Dear Members and Friends:
The biggest news last week, of course, was the election. Turnout was high, and a blue-wave swept the nation. Some key votes are still too close to call, once again highlighting the importance of civic engagement, and the value of your individual vote. After a volatile and contentious lead up to election day, voters had their say. As we await the certified results, let’s take a quick assessment of the mid term elections.
We voted!
Turnout was sky-high, the second-highest for midterms since 1914, with 49.10% voter turnout. Ballots are still being counted with live-tracking by the Associated Press.
Also record-breaking was the BILLIONS spent to influence election results, continuing a trend since the Supreme Court upended campaign finance law in 2010.
AdWeek claims: The 2026 Political Ad Outlay Was the Dumbest Money Spent In the History of Advertising
A Blue Wave has changed the balance of power in Congress.
What about Massachusetts?
In line with the nation, MA saw nearly 50% voter turnout. With 9 questions on the ballot, voters weighed in with most races called, and a few still counting. MA official results are posted later in November.
Meanwhile, civic activity continues in the Fenway.
The long awaited Fenway Transportation Action Plan is still in development. However, the City has completed an initial “Story Map” meant to show existing and future transportation network conditions, as well as a game day analysis scenario for Fenway Park events. This Story Map is being released online. No community presentation is currently planned, however, two virtual drop-in sessions are being held on Nov. 19, for people to ask questions or seek clarification on the Story Map. See details in the UPCOMING section below.
BACK BAY FENS Pathways Improvement Construction Update
Victory Garden drainage improvement work has begun underground, with above ground work to follow. Tree pruning and shrub removal will start in the coming weeks. Arborists will be doing the work with the City of Boston Tree Warden closely monitoring. Work will continue next month, including: drainage and electrical conduit installation, pruning, rough grading of sidewalks; and the base course of asphalt installed depending on weather.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Wednesday, November 11 is Veteran’s Day
Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the November 11, 1918 signing of the Armistice, the agreement to end the fighting phase of World War I, once called the “war to end all wars.” A city and federal holiday
Boston Veterans Day Events 2026
Thursday, November 12, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Fenway Forward Career Fair at the YMCA of Greater Boston, 316 Huntington Ave. Connect with local employers. Free, register here.
UPCOMING
Monday, November 16, 6:30 PM, Department Of Transportation community meeting on Boston – Bowker Overpass Bridge superstructure replacement and widening | Mass.gov Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street (Entrance on Jersey Street), Boston. The purpose of this in-person meeting is to share updates on construction progress with the community. The project team will also present on the upcoming stages of construction. All residents, local business owners, and interested commuters are invited to attend. Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
Thursday, November 19 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual drop in hours As part of the Fenway Transportation Action Plan (FTAP). City staff have finished analyzing existing and future transportation network conditions, as well as a game day analysis scenario for Fenway Park events. The results of this analysis are now available for the public to view in StoryMap format. The Storymap is also linked on the FTAP project page. The City announcement states: “this analysis will allow the City to proceed with developing and testing transportation network improvement ideas for the three study design areas of Kenmore Square, Brookline Avenue, and Ipswich/Van Ness Streets. In early 2027, the FTAP team will reengage the community to share initial design improvement ideas for feedback that will help inform and refine our conceptual designs.” If you have questions or feedback after reviewing the analysis presented in the Storymap, staff will be available for virtual drop-in office hours. There is no formal presentation during office hours; please review the materials on the StoryMap before attending a session.
How to Participate
Register in advance: http://bosplans.org/FTAP-Afternoon-OfficeHours
Meeting ID: 165 339 8631
Saturday, November 21, 8:30am–12pm, Zero Waste Day Drop-Off (*Rescheduled) | Boston.gov. *This event was originally scheduled for September 26th, but was postponed and relocated due to the nor’easter. This event is now on November 21st at 315 Gardner Street, West Roxbury 02132. Drop off your hazardous household waste for proper disposal by the city. Learn more at boston.gov/calendar/ zero-waste-day-drop-2. For a list of accepted items: Zero Waste Days | Boston.gov FREE
Monday, December 7, 6pm, Red Sox Neighborhood Meeting in the Ford Clubhouse, 72 Brookline Avenue. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
The Red Sox Organization invites Fenway neighbors to the Clubhouse to connect, share updates, and discuss upcoming events and happenings in the neighborhood. This meeting is a great chance to hear about what’s going on in and around Fenway Park, ask questions, and engage in conversations about our community. All are welcome
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, December 9, FCA Holiday Tree Lighting
Fenway Civic is excited to announce the date for our annual tree lighting! Come join your neighbors and friends to celebrate community and see the tree light up to start the holiday season! Much more detail to come.
ONGOING
“A Spot of Beauty” Group Exhibition at Kaji Aso Studio, 40 St Stephen St.. Featuring artworks by the founder and two dozen artists. This event is free and open to the public. Exhibit continues through February 3, 2027.
DEVELOPMENT / INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLAN
EMMANUEL COLLEGE
Institutional Master Plan (IMP)
Comment End Date Monday, December 21, 2026
An Institutional Master Plan (IMP) has been filed with the Planning Department on behalf of the BPDA for the Emmanuel College Institutional Master Plan, located in Longwood Medical Area. The filing was submitted by Emmanuel College (the “Proponent”) on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
MBTA & TRANSPORTATION
Alerts | MBTA disruptions – check the site for details
Green Line: No trains between North Station & Babcock St (B), Cleveland Circle (C), Kenmore (D), & Heath St (E), Nov. 7-15. Use buses between Babcock, Cleveland Circle, Kenmore, Heath St & Copley/Back Bay. Use Orange Line between North Station & Back Bay.
Winter 2027 Better Bus Network Service Changes
Commuter Rail Promotions fare discounts extended through November
Bowker Overpass – visit the site for current notices.
Save the date for next community meeting 11/16/26 Bowker Overpass traffic and construction updates | Mass.gov
Peterborough Street Street Excavation MWRA project- 40% complete.
HEALTH & SAFETY
FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Nov 18.
Upcoming Food Distribution Dates (3:30 pm, while supplies last)
WEST FENWAY Fenway Community Center: & * EAST FENWAY Symphony Park
* Presence of Mass General Brigham Community Care Van
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
