Fenway Civic Association

The Week Ahead

April 22, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

EARTH DAY is April 22 A good day to commit to a plan for positive change.

This year, the FCA is focused on our “Year of the Tree” initiative. Behind the scenes, we’re working to get grants for street tree plantings and care, and support Boston’s Urban Forest Plan. On the streets, we’ll be organizing care teams, and hope you will join us. With the undeniable effects of climate change upon us, we can expect warmer and wetter weather, more frequent and potentially more dangerous floods. Trees can help absorb water, reduce runoff of potentially harmful chemicals into our waterways, act as air filters, create shade and lower our urban heat island temperatures, and increase the eco-health of multi-species. Watch for future events including talks and street tree care days this year! We’re counting on your help.

Trees can improve our lives by reducing heat island effects-among other benefits. The Fenway is a high priority zone for planting (see map of Boston below), as we have four overlapping prioritization indicators: Environmental Justice; Low existing canopy; High level of Heat Event Hours; Historically Marginalized Area. Read more in the Fenway/Longwood Plan.

The FCA is coordinating with Boston’s Urban Forestry division to present an in-person talk about street trees and the city’s Urban Forestry plan in May – details to come. We’ll also continue working with partners to provide street tree care and work days in Ramler Park – dates to come.

Environmental impacts from Spring cleaning? Make sure to recycle responsibly! Thanks to the City’s Waste Reduction team for their Recyling Presentation for Fenway. Take a moment and review the city’s recycling policies here. Did you realize that black plastic trays (the kind you get your takeout food in) are NOT recyclable? Do you have paint, mattresses or other problematic items to dispose of? Check the site for Zero Waste Day collections.

A WORD OF THANKS!

The FCA applied for and received a $5,000 Grant from the Red Sox Foundation for support of Fenway Cares. We thank the Red Sox Foundation for this significant gift which is funding for approximately one-week’s worth of food distribution to those in need in the East and West Fenway.

SPREAD THE JOY!

Join us on Thursday, May 2nd from 12pm-8pm for the FIRST EVER JoyWalk!

JoyWalk: A Fenway Cultural District Art Crawl is a new, FREE art initiative started by the Fenway Alliance in partnership with free admission to eight member institutions. Join the Fenway News’ “Urban Detective,” Ed Ballo on one of two hour-long walks through the Fenway. Learn about the public art, architecture, urban development and ecology of what is arguably Boston’s most culturally rich neighborhood. (visit the website for full details)

THE WEEK AHEAD

DEADLINE: Monday, April 22, Comment Period for 2 Charlesgate West project

Make your voice heard by providing your comments here

The 2 Charlesgate West development proposal is currently under review. Comments are open through April 22. This large project abutting sensitive parkland and low-rise apartments is seeking considerable zoning relief from the City. A public meeting was held April 4th, where many citizens voiced concerns on the current proposal. The meeting was recorded, and is accessible here: Public Meeting Recording

Wednesday, April 24, Fenway Cares Food and Healthcare (see details below)

Saturday, April 27, Family Bike Day | Boston.gov

On Saturday, April 27, join Boston Bikes for a Family Bike Day in Franklin Park!

The event includes on-bike skill-building for children and adults, free bike checks, and a family-friendly bike ride. The event will take place at Franklin Park’s Shattuck Picnic Grove. The rain date is Sunday, April 28, 2024. Free lunch for those who register!

UPCOMING

Birds of the Back Bay Fens, Guided Bird Walk with Nature Man Mike

Sunday, May 12 at 7:30 a.m., Back Bay Fens – Meet at the Japanese Bell outside the Kelleher Rose Garden (by the footbridge across from the Museum of Fine Arts).

Thrill to the sight and sound of the array of birds that inhabit the Back Bay Fens each spring. All levels welcome. Bring binoculars

Date changed from Wednesday, April 24, to new date:

Monday, May 13, 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM, Wentworth Institute of Technology IMP 2024-2034, Public Meeting | Virtual Meeting

The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting to discuss the recently filed 2024-2034 Wentworth Institute of Technology Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”). The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the IMP, the potential projects listed within the IMP, and discuss potential impacts and mitigation. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public.

How to Participate Please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:
bit.ly/3vomgMU

Bike to work Day – Friday May 17th – Celebration at City Hall Plaza

2024 FCA/NEU Annual Flower Share

Saturday, May 18th – hours vary per site.

We are delighted that Northeastern University will continue this event as a longstanding tradition and partnership that provides Fenway residents flowers to beautify window boxes and gardens.

The FCA Flowershare for members in good standing.

Please renew your membership in order to participate. Details were emailed.

ONGOING

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution Next date: 4/24

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares takes place at 2 locations on the same day:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations! Volunteer

MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic – 2-5 p.m. on Fenway Cares dates, East Fenway, in Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Offerings may include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19, flu, and pneumonia vaccines.

RED SOX – 2024 printable baseball schedule / Fenway Park concert schedule

BPDA ACTIVE PROJECTS

Currently, there are 5 projects in the Fenway “Under Review”: 2 Charlesgate West – comments due on 4/22; Fenway Corners (West), Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 409 Huntington Avenue, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

April 18, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

Thanks for attending the FCA Annual Meeting on Wed Apr 10th!!!

It was great to gather with neighbors and elected officials to review our many successes, and to announce our “Year of the Tree” initiative. Thanks to the City’s Waste Reduction team for a presentation on recycling in Boston, view it here: Recyling Presentation for Fenway.

Some photos from the FCA Annual Meeting

THE WEEK AHEAD
Street Sweeping Resumes – be in the know and avoid a tow!!

RED SOX 2024 season printable schedule

MA Taxes Due April 17

THE BIG EVENT!!! THE BOSTON MARATHON – MONDAY APRIL 15TH !!!!!

BOSTON MARATHON Monday, April 15th

Get ready for one of the city’s most exciting events.

The official guide

Official Boston Marathon website

Spectator info

Boston Marathon Fan Fest

The unofficial guide to a Marathon of fun!

Ways to Celebrate the Boston Marathon

Transport issues – parking restriction – travel advisories – T service

2024 Boston Marathon Traffic Advisory

Boston Marathon Guide | MBTA User Guides.

FOLLOW our local FENWAY CARES Runner!

Nehal Munshi’s bib number is 30645. Follow Nehal on the BAA site or with the BAA app which can be downloaded from this site: Boston Marathon

UPCOMING

2024 FCA/NEU Annual Flower Share, Saturday, May 18th

We are delighted that Northeastern University will continue this event as a longstanding tradition and partnership that provides Fenway residents flowers to beautify window boxes and gardens.

The FCA Flowershare for members in good standing.

Please renew your membership in order to participate. Details were emailed.

Monday, April 22, Comment Period closes for 2 Charlesgate West project

Wednesday, April 24, 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM, Wentworth Institute of Technology IMP 2024-2034, Public Meeting | Virtual Meeting

How to Participate Please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:
bit.ly/3vomgMU

SAVE THE DATE

Birds of the Back Bay Fens, Guided Bird Walk with Nature Man Mike

Saturday, May 12 at 7:30 a.m., Back Bay Fens – Meet at the Japanese Bell outside the Kelleher Rose Garden (by the footbridge across from the Museum of Fine Arts).

Thrill to the sight and sound of the array of birds that inhabit the Back Bay Fens each spring. All levels welcome. Bring binoculars

ONGOING

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution Next date: 4/24

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares takes place at 2 locations on the same day:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations! Volunteer

RED SOX – 2024 printable baseball schedule / Fenway Park concert schedule

BPDA ACTIVE PROJECTS

Currently, there are 5 projects in the Fenway “Under Review”: Fenway Corners (West) ,Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

Fenway Civic Association FLOWER SHARE for members

April 12, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members,

We are thrilled to continue our longstanding tradition of partnership with Northeastern University to bring flowers to Fenway residents.
To help access for East and West Fenway residents, this event will provide pick ups at two locations on May 18, 2024.

Flowers are available to all FCA members – if you have not yet returned your membership dues, we hope you will do so soon.

Please complete the flower sign-up below by May 3rd to ensure your flowers will be ready!

Date: May 18, 2024
Details: Map with locations and times here

East Fenway: Fenway Center (68 St. Stephen Street) parking lot, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

West Fenway: Exterior of Fenway Victory Gardens (1200 Boylston Street), 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

See you at the share!

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

April 9, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

APRIL is an active time in the Fenway!!!

First and foremost, it’s time for our FCA Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 10. And no joke, though started on April 1st, street sweeping has resumed – make sure to move your car to avoid ticketing and towing. In sports news: the RED SOX opener is Tuesday, April 9 at 2:10 pm v. the Orioles, and The Boston Marathon is Monday, April 15th. To round out the fun, your Federal and State taxes are due Wednesday, April 17th Current Tax Filing Season Overview | Mass.gov.

FENWAY CIVIC ANNUAL MEETING — APRIL 10TH

We look forward to spending an evening with you, please join us!

Fenway Civic Association Annual Meeting

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 6:00 p.m.

at the

School of the Museum of Fine Arts

at Tufts University

230 The Fenway

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Social Time

Meet & Greet with light refreshments

The program begins at 6:30 p.m.

with a recap of FCA civic projects over the past year,

and neighborhood goals for 2024 and beyond.

Dennis Roache will present the evening’s featured discussion on:

“Waste Reduction: Where do You Fit In”

ways we can improve the Fenway’s environmental impact.

STREET SWEEPING HAS RESUMED! Be in the know, don’t get a tow!!!

https://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/sweeping/ Please be aware that street sweeping has resumed. You can check your street and cleaning dates to ensure you don’t get ticketed and towed, it can really ruin your day! The city does offer a great automated reminder service, so you get notified the day before your neighborhood or street is swept. Log in and register to get notified.

RED SOX opener – Tuesday, April 9 at 2:10 pm v. the Orioles. Go Sox!

BOSTON MARATHON – MONDAY, APRIL 15 all day event

Get ready for one of the city’s most exciting events. Please be aware there will be street closures and transportation disruptions. The 55 bus will be suspended for the day. Here is info from the T https://www.mbta.com/guides/marathon-guide. Official Boston Marathon website: Check here for spectator info. CITY OF BOSTON has the 2023 street closures up here – waiting for the page to update to 2024, but will be similar.

Congrats, Nehal Munshi on reaching your $5,000 fundraising goal for your Boston Marathon Run to support FENWAY CARES – The need is great, and pledges are still being accepted! bit.ly/FenwayCaresRun

State and Federal Tax filing is due! WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to Maggie Van Scoy – best wishes on your new endeavors, as you move on from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison position. We extend our heartfelt thanks for all your work in our neighborhood!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, April 10, Fenway Cares (see detail below)

Wednesday, April 10, 6 pm, Fenway Civic Association Annual Meeting, we look forward to seeing you. Flyer below.

ONGOING

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution Next date: 4/10

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares takes place at 2 locations on the same day:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations! Volunteer

MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic – 2-5 p.m. on Fenway Cares dates, East Fenway, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Offerings include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

MBTA Current Service Alerts: Thankfully, it seems all the Green Lines are running – with some elevator work going on at select stations. The Orange line from Ruggles to Forest Hills will see weekend closures this month for maintenance, with free commuter rail service to cover this. Click here to see CURRENT service alerts . And remember, the Boston Marathon will cause major transportation disruptions.

RED SOX – For 2024 event dates and schedules, click on the following: 2024 printable baseball schedule / Fenway Park concert listings for 2024: concert schedule

UPCOMING

Monday, April 22, Comment Period closes for 2 Charlesgate West project

Wednesday, April 24, 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM, Wentworth Institute of Technology IMP 2024-2034, Public Meeting | Virtual Meeting

How to Participate Please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:
bit.ly/3vomgMU

ARTS & RECREATION

Kaji Aso Studio. The 35th International Haiku Contest submissions are due on April 15, 2024 Please check their site for details.

DEVELOPMENT – BPDA Changes

On March 27, the City Council passed the Planning Department Ordinance to create a City of Boston Planning Department, with a vote of 8 approved – 3 opposed – and 2 abstained. Closely related, the Home Rule Petition will soon be heard in the Statehouse. It was over 60 years ago that Planning functions were taken out of the City to form the BRA to focus on urban blight. Questions now center on the structure and oversight of a new Department.

BPDA ACTIVE PROJECTS

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

Annual Meeting This Week!

April 7, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

March 26, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

March is WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

April is time once again for our Annual Meeting!

FENWAY CIVIC ANNUAL MEETING — APRIL 10TH (flyer below)

BOSTON MARATHON MONDAY, APRIL 15

Congrats, Nehal on reaching your fundraising goal for your Boston Marathon Run to support FENWAY CARES – The need is great, and pledges are still being accepted! We are so proud of your efforts, and wish you the best on Marathon Day! Please make your pledge here: bit.ly/FenwayCaresRun (flyer below)

TAXES DUE! WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, March 27, Fenway Cares (see detail below)

Wednesday, March 27, City Council meets on BPDA to City Planning Department vote (see below)

ONGOING

Coffee Hour with Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie Van Scoy: Fridays – Locations rotate and include Fenway, for up-to-date information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-beacon-hill-mission-hill-and-fenway-kenmore-liaison-coffee-hours

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution Next date: 3/27

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares takes place at 2 locations on the same day:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations! Volunteer

MBTA Current Service Alerts: Click here to see CURRENT service alerts .

UPCOMING

Thursday, April 4, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, 2 Charlesgate West Public Meeting

The 2 Charlesgate West development proposal is currently under review. Attend the meeting to see the current proposal and partake in live discussion. Comments are open through April 22. This large project abutting sensitive parkland and low-rise apartments is seeing considerable zoning relief from the City. For further details, please review the proposal on the project page, and/or join the meeting.

Saturday, April 6^th, annual Northeastern off-campus Spring Clean-Up. This event celebrates a successful year of weekly litter clean-ups and seeks to include our off-campus student leaders, student residents, and Boston community members in a day of beautification projects across neighborhoods.

ARTS & RECREATION

Kaji Aso Studio announces arts offerings and special events announced via their emailing list. The 35th International Haiku Contest submissions are due on April 15, 2024 Please check their site for details.

DEVELOPMENT – BPDA DISCUSSION

BPDA DISCUSSIONS

The City of Boston Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department is being put up for a vote this Wednesday, 3/27, by the City Council. Closely related, the Home Rule Petition will soon be heard in the Statehouse. It was over 60 years ago that Planning functions were taken out of the City to form the BRA, to focus on urban blight. Questions now center on the structure and oversight of a new Department.

BPDA ACTIVE PROJECTS

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

March 19, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

It’s a quiet week following St. Patrick’s Day – take some time to explore the Fenway and events around the neighborhood:

Sign up for Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Free First Thursdays: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

Take advantage of this one of a kind museum and its cultural events by attending a free event- with an evening of music, romance, and art, including a performance with Fabiola Mendez & Trio and saxophonist Jonathan Suazo in the courtyard.

Check out the Shattuck Visitor Center and the current Sculpting with Water exhibit:

Sculpting With Water

Open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., the Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s Shattuck Visitor Center is located in the Back Bay Fens at 125 the Fenway, across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts. The visitor center is both an educational resource about the parks and a gathering place for the community. A hub of activity, you’ll find a variety of free things to do in Boston parks at the Shattuck Visitor Center — from walking tours to talks and exhibits.

Make with MAAM:

The Massachusetts College of Art Museum (MAAM) hosts free exhibits and participatory events. Sound interesting? Check out this upcoming event on 3.23 at https://maam.massart.edu/event/make-maam-imagining-futures-41; explore the current exhibit The Myth of Normal: A Celebration of Authentic Expression; or learn about the Suffragettes during Women’s History Month and make your own Fredeom Bluebird by visiting: https://maam.massart.edu/freedom-bluebirds

Virtual learning with MFA:

Learn about women’s contributions to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston by visiting: https://www.mfa.org/article/2024/highlighting-women-in-the-mfas-history

Don’t forget these important updates:

Membership renewals have been mailed – please fill out your renewal today!
FCAs Annual Meeting will be held April 10th at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University – we hope you will join us at 6 p.m. for social time and an exciting presentation by the Superintendent of Waste Reduction for the City of Boston, Dennis Roache.
Nehal Munshi is running the Boston Marathon to support the Fenway Cares free food program. Donate to his race at: https://www.givengain.com/url/a/955033

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

March 12, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Being an election year, let’s look at the history of the women’s vote: it was 1920 when women got the right to vote. 104 years later, women are 51% of the population but hold 30% of elected offices. Here in Boston, women hold many top offices, but we still have a ways to go.

Boston Parks is marking Women’s History Month by lifting up the stories behind the names of some of your favorite neighborhood parks. Honor their legacy by visiting these public spaces with renewed understanding of their struggles and achievements.

As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, Let’s Raise a Glass to the Irish American Women who worked for a better society.

FENWAY CIVIC ANNUAL MEETING – SAVE THE DATE – APRIL 10TH

Details to come! We look forward to sharing our accomplishments and goals with you at an in-person meeting.

SUPPORT FENWAY CARES

Donate to Fenway Cares by pledging to our Boston Marathon Runner.

Nehal Munshi is running to raise $5,000 in pledges – and he’s 40% there!!!

Please make your pledge here: bit.ly/FenwayCaresRun (flyer below)

BPDA DISCUSSIONS

The City of Boston Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department is being discussed in detail by the City Council. Public comment is encouraged. More below.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Councilor Sharon Durkan – Office Hours for the Fenway neighborhoods

Tuesday, March 12, Fenway: at Phinista Cafe (96 Peterborough St)

Thursday, March 21, Kenmore: at Cornwall’s (644 Beacon St)

You’re invited to Councilor Durkan’s winter/spring office hours! If you’ve never met for office hours, consider signing up! Meet the Councilor and the new Constituent Services Director and liaison to the Fenway, Lily Sweeterman. Sign up here.

Wednesday, March 13, Fenway Cares (see detail below)

Thursday, March 14, 1-2PM, Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting

Join the meeting to talk about the development of the program’s tree planting and care grants. Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting

ONGOING

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution Next date: 3/13

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares takes place at 2 locations on the same day:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations! Volunteer

MBTA Current Service Alerts: Click here to see CURRENT service alerts .

UPCOMING

March 19 & 21, The Mayor’s Office of Housing Wants to hear from you!

The Mayor’s Office wants your input on setting priorities for use for an estimated $143 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds may be invested in housing, homeless assistance and community development programs that serve low to moderate income residents over a 5-year period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 and cover these HUD programs:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

Tuesday, March 19, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Hearing #1 (Virtual – Zoom)

Video call link: https://boston-gov.zoom.us/j/5995592565?omn=83698691556

Meeting ID: 599 559 2565 Or dial: 1-646-558-8656

Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm to 7:30pm Hearing #2 (In Person)

Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Commonwealth Salon, 700 Boylston Street.

Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) Institutional Master Plan (IMP)

Comment Period – End Date is March 20 2024

The WIT Institutional Master Plan (IMP) outlines the campus plan for the next ten years. WIT has 31 acres between Southwest Corridor and the Back Bay Fens. Highlights of the plan: redesigned Ruggles Street Front Lawn; a Huntington Pavillion, building upgrades and new structures: a 23-story dormitory on Huntington, network of open spaces, sports field deck with parking underneath to replace Sweeney Field (converting to a private project, 500 Huntington), a 7-story consolidated parking garage with 700 spaces on Parker St. WIT’s goal is to have 60-70% of their approx 4,000 students on a modernized campus. Visit the project page for details, video and comments.

Thursday, March 21, 6-7:30 p.m. Sign Code Modernization Kickoff Public Meeting

A BPDA virtual public meeting to kick off the Agency’s Sign Code Modernization zoning initiative. Presentation will be followed by a discussion on what the future of Boston’s signage should look like. Project webpage. Register in advance

Saturday, April 6^th, save the date for the annual Northeastern off-campus Spring Clean-Up. This event celebrates a successful year of weekly litter clean-ups and seeks to include our off-campus student leaders, student residents, and Boston community members in a day of beautification projects across neighborhoods.

ARTS & RECREATION

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concert, March 22nd

Click here for tickets and more info.

DEVELOPMENT – BPDA DISCUSSION

Mayor Wu’s vision for the BPDA to create a City Planning Department has generated robust discussion, with questions on structure, oversight, community input, and the transferal process.

In 1960, the City Planning Department was abolished and the Boston Redevelopment Authority took on Urban Planning, outside of City oversight, focused on Urban Renewal. The Ordinance is to bring Planning back into City government. Concurrently, there are related questions on how the roles of Development and Zoning will work.

This change requires community input, as we will live with these results for decades to come. Civic groups across the city are demanding hearings and discussions so the citizens can be involved in shaping our city’s future.

The Boston City Council held a working session on Friday, March 8: you can view the recording here: Government Operations Working Session -Docket #0257-A working session to discuss an Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department. This session was different from most, because public testimony was allowed at the start of the meeting. The session was nearly a full day, raising complex and important issues which need clarity. We encourage all to review and weigh in.

BPDA ACTIVE PROJECTS

The 2 Charlesgate West development proposal is currently under review, and comments are open through March 22. This large project is considered a Gateway position in the Fenway, at a prominent entry to the Fenway and abutting sensitive parklands. Please take a look and submit your comments during this open period.

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

March 5, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

March is Women’s History Month

As we approach “Super Tuesday” it’s interesting to look at women’s voting history in our state. In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote and to hold office became law; the next MA election saw two women, M. Sylvia Donaldson and Susan Walker Fitzgerald, elected to serve as State Representatives. Massachusetts women are politically active; ours is the only state in the country with women in both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor offices, as well as our capital city having a woman Mayor. Statusofwomen.org ranks MA as having 3rd best status of women in the US based on metrics including work & family, violence and safety, reproductive rights, health and political participation. But we’ve still got a long way to go as far as pay equity and representation.

Vote in the Presidential Primary Election this Tuesday – March 5th (details below)

Boston Parks Celebrate Women’s History Month

The city is marking Women’s History Month by lifting up the stories behind the names of some of your favorite neighborhood parks. Honor their legacy by visiting these public spaces with renewed understanding of their struggles and achievements. Learn more!

Development issues

Mayor Wu ran on the promise of abolishing the BPDA, and creating a City Planning Department. This transition was proposed to the City Council via an Ordinance, and the Statehouse via a Home Rule Petition. The City Council had a meeting on Feb 29 with the next meeting March 8. More detail below. This change will impact all development in the City, and is worth your attention.

The 2 Charlesgate West development proposal is currently under review, and comments are open through March 22. This large project is considered a Gateway position in the Fenway, at a prominent entry to the Fenway and abutting sensitive parklands. Please take a look and submit your comments during this open period.

Spring is coming… and so is the Boston Marathon. Nehal Munshi is running for Fenway Cares, and hopes to raise $5,000 in pledges this month – you can donate here: bit.ly/FenwayCaresRun (more below)

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, March 5, 7 a.m – 8 p.m. Presidential Primary Election

For in-person voting: Find your polling location here.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For information on voting check the official Massachusetts Elections Division website.

Click here to determine your Voter Registration Status.

Wednesday, March 6, 6-7:30 p.m. Boston Police District D-4 COMPSTAT Meeting, Cathedral High School, 72 Union Park St, parking available behind school.

Join this community meeting to review the crime trends and patterns in D-4, and to plan strategies to address these issues. More details on flyer below.

Thursday, March 7 is Social Security “Slam the Scam” Day – protect yourself and help others avoid Social Security fraud schemes, especially directed towards elders.

Friday, March 8, 10 a.m. start City Council Committee on Government Operations Working Session on Docket #0257, an Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department. City Council meeting link

On January 29th, Mayor Wu submitted “An Ordinance creating the Planning Department in the City of Boston” to the City Council, to transition the BPDA staff to a new City Planning Department. Read the letter and ordinance here. This is part of a larger discussion to bring the BPDA into City Hall; there is also a stathouse Home Rule Petition being considered. A City Council meeting was held February 29th (view the recording here). The next meeting is a working session continuing this discussion. To further understand this large and complex issue, you may wish to refer to Mayor Wu’s proposal from 2019 titled: Fixing Boston’s Broken Development Process Why and How to Abolish the BPDA

ONGOING

MBTA Current Service Alerts: Click here to see CURRENT service alerts .. Green lines will have service disruptions through March 8–visit the website for all lines and alerts.

Coffee Hour with Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie Van Scoy: Fridays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Locations rotate and include Fenway, for the most updated information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-beacon-hill-mission-hill-and-fenway-kenmore-liaison-coffee-hours

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution Next date for EAST AND WEST FENWAY: 3/13

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares takes place at 2 locations on the same day:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations! https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/volunteer/

MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic – 2-5 p.m. on Fenway Cares dates, East Fenway, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Current offerings include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

UPCOMING

March 12, Councilor Sharon Durkan Office Hours for the Fenway neighborhood at Phinista Cafe (96 Peterborough St)

You’re invited to Councilor Durkan’s winter/spring session of office hours! If you’ve never met for office hours, consider signing up! To ensure all neighborhoods are represented and have a chance to speak with the Councilor, please sign up for a time in your neighborhood only. As the Fenway has the largest population of the D8 neighborhoods, there are two opportunities — West Fenway 3/12 and Kenmore 3/21 — for Fenway residents to meet with the Councilor. You can sign up here and choose the date, time slot and location. Also, you’ll get to meet the Councilor’s new Constituent Services Director and liaison to the Fenway — Lily Sweeterman.

Thursday, March 14, 1-2PM, Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting

Join the Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting to talk about the development of the program’s tree planting and care grants. Details on how to join this event: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/boston-tree-alliance-general-meeting

March 19 & 21, The Mayor’s Office of Housing Wants to hear from you!

Please save the dates! The Mayor’s Office wants your input on setting the priorities of use for an estimated $143 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds may be invested in housing, homeless assistance and community development programs that serve low to moderate income residents over a 5-year period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 and cover these HUD programs:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

Hearing #1 (Virtual – Zoom)

Tuesday, March 19, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Video call link: https://boston-gov.zoom.us/j/5995592565?omn=83698691556

Meeting ID: 599 559 2565 Or dial: 1-646-558-8656

Hearing #2 (In Person)

Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm to 7:30pm

Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Commonwealth Salon, 700 Boylston Street.

Attend one or both, no registration required. Translation services can be arranged by request at least 7 days in advance of the hearings: email mohcomments@boston.gov or call 617-635-3880.

Wentworth Institute of Technology Institutional Master Plan (IMP)

Comment Period – End Date is March 20 2024

Linked for your review is an electronic copy of the proposed Institutional Master Plan (IMP) for the Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) IMP project located in Fenway and Mission Hill, received by the Boston Planning & Development Agency on February 21 2024. March 20th is the last day to comment on the IMP. WIT is a technology university with five schools focused on engineering, computing, design, science, and management. The University consists of 31 acres of land between the Southwest Corridor and the Back Bay Fens.

RUN FOR FUNDS – FENWAY CARES IN THE BOSTON MARATHON

Nehal Munshi is running the Boston Marathon on behalf of Fenway Cares, a collective of neighborhood organizations that has distributed more than 20,000 bags of fresh, FREE produce to neighbors in need. Support his run and donate to Fenway Cares at bit.ly/FenwayCaresRun (flyer attached)

ARTS & RECREATION

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concert, March 22nd

Follow this link for tickets to this Fenway performance.

DEVELOPMENT

Currently, there are 5 projects in the Fenway “Under Review” with the BPDA: Fenway Corners (West) ,Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

February 19, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

February is Black History month — With celebrations and events across the city, the City of Boston has compiled links to educational and historic resources, local events, concerts, black owned businesses and more to celebrate: https://www.boston.gov/news/february-black-history-month-3.

BACK BAY FENS – TREE AND PATH IMPROVEMENT NEWS

Back Bay Fens – Tree Removals news

You may have seen some trees marked for removal around the Fens. Each tree was assessed by at least 3 certified arborists as either dead or high risk trees, many of which are ash trees that have emerald ash borer and elm trees which have died due to dutch elm disease. In total, 46 tree removals are scheduled for late February to early March when the ground is hard and work can be done without damaging the surrounding ground. It is best management practice to remove trees with emerald ash borer in the dormant season to decrease further spread.

Back Bay Fens – Tree plantings

The Back Bay Fens Pathways project will include planting of new trees as part of the larger project scope including rehabilitation of pathways at the Back Bay Fens to improve accessibility and site conditions. This historic park is under the jurisdiction of the Boston Landmarks Commission. The project includes the assessment and prioritization of pathway work, as well as Boston Parks standard project design work. The project will also include items along and adjacent to pathways, such as site furnishings, utilities, and plantings.

Fenway Civic Association will be announcing a new tree initiative at the Annual Meeting, on March 27, details to come soon!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, February 19 – Presidents Day

City offices, Boston Public Libraries, and BCYF Community Centers are closed.
Parking meters are free with no time limit.
Daytime street cleaning is canceled, but overnight street cleaning is on a normal schedule.
Trash and recycling pickups are delayed in some neighborhoods during the holiday week. To check your schedule, use the Trash Day app.

Massachusetts – A state rich with presidential history. Did you know that four US Presidents were born in MA? And many others have ties to the state, check out this link for more info.

BU Athletics is offering City of Boston residents free admission to athletic home games between Friday, February 16th and Sunday, February 25th.

Residents can view the game schedule and reserve up to eight free tickets per game by logging onto www.GoTerriers.com/BostonWeek.

ONGOING

MBTA Planned Service Alerts: Click here to see upcoming PLANNED service alerts.. Green line will have service disruptions starting on Feb. 20th, and starting the 15th, some elevator closures.

Coffee Hour with Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie Van Scoy: Fridays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Locations rotate and include Fenway, for the most updated information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-beacon-hill-mission-hill-and-fenway-kenmore-liaison-coffee-hours

Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution Upcoming Dates

EAST AND WEST FENWAY: 2/28

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares distributions will take place at both locations every other Wednesday on the same day of the month.

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations! To sign up, visit our Fenway Cares Volunteer Sign up Form

To learn more, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/.

UPCOMING

Monday, February 26, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 1 Joslin Place (New Cancer Hospital) Task Force and Public Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

Meeting of the 1 Joslin Place Task Force to review the proposed Institutional Master Plan project. The Task Force serves as the advisory body for the 1 Joslin Place institutional development. Please note that this is a joint Task Force/Public meeting. The meeting will begin with a 30-minute presentation of the project by the development team, followed by a 45-minute discussion of the Task Force, followed by 45 minutes of public Q&A.

How to Participate Register in advance: bit.ly/1JoslinTF

Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864 Meeting ID: 160 124 8468

Thursday, March 14, 1-2PM, BOSTON TREE ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING

March 19 & 21, THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF HOUSING WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU

Please save the dates! The Mayor’s Office wants your input on setting the priorities of use for an estimated $143 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds may be invested in housing, homeless assistance and community development programs that serve low to moderate income residents over a 5-year period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 and cover these HUD programs:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

Hearing #1 (Virtual – Zoom)

Tuesday, March 19, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Video call link: https://boston-gov.zoom.us/j/5995592565?omn=83698691556

Meeting ID: 599 559 2565 Or dial: 1-646-558-8656

Hearing #2 (In Person)

Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm to 7:30pm

Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Commonwealth Salon, 700 Boylston Street.

Attend one or both, no registration required. Translation services can be arranged by request at least 7 days in advance of the hearings: email mohcomments@boston.gov or call 617-635-3880.

Saturday, April 6^th, save the date for the annual Northeastern off-campus Spring Clean-Up. This event celebrates a successful year of weekly litter clean-ups and seeks to include our off-campus student leaders, student residents, and Boston community members in a day of beautification projects across neighborhoods.

ARTS & RECREATION

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts

Follow this link to view the concerts through March.

Kaji Aso Studio announces winter arts offerings and special events announced via their emailing list. Check their site for details. You might wish to enter the 35th International Haiku Contest, Submissions Due on April 15, 2024 Please see details on their website.

Winter in The Fenway / The Rink 401 Park

M–F: 3–9PM SAT: 11AM–10PM SUN: 11AM–8PM

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

BPDA Fenway Projects:

As a neighborhood with millions of square feet in proposed development, the BPDA impacts all of us who rent, own, live or wish to continue to live in the Fenway. Civic engagement is essential in ensuring we retain a meaningful voice in the planning processes that shape our community. We encourage members to stay involved as these discussions continue.

Currently, there are 19 active developments impacting the Fenway.

(click on links to visit the BPDA project pages)

“Letters of Intent”

1. 645 Beacon Street [Retail /Research Lab]

“Under Review”:

2. Fenway Corners (West) [Office/Rental/Residential/Retail/Research Lab]

3. Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation [campus dorm]

4. 409 Huntington Avenue [Rental / Residential /Retail]

5. 2 Charlesgate West [Rental / Residential /Retail] *DPIR Comment Period Ends Feb 22

6. 142-146 St. Mary’s Street [Rental]

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

7. 1400 Boylston Street, [Cultural / Retail / Research Lab]