Fort Point Cannabis Shop Community Meeting

The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services will be hosting a 

Community Meeting
 Proposed Cannabis Establishment 

Thursday, May 30, 2019

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

District Hall

Operator: Elevate Arc
Location: 355 Congress St. (Congress & A Sts)
Lucky's Building & future home of 8 residential condos

355 Congress St

The City wants to hear your feedback on Fort Point's first cannabis shop proposal to determine whether it is the right location for a recreational cannabis shop and the right operator for Fort Point. The public can give testimony/comments. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Current law mandates cannabis establishments not be within 500 feet of a school and not within 1/2 mile of each other, which means one location can preclude another establishment. 

What Is Next In Coastal Resilience?

In October 2018, the City released the South Boston Coastal Resilience Solutions (Climate Ready) report and the Mayor announced the Resilient Boston Harbor Plan covering Charlestown, East Boston, North End Downtown, South Boston Fort Point and Dorchester. 

Now that there are plans, reports and design recommendations, what are the next steps? One next step is the formulation of a Flood Resiliency Zoning Overlay District and Resiliency Guidelines, which will build upon Climate Ready Boston recommendations. 

The BPDA invites you to an open house addressing the City’s efforts to promote buildings that are better adapted to coastal flooding and sea level rise. This is an opportunity to learn about the development of flood resilient building guidelines and resiliency zoning, talk to experts, and provide input.

Flood Resiliency Zoning Overlay District and Resiliency Guidelines

Open House

Wednesday,May 22, 2019
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Condon Community Center

200 D Street

The Flood Resiliency Zoning Overlay District and Resiliency Guidelines project establishes a new flood resilience overlay district in critical locations and requires that new construction anticipates the future creation of flood protection infrastructure. The project will revise the zoning code to incorporate the extents and heights of future flooding, ensure regulations on the use, height, and massing of new construction and retrofits buildings to promote climate readiness, and encourage a quality streetscape and building that is pedestrian-friendly, elevated, and floodproofed. The accompanying design guidelines will assist residents and businesses in being better informed of climate hazards and measures they can implement to reduce risks associated with changing climate conditions. 

Portraits & Stories Opens Thursday At Midway Artist Studios

The Midway Gallery presents Portrait & Stories, an exhibition of photographers, artists & Boston Middle School Students telling stories through images. 

Thursday, May 16, 2019

6 pm - 8 pm

Midway Gallery

15 Channel Center St, first floor

R.S.V.P.

Together, students and professional artist photographers present a fresh perspective on the individual self. This way of bringing together young and seasoned artists into the gallery space breaks down barriers, rendering the gallery a democratic community space. Here we come together to celebrate life. We establish that all lives matter.

Participating Artists: Michael Allen, Jaypix Belmer, Joel Benjamin, Avaughn Brown*, Jerry Carr*, Ciarah Castro*, Angel De Jesus*, William Dubost*, Sylvia Stagg Giuliano, Pete Grana, Lou Jones, Christ Orelus*, Joyce Parrish*, Krina Patel, Robin Radin, Addonis Reed*
Tina Ruffin* and Waddell Williams*.

*McKinley Middle School --
Students in the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts partnership with McKinley Middle School

Portrait & Stories is curated by Krina Patel and on view until June 14, 2019. 

Related Beal Fort Point's Newest Neighbor

Today P&G Gillette sold their 6.5 Acre Channelside parking lot adjacent to the former GE Headquarters to Related Beal, making Related Beal Fort Point's newest neighbor. The 6.5 acre property is bordered by A Street and the Fort Point Channel, and Binford Street & Necco Court (Garage Access Road). 

Kara Buckley, Communications Leader at P&G Gillette told the Fort Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) "We believe we have found a strong partner in Related Beal. The company has developed some of the most recognized buildings and complicated projects in the area, including Congress Square, the Seaport’s Innovation Square life science campus, The Clarendon, One Back Bay, Lovejoy Wharf and The Beverly, a mixed-use development in downtown Boston. We also saw a very thoughtful proposal from Related Beal – including the potential for life sciences, strong residential, attractive open spaces and view corridors, and a willingness to work with the community along the way. Overall, we believe this will be an exciting development for the neighborhood – and are looking forward to seeing the potential become a reality." 

The Fort Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) looks forward to working with Related Beal on the development of this important parcel to the neighborhood as well as continuing our good relationship with long time neighbor, P&G Gillette. 

The news of this sale coupled with last week's announcement that Alexandria Real Estate Equities and National Development acquired the MassDevelopment GE 2.7 acre parcel, which includes the two historic Necco Court buildings and the adjacent GE Headquarters parcel, will create a vibrant expansion of the Fort Point neighborhood. GE will continue to complete the HarborWalk improvements and the renovation of the Necco Court buildings including the green pedestrian bridge. GE plans to move employees from nearby Farnsworth Street into the refurbished Necco Court buildings later this year.

Both newly acquired parcels are part of the City of Boston's Imagine Boston 2030, 100 Acres Master Plan for Fort Point, South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan Amendment, South Boston Coastal Resilience Report and Resilient Boston Harbor vision. 

This is a significant moment for the future growth and mixed development of the Fort Point neighborhood. The 100 Acres Master Plan is the culmination of over five years of collaboration between residents, property owners, and City and State agencies. Two core principles of the plan essential to the neighborhood are one-third housing development with an expansion of artist housing and on-site affordable units, and the creation of the Fort Point Park and Channel Park on the properties. The parks play a critical role in the City's coastal resilience solutions to protect the neighborhood from sea level rise and flooding. The need for civic community space is also well documented in the neighborhood. 

FPNA Celebrates 15th Annual Love Your Block Volunteer Days

Updated 5.9.19: Due to Friday's rain forecast, May 10th's Corporate Volunteer Day is rescheduled to May 31st.  Saturday, May 11th Resident Volunteer Day will take place as planned. 

The Fort Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) celebrates fifteenth annual Love Your Block, creating a living tapestry of flowers, vines and community. Love Your Block is run in conjunction with the City's volunteer spring clean up and beautification project. 

Be an outdoor adventurer and beautify your neighborhood. No green thumb required. Tools and gloves provided. Meet up at Wormwood Park (Wormwood & A Streets).

Residents, come meet your neighbors and plant, sweep or rake for an hour or stay all day Saturday, May 11th from 10 am to 3 pm. Thank You Picnic in Wormwood Park at 5 pm.  Sign up today.


Corporations are  invited to volunteer Friday, May 31st (new date) anytime from 11 am to 2 pm. Lunch provided. Register here.

originally published 4.29.19

Fort Point Landmarks May 2019 Meeting

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

Thursday, May 9, 2019

6:00 PM

Boston City Hall - Piemonte Room (5th Floor)

After 5:30 pm, enter and exit City Hall at the Dock Square entrance on Congress Street 

(across from Faneuil Hall).

Subject of the hearing will be applications for Certificates of Design Approval on the agenda below, review of architectural violations and such business as may come before the commission, in accordance with Ch. 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING 

APP #19.876 FPC      355 Congress Street 
Proposed Work: New addition to fire escape at rear of structure.

APP #19.1156 FPC      25 Thomson Place 
Proposed Work: At side patio install three wood posts and light fixtures

APP #19.1156 FPC      308 Congress Street (Milk Bottle) 
Proposed Work: Remove existing beaded board pine siding, install new composite beaded board siding. Remove 6 over 1 vinyl windows and install 6 over 1 fiberglass windows with applied muntin bars. Remove existing hollow metal door and frame and install new painted composite trim and door.. Remove existing exterior light fixtures and install new gooseneck light fixtures. Install new HOOD signage with down lighting. Replace fabric on existing window and door awnings new fabric. Install new kitchen exhaust. Create custom painted sheet metal air intake hood to replicate existing.

II.  RATIFICATION OF  4/11/2019 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES 

III.  STAFF UPDATES 

PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 7:00 PM EST 

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

David Berarducci, Susan Goganian, John Karoff, Lynn Smiledge, Vacancy 

Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

Boston City Council Looks At Parking Reform, Sub-Precincts, Education, Budget & More

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. The Boston City Council considered the following items and more at their April 10, April 24 and May 1, 2019 meetings:

Parking Reform: Councilors Edwards, Essaibi-George and Campbell called for a hearing regarding parking reform in the City of Boston. They stated that last week’s introduction of the resident parking reform ordinance sparked a heated conversation that should be broader, and they hope to have that larger discussion. The matter was assigned to the Planning, Development, and Transportation committee for a hearing.

Short-Term Rental Taxes & Fees: The Council voted 12-1 (Councilor Garrison opposing) to adopt three revenue provisions made available through the state’s new Short-Term Rentals legislation. The first two would adjust the City's overall local room occupancy excise rate up to 6.5%, including on Short-Term Rentals like through Airbnb, and the third would assess community impact fees on short-term rentals.

Education Promise Act: The Council voted to adopt the resolution filed by Councilors O’Malley and Essaibi-George to support the Education Promise Act. In 1993, the Massachusetts Education Reform Act was signed into law as an initiative intended to establish equity across all public schools under the guiding principles of adequacy and fairness. The Massachusetts Education Reform Act was designed to close the gap in public K-12 educational achievement among different types of communities and, for the first time, required a “foundation” level of spending for each school district. This legislation would more realistically account for the funds that are urgently needed for public schools across the Commonwealth in order to promote opportunity and improve equity that will benefit students and educators.

Sub-Precincts Home-Rule Petition: The Council voted to pass the Home Rule Petition refiled by the Mayor to establish sub-precincts in neighborhoods that experienced significant growth, in order to alleviate lines and waiting times for voting. The Council had passed this legislation in 2017 as a home-rule petition sponsored by Councilor Linehan and me, but it was not taken up at the State House. The Mayor is refiling this for another Council vote to begin a new push on Beacon Hill. The legislation would not change any of the existing boundaries for wards, and will not change representation for congressional, representative, senatorial, or councilor districts, instead establishing sub-precincts, and in some cases additional polling locations, in the following precincts:

• Ward 3, Precinct 6 (Downtown, Financial District, and parts of Beacon Hill
• Ward 3, Precinct 7 (South End)
• Ward 3, Precinct 8 (Chinatown and South End)
• Ward 5, Precinct 1 (Bay Village)
• Ward 6, Precinct 1 (South Boston to Broadway Station, Seaport)
• Ward 9, Precinct 3 (South End)

The petition now goes to the Mayor’s office for his signature, then to the State Legislature for approval.

Boston Animal Shelter: The Mayor filed an amendment to transfer the Animal Care and Control unit from the Inspectional Services Department to the Parks and Recreation Department. The change would allow the City to better develop potential partnerships with residents who want to support the public animal shelter, for example with a Friends group such as those that already exist to support many of our public parks. The matter was assigned to the Government Operations Committee for a hearing.

BUDGET HEARINGS (Ways & Means Committee):

• Tuesday, May 7th, 10:30AM: Transportation Department
• Tuesday, May 7th, 2PM: Department of Neighborhood Development
• Thursday, May 9th, 10:30AM: Department of Information Technology
• Thursday, May 9th, 3PM: Boston Centers for Youth & Families and Youth Engagement and Employment
• Monday, May 13th, 10:30AM: Public Library
• Monday, May 13th, 2PM: Parks Department
• Wednesday, May 15th, 2PM: Police Department
• Thursday, May 16th, 10:30AM: Public Health Commission
• Thursday, May 16th, 2PM: Public Health Commission - Recovery Services
• Tuesday, May 21st, 10:30AM: Fire Department
• Tuesday, May 21st, 2PM: Boston Planning & Development Agency
• Thursday, May 23rd, 10:30AM: Emergency Medical Services
• Monday, June 3rd, 2PM: Carryover
• Tuesday, June 4th, 2PM: Public Testimony

For complete notes on Boston City Council meetings, visit MichelleForBoston.com or sign up to receive these notes automatically. 

What Is A Clown? Clowns Are Us

TheFort Point Theatre Channel presents CLOWNS ARE US on:

Sunday, May 5, 2019

7 pm

Midway Artist Studios

15 Channel Center Street

Free admission (donations requested)
Refreshments will be served.

We all are CLOWNS in the World Circus while interfacing and interacting with the reality of our life. A reality best described by famous Shakespeare’s phrase All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…

But:

What is a CLOWN?

Aren’t we the ones? Are we not carrying ourselves “clownishly” within our inner selves, or enveloping our outer selves in such a way? And ‘’the other’’? Our fellow-human beings?

Come see a video by Olga Shmuylovich and her collaborators, peruse and play with props, sets, costumes, and miscellaneous objects used in creating the video, and enjoy a discussion of this ongoing project with the artist.

originally post 4.22.19

Walk, Strut & Dance Your Way Into May

Walk, Strut and Dance is a one-of-a-kind runway show and fashion experience presented in collaboration with Lasell College and the Fort Point Theatre Channel. The runway show will celebrate sophisticated, unconventional, and innovative designs as models walk, strut and dance their way down the runway.

Walk, Strut and Dance

A Runway Show curated by Dawna Davis
Saturday, May 4, 2019

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Boston Design Center
One Design Center Place, 5th floor

Free Fashion Event R.S.V.P. 

Meet the artists at the Designers Fashion Showcase with clothing and accessories available for purchase from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and again after the finale of the runway show. The runway show begins at 7:00 pm.

Dawna Davis is proud to commemorate her fourth year of collaboration with established designers, emerging designers and Lasell College students working in the fields of art, design and production with Walk Strut and Dance. Walk, Strut and Dance reveals unique creative styles and designs for both men and women by: Linda Avila, Timna Barsheshet, Eunice Bruno, Teresa Coates, Dawna Davis, Cailin Flannery, Lloyd Hall, Panna Kiss, Marianna Lenskiy, Alexa Monfette, Elizabeth Nguyen, Adam Pajkowski, Caitlin Reddington, Azi Sharif, Souther, Ammy Thach and Lindsey Williams.The runway show is produced by Meghan Borges.

About the curator: Dawna Davis is a wire artist living and working in the historic district of Fort Point in Boston, Massachusetts. She creates sculptural wire attire, accessories, wall art, and home décor creations that reflect her love of light, color and whimsy. Davis’ previous runway shows include OUTLOUD (2017), The Art of Adornment (2016) and Simply Woven (2015).

originally posted 4.18.19