Commentaries

Letter to the Editor: Community Preservation Act Funding

Posted on Author NorthEndWaterfront.comComments Off on Letter to the Editor: Community Preservation Act Funding

We are writing to say thank you to State Representative Aaron Michlewitz for his advocacy to increase the state match for the Community Preservation Trust Fund in the state budget!

In 2016 75% of Boston voters cast their ballot in support of the Community Preservation Act (CPA), enabling new funds for affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space. 

North Enders value the impact of CPA. Langone Park, undergoing a significant renovation, will have climate resiliency features added with CPA funds recommended by Mayor Walsh, preventing flooding in our neighborhood and throughout downtown. A partnership with the Ausonia Council Knights of Columbus #1513, a local CDC, and the City of Boston will create affordable housing for elders in the Knights’ underutilized historic building.

CPA was passed by voters with an expectation of state matching funds. Due to an outdated funding mechanism the match dwindled to just 11%. Chairman Michlewitz included a fix in the House’s fiscal year 2020 budget that will bring the match up to nearly 30%, and even more if surplus state funds are added in some years.  

We would also like to thank Senator Joseph Boncore for his support of both projects as well.

Here’s to Representative Michlewitz and Senator Boncore and to many more years of exciting CPA improvements for our North End neighborhood!

Sincerely,

John Pagliuca
Grand Knight
Ausonia Council , K. of C.,  #1513

Louis Cavagnaro, Sr.
President
North End Athletic Association

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Comment Letter Opposing Large, Sponsored Greenway Events

Posted on Author Matt Conti

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.