Recent changes in the Haymarket Hotel development project at Parcel 9, along the Greenway, was the discussion topic at a recent meeting of the North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association.
NEWRA President Ford Cavallari took an informal survey regarding the community’s concern about the increase in hotel height (from 85′ to 103′) and redesign by the Normandy Partners / Harbinger development team. The lower market hall section of the project has also been increased from one to two stories, blocking views from the North End Parks on the Rose Kennedy Greenway to historic Blackstone Street.
NEWRA members, including Parcel 9 Advisory Committee member, Victor Brogna, and former ZLC co-chair David Kubiak, took part in a half-hour discussion questioning the review process, including a recent support letter by elected officials highlighting community donations by the developer.
Much of the NEWRA meeting debate centered around process issues at the Boston Redevelopment Authority that is allowing the increased height and design changes after the multi-year MassDOT competitive bid designation. The Massachusetts Historical Commission has objected to the proposed height as out of character with the historic Blackstone Block.
View the video for the complete the Parcel 9 discussion and survey at NEWRA. Also, see this post for more information: Haymarket Hotel Receives Elected Officials Support Amid Design Questions.
They did not follow the rulesThere was a height restriction. Now after the fact, they want to go higher. This is a farce. It will block views . When they won the bidding, they knew they wanted to build higher, but obviously they duped everyone. Not a fan of the design either!