The following is a guest contribution from Bob Skole with his submitted comment letter regarding the Greenway Conservancy’s Guidelines. Let the Greenway remain a park and a green way. Otherwise, change the name of the Conservancy. Is the Working Draft a belated April Fool’s Day joke? Many thanks for offering the opportunity to comment on Read More…
The Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) had their July meeting this week, led by President, Joanne Hayes-Rines. Fundraising Chair, Anne Devln Tagliaferro, announced that the annual fundraising gala will be held on November 13, 2009 at the Long Wharf Marriott. The event was at the Intercontinental last year, but holding it at the Marriott will Read More…
There is not as much intrigue and deception as Watergate, but the North End has its own literal ‘gate’ controversy and its just as dirty … again, literally dog crap dirty. The deed is done on Richmond Street in the little park that has been used for years as an unofficial dog park, near the Read More…
Everything was going smoothly last night at the Fairmont Battery Wharf during the July NEWNC (North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council) meeting, until the last agenda item regarding 113 Salem Street. Owner Arthur Caras, his attorney, and contractor Michael Dello Russo presented plans to expand the existing barber shop and nail salon in the rear of the Read More…
The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) is having its monthly meeting on Monday, July 13th at 7:00pm. The location was incorrect in the Regional Review so please take note that the meeting is at the Fairmont Battery Wharf in the Constitution Ballroom (not the Nazzaro Center). The agenda is listed below. NEWNC July 13, 2009 Read More…
A scheduled presentation on the Armenian Heritage Park by Architect Don Tallelian did not happen at this week’s NEWRA meeting because the Boston Redevelopment Authority requested it be delayed pending its own review. Despite the lack of a formal presentation, an update was provided by Victor Brogna who is co-chair of NEWRA’s zoning committee. The Read More…
ST. JOSEPH SOCIETY SALUTES MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES The St. Joseph Society will salute the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces with a pair of free evening concerts during the 84th annual St. Joseph’s Feast being celebrated July 24 to 26 at Battery and Hanover Streets in the North End. 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…
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…
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…