Dear Members and Friends:
It still feels like summer, which is great for getting out and about to enjoy a few in-person opportunities this week; enjoy the MFA for free this Saturday, thanks to UNIQLO; a classical piano concert on Sunday at Kaji Aso Studio, meet with Maccon, our City Hall Liaison this coming Friday, then head to the Victory Gardens next Saturday for the annual Fens Fest!
On Thursday, join the 20 Charlesgate West virtual meeting to learn about the renovation of an historic lodging house. Two non-profit Boston-based affordable housing developers, the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (the Planning Office) and Fenway Community Development Corporation (Fenway CDC), have purchased Our Lady’s Guild House (OLGH), in order to preserve the building as permanent affordable housing in the Fenway neighborhood.
SAVE THE DATE
Monday, September 23, 6-8pm, FCA presents an in-person, public meeting on: Parks and Public Space Protection in the Fenway, at the Fenway Community Center. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Fenway’s parks and open spaces, recent threats to their protection, and work underway to address their protection. A presentation will be followed by discussion and an opportunity to hear from city representatives.
And finally, make a plan to vote before polling day, November 5, 2024.
NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION
Please scroll down for more information on important dates, and links to the official MA election website. Note, there will be ballot issues as well, so it makes sense to prepare by knowing your polling location or mail in options; and reading through the ballot questions in advance. For a sample ballot, visit Massachusetts Voter Guide | BallotReady. As you well know, every election directly impacts our lives, our community, our families and our future. Get engaged, be informed, and participate to get the government you want.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Offers Free Admission Day with UNIQLO Everyone is welcome—join in for an art-making activity, the newly reopened Arts of Japan galleries, Japanese Taiko Drumming performances, and more!
Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m., KAJI ASO STUDIO 50th Anniversary Concert Series presents Oscar Jiang, pianist
Program includes Bach, Chopin and Schubert. Free & open to the public. In-person Limited Seating. RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com Also available on Livestream- CLICK HERE on Sept 15th @3pm
Sept. 15, 17 & 18 Fenway Park Concert Schedule – 3 dates left this season. Congrats to the lucky FCA member ticket winners! Red Sox baseball no more regular home games this season.
Thursday, September 19, 06:00 – 07:30 PM, 20 CHARLESGATE WEST
Public Meeting | Virtual Meeting
For the small project at 20 Charlesgate West The proposed Our Lady’s Guild House (“OLGH”) project by Fenway CDC and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs includes the complete renovation and modernization of a 140-room lodging house into an 86-unit rental building in the Kenmore Square neighborhood. This Project is the culmination of years of advocacy on behalf of residents to purchase the building and return it to its original mission of providing affordable housing. The 6-story elevator building will include 22 enhanced permanent supportive housing Single Room Occupancy (“SRO”) apartments, 45 studio apartments, 19 one-bedroom apartments, a community room with kitchen and storage, an office, lounge, laundry facilities, other ancillary spaces, and bicycle parking. FOR FULL DETAILS ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE, SCROLL DOWN TO DEVELOPMENT SECTION.
Friday, September 20th, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Fenway/Kenmore Office Hours with Mayor Wu’s neighborhood liaison, Maccon Bonner, Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street. This is an opportunity to connect with your neighborhood liaison to receive support connecting with City departments, addressing any concerns, or just to say hello to connect joyfully. Neighborhood liaisons look forward to hearing how Boston can improve our neighborhoods.
Saturday, September 21, 11:30 a.m. – 3p.m. Fens Fest at the Fenway Victory Gardens (located in the meadow). Come celebrate the end of the growing season at this annual harvest festival! There will be entertainment, food, and awards presented for various categories to the gardeners. It is the best way to end the growing season–with your neighbors, friends, and new friends! Prospective gardeners welcome.
ONGOING
Sundays through October 13, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Charlesgate Farmer’s Market
Under the Bowker Overpass at Comm Ave between Charlesgate East and West.
Check out the ArtsBoston calendar, a nonprofit site dedicated to supporting the arts. You’ll be amazed by the variety of arts/performance/exhibits around town. This great calendar allows you to search by a range of options: date/venue/accessibility and more… take a look and see what’s happening!
Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution
Next date: 9/25 – at 2 locations:
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.
UPCOMING
SEPTEMBER
Monday, September 23, 6-8pm, FCA presents an in-person, public meeting on: Parks and Public Space Protection in the Fenway, at the Fenway Community Center. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Fenway’s parks and open spaces, recent threats to their protection, and work underway to address their protection. A presentation will be followed by discussion and an opportunity to hear from city representatives.
Wednesday, September 25, 5-7 p.m., Taste of The Fenway, Van Ness Street. Taste of The Fenway supports the programs and services of Fenway CDC.
Thursday, September 26, 6-9PM, Love The Fenway, Fenway Community Center’s annual fundraiser
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
A few updates on the Back Bay Fens Pathways project:
- Geotechnical Borings will be taken starting Sept. 23, and take approximately 1 week to complete.
- The next community meeting is expected early – mid October to share progress on the Evans Way Bridge portion of the project.
City of Boston | Parks & Recreation Department
Follow @BostonParksDept and Like us on Facebook
Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024 register to vote- click here
NOVEMBER
Make a Plan to Vote this November!
NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION
Massachusetts Voter Guide | BallotReady
Offices on Ballot:
- Electors of President and Vice President
- U.S. Senator
- U.S. Representative
- Governor’s Councillor
- State Senator
- State Representative
- Register of Deeds
- Clerk of Courts
- County Commissioner (certain counties only)
- Additional local offices (certain cities & towns)
Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024
Vote by Mail Application Deadline: October 29, 2024
Polling Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
DEVELOPMENTS
Article 80 development review process. What is it, how is it changing? Have questions? Visit the City of Boston website which presents Mayor Wu’s vision and how the Planning Department is working to modernize the development review process.
Thursday, September 19, 06:00 – 07:30 PM, 20 CHARLESGATE WEST
Public Meeting | Virtual Meeting
This is a virtual Public Meeting for the small project at 20 Charlesgate West, located in the Fenway, to discuss the Small Project Review Application received August 26, 2024. The meeting will include a presentation by the developer followed by questions and comments from the public.
How to Participate
Please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:
bit.ly/3X6ODsx
Meeting ID: 160 187 8333
Toll-Free Call-in Number: 833.568.8864
CONTACT
Camille Platt
(617) 918-4362
DEVELOPMENTS BY STATUS:
“Under Review”: Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 409 Huntington Avenue, 262 St. Botolph St., 142-146 St. Mary’s Street
“Board Approved”: 112-114 Queensberry St, 2 Charlesgate West, Fenway Corners (West), these are recent approvals, there are more listed on the site.
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
Fenway Civic Association 