Dear Members and Friends:
The Holidays are Here!
A time to reflect, to gather, to care for those in need, a time to shed the old year and ring in the new. A time of celebration and promise. Happy Holidays!
Join us Wednesday, December 10, 6pm, at the FCA Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event, at the Back Bay Fens. Celebrate the season with music, hot drinks, and a warm welcome from the FCA board and elected officials as we flick on the lights on our holiday tree. We look forward to seeing you all at this popular annual event. (Flyer below.)
Holiday Giving – looking for a good cause to support? Please consider donating to FENWAY CARES. Established in 2020 during COVID-19 to address the urgent issue of food security, it became evident the need for food assistance was already here, and has only grown–especially with the elderly and residents on fixed incomes. Funding is a constant challenge. As you make charitable contributions this year, please consider donating to Fenway Cares. Follow this link to the Fenway Cares page, and scroll down to see the food distribution donation options. Any amount is helpful, whether it’s a one-time or monthly pledge. Thank you!
THE WEEK AHEAD
Holiday Lights abound! Check out this list from the City’s Parks & Rec dept, and brighten your nights…from the Common, to the waterfront, up to Charlesgate, it’s getting festive!
Wednesday, Dec 3 – Fenway Cares (see HEALTH & SAFETY below for full details)
LAST WEEK!! Medicare open enrollment period ENDS ON DEC 7. Older adults are encouraged to call Age Strong at 617-635-4366 for planning assistance.
UPCOMING
Wednesday, December 10, 6pm, FCA Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event, at the Back Bay Fens. Come celebrate the season with the Fenway Community – live music from the Children’s Choir, hot drinks, and a warm welcome from the FCA board and elected officials as we flick on the lights on our holiday tree. We look forward to seeing you all at this popular annual event. Check out and share the flyer below!
ARTS & CULTURE
12 holiday arts events to attend in Greater Boston | WBUR News
12 Best Boston Winter Holiday Christmas Markets 2025
Holiday & Christmas Shows in Boston MA 2025/26
Gardner Museum Free First Thursdays every month: Thursdays at the Gardner
New England Conservatory of Music– Performances + Events – NECMusic
TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT
MBTA: Visit the MBTA shutdowns 2025 site for full info on service disruptions.
The Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.
DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:
Wednesday, Dec 10, 9:15am, Boston Zoning Commission Hearing on Northeastern University IMP (10 year plan)
How to attend: Register for Zoom meeting: bosplans.org/BZCDec1025
This hearing will review the 10-year Master Plan, including major developments to redevelop the 262 St. Botolph Street site, which currently houses Matthews Arena and a surface parking lot, and build a new, approximately 310,000 square foot (sf) Multipurpose facility. Follow this link to the full IMP document:
2025-2035 Northeastern University Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)
Master Plan (“IMP”) The Boston Zoning Commission typically meets on the first Wednesday (and third, when applicable) of each month to rule on proposed amendments to the Boston Zoning Code. The Commission also votes on Institutional Master Plans and Planned Development Areas in accordance with Article 80. Anyone may petition the Zoning Commission to adopt a zoning change. Following community engagement, Planning Department staff bring zoning change recommendations to the BPDA Board of Directors for approval and then petition the Zoning Commission. Once the Zoning Commission adopts a zoning amendment, it is sent to the Mayor for approval and then is codified in the Zoning Code.
SOLD: 2 Charlesgate – purchased by Berklee – plans for use yet to be detailed.
ON HOLD: Fenway Center project was to be nearly 1 million square feet of lab space across two towers that would be supported by a deck stretching across the highway. With the deck nearly complete, The Boston Globe reports the Developer IQHQ will put the $1 billion project on hold until the real estate market for life sciences improves.
HEALTH & SAFETY
FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – next date: 12/3
Fenway Cares Food Distribution 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!
The MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic 1-5 p.m. on Fenway Cares dates. Rotates between the West and East Fenway locations (see above). Offerings may include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
Fenway Community Center on 12/3, and Morville House, 100 Norway St. on 12/17
Free Vaccine Clinics in Boston. Check the website for dates and locations.
Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
Fenway Civic Association 