Channel Center Park Meeting Tues

NEW CHANNEL CENTER PARK

Follow Up Meeting

 

The BRA,

 Boston Parks Department

With   

Commonwealth Ventures &

Halvorson Design

Is hosting a Follow Up to the

Planning & Design Charette

For the New Channel Center Park

 TUESDAY FEBRUARY 26^th

6:00 PM

10 Channel Center

2nd floor

Tavern Road Sign Goes Up

Fort Point continues to get more delicious...

Snow Update from City of Boston

CITY OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Office of the Mayor

Thomas M. Menino

For Immediate Release:                                                For More Information Contact:

Monday, February 11, 2013                                                     Press Office, 617-635-4461

Clean-up Efforts Continue in Boston

Boston Public Schools Closed Tuesday, February 12

Parking Ban & Snow Emergency Remains in Effect

Mayor Thomas M. Menino this afternoon was briefed by his snow team on continued clean-up efforts in the City of Boston. Boston Public Schools will be closed tomorrow and all Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for parents to bring their children. The Parking Ban and Snow Emergency remain in effect.

“The safety of our students comes first, and schools will remain closed as our snow removal crews work through the night and tomorrow to clear side streets and widen bus routes,” Mayor Menino said. “While the Snow Emergency and Parking Ban remain in effect, I’m continuing to urge drivers to stay off the roads. Anyone traveling into Boston tomorrow should use public transportation.”

All BCYF Community Centers Open Tomorrow

All BCYF community centers will open tomorrow to offer a warm and safe place for youth age six and older while their parents work, with the exception of the BCYF Archdale Community Center and the BCYF Flaherty Pool, currently under construction.  All youth are welcome but children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at drop-off for the completion of a short intake form. A full list of locations is available at www.cityofboston.gov/BCYF/facilities/. BCYF’s two outdoor pools, BCYF Clougherty Pool and BCYF Mirabella Pool, will also remain closed.

Boston Public Schools’ Family Resource Center, Newcomers Assessment Center, Campbell Resource Center and BPS administrative offices at 26 Court St. will be open tomorrow.

Snow Removal Strike Force to Work Through Evening

Clean-up efforts will continue through the night and into tomorrow. Snow Removal Strike Force teams, comprised of members of the Boston Public Works Department, Boston Transportation Department, Boston Police Department, and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, were deployed throughout the City today to remove piles of snow from roadways and intersections. That work will also continue through the evening.

Photo opportunities for press include (Press should contact Press Office to coordinate on locations/timing):

·         A snow thrower on loan from Massport is working through the night on American Legion Highway

·         Snow melting machines on loan from Massport will work through the night at the intersection of Boylston and Charles Street, and at Forest Hills

·         Harrison Avenue, from Kneeland Street to Marginal Road

·         Washington Street, from Forest Hills to Egleston Square

·         Columbia Road, from Uphams Corner to Blue Hill Avenue

The City is currently utilizing four snow farms, including at Marine Industrial Park, Reservation Road in Hyde Park and Columbus Avenue, next to 1542 Columbus.

The Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline is fully staffed and continues to experience heavy call volume, receiving more than 25,000 calls since the start of the storm. Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the Hotline at 617-635-4500. Residents can also request services and find snow information online at www.cityofboston.gov/snow.

Safety Remains A Concern

The City is asking residents to continue to stay off the roads when at all possible. Drivers should continue to proceed with extreme caution if they must drive, paying special attention to increased numbers of pedestrians. Side streets are narrow, making the passage of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions problematic. Large piles of plowed snow at intersections present visibility issues.

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that results from combustion and can quickly become fatal. Boston EMS has already seen several cases of CO poisoning as people shovel out their cars while having them turned on. Residents should clear snow and debris away from mufflers before starting the car. Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, nausea, headache, lethargy and vomiting. Carbon monoxide can also result from snow covered external vents. Major home appliances such as the clothes dryer and furnace vent air and gases outside. Check the vents around your home and make sure the area is clear of snow and debris. If you are using a generator, make sure it is far enough away to vent air and gases away from the home.

Snow Emergency

While a snow emergency is in effect, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. Mayor Menino urges everyone to use public transportation when traveling.

Mayor Menino also reminds residents of the following:

·         Older residents or those with health conditions should refrain from shoveling this heavy snow.

·         During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. These streets are posted with “Tow Zone - No Parking During Snow Emergency” signs.

·         A listing of major arteries and alternate parking can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/.

·         On streets other than major arteries, do not park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the curb, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows.

·         Parking space savers must be removed no more than 48 hours after a snow emergency is lifted. The City’s Department of Public Works will remove space savers left out beyond this period.

·         Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.

·         Shovel out fire hydrants, catch basins and pedestrian ramps close to your home.

·         Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut their homes and businesses and any handicapped ramps close to your homes or business.

·         Please check on elderly neighbors and others in need.

·         For additional snow and cold weather safety tips, please visit www.cityofboston.gov/snow

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers.  Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program for access to other important storm-related information. For more information, visit http://cityofboston.gov/snow

The City's Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 911.

To receive notifications about emergencies from the City, register for the Alert Boston network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/alertboston/.  You can also follow @NotifyBoston on Twitter.

###

 

Photos of the Blizzard

A St.

Lucky's has some shovelling to do..

  

City of Boston Blizzard Update

CITY OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Office of the Mayor

Thomas M. Menino

For Immediate Release:                                                        For More Information Contact:

Saturday, February 9, 2013                                                    Press Office, 617-635-4461

City of Boston Blizzard Update

Mayor Menino Thanks Residents for Heeding the Word to Stay Home During the Blizzard of 2013, Reminds Everyone that Much Work Remains

Mayor Thomas M. Menino met twice this morning with his Snow Team to assess the continuing winter storm and blizzard and is pleased with the efforts of city departments and residents who stayed home, stayed off the streets, and stayed safe during this historic snowstorm.

“We’re halfway there,” Mayor Menino said. “Our crews have been out there, non-stop, and our residents have listened to the early warnings to stay home and stay off the roads. We’re not out of the woods yet. Right now, it’s critical that residents continue to work with us and let the crews have full access to the streets.”

A Snow Emergency and Parking Ban remain in effect. Public Works crews are out in full force, but it will take significant time, even after the snow stops this afternoon, to clear every roadway. It is vital that residents continue to stay off the roads and let the process run its course.

·         A Snow Emergency and Parking Ban Remain in Effect

·         All City buildings are closed Saturday

·         Boston Public Works has nearly 600 pieces of equipment on city streets

·         1,350 tons of salt had been spread as of 7 a.m. Saturday, with much more salt being dumped as plowing progresses and the snowfall slows

·         Boston Police, Fire, and EMS continue to have additional staff and vehicles on duty

·         As of 7:45 a.m., NStar reported that 9 customers are without power citywide

·         As of 9 a.m., there were no roads blocked due to downed trees

The Mayor’s Hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500. The hotline has staff on hand to field any possible increase in calls due to the storm.

Snow Emergency

While a snow emergency is in effect, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. Mayor Menino urges everyone to use public transportation when traveling. Residents are reminded to remain at home throughout the duration of this snow event and businesses tomorrow should consider asking employees to work from home.

Mayor Menino also reminds residents of the following:

·         Older residents or those with health conditions should refrain from shoveling this heavy wet snow.

·         During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. These streets are posted with “Tow Zone - No Parking During Snow Emergency” signs.

·         A listing of major arteries and alternate parking can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/.

·         On streets other than major arteries, do not park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the curb, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows.

·         Parking space savers must be removed no more than 48 hours after a snow emergency is lifted. The City’s Department of Public Works will remove space savers left out beyond this period.

·         Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.

·         Shovel out fire hydrants, catch basins and pedestrian ramps close to your home.

·         Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut their homes and businesses and any handicapped ramps close to your homes or business.

·         Please check on elderly neighbors and others in need.

·         For additional snow and cold weather safety tips, please visit www.cityofboston.gov/snow

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers.  Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program for access to other important storm-related information. For more information, visit http://cityofboston.gov/snow

The City's Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 911.

To receive notifications about emergencies from the City, register for the Alert Boston network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/alertboston/.  You can also follow @NotifyBoston on Twitter.

                                                                       ###

Cupcake Pop-Up at Social Wines

From Social Wines: 

---

Kickass Cupcakes will take over the tasting room on Valentine’s Day from 5PM to 8PM. These are not the cupcakes you brought to school as a kid (if you did the 3rd grade would have been a lot more fun!) Kickass Cupcakes bakes every day in small batches with the freshest ingredients and no artificial flavors, no trans fats, no hydrogenated oils or preservatives. Just real-ingredient cupcakes with a “spiked” twist. Some of their creations include:  

Ltd. Edition The Sammy - Chocolate cupcake, beer ganache center, Sam Adams cream stout icing drizzled with caramel

Caramel Mochiatto - chocolate cupcake, caramel center and mocha frosting topped with chocolate covered espresso beans. Because we asked nicely they’re making a special cupcake only available at Social Wines - made with South Boston’s local distillery's FirePuncher Vodka!

Social Wines
52 West Broadway St
Boston, MA 02210

Blue Dragon Progress

Blue Dragon gets a coat of paint and a weathervane:

Hotels on D Street Mtg, Mon, 1/14

 “D StreetHotels”

South Boston

COMMUNITY MEETING

The

 Boston Redevelopment Authority & the MCCA/BCEC

Will Be Presenting the Plans for  New Hotels along D Street

Monday January 14th

6:30 to 8:00 PM

@

The BCEC / Room 154

(Convention Center)

TODAY: Fort Point Stroll and FPAC Holiday Sale

This weekend (Fri, Sat, and Sun) is FPAC's annual holiday sale and today is the Fort Point Stroll:

Fort Point Arts Community Holiday Sale
Opening Reception: Friday, December 14th, 5-8pm
Midway Studios, 15 Channel Center Street

Holiday Sale: Saturday and Sunday  11am-4pm

FREE TO THE PUBLIC
FREE PARKING

http://www.fortpointarts.org/open-studios/holiday-sale/

Fort Point Holiday Stroll

Friday, Dec 14th, 4-8pm

 

Neighborhood businesses will be open for a unique evening of shopping, with special offers, discounts, and holiday treats for all.

Stops include:

A Street Frames, 251 A Street
-$25.00 gift certificate for custom framing

Accidental Gallery, 300 Summer Street
-Decorate your own ornament and refreshments by Channel Café

Barlow’s Restaurant, 241 A Street
- Complimentary cup of clam chowder

Barrington Coffee, 346 Congress Street (4-7pm)
- Free small drip coffee or decaf
– Free hot cocoa if you are shorter than the oxcart wheel

Bob’s Your Uncle, 25 Channel Center
 -Susy Pilgrim Waters Opening Reception 

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Congress Street Bridge
- Complimentary hot tea and cookies (one per guest)

Channel Fitness, 303 Congress Street
-Stop by to pick up a free 1 week pass

Flour Bakery and Café, 12 Farnsworth Street
-mini gingerbread cakes

Fort Point Framers, 300 Summer Street
-Bring your digital file for a free high-quality
8×10” print! Refreshments by Channel Café

Fort Point Market, 369 Congress Street
-Wine and Patron tasting

Front, 25 Channel Center
-Discount on select items

Drink, 348 Congress Street
-Hot Beverages

Made in Fort Point, 30 Channel Center
-Made in Fort Point, The FPAC Store: 10% off any one item
-Floral Lab: Free paper white lily in a glass kit ($10 retail value) for the first 10 customers who spend $25 on a Floral Lab item

Menton, 354 Congress Street
-$50 coupon valid from January – end of February

Midway Studios, 15 Channel Center Street
-Opening Reception for “RED PLATFORM” 5-8 p.m.
-Fort Point Arts Community Holiday Sale Preview:
25 artists selling jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, photography, holiday decorations and cards, and more

Sportello, 348 Congress Street
- free delicious pastries

Tavern Road (New restaurant , 343 Congress Street
-Warm beverages from Tavern Road (while supplies last)

The Barking Crab, 88 Sleeper Street
-Eggnog White Russian featured drink $10

Twelve Chairs, 319 A Street
-Come rock around the 10′ Christmas tree at the holiday party

Reception at Bob's Your Uncle Gallery this Friday

A message from Michele Yeeles:

I hope you can join us this Friday 4-8pm with the talented Susy Pilgrim Waters for her reception at Bob's Your Uncle Gallery. 

It's also Friends of Fort Point's Holiday Stroll and FPAC's Holiday Sale (the holiday sale is also on Saturday and Sunday 11-4. Susy's show and Front will open 11-4 over the weekend too). 

It's a great weekend to shop, sip and stroll around Fort Point. Hope to see you!

Made in Fort Point Re-Opening Party Tonight

 

 Please join us this evening, Thursday, December 6th, to celebrate Made in Fort Point's NEW location, from 5-8pm. 

 

Enjoy complimentary refreshments, including a tasting with new Fort Pointers Trillium Brewing, and samplings of Bow & Sparrow cookies.

 

Meet the makers, mingle, and get a jump on your holiday shopping.

 

30 Channel Center Street

corner of A and Mt. Washington Streets

just past Barlow's Restaurant

 

http://www.fortpointarts.org/posts/made-in-fort-point/

 

 

Ground Floor Retail in Boston

Boston Magazine writer Paul McMorrow has an interesting article on the design of the financial district called The Empty Quarter.  It looks at how the design and planning of the financial district has caused it's recent emptying out.  I think it's relevant to Fort Pointers, given developers here have been pushing to have projects which follow the same pattern McMorrow argues caused the current emptiness of the financial district:

In other words, no one back then was worrying about what it was like to walk the city blocks, or whether there were enough first-floor retail spaces to engage the people who worked above. As a result, Financial District towers have huge empty lobbies and no amenities. Without life at the pedestrian level, these behemoths turn a cold, blank face to the neighboring sidewalks, making the prospect of walking among them a miserable experience. That fact goes a long way toward explaining why chicken-salad shops and falafel stands are the only food offerings here—workers just grab a sandwich and then run back inside.

The banks that built the Financial District abandoned it long ago, taking their lower-level office jobs with them to the suburbs, or even overseas. The knowledge industries that have replaced finance as the city’s main economic driver depend on attracting young, mobile, urban-minded workers. And that has put the Financial District at a competitive disadvantage when companies look for office space in Boston.
...

Why should we care? Cities feed off vibrant downtowns, and cities that matter have downtowns that matter. Downtown rot metastasizes: Whether it’s in Detroit or the blocks around the pit that was once Filene’s, dark, dysfunctional blocks chase pedestrians away, driving businesses out in the process. Blight spreads, while money chases money. That’s why Kevin White poured his energies into raising the Financial District’s office towers, and why the mess on the former Filene’s site on Washington Street generated howls from Charlestown to Mattapan. A city can’t claim to be world class if it’s hollow at the core.

 

Read the full article here:
 http://www.bostonmagazine.com/articles/2012/11/empty-financial-district-boston/