With the July 6th comment deadline now passed, more information is coming out about the reaction to the Chiofaro towers proposal to build a 560 ft high office building, a 690 foot tall residential and hotel building and a 770 foot skyframe in place of the Harbor Garage. The Boston Business Journal reported: “There were Read More…
From the last Tall Ships in 2000. Note Bay State Lobster before the Fairmont Battery Wharf was built.Well, I didn’t think it would happen, but I did get sucked into the whole Tall Ships extravaganza. After being asked 3 times where the ships were on my way home from work on Friday, I decided to Read More…
I’ve been pretty outspoken regarding the potential for large-scale events on the Greenway and why the draft guidelines need to have some protection against the “renting-out” of the parks. But I wanted to give the Conservancy credit for also offering some very nice, community-based activities. Check out their schedule on this flyer (pdf) or go Read More…
The Fairmont Battery Wharf formally opened the Maritime Museum this week with an outdoor celebration, including podium speeches by the Mayor and other dignitaries. The Museum is being referred to as a pocket museum, with its 1,000 square feet of space retelling the history of Massachusetts Bay, featuring the U.S. Coast Guard and the history Read More…
The Boston Police have issued a special alert regarding a dramatic increase in the number of thefts of property from motor vehicles. The North End/Waterfront is in Area A-1 which has experienced a 38% increase in theft. The police consider this a preventable crime, primarily caused by owners leaving valuables in sight (i.e., GPS, laptops, etc.).
COMMUNITY ALERT
Boston Police Report Increase in Theft from Motor Vehicles
BPD Offers Prevention Tips for Motor Vehicle Break-ins
From January 1, 2009 to July 1, 2009, statistics indicate that 5 out of 12 Boston Police Districts are reporting an increase in the number of Larceny from a Motor Vehicle. Seven districts have reported a decrease in the number of thefts from motor vehicles. This has resulted in a 6% increase of motor vehicle break-ins citywide.
Assault & Battery 07/04/09 3:02am Male victim reports being assaulted leaving a Hanover St establishment. Victim states he was punched in the head and face by several male suspects. Larceny in Building 07/04/09 10:00pm-11:00am Victim reports her purse and contents as well as a cell phone were removed from her Powers Ct. apartment by one Read More…
Our new Greenway parks are at risk of being “rented-out”. As discussed in a previous post, the Greenway Leadership Council (GLC) is reviewing draft guidelines for the Greenway’s Public Programming, Special Events and General Use. Approving these “rules & regulations” is one of the most important functions of the GLC as assigned per State legislation. Chapter 306 of the Acts of 2008 created the GLC as a governing body over the private, non-profit Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. A list of current GLC members can be accessed here.
Are large, sponsored events the future of the Greenway Parks?My comment letter strongly opposes the “renting out” of the Greenway parks for large, semi-private events that could destroy the parks and the hurt the character of the North End/Waterfront neighborhood. Turning the Greenway into an outdoor convention center goes against the desired public use nature of these long-awaited parks. Click here for a PDF version of my comments.
The GLC is accepting public comments through July 15, 2009 before considering the final version of the guidelines at their next private meeting. I hope you will take a minute and submit your own comments via email to: comments@rosekennedygreenway.org.
It is a good idea to cc/copy your comments to public officials. Their emails can be found on our Resources/Links page.
Anyone is welcome to copy/paste parts of my letter at the link below.
A few reminders for upcoming neighborhood meetings in the next week: Thursday for NEWRA, Monday for NEWNC and Tuesday for FOCCP. See the Calendar for all upcoming meetings & events in the North End/Waterfront community. NEWRA-North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association Thursday, July 9, 2009, 7:00pm Nazzaro Center, 30 N. Bennet St Click here for complete agenda Read More…
All the proposals, meetings and comment letters for new development may be for naught, at least until after November. According to a Banker & Tradesman article (subscription required), Mayor Menino will halt decisions on any controversial developments until after the November election. In and around our neighborhood, we have three major projects on the drawing Read More…
The New England Aquarium opened the $10 million open-air Marine Mammal Center which is free to the public on the Harborwalk around the aquarium. The New Balance Foundation contributed $3 million of the cost and received naming rights. Northern fur seals are the main attraction as they swiftly skim the harbor water in a shallow Read More…
At issue during the last Greenway Leadership Council (GLC) meeting was how the Greenway Conservancy will handle events, from small-scale community/school activities to large private/corporate convention-like events. This meeting on June 25th was the first without the Conservancy and dedicated to reviewing draft guidelines for the parks. The draft guidelines will cover pretty much everything Read More…
The Boston Harbor Association’s influential Vivien Li commented on the Chiofaro proposal in a Banker & Tradesman piece titled “Chiofaro Plan May Be Welcome At Waterfront.” If you are a B&T subscriber, you can read the entire article. Regarding height, TBHA appears to be less concerned than others going above the current 155 foot zoning Read More…