
such a committed and well informed IAG committee advocating for this
neighborhood.
Permanent community/cultural space was expected by the community, but
which was not legally binding in the agreement and currently not being
offered. Concern was expressed that there was not enough room for
artists in the project and it was offered on the 2nd or third interior
to the block.
Parking pressure will be created by the projects and the btd mitigation
on Medallion Way behind Channel Center for resident parking is even
more important. Traffic safety is a current issue. There will be a
10,000 contribution towards installation of a conduit from A Melcher
Street signal to a future A Street Binford A Street signal as well as
other A Street improvements.
If anyone who attended the meeting has other comments, clarifications,
corrections and additions they would be most welcome!
Best,
Cam Sawzin
Monday, December 06, 2010
Channel Center IAG Followup
A letter from the BRA's Kristen Kara. Attachments are embedded below. Note the meeting times:
--
As a follow up to Monday night's Channel Center Impact Advisory Group (IAG) Meeting, attached, please find the Community Benefits Chart, which has been updated, as well as the IAG's 2001 comment letter. The IAG requested that their comment letter be shared with the attendees from the IAG meeting as well as the attendees of the November 15, 2010 BRA-sponsored community meeting.
Also, Mike Casey, the IAG member who is no longer active on the IAG, was nominated by the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). ONS will nominate a new individual to replace Mike Casey on the IAG.
Please note that the BRA Board Meeting on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 will begin at 4PM instead of at 5:30PM. The time change is due to the large number of agenda items. Therefore, the public hearing regarding this phase of the Channel Center Project will be at 4PM. BRA Board Meetings are held on the 9th floor of City Hall, in Room 900/BRA Board Room. Everyone is welcome to attend and speak at this hearing.
And, as mentioned at the IAG meeting, there will be a public hearing for this phase of the Channel Center Project at the Boston Zoning Commission (BZC) on Wednesday, December 15, 2010. The BZC meeting will begin at 9AM. BZC hearings are held on the 9th floor of City Hall, in Room 900/BRA Board Room. Everyone is welcome to attend and speak at this hearing.
Thank you.
Best,
Kristin
Kristin Kara
Senior Project Manager
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Phone: 617-918-4263
Fax: 617-742-7783
--
--
As a follow up to Monday night's Channel Center Impact Advisory Group (IAG) Meeting, attached, please find the Community Benefits Chart, which has been updated, as well as the IAG's 2001 comment letter. The IAG requested that their comment letter be shared with the attendees from the IAG meeting as well as the attendees of the November 15, 2010 BRA-sponsored community meeting.
Also, Mike Casey, the IAG member who is no longer active on the IAG, was nominated by the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). ONS will nominate a new individual to replace Mike Casey on the IAG.
Please note that the BRA Board Meeting on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 will begin at 4PM instead of at 5:30PM. The time change is due to the large number of agenda items. Therefore, the public hearing regarding this phase of the Channel Center Project will be at 4PM. BRA Board Meetings are held on the 9th floor of City Hall, in Room 900/BRA Board Room. Everyone is welcome to attend and speak at this hearing.
And, as mentioned at the IAG meeting, there will be a public hearing for this phase of the Channel Center Project at the Boston Zoning Commission (BZC) on Wednesday, December 15, 2010. The BZC meeting will begin at 9AM. BZC hearings are held on the 9th floor of City Hall, in Room 900/BRA Board Room. Everyone is welcome to attend and speak at this hearing.
Thank you.
Best,
Kristin
Kristin Kara
Senior Project Manager
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Phone: 617-918-4263
Fax: 617-742-7783
--
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
FPAC Holiday Sale this weekend
Fort Point Arts Community
12th Annual Holiday Sale
December 3, 4, and 5, 2010
Friday 4-7pm
Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Opening reception: Friday, December 3rd, 5-7pm
Festive holiday snacks and refreshments
12 Farnsworth Street • Fort Point, Boston • 617-423-1100
From Secret Santa to that Someone Special, we've got you covered: find unique gifts at The Fort Point Arts Community Holiday Sale.
Participating artists include: Kristen Alexandra, Cesar Baez, Carol Bugarin, Wendy Bergman, Jennifer Chin/Lush Metals, Laura Davidson, Dawna Davis/wiredgems, Jane Deutsch, Ivan Fernandez-Gonzalez, Julia Groos, Mike Hammecker, Linda Huey, Anna Win-Leliwa, Leslie A. Miller, Danny O, Gabrielle Schaffner, Deena Schnitman Designs, Jim Shea/Shea Pottery, Andrew Woodward,
Ian Kennelly, Carrie Chang, Alys Myers, Sylvia Stagg Giuliano
Fort Point Holiday Night Tomorrow (12/2)
Kick off the holiday season:
Join us for a night of festive fun in Fort Point this Thursday, December 2nd 2010, from 4-8pm.
Twenty-five neighborhood businesses will be open for a unique evening of shopping, with special offers, discounts, and holiday treats for all.
The list of participating Fort Point and Seaport businesses are to the right, with links to their sites.
For more details, see the official website.
Globe Article on Rising Sea Levels and Southie
There's an article in the Globe on the Risks of Rising Sea Levels which includes a great map created by the Boston Harbor Association (www.tbha.org/).
Monday, November 22, 2010
Channel Center IAG Mtg, Mon. 11/29
Please be advised that a Channel Center Impact Advisory Group (“IAG”) meeting will be held on Monday, November 29, 6:30-8:00 PM, @ 10 Channel Center, 2nd floor. The purpose of the IAG meeting is to give an update on the Channel Center Project mitigation and to answer any questions about the preservation and rehabilitation of 5, 7 and 9 Channel Center.
All members of the public are welcome to attend IAG meetings.
Thank you.
Kristin Kara
Senior Project Manager
Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Phone: 617-918-4263
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
New Studio Space for South Boston Yoga
South Boston Yoga moved into its new studio last month. We caught up with co-owner David Vendetti to get the scoop on the new space.
South Boston Yoga is a diverse, hardcore fun and creative yoga collective dedicated to rockin' the Boston yoga scene.
Why did you decide to move?
Our lease was up and the decision came through that we either expand a little or make the leap to something unimaginable.
How did you choose the new space?
We choose the new space because it was raw and rough with stunning potential much like so many of us when we first start yoga.
What are some of the changes your new space has inspired?
With 4 yoga studios in one space we have been able to branch out and include Capoeira, Aerial Swings, Hot Yoga, Trance Dance, Afro Flow Yoga and Deep Tissue Massage. Plus now special events like our new years party can fit up to two hundred people.
Why did you choose the neighborhood?
Why did you choose the neighborhood?
We live in Southie and love it. The neighborhood is artistic and has a great downtown feel at the same time there are so many families and kids. Plus the Broadway T stop puts the studio only a stop away from South Station and seconds from 93 and the pike.
South Boston Yoga is located at 36 W. Broadway, directly across from the Red Line Broadway T Station and next to Teriyaki House. For the class schedule, click here.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Papagayo Opens
Papa Gayo (formerly Pappa Gallo) had their soft launch last night and is going to be fully open next weekend. They're in the space at 283 Summer St. where Persephone/Achilles used to be.
http://www.papagayoboston.com/
http://www.papagayoboston.com/
Thursday, November 04, 2010
A St. Parking Plan
At the meeting last night, the BTD discussed their initial plan for parking around A Street. The focus was on turning the unmarked spaces on Binford St. into either residential or metered with residential at night and, in general, finding ways of having more residential parking.
In addition, the BTD is working with the Post Office and hopes to turn the spaces along the fence behind the channel center into residential spaces. It would end up being about 70 spaces and would end the out-of-towners who park there (as well as the occasional airplane...). They're trying to get it done ASAP, possibly by the end of the year.
Residents argued strongly for having a Fort Point residential parking sticker. The BTD rejected the idea on the spot. Their position is that South Boston is one neighborhood and will not be separated.
The original proposal is below. They're likely to make two changes which residents recommended at the meeting:
Click to enlarge the image. Apologies for the quality, it was taken on my phone.
The red lines are for no parking permitted, the blue for residential only, and the green for meters with residential at night. The purple and yellow next to Barlow's are handicap spots and a loading zone.
In addition, the BTD is working with the Post Office and hopes to turn the spaces along the fence behind the channel center into residential spaces. It would end up being about 70 spaces and would end the out-of-towners who park there (as well as the occasional airplane...). They're trying to get it done ASAP, possibly by the end of the year.
Residents argued strongly for having a Fort Point residential parking sticker. The BTD rejected the idea on the spot. Their position is that South Boston is one neighborhood and will not be separated.
The original proposal is below. They're likely to make two changes which residents recommended at the meeting:
- Move some of the residential spots to Binford as A Street is a snow emergency and subject to towing during storms.
- Distribute the four handicap spots more evenly (currently they're all next to Barlow's).
Click to enlarge the image. Apologies for the quality, it was taken on my phone.
The red lines are for no parking permitted, the blue for residential only, and the green for meters with residential at night. The purple and yellow next to Barlow's are handicap spots and a loading zone.
Monday, November 01, 2010
A Street Traffic and Parking, Meeting Wednesday
The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services and the Boston Transportation Department invite you to a:
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
415 Summer St.
Room #101 - First Level
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
6 pm
Questions/concerns, contact: Casey Flynn-Hines in the Mayor's Office: casey.hines@cityofboston.gov
Neighborhood Meeting
The Boston Transportation Department will be presenting a traffic and parking proposal for the A Street corridor.Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
415 Summer St.
Room #101 - First Level
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
6 pm
Questions/concerns, contact: Casey Flynn-Hines in the Mayor's Office: casey.hines@cityofboston.gov
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