Waterfront development, specifically the proposed Lewis Wharf hotel project, was the focus of questions at the first State Senate Candidates Forum. Over 100 residents packed the Pilot House on the North End waterfront to attend the forum, held Thursday night, March 3rd.
Candidates are vying to fill the First Suffolk and Middlesex district seat left open by the recent resignation of Anthony Pettruccelli. The district includes Boston’s North End / Waterfront, Beacon Hill, East Boston as well as Revere, Winthrop and parts of Cambridge. All candidates are running as Democrats with the Special State Primary Election set for April 12th.
Attending candidates at the forum included Joseph Boncore, Diana Hwang, Jay Livingstone, Dan Rizzo and Paul Rodgers. A seat was set out for Lydia Edwards who did not attend.
In addition to addressing associated waterfront issues, including climate change, all candidates reinforced their opposition at the forum to the proposed hotel project at Lewis Wharf by JW Capital Partners and John Moriarty & Associates.
The Candidates Forum was hosted by Save Our North End Waterfront and the North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association. NEWRA President, Ford Cavallari, moderated the forum that included introductory statements and prepared questions by audience members.
Summary and Video Timeline:
- (00:00 in video) Welcome by Moderator Ford Cavallari
- (02:50) Candidate Introductory Statements
- (17:00) Climate change preparedness, rising sea levels and at-risk development
- (27:40) Waterfront development planning by the Boston Redevelopment Authority
- (36:00) Harborwalk compliance by property owners
- (43:50) Lewis Wharf hotel project opposition
- (54:00) Comments by State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz
- (55:00) Urban Renewal extension debate at Boston City Council
View the video above for the complete candidates forum.
