Tuesday, February 27, 2024

What's Happening This Week & Next

Now through March 1st: Early voting for the MA Presidential Primary at City Hall, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 8pm and Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm. Click the link above for more details and polling sites. 

2/28: Boston Harbor Now’s Harbor Use Forum: Stone Living Lab Research, Education & Engagement Projects at 8:30am – 10am. The Lab is an innovative and collaborative partnership focused on testing and scaling up nature-based approaches to climate adaptation in Boston Harbor and beyond.

2/28: Article 80 Modernization In Person Public Meeting from 6pm - 8pm at Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, 2nd Floor - School Committee Room, 2300 Washington St. Roxbury, MA 02119.The project team will share the results of engagement, analysis, and peer cities research conducted during phase 1 of the project. View Article 80 Modernization Community Engagement and Development Review Operations Improvement Phase 1 Report.

2/29: CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS HEARING ON DOCKET #0257, a hearing to discuss an Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department, at 10am. View Docket.  Written comments may be sent in advance.

2/29: Article 80 Modernization Virtual Public Meeting from 6pm - 8pm. This meeting is a repeat of the 2/28th meeting. See description and link to the report in the 28th meeting above.

3/5: MA Presidential Primary Election Day. Vote in person in at an unleased storefront in The Paseo located at 55 Pier 4 Blvd./111 Harbor Way from 7am to 8pm. The Paseo connects Harbor Way and Pier 4 Blvd. Please note this new location is being utilized while District Hall is under renovation. 

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

FPNA Neighborhood Gathering Features Councilor Mejia, Buses, Office Conversions & Neighborhood News

 You are invited to an

In Person
 Neighborhood Gathering

Tuesday, February 27, 2024
6 pm to 8 pm
CRISPR Therapeutics
105 West First Street

featuring
Our C-6 Community Officers

A Conversation with
City Councilor-At-Large Julia Mejia
&
Matthew Moran, Boston Transportation Dept.

introducing
Office to Residential Conversion Pilot
Did you know Fort Point is part of the pilot?
Reuben Kanter & John Weil, Boston Planning & Development Agency

with
Neighborhood Updates & Discussions
24 Farnsworth, MA Presidential Primary voting location change, Cypher & E St. Improvements, BCEC Beautification, & more.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

MassDEP Draft Climate Resilience Regulations & CZM Coastal Resilience Districts

updated 2/15/24: MassDEP extends joint public comment period from March 1 to April 30, 2024 and adds Office Hours. 

MassDEP Resiliency Draft Regulations

In February 2022, MassDEP invited a wide range of stakeholders to participate in a stakeholder advisory panel to inform MassDEP’s proposed resilience-focused regulatory updates with the goal of preparing draft regulations. Beginning this year, there will be information sessions and hearings for Waterways (Chapter 91) resilience regulation amendments and for Wetlands and water quality resilience regulation amendments.

View: Waterways (Chapter 91) draft regulation language and waterways
View: Wetland 
draft regulation language

Office Hours: Participants are encouraged to submit questions about the Wetlands/401WQC regulations, Stormwater Handbook, and/or Waterways regulations in advance of the session(s) you plan to attend.
  • Questions submitted in advance (preferably at least one week) of an Office Hours session will be prioritized. “Live” questions will be considered, as time permits. 
  • MassDEP may choose not to address questions at these sessions if not received sufficiently in advance or if the question requires extensive evaluation.
  • Please refrain from asking site-specific questions related to projects you may be involved in.
  • Submit questions here.
Wetlands and Waterways Resilience Regulations “Office Hours” Schedule
All sessions will be conducted virtually via Zoom, advance registration required, registration links and agendas will be available on our website.
  • Office Hours #1: Monday February 26, 2024 1:00-3:30pm. Register.
  • Office Hours #2:  Thursday March 14, 2024 1:30-4:00pm. Register.
  • Office Hours #3: April 3, 2025 1:30-4:00pm. Register.
Comment Deadline 
April 30th: Extended Public Comment Period closes at 5pm for all regulations.
  • Send Waterways Resilience comments to dep.waterways@mass.gov withWaterways Resilience Comments in the subject line.
  • Send Wetlands Resilience comments to dep.wetlands@mass.gov with Wetlands-401 Resilience Comments in the subject line.
Prior Information Sessions and Hearings

Waterways (Chapter 91)
January 17    Waterways  2 Public Information Sessions (virtual 1 pm  & 6 pm)
January 25   Waterways  Public Hearings (virtual 1 pm  & 6 pm)
Wetlands: Coastal Resilience & Stormwater

January 18    Wetlands / WQC  2 Public Information Sessions (virtual, 1pm and 6pm) 
January 23    Wetlands / WQC  3rd Public Information Session (virtual, 1pm)

January 31    Wetlands / WQC 2 public hearings (virtual, 1pm & 6pm)
February 1    Wetlands / WQC 3rd Public hearing (virtual, 1pm)

Don't forget to check out the MassDEP Youtube channel

MA ResilientCoasts Initiative

On November 28, 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced ResilientCoast initiative to establish establish Coastal Resilience Districts based on their unique climate impacts. The development of a coastal resilience strategy is a priority action within the state’s ResilientMass Plan. ResilientCoasts will  be led by a new Chief Coastal Resilience Officer under Coastal Zone Management. Read press release.

originally published 01.04.24

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Mayor Wu Declares Snow Emergency. Parking Ban Starts at 10pm.

Updated 2/13/23: Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the snow emergency and parking ban currently in effect will be lifted today at 4:00 p.m. Residents parked in participating discounted lots and garages must remove their cars by 6:00 p.m. to avoid being charged regular rates.

Mayor Michelle Wu declares a snow emergency ahead of the forecasted winter storm that is expected to begin early morning on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 and continue into the evening. Total snow accumulations are expected to range between 8 to 12 inches. 

The following city service changes are in effect: 

A parking ban is in effect starting at 10:00PM Monday. The parking ban will allow for snow clearing operations to take place. 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 800 pieces of equipment on City streets. The PWD currently has 40,000 tons of salt on hand. 

Once the snow emergency goes into effect, vehicles parked on major roads and main arteries will be towed. Please move your car.  

Snow Emergency Artery / Parking Restricted: Fort Point & South Boston Waterfront

A Street
B Street
Boston Wharf Road
Congress Street
Summer Street
D Street
Northern Avenue
Seaport Blvd
W First Street

Residents may begin parking at participating garages starting at 8:00PM. Discounted parking ends two hours after the snow emergency is lifted. View complete list of restricted streets

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. 

DCR PARKING LOT AT CASTLE ISLAND
2010 DAY BLVD
NO FEE

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 Wednesday, February 14th at 9am. Before exiting, please visit the parking office on the 2nd floor to validate your ticket.  You will need to show your license or documentation with your name and street address to verify residency. 

MUNICIPAL LOT #018
450 WEST BROADWAY: NO CHARGE

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

A full list of discounted garages is available at boston.gov.

Closures: Boston Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Boston City Hall and other municipal buildings will also be closed.

Looking out for others: Please check on neighbors. 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. 

Snow removal

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

You have 48 hours to use a space saver after the end of a snow emergency. After that, you must remove it from the street.

For more information on today's snow emergency and winter and cold weather safety tips, visit boston.gov/snow

To sign up for emergency alerts and parking notifications, click here.

Friday, February 09, 2024

Fort Point Landmarks February 2024 Meeting

2/9/24: cancelled due to not enough Commissioners present to reach quorum.

 THE FORT POINT CHANNEL LANDMARK DISTRICT COMMISSION

will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, February 8, 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 913 9623 4842#.You can also submit written comments or questions to FortPointLDC@boston.

I.  DESIGN REVIEW HEARING

APP # 24.0513 FPC  30 THOMSON PLACE
Applicant: Nathan Turner
Proposed Work: Installation of wall mounted ductwork, condensers and exhaust openings to support a new high-end Italian best in class pizzeria.

APP # 24.0517 FPC  7 CHANNEL CENTER STREET
Applicant: Phil Marcotty
Proposed Work: Redevelopment of the existing property at 7 Channel Center including the construction of a new 9-story building.

 II.  ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL

APP # 24.0648 FPC 5 NECCO STREET: Replacement of a portion of the existing top floor glass wall with an approximately 7’-10” x 23’-4” foot folding door.

III.  RATIFICATION OF 1/11/24 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

IV.  STAFF UPDATES

PROJECTED ADJOURNMENT: 7:15 PM

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

originally posted 02.08.24

Tuesday, February 06, 2024

7 Channel Center Public Meeting: New Life Sciences Owners, New Design & New Opportunities

1/29/24: January 17th Public Meeting for 7 Channel Center Street is rescheduled to February 7th.

The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) is hosting a public meeting to discuss design updates regarding the 7 Channel Center project located in Fort Point within the South Boston Waterfront on:

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (new date)
6pm

The meeting will also be an opportunity to discuss outstanding agreements and unaddressed questions about Life Sciences operations, protocols and communications within a mixed use development. 

Jan 2023 Approved Design by Westbrook Partners

October 2023 Fort Point Landmarks Advisory Design by Phase 3

The meeting will be virtual and include a Q&A and comments from the general public.  

originally published 01.10.24

Monday, February 05, 2024

2024 Neighborhood Gathering Kicks Off With New City Council President, Gillette & 2 New Restaurants

updated 2/5/24 with P&G Gillette presentation (see below). 

FPNA invites you to an

in person 2024 Neighborhood Gathering Kickoff


Tuesday, January 30, 2024
6 pm to 8 pm

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
303 Congress St (across from The Milk Bottle)
In person or Online Viewing Only

featuring
Our C-6 Community Officers

with special guests
newly elected Boston City Council President
Councilor-At-Large Ruthzee Louijeune

District 2 Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn 

&
P&G Gillette Reimagine Team
Reimaging Gillette's 31 Acres
View Presentation


introducing
Sidenote
391 D St.
a new restaurant
seeking expansion of D’s Keys Dueling Pianos' all alcohol license 


Elephantine Bakery
332 Congress St.

an old world café seeking beer, wine, and cordials license

plus
Neighborhood Updates

Please note that our kickoff gathering will take place in person at WPI. Online attendance is view only. 

If you have any questions for our speakers, please submit them by Monday, Jan 29th at noon to FPNA.

 We extend special thanks to WPI for hosting us in their final days in Fort Point. 

A Look At What's Going On This Week & Next

updated 02/06/24 with links to Abutters Meetings videos. 

Starting today, there's lots going on about the neighborhood, especially our waterfront. Resiliency tops MassDEP's agenda with information sessions this week followed by hearings next week on draft regulations updates to Chapter 91, wetlands and water quality. 7 Channel Center Public Meeting is tonight. Next week Boston Harbor Now is hosting 232 A Street and the Fort Point Channel Operations Board Annual meeting is occurring. There are two new establishments looking to open up and more (see below):

Jan 17: Waterways (Chapter 91) Climate Resiliency Draft Regulations Public Information Sessions (virtual at 1pm or 6pm)

Jan 17: Conservation Commission Public Meeting at 6pm. Agenda includes EMS station at 34 Drydock and a request of extension of orders for Seaport L5 (1-27 Boston Wharf Rd. 

Jan 17: 7 Channel Center Street Update Public Meeting at 6pm hosted by the BPDA to review new building design as well as an opportunity to learn about Life Sciences use and  protocols and communications within a mixed use development. Postponed.

Jan 18: Squares + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours from 12:30 to 1:30pm

Jan18:  Wetlands / WQC Climate Resiliency Draft Regulation Public Information Sessions (virtual at 1pm or 6pm) 

Jan 18: BPDA Board Meeting.

Jan 20: The Gallery at 249 A hosts the opening of Urban Edge, a new exhibit of works by Steve Kromer and Duane Lucia from 3pm to 6pm at 249 A Street.

Jan 22: Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture Chapter 91 Waterfront Civic/Cultural Spaces Survey deadline.

Jan 23: Wetlands / WQC Climate Resiliency Draft Regulations 3rd Public Information Session (virtual at 1pm)

Jan 23: Squares + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours from 12:30 to 1:30pm and from 6pm to 7pm.

Jan 24: Boston Harbor Now's Harbor Use Public Forum to discuss 232 A Street at 8:30am. View video recording.

Jan 24: Fort Point Channel Operations Annual Meeting from 4pm to 5:30pm will take place at the Fort Point room, 2nd floor, 200 Atlantic Ave. Agenda will include:

  • Recap of Atlantic Wharf 2023 Annual Plan
  • Presentation of Atlantic Wharf 2024 Annual Plan
  • Update on Atlantic Wharf Fort Point Room Proposed Relocation & Improvements 
  • Other Channel-wide Updates

Jan 24: Sidenote / 391 D Street Abutter's Meeting at 5:30pm New restaurant concept abutting D’s Keys Dueling Pianos. Expansion of all alcohol license between businesses. View Abutters Meeting by clicking here & entering passcode: W66VY.c@

Jan 24: Elephantine Bakery / 332 Congress Street Abutter's Meeting at 6:30pm seeking beer, wine, and cordials license. View Abutters Meeting by clicking here & entering passcode SE+4x?RC

Jan 25: Waterways Waterways (Chapter 91) Climate Resiliency Draft Regulations Public Hearings  (virtual at 1pm or 6pm)


Jan 25: 332-340 Summer Street Abutter's Meeting at 6:30pm. Seeking to renew use as a (40) vehicles fee based parking lot through Dec. 31, 2026. View Abutters Meeting by clicking here & entering passcode Jsqs4&5c

Jan 30: FPNA Neighborhood Gathering at 6pm. Details TBA.

originally published 01.17.24