Boston City Council Looks At Local Wetlands Ordinance & Grants

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. Here are some highlights from the October 30, 2019 meeting:

Local Wetlands Protection: Councilors Flaherty, O’Malley & I reported back on yesterday’s working session on the Local Wetlands Protection ordinance. After receiving a line-edited version of proposed amendments from the Administration, we are making progress with resolving points of discussion that center around jurisdiction, timeframe, and whether to shrink proposed buffer zones around natural resource areas. We expect to make amendments and present a version for a vote by the end of the year.

GRANT: 

• $4,342,674 FY19 Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Department of Neighborhood Development to fund abatement, inspection, risk assessment, temporary location and interim control of lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned, single-family and multi-family housing units that are occupied by low-income families. (Assigned to the Housing & Community Development Committee)
• $400,000 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations of Communities (PARC) Grant, awarded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services to be administered by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to fund Phase III of the renovation of Harambee Park in Dorchester. (Assigned to the Environment, Sustainability & Parks Committee)
• $300,000 Go Boston 2030 grant, awarded by the Barr Foundation to be administered by the Transportation Department to fund transparent communication, tracking and evaluation of the progress of implementing the projects identified in Go Boston 2030. (Assigned to the Planning, Development & Transportation Committee)
• $99,811 FY19 BJA Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grant, awarded by the United States Department of Justice to be administered by the Police Department to fund a cross-system collaboration to improve responses and outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses (MI) or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse (CMISA) who come into contact with the justice system. (Passed)
• $50,000 Harvard-Allston Public Realm Flexible Fund, awarded by the Boston Redevelopment Authority to be administered by the Arts and Culture Department to fund a consultant to identify both creative place-making and place-keeping opportunities in keeping with the unique and varied present-day character of the dynamic Allston-Brighton neighborhood. (Passed)
• $40,000 FY2020 Jail/Arrest Diversion Grant, awarded by the MA Department of Mental Health to be administered by the Police Department to fund crisis intervention training. (Passed)
• $4,520 FY17 Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Department of Neighborhood Development to fund planning and implementing programs to move Boston from a city where multiple programs serve youth and young adults at risk and experiencing homelessness, to a city with a coordinated, resourced and data-informed system with common vision and goals aimed at preventing and ending youth homelessness. The original award of $4,920,000.00 was increased by $4,520.00 when the contract was finalized by HUD. (Passed)

UPCOMING HEARINGS (In the City Council Chamber unless otherwise noted. Watch online too.)

• Our next Council Meeting will be on Wednesday, November 6th 

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

Fort Point District 100 Acres Open Space Community Workshop

Updated 10.28.19: Over 100 people attended the BPDA 's first 100 Acres Open Space Public Planning event held in conjunction with Sasaki. 
In case you missed it, you may view the presentation here. You won't be able to drop gumballs or coins to indicate your open space preferences; however, you can share your opinion by taking the Fort Point 100 Acres Open Space survey available now until midnight Tuesday, November 5th. 

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) invites you to join the Fort Point District 100 Acres Open Space Community Workshop.

The Fort Point District 100 Acres Open Space public engagement and concept design process will serve as a guide for future development of open spaces in the area. 

Date: Saturday October 26, 2019

When: 10 AM - 12:30 PM*

Where: Artists For Humanity 100 W 2nd Street Boston, MA 02127

View Presentation

Contact: 

Joe Christo Senior Resilience & Waterfront Planner 

617.918.4447 

email

*An overview presentation will begin at 10 am followed by the community workshop activities.

Current goals of the project include: 

• Provide a vision and programmatic plan for future development of parks and open space that are accessible and available to all. 
• Ensure a diverse and balanced mix of parks uses based on community input and user needs.
• Develop a system of open space areas that relate to each other, the surrounding built context and the historic Fort Point Channel District. 
• Design landscapes that are adaptive and resilient to climate change impacts including sea level rise, storm surge, heat island, and stormwater, and contribute to neighborhood flood protection. 
• Establish meaningful connections to the Fort Point Channel watersheet and  surrounding open space, streets and linear connections, including Harborwalk and the South Bay Harbor Trail.

Originally published 10.11.19

Fort Point Seaport Gathering: Life Sciences, Seaport Winter & Hot Topics

Fort Point Seaport Neighborhood Gathering

Tuesday, October 29, 2019
6 pm to 8 pm
Capital One Café
57 Seaport Blvd

featuring

National Development & Alexandria Real Estate
with David Manfredi, Elkus Manfredi Architects

New Life Sciences Building
15 Necco Street

(former GE Headquarters)

&

Seaport Square

Beer Garden to Winter Skating & Warming Tent

Yanni Tsipis, WS Development

plus

Neighborhood Hot Topics

Special Thanks to Capital One Cafe for hosting the neighborhood

Boston City Council Looks At BDPA, ZBA, Grants, Vacant Properties & More

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. Here are some highlights from the October 2, October 9 and October 23, 2019 meetings:

APPOINTMENTS:

• Zoning Board of Appeals: Ann Beha and Timothy Burke, until July 2021
• Back Bay Architectural Commission: James Berkman and Kathleen Connor until December 2021; Meredith Christensen, 2022; John Christiansen and Jerome Cooper King until December 2023; Zsuzsanna Gasper and Ethel Macleod until December 2024;
• Boston Landmarks Commission: Joseph Castro and Bradford Walker until June 2020; John Freeman, Susan Goganian, and Christopher Hart until June 2021
• Board of Review: Raymond E. Boly effective October 3, 2019

GRANTS:

• $236,400 FY20 Local Cultural Council Program grant, awarded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council to be administered by Arts and Culture to fund Boston Cultural Council subgrants (assigned to the Committee on Arts, Culture & Special Events)
• $570,000 Climate Ready Boston grant, awarded by the Barr Foundation to be administered by the Environment Department to fund staff and consultant expenses for project planning and implementation. (Environment, Sustainability & Parks committee)

VOTES:
$260,000 in the form of a grant awarded by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning and Development Agency, pursuant to the Winthrop Square Cooperation Agreement, One Post Office Square Cooperation Agreement and the 15-19 Congress Street Cooperation Agreement. The purpose of the grants is to facilitate planning and design for the Seaport to North Station Rapid Bus Corridor. The Seaport to North Station Rapid Bus Corridor was identified in the Go Boston 2030 as a key future rapid bus corridor, submits a report recommending the order ought to pass.

NEW MATTERS:

Abolish the BPDA: I officially filed my report with the Council, “Fixing Boston’s Broken Development Process: Why & How to Abolish the BPDA.” The report comes after almost a year of research, constituent cases, and meetings in my capacity as Chair of the Council’s Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation--recognizing the fact that many of the city’s most urgent challenges are being exacerbated by the current system of development based on special approvals and exceptions. Our complicated process comes from a lack of citywide planning that means Boston is missing out on addressing all our issues holistically, such as affordability, equity, traffic, and climate vulnerability. The document examines the history of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, its legacy today as the Boston Planning & Development Agency, examples from other cities about planning, transparency, accountability, civic engagement, and equity, and action steps for the City and the City Council. Councilor Baker rose to state that he believed the problems with the agency were under Mayor Menino’s administration, and that under Mayor Walsh there have been good planning and reforms in his experience. Councilor Ciommo stated that he had not read the report, but found it disingenuous to criticize the staff at the BPDA and not consult closely with all District Councilors on the report, since they are heavily involved with development. After our first community listening session in the South End on Monday, we will be in East Boston next Tuesday, October 15th, and in other neighborhoods very soon. You can read the report and sign up for email updates on future listening sessions at abolishthebpda.com.

ZBA: Councilor Edwards introduced a Home-Rule Petition to change the statute governing the Zoning Board of Appeal. The language would amend the state law designating the nominations process for ZBA members and the requirements of the board. Specifically, it would add designated seats to represent renters, persons knowledgeable in civil rights and fair housing, experts in environmental protection and other stakeholders not currently represented on the ZBA. The language would also require timely notification, the ability to access zoning services and records of decisions electronically and at Boston City Hall, and a regular report on variances by neighborhood and zoning district to inform future zoning by clearly indicating where actual development practices and the zoning code differ substantially. The matter was assigned to the Government Operation Committee for a hearing. 

Vacant Properties: Councilors O'Malley and Campbell reported back on the joint hearing regarding Vacant Properties held in the Committee on City and Neighborhood Services, Veterans Affairs & Military Families; and the Committee on Housing & Community Development. The displacement of neighborhood anchor small businesses, replaced by empty storefronts, is linked to the overall lack of affordable commercial space, and other cities have been exploring incentives to fill space such as fees levied on long-term vacant properties. The matter will remain in Committee for further discussion.

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

Revised 99 A Street Life Sciences Proposal Public Meeting

The Boston Planning & Development Agency is hosting a public meeting on 99 A Street: A Revised Life Sciences Proposal, which includes Coppersmiths and two former P&G Gillette research buildings. The community meeting will take place:

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

6:30 pm to 8 pm

Condon School

200 D Street (behind the Laboure Center)

Life Sciences buildings are popping up all over. In September, WS Development proposed to change the residential building planned for Block N (391 Congress St) to Life Sciences. Earlier this year, WS Development announced Life Sciences tenant Foundation Medicine at Block P (400 Summer St.) pushing the performing art center to Block L. Tishman Spyer purchased 105 W 1st office building (former RCN building) with the intent to host Life Sciences. National Development with Alexandria Real Estate purchased the former GE Innovation Point headquarters building site for Life Sciences. National Development and Alexandria Real Estate will be presenting at the October 29th FPNA Neighborhood Gathering taking place from 6 pm to 8 pm at Capital One Cafe (57 Seaport Blvd). Related Beal, who purchased former Gillette Channelside parking lot, is proposing a Life Sciences building on the site near the corner of A Street & Binford Street. Related Beal also is developing a Life Sciences building at the Marine Industrial Park. Vertex Pharmaceuticals moved to the Seaport in 2014.

Come Wednesday night to discover the revised Life Sciences development at 99 A Street. 

BCEC Expansion Proposal Information Session Tuesday

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), Senator Nick Collins and Representative David Biele will host a discussion at the Condon School regarding a proposed expansion of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) on:

Tuesday, October 15

6 pm - 8 pm

Condon School

200 D. Street

MCCA officials will be presenting and available to answer questions.i

Related Beal Channelside Parking Lot Planning Discussion

You're Invited Related Beal invites you to a discussion regarding the planning of the parking lot located at 244-284 A Street along the Fort Point Channel.  WHEN:  Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 pm WHERE:  Artist for Humanity, 100 West Second St. Boston RSVP: FortPoint@relatedbeal.com originally published 10.7.19

Fort Point Landmarks October 2019 Meeting

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

Thursday, October 10, 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 # 20.367 FPC    5 Channel Center
Applicant: David A. Godfroy, AIA, Dimella Shaffer Associates, Inc.
Proposed Work: At the Iron Street façade street level, install a new opening for entry doors; install canopy and signage, trellis, planter, associated landscaping and bike rack. At the first through sixth levels replace existing opaque metal panels with clear glazing and install new window openings. At the Medallion Avenue façade street level, replace two loading dock doors.

APP # 20.388 FPC    345 A Street 
Applicant: Dan Yaccarino, Lincoln Summer St. Venture, LLC
Proposed Work: At the A Street façade ground level, replace double entry doors with new double entry doors consisting of metal and glazing.

II. Advisory Review

250 Summer Street

Applicant: Stephen McDermott

Proposed Work: Install flood mitigation

III. Administrative Review

APP # 20.358 FPC 374 Congress Street:
At the Stillings Street, Congress Street, and Boston Wharf Road street level elevations, replaced rotted wood trim in kind and repaint to match upper stories.

IV.  Ratification of 08/08/2019 Public Hearing Minutes

V. Staff Updates

IV. Projected Adjournment: 7:15 PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

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

Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

originally published 10.3.19

Thompson Place to Open for Vehicles

By Friday, October 11, 2019, the City of Boston will open Thompson Place for vehicles. 

Traffic will flow, one way only, from Congress Street to Seaport Boulevard. This will continue to be a private street and there is no public street parking available. Additional traffic signs will be posted, traffic signals will control the intersection of Thompson Place and Seaport Boulevard, and Boston Police plan to be on-site at the opening. 

The BPDA presented Thomson Place: Connectivity & Design at FPNA's September 18, 2019 meeting. Further design improvements presented such as bike lanes are still under review with the City, Thomson Place owners, abutters and the community.

Related Posts

Seaport & Fort Point: Transit, Development, Art & Pizza This Week & Next

Wednesday, October 2nd: Seaport Transit Strategic Plan Community Meeting (focusing on transit improvements & connectivity in the Seaport & Fort Point) will take place from 6 pm to 8 pm at WPI Seaport located at 303 Congress St. on the ground level.

Wednesday, October 2nd: The Artists At 249 A Street invite you to the opening reception of their group show presented in conjunction with the upcoming Fort Point Open Studios. The reception takes place at 249 A Street from 5 pm to 7 pm. 

Wednesday, October 2nd: FP3 Gallery presents Color. Surface. Space. by Fort Point artist Lisa Greenfield. Opening reception is from 6 pm to 8 pm at 346 Congress Street. 

Monday, October 7th:  LaPosta Public Abutters Meeting at 12 Farnsworth at 6pm. LaPosta is a new pizzeria requesting an all alcohol license in part of the former Bee Knee’s space. 

Thursday, October 10th: Related Beal invites you to a discussion on the planning of the development of 224-294 A Street, 6.5 acres along the Fort Point Channel, at 6 pm at Artists for Humanity (100 W. Second Street, next to the A Street Park).  Please R.S.V.P. 

Thursday, October 10th: Fort Point Landmarks October Meeting 6pm at Piemonte Room 5th Floor City Hall. View agenda

Friday, October 11th: Public Comment deadline for Seaport N Change of Use from residential to Life Sciences. More details on the project and submitting your feedback.

Wednesday, October 16: Last day to register to vote for Nov 5th municipal election. Here is how. 

Wednesday, October 16: 99 A Street (Coppersmith Life Sciences Redevelopment) Impact Advisory Group Public Meeting 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Laboure Center (275 West Broadway)

Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20: Save the dates for the 40th anniversary of Fort Point Open Studios presented by the Fort Point Arts Community (FPAC). 

FPNA Special Meeting: Thomson Place, New Restaurant, Darts & Updates

updated 10/03/19: Added link to Thomson Place presentation below.

FPNA Fort Point Seaport
Special Neighborhood Meeting

Wednesday, September 18, 2019
6 pm sharp
Capital One Café
57 Seaport Blvd, Second Floor

featuring

Thomson Place: Connectivity & Design Proposal
Jim Fitzgerald, Transportation & Infrastructure, BPDA
Rob Woodland, Tetra Tech

View Presentation

and introducing

The Nautilus Restaurant

300 Pier 4
requesting a liquor license

&

Flight Club

A Bar Restaurant & Social Darts Experience

60 Seaport Blvd (formerly 75 at Courthouse Square)
requesting a liquor license

with

Neighborhood Updates

Special thanks to Capital One Café for hosting & providing treats

originally posted 9.9.19

Netflix The Sleepover Filming at Congress St. Bridge This Week

LD Entertainment, in association with Netflix, is planning on filming scenes for their upcoming project “The Sleepover”, a family action/ comedy movie, in the neighborhood. 

They will be filming a stunt scene at Congress St Bridge between Dorchester Ave and Sleeper St. 

Filming will take place at night on Tuesday, October 1 through Friday, October 4, 2019.

It will require detours off of Congress St between Atlantic Ave and Sleeper St during the following times:

• Tuesday October 1st Midnight to 5 am 
• Wednesday, October 2nd from 8 pm to 2 am
• Thursday, October 3rd from 8 pm to 2 am.

On Friday, October 4th from 8 pm to 2 am expect intermittent traffic control on Congress St between Dorchester Ave and Sleeper St.

A daytime scene at Boston Children’s Museum Plaza will be shoot. All the filming on the Congress St Bridge will take place at night. 

There will be a prop construction area at Congress St and Dorchester Ave. Police will be on hand to help with traffic control for vehicles and pedestrians. We will need to hold metered parking in the area. Each lockup point will be manned to allow for access to vehicles enter sites within the footprint of the detour, principally; Federal building at 600 Atlantic Ave and Atlantic Wharf Parking Garage at 280 Congress St.

On behalf of our crew, LD Entertainment would like to thank you in advance for your hospitality and for your continued support of the film and television industry in Massachusetts.

Any questions contact Jeff Dionne, Assistant Location Manager  via email or at at 413-320-3067.