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
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!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
Fenway Civic Association 