The Week Ahead

February 5, 2024 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

Civic groups across the city have been focused on recently proposed changes to the BPDA. Mayor Wu has put forth an ordinance, and a home rule petition was introduced at the state house that would legally restructure the BPDA to move it and its functions into City Hall.

At the statehouse hearing, many citizens came forth with questions on oversight, accountability, and transparency, and concerns about community voice.

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 this discussion continues.

Currently, there are 20 active developments impacting the Fenway.

(click on the links following this week’s announcement to visit the BPDA project pages)

THE WEEK AHEAD

February is Black History month — Kick it off by attending a celebration and flag raising at City Hall https://www.boston.gov/calendar/2024-black-history-month-celebration-and-flag-raising, or check out these links compiled by the City of Boston 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.

Wednesday, February 7 – Fenway Cares – food and health services (details below)

Saturday, February 10, 12 – 4 p.m., Civic Engagement Training at Fenway Community Center (half day session includes lunch)

Are you a Fenway or Kenmore resident interested in building capacity for self-advocacy and civic participation? People who know how to self-advocate often feel confident in what they’re learning and doing. Self-advocacy also creates independence. And it empowers people to find solutions to problems that others might not be aware of. There are just 2 seats left! To sign up, please complete the online form at this registration link.

Fenway Cares will review applications and notify attendees.

This workshop will be conducted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.

Please email questions to fenwaycares@fenwaycommunitycenter.org

Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024

Time: 12pm – 1pm lunch provided, 1pm to 4pm Civic Engagement Training

Venue: Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston St #123, Boston, MA 02215

ONGOING

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

3rd Friday of the month, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Fenway Community Center 1282 Boylston St., Fenway, Coffee Hour with The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie Van Scoy.

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

WEST FENWAY: 2/7 (no Home deliveries*)

EAST AND WEST FENWAY: 2/14

Food Distributions

Starting 2/14, 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/.

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.

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.

Winter in The Fenway / The Rink 401 Park

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

BPDA Fenway Projects:

“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]