FPNA June Neighborhood Gathering Goes Hybrid

 Fort Point Seaport
Hybrid Neighborhood Gathering

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

6 pm to 8 pm

in person at District Hall (75 Northern Ave.)

 or

 via Zoom

Sign Up Today

featuring

Our C-6 Community Service Officers

Neighborhood News & Conversations

Summer Programming on Land & Sea

Housing, Offices, Life Sciences & Parks

Street Happenings

Gillette Lots 8 & 9

 requesting a Conditional Use Permit for ancillary parking 

 and introducing

Mecha Noodle Bar

44 Thomson Place

requesting an all-alcohol license

MA Representative Jon Santiago

Mayoral Candidate Spotlight

&

Jon Spillane 

City Councilor-At-Large Candidate

What is a hybrid meeting? In March 2020, FPNA moved online via Zoom to stay together as a neighborhood and to continue to communicate with each other. With Covid protocols changing, we are taking the opportunity to still use Zoom for those that can’t attend in person and to begin to gather again face to face as a neighborhood. You get to choose how you want to participate. You may see your neighbors smiling faces at District Hall or in cyberspace via Zoom. If you are visiting us at District Hall, please wear a mask, unless you are vaccinated or if you would feel more comfortable.

Upcoming Neighborhood Happenings June 29: Vaccination Pop Up from 11 am to 3 pm at the Boston Children's Museum for anyone 12 years and up. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available. Registration is recommended. Walk-ins are also welcome. Stonewall Kitchen is offering a free gift to everyone who gets vaccinated next door at the Boston Children's Museum.  June 29: The Seaport...and Beyond (splashthat.com) from 12pm to 1pm.  A conversation about racial diversity and economic equity in the Seaport & in future neighborhood development moderated by the Boston Globe & WBUR in conjunction with the Civic Action Project. June 30: 601 Congress Street Public Meeting 6:30pm to 8pm to discuss proposed change of use from offices to Life Sciences with additional mechanicals to support the change and minor changes to the public realm. *new* July 7: Community Preservation Act Information Session for South Boston at 6pm hosted by Councilors Flynn and Flaherty. Topics will include the application process, eligibility criteria, relevant deadlines and other related information. If you wish to learn more about the program, you can register for the session here. July 12: 244 – 284 A Street Open Space  & Resiliency Public Meeting 6:00 pm. The meeting will cover climate resiliency and storm water management and two waterfront parks.  Farmers Markets Mondays 12pm-6pm: South Boston Farmers Market 446 West Broadway Thursdays 11am-4pm: Dewey Square on the Greenway Thursdays 2pm - 6pm: Sea Green Park (Q Park) on Boston Wharf Rd. While shopping, be sure to check out local artist Maria Molteni and New Craft Artists In Action most recent installation, A Sea Bird, on the basketball court. Boston Under Water is an informative WBUR series of short hitting articles on local (including Seaport & Fort Point) climate change from what’s underneath Boston (landfill, transportation and storm water sewer infrastructure) to rising seas. originally published 06.23.21

Boston City Council Looks At Budget, BERDO, BioTech Workforce Development, Parcel Transfers & More

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. Below are some highlights from June 9, June 16 and June 23, 2021 Boston City Council meetings:

VOTES

FY22 Operating Budget: The Council voted to reject a procedural motion (2-10, with Councilors Bok and Essaibi George voting yes) from Councilor Bok, Chair of the Committee of Ways & Means, to suspend Council rules to discuss and vote on the FY22 operating budget today. This motion was proposed by Councilor Bok as a proxy vote on the operating budget, which the Council recently received from the Mayor in its amended form. Because the Council voted against this procedural motion, the matter will remain in the Committee on Ways & Means and come before the Council on June 30, during the last Council meeting before the end of the 2021 fiscal year.

Zoning Board of Appeals Resolution: The Council voted to approve a resolution from Councilor Edwards in support of H.2201, a petition in the Massachusetts state legislature to reform the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), which reviews variances to the zoning code to guide development in Boston. These reforms would establish term limits for board members, strengthen conflict of interest protections, require quarterly reports on variances granted, and add experts in environmental justice and urban planning and a renter to the board.

Reprecincting Resolution: The Council voted to approve a resolution from Councilor Edwards in support of H.3863, a bill in the Massachusetts state legislature relative to reprecincting. This bill would change the deadline for reprecincting and offer an opportunity to more accurately represent Boston’s demographics and ensure voter access and equity. 

Amendment of City Council Rule 3: The Council voted (10-1-1, with Councilor Arroyo voting no and Councilor Mejia voting present) to approve a motion from Councilor Edwards to amend City Council Rule 3 to allow the Council to remove its Council president with a two-thirds majority vote. Previously, with a two-thirds majority, the City Council president could remove any City Councilor, but this same power did not extend to City Council presidents. This rule change enables greater consistency, transparency and accountability in the role of the Council in choosing the City Council President. 

Conservation of West Roxbury Parcel: The Council voted unanimously to approve the transfer of a property that is currently under the care and custody of the Boston Planning and Development Agency, located at 0 Rivermoor Street in West Roxbury on the banks of the Cow Island Pond area, to the City of Boston Conservation Commission to protect the floodplain and ensure permanent conservation of the Charles River shoreline.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR

FY22 Boston Public Schools Budget: The Council received message and order for annual appropriations for the School Department for FY22. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Ways & Means and will come before the Council on June 30, during the last Council meeting before the end of the 2021 fiscal year.

Morrison Street Property: The Council received message and order for the Council’s approval to authorize the City of Boston Conservation Commission (ConCom) to receive a property located at Morrison Street in the Roslindale Wetlands urban wild, currently owned by Ms. Deb Beatty Mel, in order to restore and maintain the wetland area. This matter was referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation.

NEW FILES

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Councilors Flynn and Campbell called for a hearing to discuss opportunities to provide support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, ways to reduce domestic violence and sexual assault in Boston, solutions for increasing reporting opportunities for all communities, as well as other ways to educate the public to increase awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault. This matter was referred to the Committee on Public Health.

Biotechnology Workforce Development: Councilors Baker, Breadon, and Flynn called for a hearing to discuss maximizing workforce development opportunities in biotechnology for Boston residents. The City of Boston is currently undergoing a massive boom in development of laboratory and other high-tech manufacturing facilities, and the City should collaborate with neighborhood groups and workforce development and job training nonprofit organizations in order to maximize Boston residents’ access to these new jobs and workforce development opportunities. This matter was referred to the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development.

Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance Amendment: The Council voted unanimously to approve a motion from Councilor O’Malley to amend the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), originally passed in 2013 and updated in 2014. The purpose of the ordinance is to reduce emissions including greenhouse gases from energy production, encourage efficient use of energy and water, and develop investment in a green economy by requiring the reporting and disclosure of annual energy and water use in all buildings over 20,000 square feet. If passed, this amendment would require that starting in 2025, the 3,500 buildings covered by this ordinance (4% of Boston building stock) would be required to meet greenhouse gas emissions standards that decrease every 5 years to reach zero by 2050. Compliance payments and penalties would fund an Equitable Emissions Investment Fund to support, implement, and administer local carbon abatement projects that benefit the City and prioritize Environmental Justice populations. This matter was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

UPCOMING HEARINGS (Streaming Online at https://boston.gov/departments/city-council/watch-boston-city-council-tv) 

• Next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, June 30th at 12PM.

• Thursday, June 24 at 1PM: Hearing regarding appropriations for the Community Preservation Committee for FY22 (Committee on the Community Preservation Act)

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

244-284 A Street At BCDC Tuesday Night

updated 6/24/21 with presentation below:

244 -284 A Street (former site of Gillette Channelside parking lot) will be presented to the Boston Civic & Design Commission (BCDC) on:

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

5 pm

View Presentation

BCDC will be reviewing the architecture, height and massing, design of streets, sidewalks, landscaping, and public parks. In the latest version, the building facades have changed a little, (two of the three building heights still exceed zoning), the parks' designs depart from the Sasaki park concept developed with the community during the 100 Acres Open Space process which created priority themes of urban wilderness, community living room and flexible/outdoor gallery space.

If you are unable to attend, you may submit comments to Elizabeth Stiefel at the BCDC to share with the Commission. 

The Boston Civic Design Commission (BCDC) provides a forum for the general public and professional design community to participate in the shaping of the city's physical form and natural environment. They are charged with critiquing the aesthetics of proposed development projects and ensuring that the projects have a positive impact on the city's public realm. 

A Real Reception At The Gallery At 249 A This Saturday

The Gallery at 249 A proudly presents "Family Ties" for its first 2021 in-person art opening on:

Saturday, June 19, 2021

5 pm to 7pm
Gallery At 249 A
249 A Street

"Family Ties" is an exhibition by curator and artist Bebe Beard, her husband and fellow artist, Dan Osterman and their niece, artist Vanessa Varjian. Vanessa Varjian and Dan Osterman are painters inspired by the observation of the outdoors. While keen observers, both enjoy pushing paint on board or paper into more poetic realms. Bebe Beard’s work takes on a fantasy of organic shapes that celebrate or seem held down by man’s refuse. 

As we move beyond the pandemic, Bebe hopes that the natural world will inspire you to visit. "Family Ties" runs from June 15 through July 25th. Viewing by appointment. Text 617-416-7827 to schedule your gallery visit.

Fort Point Landmarks June 2021 Meeting Tonight

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

Thursday, June 10, 2021

6:00 PM

This hearing will be held virtually and NOT in person. 

You can participate in this hearing by going to our Zoom meeting link 

or by calling 929-205-6099 and entering meeting id 850 5871 0856 # 

You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.gov 

I.  Business Meeting

The purpose of this meeting is to review and discuss the new online application system. 

II Violations

APP # 21.0754 FPC   253 Summer Street 

Applicant: COJE Management Group
Continued from the 4/08/2021 FPCLDC Public Hearing. Proposed work: Ratify a patio expansion, including the installation of pavers, planters, lighting, furniture, and associated landscaping (Violation # VIO.21.009). Install new planters.

III DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 21.0979 FPC          21 Wormwood Street *MOVED TO ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

Applicant: Benner Construction

Proposed work: Construct a roof deck and replace an existing window with a new exterior door for deck access.

APP # 21.0993 FPC          26 Thomson Place 

Applicant: Back Bay Sign

Proposed work: At the ground floor storefront install a wall sign, illuminated blade sign, and vinyl window graphics.

APP # 21.0994 FPC        364-372 Congress Street

Applicant: Claremont Companies

Proposed work: At the roof, demolish an abandoned circular brick chimney; install a new roofing system, flashing, and moldings

APP # 21.0995 FPC        300 A Street

Applicant: Dyer Brown & Associates

Proposed work: At the main roof, demolish five (5) RTUs and install two (2) new RTUs. At the lower loading dock roof install new condenser units, mechanical screening, and complete associated structural work.

IV  Discussion and Vote on Proposed Permanent Signage at Properties Receiving Community Preservation Act Funding

V  Administrative Review/ Approval

APP # 19.1276 FPC          15 Channel Center Street: At Medallion Avenue, install a loading dock platform and replace an existing multi-pane window with a garage door (Extension of Certificate of Design Approval issued July 1, 2019 and approved at the June 13, 2019 FPCLDC public hearing.)

APP # 21.0979 FPC          21 Wormwood Street 

Applicant: Benner Construction

Proposed work: Construct a roof deck and replace an existing window with a new exterior door for deck access.

VI  Ratification of 5/13/2021 Public Hearing Minutes

VII Staff Updates

VIII  Projected Adjournment 8:00 pm

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

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

Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

Boston City Council Looks At Charter Amendment, Hybrid Meetings, Cannabis, Urban Wild, Boston History, & Much More

City Councilor-At-Large Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. Below are some highlights from May 2021 Boston City Council meetings:

VOTES

Hybrid, Remote and In-Person City Council Operations: The Council voted to approve a Special Petition from Councilor O’Malley regarding An Act Concerning the Operations of the Boston City Council. This special law would allow the City Council to conduct committee hearings, working sessions, and meetings remotely, in a hybrid format, or in person at the discretion of the Chair. The petition now moves to the Massachusetts State Legislature for approval.

Ballot Question on Amending the City Charter: The Council voted to approve an order from Councilor Lydia Edwards to amend the Charter of the City of Boston by submission of a question for approval by the voters. Last fall, we voted to send this proposed charter amendment, which would , to move to the Attorney General’s office for approval. This order contains slight revisions to the previous language, based on feedback from stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including clarifying the parameters around participatory budgeting to be consistent with state law. With the Council’s approval, this order now requires approval from the Acting Mayor and then the Attorney General before appearing on the ballot for the city election on November 2 for approval by Boston voters. 

NEW FILES

Boston Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) update: Councilor O’Malley called for a hearing to discuss an update to BERDO. Buildings contribute to three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Boston. In 2013, the Council passed BERDO to require that all commercial and residential buildings that are 35,000 square feet or more, or have 35 units or more, report their energy and water use to the City every year. The ordinance was amended in 2014, and in 2019, the Climate Action Plan Update introduced an amendment to BERDO to replace the energy action and assessment requirement with a building emissions performance standard by 2021. This matter was referred to the Committee on Environment, Resiliency and Parks.

Removing Parking Minimums for Affordable Housing: Councilors Bok and O’Malley proposed a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code to remove parking minimums for affordable housing units. Parking minimums are being used to stall or prevent new affordable housing development, most recently at the Zoning Board of Appeals in regards to proposed senior housing development at 3371 Washington Street and a supportive housing project at 37 Wales Street, both in close proximity to public transit. Removing parking minimums would be the first step of a broader strategy to offer zoning relief for 100% affordable projects, making it easier to build housing for lower income Boston residents. This matter was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Equitable Regulation of the Cannabis Industry: Councilors Edwards and Flaherty filed an ordinance amending CBC Chapter 8-13 Ensuring Equitable Regulation of the Cannabis Industry in the City of Boston. The ordinance would remove the Zoning Board of Appeals from the conditional permit approval process, leaving approval to the Boston Cannabis Board; preserve and clarify requirements around the half-mile buffer zone to avoid the overconcentration of marijuana shops in one area; and streamline the process for dispensaries to apply for relevant permits for delivery services. This matter was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Zoning Amendment for Marijuana Establishments: Councilors Edwards and Flaherty filed an order regarding a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to marijuana establishments, codifying the changes in the proposed ordinance above. This matter was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

108 Walter Street: The Council voted to authorize the City of Boston Conservation Commission (ConCom) to receive a property located at 108 Walter Street in Roslindale, part of the Roslindale Wetland urban wild. This property is currently in the care and custody of the BPDA and will be transferred to ConCom for purposes of preservation, after many years of advocacy from neighborhood residents and community organizations. An adjacent parcel is moving through the process for a new affordable housing development. 

Boston Commemoration Commission: Councilor Bok filed an ordinance to create the Boston Commemoration Commission, taking advantage of the upcoming 250th anniversary of 1776, the upcoming 400th anniversary of the founding of Boston, and other significant historical anniversaries to tell the full range of our history. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations.

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

Chapter 91 Proposed Regulation Changes Meetings Tuesday 6/8

updated 06/08/21:  New June 8th zoom registration link. MassDEP is adding a mid-July date for two hearings times (date & times tbd).  The comment deadline will be extended towards the end of July dependent upon the actual July hearing date.  The hearing recordings, presentations and comment letters will be posted on the MassDEP website.

MassDEP Public Hearings
June 8. 2020
Chapter 91 Municipal Harbor Plans
Proposed Regulatory Update

On Tuesday, June 8, MassDEP will hold TWO VIRTUAL public hearings on proposed amendments to its regulations to allow the Downtown Waterfront Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) to move forward and redevelop the Harbor Garage site to a 600 foot tower and Hook Wharf to a 300 foot hotel along the Fort Point Channel. These proposed changes to Chapter 91 regulations can also impact all existing and future MHPs. 

Written comments may be submitted until 5:00 PM on June 22, 2021 via email to dep.waterways@mass.gov  *NOTE: comment deadline will be extended  to end of July. The exact date to be determined in public notice of mid-July date hearings. 

REGISTER TO ATTEND A PUBLIC HEARING ON JUNE 8

Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 1:00 PM  -- REGISTER 

Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 6:00 PM -- REGISTER 

For more information, view:

Public Hearing Notice 

Summary of Draft Regulations

Redline Version Changes Only