Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Make Your Election Plan: Early Voting Starts This Weekend

 WHO & WHAT

In the upcoming Presidential and State election, the candidates on the ballot will be for:

ELECTORS OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT, SENATOR IN CONGRESS, REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, COUNCILLOR, SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT, REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT, CLERK OF SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT,CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT (CIVIL BUSINESS), CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT (CRIMINAL BUSINESS),REGISTER OF DEEDS and REGISTER OF PROBATE (VACANCY)

View Sample Ballot for candidates to elective office plus five Ballot Questions:

QUESTION 1: State Auditor's Authority to Audit the Legislature.

QUESTION 2: Elimination of  Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Graduation Requirement 

QUESTION 3:Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers 

QUESTION 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances

QUESTION 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers 

WHEN & WHERE
Last day to register to vote or update your address for the November election is Saturday, October 26th.

Early In-person Voting (full location list) October 19th - November 1st 
In the neighborhood:
October 22: ICA (25 Harborside Drive) Theater from 12pm - 8pm 
October 26 - October 27: Condon School (200 D St) from 11am - 7pm
October 29: ICA Theater from 12pm - 8pm
At City Hall, Haymarket Room, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am - 5pm.  Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 8pm. 

Application must be received at City Hall by October 29
All ballots must reach the Boston Election office by the close of polls on Election Day to be counted.
Secure drop box option at the South Boston Public Library, the ICA on early voting days only and multiple other locations in the City

In Person Voting on November 5th
Precinct 6-11 and 6-12 vote at 1 BOSTON WHARF ROAD
Polls open at 7AM and close at 8PM

A Looks At Happenings This Week & Next

Here is a glance at what's going on this week and next. The Fort Point Arts Community's (FPAC) is celebrating 44 years. Don’t miss Fort Point Open Studios this weekend!

10/16-10/18: Climate Beacon Conference 2024: Building Better, Powering Better, Moving Better and Adapting Better at Atlantic Wharf, 280 Congress St. This is a free conference. On Thursday afternoon, the Wharf District Council will present the public/private partnership that created the district’s “Conceptual Masterplan for Climate Resilience” based upon the City’s Climate Ready.

10/17: Boston International Logan Airport, seaward of Runway 27, Flowed Tidelands Chapter 91 public meeting at 2pm. Register. Project plans and documents for this application are on file for public viewing electronically at: EEA ePLACE Public Access Portal  (enter 24-WW14-0003-APP in the “Record ID” field). If you need assistance, please contact susan.you@mass.gov, Comment deadline 11/10th.

10/18-10/20: Fort Point Open Studios is occurring around the neighborhood from the FPAC Art Spaces at the Envoy to artist studios at The Artists Building at 300 Summer Street,The Muse at 63 Melcher, 249 A Street Artists Cooperative and Midway Artist Studios at 15 Channel Center St. Buy art directly from the artists while exploring Fort Point's Historic District! Enjoy live music and more. 

10/21: 259-267 Summer Street (aka the Boston Wharf Co sign building) Public Meeting from 6-8pm. Convert existing office building to mixed-use building, to contain approximately 77 dwelling units, with amenity space, and approximately 3 commercial/retail units, as part of the Office to Residential Conversion Pilot program.  Register.

10/21: 22 Drydock Avenue Public meeting at 6pm. The Notice of Project Change (NPC) proposes the construction of a pedestrian bridge connecting the third floor of ISQ2 to the third floor of ISQ3 over Northern Avenue. The NPC Project includes approximately 1,440 square feet of new construction with minimum clearance height of approximately 32.5 feet over all portions of Northern Avenue.

10/21: MA ResilientCoasts Public Meeting at 6pm.  The goal of the ResilientCoasts initiative is to develop a comprehensive, state-wide strategy for coastal resilience in the Commonwealth. In collaboration with the state’s coastal communities and other stakeholders, ResilientCoasts will pursue a multipronged approach to identify regulatory, policy, and funding mechanisms to develop focused long-term solutions.

10/23:Action Plan to Improve Boston’s Development Review Process (Article 80) from 6:30pm to 8pm. View Article 80 Draft Action Plan. This meeting will repeat on Saturday, 10/26 from 11am to 12:30pm

10/24: Gillette’s in-person Community Workshop at 6pm at 105 W 1ST Street for pre-filing planning of the redevelopment of Gillette’s approximately 31-acre site along the Fort Point Channel. It is anticipated that the Project will be built out in phases. It is further anticipated that the Project will support the transition from a site located in a Manufacturing Zone where allowed uses are primarily commercial and industrial uses to a site zoned to also include residential uses as allowed uses. It is further anticipated that redevelopment of the Project Site will include a combination of contiguous, usable green open spaces linked to adjacent public realm improvements

10/25: MA ResilientCoasts Public Meeting at 10am.  The goal of the ResilientCoasts initiative is to develop a comprehensive, state-wide strategy for coastal resilience in the Commonwealth. In collaboration with the state’s coastal communities and other stakeholders, ResilientCoasts will pursue a multipronged approach to identify regulatory, policy, and funding mechanisms to develop focused long-term solutions.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Fort Point Landmarks October 2024 Public Meeting

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

Thursday, October 10, 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 932 6902 0636You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 25.0263 FPC   10 NECCO STREET
Applicant: Marie O'Brien
Proposed Work: Removal of 17 dead pear trees on Necco Street and Necco Ct. and replace with new honey locust trees.

APP # 25.0271 FPC  5 NECCO STREET
Applicant: Eileen Malvesti
Proposed Work: A signage masterplan for the 5 Necco Street building to be utilized by future tenants.

APP # 25.0274 FPC  5 NECCO STREET
Applicant: Eileen Malvesti
Proposed Work: The proposed sign consists of painted white aluminum, internally lit letters.  They will be individually mounted with studs into the mortar joints of the brick on the east side of 5 Necco Street facing the Harborwalk.

II.  ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

APP # 25.0299 FPC 12 FARNSWORTH STREETInstall new exterior logo panel to replace the existing top panel in the same location mounted through the mortar joints.  Withdrawn by applicant. 

APP # 25.0224 FPC 311 SUMMER STREET
Install new signage: Painted aluminum logo; Non-illuminated blade signs; Vinyl logos on entry doors.

III RATIFICATION OF 6/13/24 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

IV STAFF UPDATES

PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 7:30 PM

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

Wednesday, October 09, 2024

It's All About Climate: Coastal Resilience Hearing, Resilient Coasts, Climate Beacon Conference + The Inundation District

updated 10/9/24: with new ResilentCoasts public meeting dates.

A look at what going on in the City and State regarding coastal resilience:

10/3: City Council Committee On Environmental Justice, Resiliency, And Parks Hearing On Docket #0190, a hearing regarding implementing coastal resilience strategies for Boston's Waterfront, at 10am. View docket. View hearing recording.

10/7: David Abel's film, Inundation District, broadcasts at 7pm on PBS World channel. In a time of rising seas and intensifying storms, one of the world’s wealthiest, most-educated cities made a fateful decision to spend billions of dollars erecting a new neighborhood along its coast - on landfill, at sea level. Film also includes flooding in Downtown and Fort Point. View trailer.

10/9: MA ResilientCoasts Public Meeting at 6pm to 7:30pm  to provide an update on the ResilientCoasts Plan, present the Coastal Resilience Districts, and receive input on the project's approach. The goal of the ResilientCoasts initiative is to develop a comprehensive, state-wide strategy for coastal resilience in the Commonwealth. In collaboration with the state’s coastal communities and other stakeholders, ResilientCoasts will pursue a multipronged approach to identify regulatory, policy, and funding mechanisms to develop focused long-term solutions. Moved to 10/21 at the same time! Register

10/11: MA ResilientCoasts Public Meeting from 10am to 11:30am. This meeting will be a repeat of the 10/9th meeting above.  . A recording of the meetings will be posted on the ResilientCoasts web page as soon as possible Moved to 10/25 at the same time! Register

10/16-10/18: Climate Beacon Conference 2024: Building Better, Powering Better, Moving Better and Adapting Better at Atlantic Wharf, 280 Congress St. 

Monday, October 07, 2024

Gillette Community Workshop #2 Tonight!

updated 10/7 with presentation & recording  

Gillette will be hosting a second Community Workshop online regarding their 31 acre redevelopment planning on:

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
6pm
View Presentation 

View virtual recording 



If you require interpretation services or have any accessibility needs, please contact 
gillettecommunity.im@pg.com

Save the date of Thursday, October 24th for an in person Community Workshop. More details at GilletteBostonUpdates.


originally published 10.01.24

Tuesday, October 01, 2024

Gillette At Conservation Commission

The Boston Conservation Commission (ConCom) will hold its Wednesday bi-weekly public hearing on:

October 2, 2024
6:00 pm
Dial-in audio: 929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 868 0172 3247 #

The Commission 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. 

Members of the public may share public comments during the hearing. ConCom will also accept written testimony for agenda items via email at cc@boston.gov prior to the hearing. Written testimony should be submitted by Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.


Neighborhood Agenda Items

Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-2008 and BOS File No. 2024-030 from Green International Affiliates Inc. on behalf of P&G, The Gillette Company, for the proposed construction of a new concrete nitrogen tank pad and 22 bollards to support installation of a new 9,000-gallon nitrogen tank located at 20 Gillette Park, South Boston MA (LSCSF). 

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Fall In With Neighbors & Neighborhood News September 24h

 You are invited to a

Fall Welcome Back Neighborhood Gathering

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
6 pm to 8 pm
Community Work Lounge
15 Necco (limited seating)
or
via Zoom

featuring

Resilient Fort Point Channel Grant Status
Rich McGuinness, Deputy Director for Climate Change & Environmental Planning
Boston Planning Department

BCEC Beautification Plans
Erin Anderson, MCCA Manager of Capital Programs

Cypher Street Construction Update 
Tommy Butler, Massport Deputy Director of Government Affairs & Community

&
Fort Point Open Studios
Christine Vaillancourt,  FPAC President

with
Neighborhood Updates

If you have any questions or updates, please submit them by 
Monday, September 23rd at noon to FPNA.

originally published 09.18.24 

BWSC Water Main Flushing from September 30 to November 5, 2024

Councilor Ed Flynn notified us that the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) will be conducting a Water Main Flushing in the South Boston and South Boston Waterfront area starting September 30, 2024, through November 5, 2024.

The boundaries for the areas being flushed are Boston Harbor to the north, Dorchester Bay/William J. Day Blvd to the south, Pleasure Bay/Castle Island to the east and the Southampton MBTA/Yard Fort Point Channel to the west.

 

The purpose of the water main flushing program is to improve drinking water quality for residents and businesses in Boston.

 

FAQs

What is happening?

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) will commence Water Main Flushing Program in the South Boston and Seaport area starting September 30th, 2024 and continuing through November 5th, 2024. Flushing of water mains serving these areas will be conducted between the hours of 10 PM – 6 AM. The program will be completed in phases to minimize any potential impacts to water quality and service. Water mains will be flushed by releasing water from selected hydrants in the South Boston/Seaport area.


What are the benefits of flushing water mains?

Water main flushing is an effective method of improving drinking water quality and is an integral component of a water utility’s distribution system maintenance program.


Possible Flushing Impacts

Water main flushing can cause reductions in water pressure and discolored water. The discoloration of water is temporary and not harmful, BWSC recommends running your tap water for a few minutes till water clears. BWSC is making every effort to minimize potential impacts from the program and will closely monitor water quality and water pressure while flushing mains. BWSC appreciates your patience as we work to improve the quality of drinking

water to the residents and businesses of Boston. To learn more, visit us online @ www.bwsc.org.


Should BWSC customers take special precautions?

In general, BWSC customers do not have to take any special precautions. However, some customers, such as hospital and medical facilities, and businesses that use water in their manufacturing or cleaning process, may want to more closely monitor their water quality and water pressure while the BWSC’s flushing program is underway.


Who can I contact for more information?

If you have questions or concerns regarding the Water Main Flushing Program please contact BWSC’s Community Services Department at (617) 989-7000 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.


If you experience a problem in the evening while BWSC is conducting its Water Main Flushing Program please contact BWSC’s Night Operations Manager at (617) 989 -7261. To learn more, visit us online @ www.bwsc.org.

Monday, September 23, 2024

Fall Happenings This Week & Next

updated 9/23 with Boston Landmark Commission meeting, Gillette presentation and survey.

9:18:  Spoke Gallery presents "Independence Day-A work in progress", a solo exhibition by acclaimed photographer Sylvia Stagg-Giuliano, from 6pm to 8pm with a hybrid gallery talk at 7pm.Spoke Gallery is located at 844 Summer Street.

9/19: Stone Living Lab Seminar: Commonwealth Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer from 2pm to 3pm to hear about climate resilience throughout the state.

9/19: 232 A Street Chapter 91 hearing at 2:00 pm or 232 A Street Chapter 91 hearing at  6:00 pm. View Project plans and documents by visiting the EEA ePLACE Public Access Portal  and entering 24-WW16-0002-APP in the “Record ID” field. Comments to Susan You by 10/11.

9/19: Gillette Site Tour & Community Workshop from 5pm to 7pm to reimagine 31 acres along the Fort Point Channel in advance of filing a master plan.  View virtual tour, presentation, and complete the feedback survey. For more information, visit GilletteBostonUpdates

9/21:  Gillette Site Tour & Community Workshop from 10am to 12pm. Alternate date for those unable to attend on Thursday. Meet at 1 Gillette Park. View virtual tourpresentation, and complete the feedback surveyFor more information, visit GilletteBostonUpdates

9/21: 24th Annual South Boston Street Fest rescheduled to 9/28 due to rain  

9/23: Save the Harbor virtual MBC Metropolitan Beaches Climate Workshop at 10am featuring tools, experts and advocates to increase resiliency, while preserving access to our public beaches. Register.

9/24: FPNA Neighborhood Gathering from 6pm to 8pm at 15 Necco and via zoom.

9/24: Boston Landmark Commission at 6pm to hear two Administrative Approval Items for Fort Point:

25.0191 FPC 266 SUMMER STREET Replacement of existing entry door and fire stair door due to damage and wear. Note new door leaves to match the proportion and color of existing doors. Provide new 4 ft offset stainless steel bar pulls at each door.

25.0203 FPC 35 CHANNEL CENTER STREET Emergency repair due to leaks - Repointing of deteriorated mortar joints along the top two (2) floors of the exterior rear elevation. Replacement mortar will match existing.

9/25: Boston Harbor Use Forum- Reserved Channel Development from 8:30am to 10am. The project will  reimagine a 42-acre business park along the west side of the Reserved Channel. 

9/25 WEBINAR: BERDO Compliance for Condominium Associations | Boston.gov from 6pm to 8pm. At this event, the Environment Department will also announce the release of the new BERDO Compliance Handbook for Condo Associations.

9/27: Deployables Day, citywide training exercise on temporary flood protection, a resource fair for property owners still considering temporary flood protection and a look at accessibility during a flood storm event, from 10am to 3pm. 

9/28: 24th Annual South Boston Street Fest from 11am to 4pm along I and L streets on East Broadway. With over 100 small businesses, artists, and nonprofits setting up booths, there'll be something for everyone. 

originally published 9.16.24

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

A Look At Happenings About The Neighborhood Starting Tonight

Check your calendars for these neighborhood happenings.

The City Planning Department released their Article 80 Modernization Phase 2 Draft Recommendations Feedback Report

9/10: Boston Civic Design Commission at 5pm. Agenda includes Reserved Channel (South Boston Waterfront) and Article 80 modernization presentation to the Commission. 

9/12: Fort Point Channel Landmark Commission September Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum. We are looking for Commissioners, residents and architects. Please email fpnaboston@gmail.com for details. 

9/12: BPDA (BRA & EDIC) Board Meeting: Agendas published 48 hours beforehand.

9/14: Ready Boston Field Day from 11 am - 3pm, part of National Preparedness Month. Learn how to prepare for emergencies and disasters and leave with safety tips, giveaways, and life-saving skills.

9/19: Stone Living Lab Seminar: Commonwealth Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer from 2pm to 3pm to hear about climate resilience throughout the state.

9/19: Gillette Site Tour & Community Workshop from 5pm to 7pm to reimagine 31 acres along the Fort Point Channel in advance of filing a master plan.  Rain date/date for those unable to attend on Thursday is 9/21 from 10am to 12pm. 

9/23: Save the Harbor virtual MBC Metropolitan Beaches Climate Workshop at 10am featuring tools, experts and advocates to increase resiliency, while preserving access to our public beaches. Register.

9/24: FPNA Neighborhood Gathering from 6pm to 8pm. Details TBA.

9/25: Boston Harbor Use Forum- Reserved Channel Development from 8:30am to 10am. The project will  reimagine a 42-acre business park along the west side of the Reserved Channel. 

9/25 WEBINAR: BERDO Compliance for Condominium Associations | Boston.gov from 6pm to 8pm. At this event, the Environment Department will also announce the release of the new BERDO Compliance Handbook for Condo Associations.

9/27: Deployables Day, citywide training exercise on temporary flood protection plus a resource fair for property owners still considering temporary flood protection, from 10am to 3pm. 

Wednesday, September 04, 2024

Boston Conservation Commission Meeting Tonight!

The Boston Conservation Commission (ConCom) will hold its Wednesday bi-weekly public hearing on:

September 4, 2024
6:00 pm
Dial-in audio: 929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 868 0172 3247 #

The Commission 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. 

Members of the public may share public comments during the hearing. ConCom will also accept written testimony for agenda items via email at cc@boston.gov prior to the hearing. Written testimony should be submitted by Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.


Neighborhood Agenda Items

#2 Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-1999 and Boston File No. 2024-022 from VHB on behalf of Parcel 3 Owner, LLC, for the proposed construction of a new building located at 232 A Street, South Boston, MA (LSCSF, 25ft Waterfront Area, 100 ft Buffer to Coastal Bank). *Continued from the August 7, 2024 hearing


Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-2004 from VHB on behalf of Massachusetts Port Authority for the proposed improvements of the Runway Safety Area of Runway 27 located at Boston Logan International Airport, East Boston, MA (Land Under Ocean, Coastal Beach, Coastal Bank, Land Containing Shellfish, Land Subject to Tidal Action, LSCSF, 100ft Buffer to Coastal Beach, 100ft Buffer to Coastal Bank, 100ft Buffer to Salt Marsh). NOTE: Runway 27 routes planes over South Boston.

This Week About The Neighborhood

updated 9/4/24 with Rodent Control meeting recording.

August 26: PAW Patrol: The Movie (Rain Date: August 27), G. Free. 88 Seaport Blvd. 

August 26: State Primary Vote by Mail Application Deadline

August 29: Inspectional Services Department (ISD)s Rodent Control Information Session from 6pm to 7:30pm.  View meeting recording and enter password 0&YFn?KQ. Questions or concerns contact ISD Environmental Division by email or at phone at 617-635-5300. 

August 29: 10th Annual Illuminate the Harbor Fireworks Celebration starts at 8:30pm and lights up for thirty minutes. The fireworks are made possible by support from Meet Boston and presented by Boston Harbor Now, Atlas PyroVision, and the City of Boston. Fireworks can be viewed from anywhere on the waterfront. Here are suggested public viewing locations along the Boston Harborwalk:

Christopher Columbus Park, North End
Piers Park, East Boston
Fan Pier, Seaport District

The fireworks are free to view . Register to stay informed of any updates. 

August 30: FY25 Community Preservation Act Funding Eligibility Determination Deadline. Don't miss out. In the FY 24, District 2 received $3.2 million in CPA funds that improve our neighborhoods and better the quality of life of all residents. The distribution includes the Christopher Lee/N Street Field in South Boston, Phillips Square Plaza in Chinatown, and League of Women in the South End, among others.   

August 30: Free FPAC Harbor Harmonies Concert from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at Midway Artist Studios, Fort Point Lyric Community Studio,15 Channel Center St. Room 102.

August 30: 14th Boston Jazz Festival by Boss-Ten Productions & Larry J's BBQ from 5pm to 10pm at Maritime Park, 600 D St. Free. 

August 31:14th Boston Jazz Festival by Boss-Ten Productions & Larry J's BBQ from 12pm to 10pm at Maritime Park, 600 D St. Free. 

September 3: State Primary Election Day. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm at One Boston Wharf Road *location change

originally published 8.26.24