Monday, January 13, 2025

Fort Point Landmarks January 2025 Public Meeting

Updated 1/13/25: The Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission's January meeting date is rescheduled to Jan 23rd after the original Jan 9th meeting had to be cancelled due to a lack of quorum. Zoom link is updated below.

THE FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION
will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, January 23, 2025
6:00 PM

This hearing will be held virtually and NOT in person. 
You can participate in this hearing by going to the Zoom meeting link 
or by calling 929-436-2866 and entering meeting id 954 0455 8097# You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 25.0466 FPC  332 CONGRESS STREET 
Applicant: Daniel Brennan 
Proposed Work: Replace single entry door with (2) two 36” wide wood/glass doors; Replace two fixed windows with accordion style operable windows; Paint pilasters, portion of cornice, and entry doors; Install (3) three sconce light fixtures; Install blade sign at far left pilaster; Install individual letter signage affixed to an LED raceway Center on two windows; install vinyl window decals at entry door. Continued from the 12/12/24 Public Hearing.

APP # 25.0521 FPC 259-267 SUMMER STREET 
Applicant: Adam Burns
Proposed Work: As part of the larger office-to-residential conversion project, the proposed scope of work includes selective updates to the southern façade, replacing one column of masonry window infills with historic windows spanning floors 1-8 and one column of louvers with Juliet balconies onfloors 2-8. The applicant will also remove the infill of three at-grade windows and replace them with historic windows. Additional work includes constructing a roof deck and extending the existing headhouse to provide secondary rooftop egress, both designed to remain non-visible from Summer and Melcher Streets. Lastly, rooftop mechanicals will be replaced with updated infrastructure, designed and confirmed to be non-visible from surrounding streets.

II. RATIFICATION OF 12/12/24 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

II.  STAFF UPDATES

IV. PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 7:30 PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION
Members: David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, Vacancy, Vacancy, Vacancy
Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Raber Umphenour
 

Originally published 12/23/24

Wednesday, January 08, 2025

Boston Public Schools Recommends Closure of Excel High School

A message from Lydia Poleski, our South Boston liaison regarding the the Boston Public Schools (BPS) recommendation to close Excel High School. 

Yesterday, BPS shared recommendations for select closures and mergers impacting a total of 6 schools including Excel, identified through a rigorous, transparent, data-driven, process: 

  • This includes 2 high school closures, 1 elementary school closure, 1 merger of two elementary schools, and the conversion of 1 high school from a degree-granting school into a program.

  • These recommendations will be presented to the Boston School Committee on January 22, 2025. We expect the School Committee to vote on these proposals in March/April 2025.

Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper recently shared that the current Excel High School building is in need of capital investments, which the district plans to make after the 2025-2026 school year with the vision of bringing an anchor high school back to the neighborhood. 


What does this mean for our neighborhood and students? The vision is to have a fully enrolled high school in the next few years that will be sought out by students and families and delivers the High Quality Student Experience, including early college and career pathways, robust academic programming and a range of extracurriculars–all important pieces in building a strong school community. Excel’s current building has excellent potential and a beautiful WWI memorial in the lobby, which will be preserved alongside the modernization work throughout the learning spaces allowing us to develop programming that best serves our students.


How will this closure impact current Excel High School students in South Boston?

  • Current 12th graders who are eligible to graduate will graduate in 2025, and current 11th graders will transition to 12th grade and then will be eligible to graduate next year. BPS will cap new enrollment at 9th grade starting in Fall 2025.

  • Though the building is in poor condition, it shows great potential to support a high-quality student experience. The building is currently being scoped for a decarbonization project through Renew Boston Trust. We are committed to maintaining an anchor high school in South Boston.


The Long-Term Facilities Plan is available for community members to review. BPS has evaluated all schools in the District based on the public Decision-Making Data Framework. The data framework is described here, and all data is publicly available here


If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Boston Public Schools for further information at BPS Helpline at 617-635-8873 or capitalplanning@bostonpublicschools.org.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

In the New Year Become The Help Until Help Arrives - Postponed!

update 12/31/24: Due to a limited number of registrations, we will be cancelling this training and look forward to scheduling a new training later in 2025. 

FPNA is partnering up with the City’s Office of Emergency Management to provide free hybrid emergency skill-based training for neighborhood residents. 

With the fresh start of a new year, you'll learn skills that can be used to respond to life-threatening emergency situations until emergency responders arrive. The classes will teach CPR, techniques to stop serious bleeding and basic life saving procedures as well as how to administer Narcan.

There will be two training sessions: the first session is virtual on January 6, 2025 and then you can select one of the two in-person sessions offered on January 7th or January 14th held in the CRISPR lobby at 105 W First Street. All sessions run from 6pm to 8:30pm and are open to South Boston residents 18 years old or older on a first come, first serve basis.

 

originally published 12/323/24

Monday, December 30, 2024

Happenings About The Neighborhood This Week

updated 12/30/24 the Abutters meeting recording for Revival Cafe + Kitchen.

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

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

12/17: Representative David Biele’s Toy 🧸 Drive 🚘 for Southie children, from #NeighborsToNeighbors. Please donate a toy if you can and enjoy some holiday cheer at Amhreins (40 W Broadway) from 5:30pm to 7pm

12/18: Abutters Meeting for Revival Cafe + Kitchen at 7:30pm. The applicant is requesting a Common Victualler License to operate at 15 Necco St. The cafe will be adjacent to the Community Work Lounge. All are welcome to attend. View meeting recording.

As a reminder, Wormwood Park is closed for repairs. The weather caused some delays. We are waiting a revised opening date.  View details. 

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Chapter 91 & Article 80 About The Neighborhood

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

CHAPTER 91 PUBLIC MEETINGS as posted in the MEPA Monitor

  • 12/5: One Harbor Shore Drive, Fan Pier Parcel H, Public Meeting at 6pm In accordance with Consolidated Written Determination (CWD) W02-0404-N issued 11/21/02 for the construction and maintenance of a 14-story mixed-use building (and a one-story mechanical penthouse) to be constructed above an existing previously authorized 3-level underground parking facility (License No. 13634). The proposed building will include residential, lobby, retail, restaurant/cafΓ©, and civic/cultural space on the ground floor, dedicated civic/cultural space on the 2nd floor, and residential uses on floors 3 through 14; and completion of remaining public realm improvements within the Fan Pier Development. The project will be the final building to be licensed under the CWD.  Enter 24-WWAR-0104-APP in the record id field of the EEA Portal. Public Comment Deadline:  January 8, 2025 
  • 12/10: 244-284 A Street, Fort Point Channel, Public Meeting at 2pm for three (3) Chapter 91 Waterways Licenses in accordance with the Consolidated Written Determination (CWD) No. 23-WW16-0001-APP issued on April 25, 2024 for the construction of the Channelside East Development Area including a R&D/Lab Office building (G6), Necco Street Park, and Necco Street Extension in and on Filled Commonwealth Tidelands. Enter 24-WWAR-0110-APP, 24-WWAR-0112-APP, and 24-WWAR0113-APP in the EEA Portal. View East Development Area hearing presentation. Public Comment Deadline: January 6, 2025
  • 12/10: 244-284 A Street, Fort Point Channel, Public Meeting at 6pm will cover the same information as the 2pm public meeting.  View East Development Area presentationPublic Comment Deadline: January 6, 2025
  • 12/16: 244-284 A St at 12pm for the remaining five (5) Chapter 91 Waterways Licenses in accordance with the Consolidated Written Determination, for the construction of the Channelside West Development Area including a residential building (G4), a commercial/mixed-use building (G5), associated Fort Point Channel Park, Waterfront Open Space, and below-grade parking garage in and on Filled Commonwealth Tidelands. Enter 24-WWAR-0107-APP, 24-WWAR-0108-APP, 24-WWAR-0109APP, 24-WWAR-0111-APP, and 24-WWAR-0114-AP in the record id field of the EEA Portal. View West Development Area presentation.  Public Comment Deadline: January 6, 2025. 
  • 12/16: 244-284 A Street Public Meeting at 6pm will cover the same information as the 12pm public meeting. View West Development Area presentationPublic Comment Deadline: January 6, 2025

ARTICLE 80
12/15: Action Plan to Improve Boston’s Development Review Process (Article 80) comments and
 survey deadline. Help shape the future of community engagement and development project mitigation. 
originally published 12.5.24

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Wormwood Park Closure For Repairs Starting Monday

Attention Wormwood Park Visitors πŸ§πŸ»πŸ§‍♀️πŸ•‍🦺

Wormwood Park (Wormwood & A Streets) will be closed starting Monday, December 16th for 7-10 days while USPS replaces pavers on the pathway. 

Please make alternative plans during the park closure. Have you visited A Street Park (between Richards & W. 1st Streets) or Binford Park (Channel end of Binford Street)?

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Fort Point Landmarks December 2024 Public Meeting

updated 12/11/24 with presentations.  


THE FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION
will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, December 12, 2024
6:00 PM

This hearing will be held virtually and NOT in person. 
You can participate in this hearing by going to the Zoom meeting link 
or by calling 929-436-2866 and entering meeting id 926 9586 2880# You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 25.0377 FPC  253 SUMMER STREET 
Applicant: Elizabeth Davis
Proposed Work: Updated design for installation of scrims at windows and entry door. Continued from the 11/14/24 FPCLDC public hearing. 

APP # 25.0468 FPC 30 THOMSON PLACE
Applicant: Nate Turner
Proposed Work: Installation of exterior signage for the Sally's Apizza restaurant. Signage to include a horizontal lit element, blade sign and lit menu board

APP # 25.0466 FPC  332 CONGRESS STREET 
Applicant: Daniel Brennan
Proposed Work: Facade update including: Replace single entry door with (2) two 36” wide wood/glass doors; Replace two fixed windows with accordion style operable windows; Fabricate pilasters to match existing and install to at each end of the building on first floor; Install wood panels with interior frames under the two windows at the storefront; Paint pilasters, panels under windows, portion of cornice, and entry doors; Install (3) three sconce light fixtures, one on each pilaster; Install blade sign at far left pilaster; Install individual letter signage affixed to an LED raceway Center on two windows.

II.  ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL

APP # 25.0467 FPC 320 CONGRESS STREET: Install one double faced blade sign at the exterior of the building.

III. RATIFICATION OF 10/10/24 & 11/14/24 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

III.  STAFF UPDATES

IV. PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 7:15 PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION
Members: David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, Vacancy, Vacancy, Vacancy
Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Raber Umphenour
 

originally posted 12.03.24

Monday, December 09, 2024

Pastoral To Open The Sub Shop December 11th

A message from our Pastoral Neighbors

A fresh twist on lunchtime favorites is coming to Fort Point. The Sub Shop at Pastoral is a creative pop-up concept inside Pastoral that will officially open on Wednesday, December 11th, at 345 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02115.

Serving lunch from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Wednesday through Saturday (or until sold out), this casual counter-service experience reimagines classic submarine sandwiches with bold flavors, house-baked sub rolls, all crafted with care. Take-out and dining room options are both available.
 


Signature subs include:
  • Gunpowder Steak and Cheese – A bold take on the classic steak and cheese, finished with creamy Alabama white sauce.
     
  • Spicy Calabrian Chicken – Crispy, fiery chicken paired with flavors that pack a punch.
     
  • Italian - prosciutto, mortadella, toscano salami, provolone, homemade hots, shredduce, tomato, sub sauce
Perfect for local residents, nearby workers, and visitors exploring Fort Point, The Sub Shop combines what everyone loves about subs (quick, easy, and delicious) with what Boston diners and foodies have come to expect from Pastoral: innovative and handcrafted excellence.
 
“Pastoral has been a go-to for my family and business for dinners and catered events for the last decade – knowing once again that there’s a high-quality go-to lunch option here is very exciting.” Ari Hauben, Creative & Founder, Button Factory & longtime resident.
 
Join us for the opening and claim your spot at Boston’s newest lunch hotspot. But act fast—these subs are available until we sell out!
 
Stay in the loop for menu sneak peeks and updates by following us on Instagram: @thesubshopatpastoral
 
For questions, contact: thesubshop@pastoralfortpoint.com
 
Looking forward to welcoming you to The Sub Shop at Pastoral!
 
Warm regards,
 
The Pastoral Team

A Ship Lighting, An Amphitheater, Paperclips, A Yeti, A Trolley & More Are Coming Your Way

updated 12/9/24 with 244-284 A Street (Channelside) Public Parks Workshop #2 recording and presentation. 

What do a ship lighting, an amphitheater, paperclips, a yeti and a trolley have in common? They are all happening in, around and about our neighborhood. 

This Saturday (11/30) is the 4th annual Lighting of the Ship at Martin’s Park from 4pm to 6pm. Don't miss Santa's arrival by boat from the Fort Point Channel with the help of the Boston  Harbor Police Unit.

  

December 2: 244-284 A Street (Channelside) Public Parks Workshop #2 at 6pm featuring the amphitheater at the waterfront Fort Point Park. Hosted by Related Beal, Boston Parks Dept., and the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture.  View presentation and meeting recording by scrolling down to the bottom of Fort Point Related Beal.

December 5: South Boston Christmas Stroll, Shop, Dine & Splurge, starting at 4pm.The Stroll will feature Santa Claus riding on an antique fire truck followed by an up-and-coming MusicBall singer. 

December 5: The 249 A Street Artists Cooperative cordially invites you to the opening of PAPERCLIPS, a Holiday Exhibit of (mostly) Works on Paper, from 6pm to 8pm at the Gallery at 249 A. Discover unique gifts of original artwork under $200 plus ornaments and stocking stuffers at $25 or less. Paperclips is open by appointment by contacting fortpointstudio@gmail.com through January 4, 2025. 


December 6: Light Up Seaport celebrates the season with holiday tunes, a celeb appearance by Betty the Yeti, and more from 6pm to 9pm at 85 Northern Ave.

December 7 & 8: 2nd Annual Christmas & Holiday Market at The LOT from 12-8pm and 12-6pm.

December 8: Mayor Wu's Enchanted Trolley Tour will be bringing holiday spirit to kids big and small at Medal of Honor Park at 2pm. Don't miss the lighting of tree, Mayor Wu, and Santa too. Starting at 1:30pm, enjoy hot chocolate, holiday crafts and music, and gingerbread decorating. 


originally published 11.26.24

It’s Time For A Boston Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study Update

Attend a City of Boston and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study Update Information Sessions, to discover how South Boston's Coastal Resilience (Climate Ready) priority long term coastal resilience recommendations are integrated into the study. The feasibility study is a long term, comprehensive effort and the City anticipates it will be complete in the Spring of 2028. Starting next year, the Study will begin to explore those approaches and recommended solutions for public feedback.  

In advance of those conversations, USACE and the City is hosting a set of sessions to provide context for the work ahead.  During these three sessions, USACE and the City will focus on sharing information on this Study’s goals, timeline, and deliverables, providing space for comments and questions.

Pick the session that best fits your schedule. The recording of one of the presentations will be posted on the City’s project page. If you have questions, comments or would like to learn more, please email climateready@boston.gov.

Dates and times:
Tuesday, 10 December- 6pm-7:30pm: Tuesday Zoom Link
Thursday, 12 December- 12pm-1:30pm: Thursday Zoom Link
Saturday, 14 December- 9am-10:30am: Saturday Zoom Link

Other Resources
City of Boston and USACE Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Feasibility Study kick off in February 2023 and February 2024 status update.
Coastal Resilience Project Tracker to discover the City's current efforts to mitigate and adapt to coastal flooding in your harborside neighborhood.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Where Do You Want To See Blue Bikes?

updated 11/19/24 with November 14th meeting recording.

BLUEBIKES EXPANSION

The City of Boston is adding new Bluebikes stations to every neighborhood in Boston. During this phase, we are focused on South Boston, South Boston Waterfront, East Boston, and Charlestown. We have 28 potential sites for 7-14 new stations in South Boston and South Boston Waterfront. We want to hear from residents which sites would be best for the neighborhood.


Three ways to give feedback:


1. Attend an upcoming open house

  • Open House - South Boston

    • Thursday, November 7th, 6 - 8 p.m. 

    • Tynan School, 650 E 4th St, South Boston

    • View meeting recording courtesy of South Boston Beat



2. Take the online survey at boston.gov/bike-share-survey now through November 30th. 


3. Email the City at bikeshare@boston.gov


Learn more and sign up for the email list at boston.gov/bike-share-expansion.

originally published 11.07.24

Looking To Get More Involved In Your Neighborhood?

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more details, view the docket.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 UPCOMING DEADLINES

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

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

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

November 30: Blue Bike Station Expansion survey due.

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

originally posted 11.12.24