Snow Emergency & Parking Ban Lifts Monday At 6 AM

Mayor Wu announces snow emergency and parking ban to be lifted Monday at 6 am. If you are parked in one of the discounted garages, you will need to exit by 8 am to avoid being charged at regular rates. South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center is 9am. Parking spot savers must be removed by 6am on Wednesday. Space savers that violate these rules may be collected and discarded by the Public Works Department (PWD).

The Public Works Department had over 920 pieces of snow and ice control equipment treating and clearing Boston's streets throughout the storm. Public Works crews will begin targeted snow removal operations beginning on Sunday, January 30.

Snowfall began around 10:00 p.m. on Friday night and continued until around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday night. At times, snow was coming down at more than three inches per hour. The storm was officially designated a blizzard by the National Weather Service. By their measurements, the City of Boston received a total of 23.8 inches. Temperatures will remain cold throughout Sunday and into Monday morning, with wind chills in the single digits and below zero overnight.

Property owners are reminded that sidewalks were required to have been shoveled by 10:00 a.m. this morning (Sunday), and must be kept clear of snow and ice after the storm. A 42” wide path of travel is required to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. *

Boston City Hall, 1010 Massachusetts Ave., BCYF community centers and Boston Public Library branches will be open tomorrow. Boston Public Schools will be open on Monday, January 31.

Residents are able to look up towed cars and find information on which company towed their car on the City of Boston's online database or by calling Boston Police Department at (617) 343-4629. The City of Boston tow lot is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. until 10.30 p.m. Residents can also use the kiosk at the City’s tow lot 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. For more information, visit here or call BTD at (617) 635-3939.

Residents are reminded to call 911 to assist individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the weather. For non-emergencies, residents can call 311.

*Rules on clearing snow:

Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property.

Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.

Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found online.

Mayor Wu Declares Snow Emergency, Parking Ban In Effect Friday At 9 PM

updated at 3pm with South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center free parking information provided by State Representative David Biele. See below under participating garages. 

Mayor Michelle Wu today declared a snow emergency ahead of the forecasted winter storm that is expected to begin early Saturday morning and continue into Sunday. Total snow accumulations are expected to range between 18 to 24 inches, with winds as high as 40-50 mph are expected. Residents are advised that a parking ban will take effect starting at 9:00 p.m. tonight. Once the snow emergency goes into effect, vehicles parked on major roads and main arteries will be towed. The City is urging residents to abide by snow regulations and encouraging all drivers to use caution if traveling. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and to call 311 for non-emergency related issues. For any emergency, residents should call 911.

• A snow emergency has been declared, starting Friday, January 28, at 9 p.m. A parking ban will also take effect at that time and all vehicles parked on a posted snow emergency artery will be towed to allow for snow clearing operations to take place. Boston residents with a resident sticker can find a list of free and discounted garages online, and parking at participating garages will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday. Discounted parking starts two hours before the declaration of a snow emergency, and ends two hours after lifting the emergency.

• Snow Emergency Artery / Parking Restricted: Fort Point & Seaport

• A Street
  Boston Wharf Rd
  Congress Street
  D Street
  Northern Avenue
  Seaport Blvd
  Summer Street

  Residents can find a complete list of city streets and discounted garages here and begin parking at participating garages starting at 7:00 p.m. today. 

  Participating South Boston Garages
  

  BOSTON CONVENTION & CIVIC CENTER
  SOUTH PARKING LOT
  415 SUMMER STREET
  617-954-2000
  NO FEE
  For Fort Point, Seaport & South Boston residents only. 

  CHANNEL CENTER GARAGE
  116 WEST FIRST STREET
  617-269-1830
  $10 FOR EACH DAY
  Please bring a valid driver’s license with a City of Boston address to the garage office. Oversized vehicles not allowed. 

  MARINE PARK GARAGE
  12 DRYDOCK AVENUE
  617-482-2487
  $1 FOR EACH NIGHT
  The discount is only for South Boston residents. You need to have a South Boston resident sticker on your vehicle. Snow emergency parking on the fourth floor only.
  
  SOUTH BOSTON WATERFRONT TRANSPORTATION CENTER
  503 CONGRESS ST OR WORLD TRADE CENTER AVE.
  (857) 350-4569
  Free parking for South Boston residents starting at 6pm tonight through Monday at 9am.
  Please bring license or documentation with your name and street address. 

  MUNICIPAL LOT #018
  450 WEST BROADWAY: NO CHARGE

  MUNICIPAL LOT #021
  650-652 EAST BROADWAY: NO CHARGE

• You have 48 hours to use a space saver after the end of an emergency. After that, you must remove it from the street. Please note that space savers are banned in the South End.  

• Nighttime street sweeping on main roads, arteries, and commercial roads is canceled until further notice. Updates will be provided on Boston.gov when night time street sweeping is scheduled to resume.
• As indicated in signage posted in BPS school parking lots, parking is not allowed in these lots during snowstorms. Vehicles may be towed if they are parked in BPS parking lots during the snow emergency. Towing could start on Saturday and could continue through the weekend until lots are cleared.
• Trash and recycling pick-up will continue on a regular schedule on Friday (January 28) and resume on Monday (January 31). Residents are encouraged to download the Trash Day App for more information on their trash and recycling pick-up schedule. 

All BCYF community centers and the Boston Public Library will be closed on Saturday.

The Public Works Department (PWD) will have equipment to treat Boston's roads prior to the snowfall starting, and the City has the ability to put over 850 pieces of equipment on city streets. The PWD currently has 38,000 tons of salt on hand.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in constant contact with the National Weather Service to receive detailed forecast updates for the City of Boston and to ensure City departments have plans in place to handle the weather. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston notifications by phone, text, or email. Residents can call 311 for non-emergency issues.

Rules on clearing snow:

• Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property.
• Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.
• Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found online.

Caring for vulnerable populations:

• If you see individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the weather, please call 911.
• During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. 

Safety tips:

• Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here. You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency.

• Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to signs of overexertion. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly.

• Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes (e.g. gas exhaust for heating systems or dryers) and vehicle exhaust pipes of snow.

For more information visit Winter Storm Tips and Cold Safety Tips. 

Stay safe and warm. 

FPNA 2022 Neighborhood Gathering Kicks Off January 25th

updated 1/27/22 with Boston Water & Sewer Commission's Keeping Our Heads Above Water presentation and Boston Planning & Development Agency's Resilient Fort Point Infrastructure Project MEPA Environmental Review presentation. Online site visit is Feb 1 at 1pm.

You are invited to

Fort Point Seaport
2022 Kickoff  Neighborhood Gathering

Tuesday, January 25, 2022
6 pm to 8 pm
Sign Up for Zoom Only Event

featuring

Will The Fort Point Channel Be A Solution 

To Stormwater Flooding? 

John Sullivan, Chief Engineer 

Boston Water & Sewer Commission

View Presentation

Come hear about how the Fort Point Channel could be used to hold excess rainwater that otherwise can end up flooding city streets, and what happens when storms mix with sea level rise. Chief Sullivan was recently quoted in the Boston Globe on this topic.

&

How will Resilient Fort Point Infrastructure
Protect Us Against Sea Level Rise?

Joe Christo, Senior Resilience and Waterfront Planner

Climate Change and Environmental Planning, BPDA

View Presentation

Learn more about shoreline and inland resilient solutions that include a berm from Necco Ct to West Broadway along the Channel and flood barriers at A Street, Boston Wharf Rd and Necco Ct. The Environmental Project Notification is under review by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA). Public comments due February 15th. 

plus

Mooo Restaurant

49 Melcher Street

The corner of Melcher Street and Necco Court has been quiet for a while. Meet the team at Mooo Restaurant and discover their plans to open up another restaurant in Boston, this time in our neighborhood.

C-6 Boston Police Community Service Officers Updates

District 2 Updates, City Council President Ed Flynn

Latest Developments: Life Sciences Abound & 244-284 A Street Returns

&

A ReelHouse Oyster Bar Update

originally published 01.19.22

Reelhouse 2nd Abutters Meeting Thursday

updated 1/21/22: Reelhouse Oyster Bar will be in front of the City's Licensing Board on Wednesday, January 26. The meeting starts at 10am. 

Councilor Flynn's office is hosting a second Abutters meeting to follow up on questions raised about use, site plan (patios), hours, water shuttle and patron dispersal at the December ReelHouse Oyster Bar Abutters meeting on:

2nd ReelHouse Oyster Bar Abutters Meeting

Thursday, January 20, 2022

6pm

Zoom link

All are welcome

Fan Pier Pavilion, 10 Waterside Drive

Meeting ID: 847 9412 3044

Passcode: 488386

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,84794123044#,,,,*488386# US (New York)

+13017158592,,84794123044#,,,,*488386# US (Washington DC)

For more details, please read the December Reelhouse Abutters meeting notification. 

Please spread the word with your neighbors and friends. 

If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Lo at Councilor Flynn's office via email or call 617-935-6613.

originally published 1.18.22

12 Farnsworth Conversion To Life Sciences Public Meeting

updated 01/19/22 with Abutters Meeting presentation 
updated 1/13/22 with ZBA Appeal Tracker and hearing date of February 15th.
updated 1/10/22 with link to meeting broadcast and confirmation that Flour Bakery remains. 

There will be a City of Boston Abutters Meeting for proposed changes to 12 - 22 Farnsworth (most popularly known as the building housing Flour Bakery) on: 

Monday, January 10, 2022

6:30 pm

View Meeting Broadcast via Facebook
View Meeting Presentation

In the last quarter of 2021,12 Farnsworth, a six story 59,146-square-foot office/retail property, and adjacent parking lot (11 Sleeper St) sold to San Diego-based Phase 3 Real Estate Partners who plans to convert the office building to Life Sciences labs and offices. 

The proposal includes additional roof mechanical equipment related to Life Sciences and slight changes to loading dock, utility upgrades, interior renovations to floors 2 through 6. The restaurant space, Flour Bakery, will remain. 

The site is subject to Groundwater Trust Overlay District and Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage under Boston Wetlands Protection Ordinance administered by the Boston Conservation Commission and is within the Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District. 

To track the status, use the ZBA Appeal Tracker, which shows a Zoning Board of Appeal Date of February, 15, 2022.

On a related note, 11 Sleeper Street will be in front of the Fort Point Landmark District Commission at their January 13, 2022 public meeting for the replacement of the existing transformer and concrete pad.12 Farnsworth presented at Landmarks in September of 2021.

12 Farnsworth Street

For more information or questions regarding the Jan 10th Abutters Meeting, please contact:
Haley Dillon
Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services
Haley.Dillon@boston.gov
617-635-2680

originally published 1.6.22

Fort Point Channel Operations Board 2022 Annual Meeting

The Fort Point Channel Operations Board will be holding their annual meeting via Zoom on:

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Join Meeting Via Zoom

Public is welcome to attend this free event.

The Agenda:

• Recap of Atlantic Wharf 2021 Annual Plan
• Presentation of Atlantic Wharf 2022 Annual Plan
• 2022 Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grant Program
• Other Channel-wide Updates

What is the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan? To determine how to take better advantage of the Fort Point Channel's potential, the BPDA initiated a watersheet planning process with the Fort Point Channel Working Group and Fort Point Channel Abutters Group, which involved area residents, business owners and stakeholders. 

The resulting Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan envisions the channel as a location for a wide range of water’s edge and floating public uses, including piers, docks and landings for cultural attractions, recreational boating and sightseeing. The Plan also endeavors to seamlessly balance these public uses with the existing water-dependent uses along the Channel, including the Gillette Company, Barking Crab and Hook Lobster, as well as advancing water transportation initiatives. 

The activation goals and elements of the Plan have informed Municipal Harbor Plans specific to the area as well as state Chapter 91 Waterways licensing of projects along the Channel. The Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan is an important part of the ongoing development plans and permitting of 15 Necco, 244-284 A Street and Hook Wharf (James Hook). 

B TOGETHER IN 2022: BOSTON’S COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR SELECT INDOOR SPACES

Starting Saturday, January 15, 2022, people will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to enter certain indoor spaces in Boston:

• Indoor dining, including bars and nightclubs

• Indoor fitness

• Indoor entertainment

For a more detailed list of covered locations, please click here.  

Employees working in those spaces will also be required to be vaccinated. Covered businesses are responsible for checking proof of vaccination and posting a notice about the COVID-19 vaccine requirement – and the City is here to help.

Click here to access a printable image of the notice that covered businesses must post at their entrance. 

To enter one of the establishments listed above, you will need to show that you are vaccinated against COVID-19.  That verification can be done with:

• A CDC vaccination card

• A digital image of your CDC card 

• An image of any official immunization record

• A City of Boston app or any other COVID vaccine verification app

TIMELINE
Saturday, Jan. 15	People age 12+ must show proof of 1 dose of vaccine
Tuesday, Feb 15	People age 12+ must show proof of full vaccination
Tuesday, March 1	Children age 5-11 must show proof of 1 dose of vaccine
Sunday, May 1	Child age 5+ must show proof of full vaccination

To learn more about the policy and access resources for residents and businesses, please visit www.boston.gov/b-together or call 311.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any change with the indoor mask mandate?

No.  Boston’s indoor mask mandate is still in effect.  The public health guidance from the CDC and Boston Public Health Commission is that the best protection against COVID-19 is both to get vaccinated and to wear a mask until the spread of COVID-19 in the community is suppressed.  

When I show my proof of vaccine verification, do I also need to show ID?

No.  The City is only requiring that people show proof that they are vaccinated.

Will the City app track what locations I visit?

No.  As the city rolls out an app, it will be designed for one purpose only: to make it easy for you to show an image of your proof of vaccination on your phone. 

Do employees of these businesses need to be vaccinated?

Yes.  This policy covers both patrons and people working in the same indoor spaces.

What if I have misplaced my vaccination card?

Businesses are required to ask for proof of vaccination. Businesses may allow a patron to enter for a limited purpose, such as to pick up food or to recharge their cell phone to enable the patron to show a digital image of their proof of vaccination. Businesses may also exercise discretion to allow entrance to a vaccinated minor who cannot show proof of vaccination if the minor or an accompanying adult can offer a reasonable explanation.  

What if a person states that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons?

Covered businesses must require proof of vaccination. If a customer requests an exemption from the vaccine requirement due to a disability, engage with them in a cooperative dialogue to see if a reasonable accommodation is possible. A business does not have to provide a reasonable accommodation if doing so would create a direct threat (including contact with an unvaccinated individual) for other customers or employees of the business, or impose an undue hardship on the business.

Will there be enforcement against businesses who don’t follow the policy?

The City’s goal is to help businesses follow the policy so that we can encourage vaccination and limit the risk to customers and workers. Once the COVID-19 vaccine requirement takes effect in January of 2022, city inspectors will make checks for compliance. Businesses who are found not in compliance will receive a warning. If businesses continue not to comply, they may be fined or face other enforcement action. 

What if an individual refuses to show proof of vaccination at a covered establishment?

An individual who refuses to show proof of vaccination may not enter except for very quick and limited purposes (such as using the bathroom, picking up food, or paying a bill). When entering a venue for such limited purposes, the individuals must wear a face mask.

Can I report a business that is not following the policy?

If you see a business that is not following the policy that you believe should be, please call 311. If you are a worker concerned about retaliation, please contact the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division.

Does this policy apply to indoor dining, fitness or entertainment in schools?

No. The policy excludes pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public and non-public schools and programs, child care programs, senior centers, and community centers. The policy does not apply to indoor college and university spaces that already require vaccination for all members of the community. 

What if I don’t have a smartphone?

You can show that you are vaccinated without a smartphone by showing your CDC vaccination card or any other official immunization record.

What if I speak a language other than English?

Public notices to be posted at the front entrance of indoor establishments will be distributed in the languages most commonly spoken in each neighborhood.

Do I need a booster shot under the policy?

There is currently no requirement in the policy to have a booster to enter indoor establishments. The Public Health Commission may modify this provision in the future, in consultation with public health data and guidance from the CDC.

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources in Boston

For a full list of all the places you can get vaccinated in Boston, please visit our COVID-19 Vaccine In Boston resource page.

originally published 12.20.21

Fort Point Landmarks January 2022 Meeting

updated 1/10/12 with presentations.

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

Thursday, January 13, 2022

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 929-205-6099 and entering meeting id  822 2156 1557# 

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

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 22.0627 FPC 11 SLEEPER STREET
Applicant: Philip Marcotty
Proposed work: Replace existing transformer and concrete pad. (Continued from 12/9/2021 Hearing)

APP # 22.0715 FPC 300 A STREET
Applicant: Olivia Sherry
Proposed work: Renew approval for previously approved signage

APP # 22.0743 FPC 49 MELCHER STREET
Applicant: Courtney Hills
Proposed work: Replace signage at main entrance, awnings, and blade signs at Melcher Street and Necco Court.

APP # 22.0753 FPC 7 CHANNEL CENTER STREET
Applicant: Diego Rico
Proposed work: Construct a new building.

II. RATIFICATION OF 10/14/2021, 11/10/2021, and 12/9/2021 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

III. STAFF UPDATES

IV. PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 8:00 PM

FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

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

Alternates: Thomas Rodde, Vacancy

originally published 1.4.10

Boston City Council First Meeting of 2022

On Monday of this week (January 3, 2022), the City of Boston held a swearing-in ceremony to formally inaugurate new and returning City Council members. The Council -- which consists of sitting Councilors Flaherty (At-Large), Mejia (At-Large), Murphy (At-Large), Edwards (District 1), Ed Flynn (District 2), Frank Baker (District 3), Ricardo Arroyo (District 5), Kenzie Bok (District 8), and Liz Breadon (District 9) -- were sworn in by Mayor Wu on City Hall Plaza alongside new Councilors Louijeune (At-Large), Worrell (District 4), Kendra Lara (District 6), and Tania Fernandes Anderson (District 7).

After the inauguration ceremony, the Council convened in the Iannella Chamber for the first Council meeting of the year. As required by the Boston Charter, the meeting was presided over by the eldest member of the Body, Councilor Breadon.

“This is what democracy looks like. It took a huge effort to get us here today. I want to thank all the candidates who put themselves out there to run for office for City Council in 2021. I want to thank all the volunteers who knocked doors and made calls for their preferred candidate. So many of our volunteers and supporters are unable to attend today and partake in the celebrations, but I do want to recognize all that effort. I especially want to thank all the staff of our Election Department, who ensured that we had a safe, well run municipal election in the middle of a pandemic. I want to thank the voters of Boston, who actually turned out to vote to elect a new Mayor and a new City Council. And now the work begins! I look forward to working with all of my colleagues as we come together to serve all of the residents of Boston,” said Councilor Breadon.

During the meeting, the Council unanimously elected Councilor Flynn to be the President of the City Council. To watch the inauguration ceremony, click here. This week’s Council meeting can be viewed here.

************************************************************************************

A special note of congratulations to our District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn on becoming Boston City Council President!

Next City Council Meeting is January 26, 2022 at 12pm. 

To receive City of Boston newsletters including This Week in City Council directly to your inbox, Sign Up Here. There are a variety of City topics and departments. 

Conservation Commission January 2022 Kickoff Meeting

The Boston Conservation Commission (ConCom) enhances the quality of life in Boston by protecting water and land resources and restoring our natural environment and ecosystems. The ConCom is also responsible for developing regulations and implementing the Boston Wetlands Protection Ordinance. Wetlands are crucial to controlling flooding and protecting Boston's neighborhoods and green spaces. 

The 2022 Kickoff Meeting will take place:

January 5, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Zoom 
Dial-in audio: 1-929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 686 458 2044
Participant ID: provided upon log in

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. View Full Agenda*

Neighborhood Agenda Item #5

40 Channel Center Street (Barlow's building) Notice of Intent for DEP File No. 006-XXXX and BOS File No. 2022-XXX from Bohler Engineering on behalf 40 Channel Center Street Boston LLC for the electric utility upgrades, including an above ground, pad mounted electric transformer and associated conduit connections and the construction of storm water drainage systems located at 40 Channel Center St, Boston, MA (LSCSF) 

Discussion regarding the waterfront restoration area plan required by the Enforcement Order issued to LCTB Fort Point LLC for work located at 253 Summer St, South Boston, MA  

If there are any items you wish to provide public comments on, please provide them ahead of the hearing if possible. If you have any comments or questions you wish to raise throughout the hearing, you can "raise your hand" or type your question via the Zoom meeting platform. If you are calling in and cannot use the platform, you can "raise your hand" by pressing *9, send your questions to staff via email at CC@boston.gov, or via Twitter by tagging the Twitter handle @BostonEnviro using the hashtag #ConComHearing. If you intend to submit questions or comments, please make sure to identify yourself for the record.

*Please note that the agenda is subject to change up to 48 hours prior to the hearing.

Helpful Tip: You can zoom in periodically to see where a particular agenda item is on the schedule.

originally published 12.23.21