Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends:

Looking forward to seeing you this Wednesday at the  Fenway Annual Tree Lighting on Dec 6 (see below).

If you’re out and about, check MBTA DISRUPTIONS on green line:

Click here for Green Line alternatives options. Click here to read full notice of disruptions and alternative routes, including shuttles and free bus lines.

Monthly community police meetings have resumed in the East Fenway. Meetings will be held the 2nd Tuesday of every month. More info below.

Thanks to support of the MGH/MBG Community Care Van, free health clinics at East Fenway food distributions continue from 2-5 p.m. inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Current offerings include blood pressure monitoring, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

For upcoming events, please read on….

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, December 6, the Annual Fenway Tree Lighting 

Tis the season! Every December, it’s become tradition for the Fenway neighborhood to come together to kick off the holiday season at theFenway Tree Lighting. Music, lights, neighbors and brief remarks from our elected officials starts the festive eve, then stroll on over to 401 Park for a free-skate, get some hot drinks and wonderful waffles! Fun for all. (see flyer)

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

UPCOMING 

Monday, December 11, 6:00 PM – 7:30 p.m., The BPDA is hosting a Public Meeting for the proposed 142-146 St. Mary’s Street residential building project in Fenway. 

The Proposed Project will include the construction of a new approximately 91,000 gross square foot development, which will include six stories, 90 residential units, and parking. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A.

How to Participate

Register in advance:

bit.ly/45TUIem

Meeting ID: 161 031 5006

Toll-Free Call-in Number: 833.568.8864

Tuesday, December 12, 5:30 p.m., Monthly Community Police Meeting in the conference room of Morville House, 100 Norway Street.

Monthly community police meetings have resumed in the East Fenway. Meetings will be held the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 5:30 in the conference room of Morville House, facilitated by D-4’s Officer Evans. Come hear your community news and discuss concerns with District 4!

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts – starting in January

Check out the BSO’s community chamber concert page to see a series of free concerts at various locations including the Fenway Center, 77 St Stephen St, Boston, MA 02115. Follow this link to view the list of concerts, click on the performance you want to see, then click the Ticket button for your free tickets! There are multiple dates for daytime performances at the Fenway location through March.

ONGOING

Winter in The Fenway

The Rink 401 Park

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

The Fenway Tree Farm

OPEN DAILY: 9 AM – 9 PM @ 1400 BOYLSTON STREET

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE (through December 21st)

This year, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission and the Fenway Civic Association, the Fenway Community Center will host a Winter Clothing Drive. Please bring new or clean, gently worn clothing and shoes – new warm winter clothing is especially encouraged. New undergarments and socks will also be accepted.

Drop off at FCC, 1282 Boylston Street (enter on Jersey Street):

Monday and Tuesdays through 12/19 @ 12-4pm

Thursdays through 12/21 @ 12-7pm

Saturdays through 12/16 @ 10am-12pm

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

WEST FENWAY: 12/13 (Home deliveries*except below)

EAST FENWAY: 12/6 (*Home deliveries for Morville House and Church Park) https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/food-distributions/

To ensure we provide food to all who need it, choose one site only – either East or West Fenway – on site dates indicated below.  Note: pick up at either location is not available to those who sign up for delivery.  We thank everyone for this cooperation! 

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street (enter at Jersey Street), every other Wednesday:  Dec. 13, Dec. 27 etc.

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road, every other Wednesday: December 6, 20 etc.

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.

Muddy River Restoration Project website www.muddyrivermmoc.org  

DEVELOPMENT LINKS for BPDA PROJECTS 

Visit BPDA’s website to see details on development projects. You can search by neighborhood, and by Project/Plan Status. 

“Letters of Intent” 645 Beacon Street

 “Under Review”: 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 1400 Boylston Street,  and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory)

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed – currently listing TEN projects

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

Happy Holidays! We’re looking forward to winter celebrations. To start, clear some room in your closet and donate some winter clothing at the FCC (dates below). On Wednesday morning, join the ribbon-cutting celebration for Phase 2 of the Muddy River Restoration project by the Duck House. Later that day, there’s the Fenway Cares Food Distribution. Want to give some joy to the community and meet & greet your neighbors? We need some volunteers to sign on by Nov. 30 to help us distribute some good cheer (complimentary food and beverages) at the Fenway Annual Tree Lighting on Dec 6 (see below).

If you’re out and about, check the T disruptions info first to plan your trip:

MBTA DISRUPTIONS! Click here to see Green Line Disruptions and alternatives this week. Green Line Downtown: No trains between North Station and Kenmore, November 27 – December 5. Click here to read the full notice regarding disruptions and alternative routes, including shuttles and free bus lines.

For upcoming events, please read on….

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, Nov 29, 11:00 a.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase 2 of the Muddy River Restoration Project will take place at the Duck House on Agassiz Road. Learn about the project here.  

The Restoration Project was done in two phases. Phase 1 involved daylighting a section of the River near the Landmark Center in Boston, where Our Muddy had been buried for decades under a large parking lot. Phase 1 work was completed in 2016 and is now the site of the Justine Mee Liff Park.

Phase 2 began in 2020, and will be completed in 2023 with the handoff of maintenance responsibilities from the US Army Corps to the non-federal sponsors. Phase 2 involved dredging and ecosystem restoration from Leverett Pond in Brookline to Charlesgate in Boston.

With safety in mind, temporary construction fencing was installed to ensure protected work sites for the contractors and their equipment. Fences will be removed and full pedestrian access will be restored in phases as the landscaping in each area is completed. Celebrate this great accomplishment at the Phase 2 Ribbon Cutting event! 

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE (ongoing through December 21st)

This year, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission and the Fenway Civic Association, the Fenway Community Center will host a Winter Clothing Drive. Please bring new or clean, gently worn clothing and shoes – new warm winter clothing is especially encouraged. New undergarments and socks will also be accepted.

Drop off at FCC, 1282 Boylston Street (enter on Jersey Street):

Monday and Tuesdays 11/27 & 11/28 through 12/19 @ 12-4pm

Thursdays from 11/30 through 12/21 @ 12-7pm

Saturdays from 12/2 through 12/16 @ 10am-12pm

Wednesday, Nov 29, 3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Upcoming Dates (3:30 p.m. start – as supplies last)

WEST FENWAY: 11/29 | 12/13 (Home deliveries*except below)

EAST FENWAY: 12/6 (*Home deliveries for Morville House and Church Park) https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/food-distributions/

To ensure that we can provide food to all who need it, choose one site only – either East Fenway or West Fenway – to pick up food and to follow the site dates indicated below.  Note: pick up at either location is not available to those who sign up for delivery.  We thank everyone for this cooperation! 

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street (enter at Jersey Street), every other Wednesday:  November 29, Dec. 13 etc.

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road, every other Wednesday: December 6, 20 etc.

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/.

Thursday, Nov 30 – Volunteer Sign Up for the Dec 6 Tree Lighting

The Fenway Civic Association isseeking volunteers to help support this popular event. Help is needed for: event set-up, serving refreshments, welcoming and engaging with neighbors, and/or wayfinding support. Volunteers will be rewarded with a gift card! There’s always incredible energy in the neighborhood on tree-lighting day, and participating is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer alongside community members. If you are interested in participating, please respond to this form by November 30th. Bring a friend!

UPCOMING 

Wednesday, December 6, the Annual Fenway Tree Lighting 

Tis the season! Every December, it’s become tradition for the Fenway neighborhood to come together to kick off the holiday season at theFenway Tree Lighting. Music, lights, neighbors and brief remarks from our elected officials starts the festive eve, then stroll on over to 401 Park for a free-skate, get some hot drinks and wonderful waffles! Fun for all. (see flyer)

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Monday, December 11, 6:00 PM – 7:30 p.m., The BPDA is hosting a Public Meeting for the proposed 142-146 St. Mary’s Street residential building project in Fenway. 

The Proposed Project will include the construction of a new approximately 91,000 gross square foot development, which will include six stories, 90 residential units, and parking. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A.

How to Participate

Register in advance:

bit.ly/45TUIem

Meeting ID: 161 031 5006

Toll-Free Call-in Number: 833.568.8864

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts – starting in January

Check out the BSO’s community chamber concert page to see a series of free concerts at various locations including the Fenway Center, 77 St Stephen St, Boston, MA 02115. Follow this link to view the list of concerts, click on the performance you want to see, then click the Ticket button for your free tickets! There are multiple dates for daytime performances at the Fenway location through March.

ONGOING

Winter in The Fenway

The Rink 401 Park

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

The Fenway Tree Farm

OPEN DAILY: 9 AM – 9 PM @ 1400 BOYLSTON STREET

Muddy River Restoration Project Check the website for more information: www.muddyrivermmoc.org  

DEVELOPMENT LINKS for BPDA – PROJECTS 

Visit BPDA’s website to see details on development projects. You can search by neighborhood, and by Project/Plan Status. 

“Letters of Intent” 645 Beacon Street

 “Under Review”: 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 1400 Boylston Street,  and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory)

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed – currently listing TEN projects

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or a Day of Giving, we hope you take time to gather and give thanks. 

Oh, and of course, there’s the feasting, parades, football, road races, and shopping.

Fenway Cares turkey distribution, 150 turkeys! And thanks to Samuels, the FCC, and Fenway Cares.

Talking Turkey (day). Some fun facts on the holiday…

Annual celebrations of the fall harvest span the world’s cultures, continents and millennia. 

Our New England tradition goes back 400 years. 

Much of what is known about the Pilgrim’s first Thanksgiving comes from a letter dated December 1621 by Edward Winslow, one of 102 people aboard the Mayflower who sailed to Cape Cod in November, 1620 to settle in Plymouth that December. By March, they had a treaty with the Wampanoag allowing them to live in their territory. By the fall, 50 Pilgrims had perished, weakened from scurvy and pneumonia, leaving 22 men, 5 women, and 25 children to celebrate the first harvest Thanksgiving with the Wampanoag. Wilson wrote that the event lasted 3 days. 

A tradition begins. 

In 1623, Governor Bradford called for a religious fast. Fasting and thanksgiving became common practice in New England. In 1789, George Washington issued the first US government Thanksgiving proclamation calling on Americans to express gratitude for the end of the war of independence and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. In 1817, New York became the first of several states to adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday, celebrated on different days. Alexander Young rediscovered Winslow’s letter and made it famous in his 1841 book Chronicles of the Pilgrim Fathers. Governor Bradford’s papers, stolen by the British during the Revolutionary War, were recovered in the 1850s, and inspired magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale to campaign for a national Thanksgiving holiday. 

A national holiday.

In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the final Thursday in November as a NATIONAL Thanksgiving holiday to foster unity. American football games being played on Thanksgiving Day dates back to 1876, shortly after the game had been invented, as it was a day that most people had off from work. The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924 to kick off the Holiday shopping season, with Santa at the end. In 1942 President Roosevelt designated the fourth Thursday in November (which is not always the last Thursday) as Thanksgiving Day, as he wanted to extend the holiday shopping season a week! 

For upcoming events, please read on….

THE WEEK AHEAD

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE 

This year, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission and the Fenway Civic Association, the Fenway Community Center will host a Winter Clothing Drive. Please bring new or clean, gently worn clothing and shoes – new warm winter clothing is especially encouraged. New undergarments and socks will also be accepted.

Drop off at FCC, 1282 Boylston Street (enter on Jersey Street):

Monday and Tuesdays 11/22 through 12/19 @ 12-4pm

Thursdays from 11/30 through 12/21 @ 12-7pm

Saturdays from 12/2 through 12/16 @ 10am-12pm

Wednesday, November 22, 3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Upcoming Dates (3:30 p.m. start – as supplies last)

WEST FENWAY: 11/29 | 12/13 (Home deliveries*except below)

EAST FENWAY: 11/22 | 12/6 (*Home deliveries for Morville House and Church Park)

Food Distributions

To ensure that we can provide food to all who need it, choose one site only – either East Fenway or West Fenway – to pick up food and to follow the site dates indicated below.  Note: pick up at either location is not available to those who sign up for delivery.  We thank everyone for this cooperation! 

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street (enter at Jersey Street), every other Wednesday:  November 29, Dec. 13 etc.

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road, every other Wednesday: November 22, December 6, etc.

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/.

UPCOMING 

Wednesday, December 6, the Annual Fenway Tree Lighting 

Tis the season! Every December, it’s become tradition for the Fenway neighborhood to come together to kick off the holiday season at theFenway Tree Lighting. This year, the lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 6 and the Fenway Civic Association isseeking volunteers who are willing to help support the event. Responsibilities may include event set-up, serving refreshments, welcoming and engaging with neighbors, wayfinding support, etc. Volunteers will be rewarded with a gift card!

There’s always incredible energy throughout the entire neighborhood on this day and participating is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer alongside community members. If you are interested in participating, please respond to this form by November 30th.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

ONGOING

Winter in The Fenway

The Rink 401 Park

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

The Fenway Tree Farm

OPEN DAILY: 9 AM – 9 PM @ 1400 BOYLSTON STREET

Muddy River Restoration Project Check the website for more information: www.muddyrivermmoc.org  

DEVELOPMENT LINKS for BPDA – PROJECTS 

Visit BPDA’s website to see details on development projects. You can search by neighborhood, and by Project/Plan Status. 

“Letters of Intent” 645 Beacon Street

 “Under Review”: 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 1400 Boylston Street,  and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory)

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed – currently listing TEN projects

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends,

It is our pleasure to invite you to the Fenway’s Annual Tree Lighting on Wednesday, December 6th outside the Kelleher Rose Garden, Back Bay Fens at 6 p.m., sponsored by Fenway Civic Association in partnership with Samuels & Associates and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services!

Join families for a special pre-lighting event at the Fenway Community Center, with arts and crafts activities and a chance to snap photos with Wally and Tessie

Gather to celebrate outside the Kelleher Rose garden, and enjoy cocoa, cider, refreshments, and music by theBoston Children’s Chorus

Enjoy an illuminated walk with Grooversity to The Station, with free fresh waffles, installations by J Arts and a tree farm – and a free community skate at The Rink @ 401 Park

And… Give Back by donating your new or clean, gently worn winter clothing to those in need at the Fenway Community Center (drop off times and dates in attached flyer)

All this and more awaits! For information, please see these details or the below flyers

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

Holiday season is here, time for giving, celebration and good cheer.

4th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway Thanks to the generosity of Samuels & Associates in partnership with Fenway Civic Association, Fenway Cares is excited to announce our 4th Annual Turkey Distribution (while quantities last) to Fenway residents this Thanksgiving.

Please visit http://www.tinyurl.com/FenwayThanksgiving to reserve your order and respond by Wednesday November 15th before noon – or, sign up to volunteer! Stop by Fenway Community Center (1282 Boylston St.) 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 18th to pick up a frozen turkey.

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE  – Monday, Nov 13 – through Dec 21

Please see details below, and the attached flyer. 

SAVE THE DATE Wednesday, December 6, for the Annual Tree Lighting Festivities bringing neighbors together for good cheer; watch for details coming soon.

Fenway Cares is back! Now alternating between East and West Fens – please read on to see the new distribution set up.

ELECTION RESULTS:  Turnout was about 15% citywide. The Fenway cast 5,675 ballots in District 7 and 5,763 ballots in District 8. Unofficial tallies are here. Congratulations to Councillor Tania Fernandes Anderson District 7 and Councillor Sharon E Durkan District 8, and At-Large Councillors Ruthzee Louijeune, Erin J Murphy, Julia Mejia, and Henry Santana. Check the city’s web page for more details.

For upcoming events, please read on….

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, November 13, 3:30 p.m. WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE begins

We are happy to partner with the Fenway Community Center to host a winter clothing drive administered by the Boston Public Health Commission. We encourage residents to bring clean, warm winter clothing on the dates and times specified (see attached flyer). All clothing will be distributed to residents in need by the commission. Thank you for your support! 

Wednesday, November 15, 3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Upcoming Food Distribution Dates (3:30 p.m. start – as supplies last)

WEST FENWAY: 11/15 | 11/29 | 12/13 

EAST FENWAY: 11/8 | 11/22 | 12/6 

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares has changed its food distribution schedule!  Distributions now will take place in the East and West Fenway on alternating Wednesdays.  Home deliveries will be made on West Fenway dates, with the exception of Morville House and Church Park addresses, which will take place on East Fenway dates.

To ensure that we can provide food to all who need it, we ask clients to choose one site only – either East Fenway or West Fenway – to pick up food and to follow the site dates indicated below.  Also, pick up at either location is not available to those who sign up for delivery.  We thank everyone for this cooperation! 

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street (enter at Jersey Street), every other Wednesday:  November 15, November 29, etc.

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road, every other Wednesday: November 22, December 6, etc.

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/ and remember to check the website and flyers for updates about the Fenway Cares distribution times and dates.

Wednesday, November 15, 6 p.m. (virtual)  Back Bay Fens Pathways Design Meeting.  An update on the Back Bay Fens Pathways Project, featuring a presentation by designers with a question and answer session. Want to catch up on the discussions? Check out the project page for notes and videos on all the previous meetings. There has been quite a lot of good work and thoughtful input on this important project. We look forward to the many improvements to come from this. 

Project page: boston.gov/fens-pathways. 

Join the meeting:  bit.ly/bbf-pathways

Friday, November 17, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Coffee Hour with The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggy Van Scoy. 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 and to connect joyfully. 

Saturday, November 18 –  Winter in the Fenway holiday season opens: 

The Rink 401 Park

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

The Fenway Tree Farm

OPEN DAILY: 9 AM – 9 PM @ 1400 BOYLSTON STREET

UPCOMING 

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution –  will alternate weekly between east and west Fens, with new home delivery dates. NEW schedule here. 

December 1st deadline to apply for the Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant  Berklee established the Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to support community-based projects and initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in the Fenway neighborhood. The application deadline is December 1st, and you can find more information, including eligibility requirements, here. If you are a neighborhood nonprofit, please consider applying!

ONGOING

Muddy River Restoration Project Check out the Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (MMOC)’s refreshed web site: www.muddyrivermmoc.org for project details, current status and more! Here’s where all the partners come together to share info. MMOC meets the second Wednesday each month, 6-7:30 p.m.

Curbside food waste collection is here! (for smaller buildings) and 

If you live in a big building, you can use Project Oscar community compost drop-offs located throughout the City to compost food scraps! Closest to Fenway is the Tobin Community Center at 1481 Tremont Street.

DEVELOPMENT LINKS for BPDA – PROJECTS 

Visit BPDA’s website to see details on development projects. You can search by neighborhood, and by Project/Plan Status. 

“Letters of Intent” 645 Beacon Street

 “Under Review”: 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 1400 Boylston Street,  and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory)

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed – currently listing TEN projects

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to announce the first annual Veterans Day Memorial Tree Planting on Friday, November 10, at 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans War Memorial Park, in the Back Bay Fens.

Please see the attached flyer for full details.

In honor of all who served.

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

Library in the Fens? Yes! Learn more at Monday’s meeting on the 1400 Boylston Street project. On Tuesday, it’s time to vote. Take advantage of the fall weather and check out the fens pathways before the next design meeting. 

For upcoming events, please read on….

THE WEEK AHEAD

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution –  will alternate weekly between east and west Fens, details to come soon.

Monday, November 6, 6 – 8 p.m., 1400 Boylston Street – Public Virtual Meeting

The BPDA will host a Public Meeting to discuss a proposed project at 1400 Boylston Street and an associated proposed zoning amendment to Article 66, The Fenway neighborhood zoning article. Discussion regarding the proposed project will focus on the proposed public open space and civic space. The meeting will include presentations from the proponent and BPDA staff, followed by Q&A and comments from the public.

How to Participate

Please register in advance for this meeting through the following link:

bit.ly/3SaSIen

Meeting ID: 160 851 8527

Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. City of Boston Municipal Election for City Councilors – to see a sample ballot, click here.

Vote for your district and at-large councilor seats. Click the link above to see a sample ballot, and then you can check the candidates’ sites to see their position statements. “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Thomas Jefferson

UPCOMING

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 6 p.m. Back Bay Fens Pathways Design Meeting (virtual).  An update on the Back Bay Fens Pathways Project, featuring a presentation by designers with a question and answer session.Project page: boston.gov/fens-pathways. Join the meeting:  bit.ly/bbf-pathways

December 1st deadline to apply for the Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant  Berklee established the Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to support community-based projects and initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in the Fenway neighborhood. The application deadline is December 1st, and you can find more information, including eligibility requirements, here. If you are a neighborhood nonprofit, please consider applying!

ONGOING 

Muddy River Restoration Project Check out the Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (MMOC)’s refreshed web site: www.muddyrivermmoc.org for project details, current status and more! Here’s where all the partners come together to share info. MMOC meets the second Wednesday each month, 6-7:30 p.m.

Curbside food waste collection is here! (for smaller buildings) and 

If you live in a big building, you can use Project Oscar community compost drop-offs located throughout the City to compost food scraps! Closest to Fenway is the Tobin Community Center at 1481 Tremont Street.

DEVELOPMENT LINKS for BPDA – PROJECTS 

Visit BPDA’s website to see details on development projects. You can search by neighborhood, and by Project/Plan Status. 

“Letters of Intent” 645 Beacon Street; 142-146 St. Mary’s Street

 “Under Review”: 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 1400 Boylston Street,  and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory)

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed.

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

Last week was quite busy with a number of meetings. The 1400 Boylston Street project now includes plans for a branch library, next meeting is November 6. We are happy to report that the New Edgerly Road pedestrian plaza will be dedicated in honor of John Bookston for his years of service and dedication to the community. The Red Sox community meeting took pause to honor those who passed this year, including Ed Burke, John Bookston, and Tim Wakefield. There was a general review of the RS events and community involvement, and a review of the draft concert mitigation report. The RS decided to ban concussive fireworks, and are looking at other improvements around the concert impacts. The MassDOT Public Meeting on Bowker Overpass improvements went into graphic detail on the bridge replacement and widening. Project inquiries and statements may be submitted within 10 business days of the meeting to Carrie Lavallee, P.E., Chief Engineer, via e-mail to MassDOTMajorProjects@dot.state.ma.us or via US Mail to Suite 6340, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attention: Project Management, Project File No. 606496.

For upcoming events, please read on….

THE WEEK AHEAD

Early voting for the Municipal Election on November 7 is open now through Friday, November 3.

Any registered Boston voter can vote at any early voting location. You don’t need an excuse or reason to vote early. Not sure if you’re registered? Find out your voter registration status. Click here for more early voting info.

Thursday, November 2, 6-8 p.m. Boston Design Vision – Designing for a Diverse Boston  – Open House

Every Bostonian should see themselves represented in the buildings and outdoor spaces that define the city. Join online to learn more about the Boston Design Vision and share your design ideas for how we can build a Boston for everyone. How to Participate:

Click to Register in advance

Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864

Meeting ID: 160 192 1202

For more information and updates, visit bostonplans.org.

MFA First Fridays start Nov. 3rd, the Museum will welcome visitors from 6 pm to 9 pm on the first Friday of select months for music, dancing, exhibition tours, art-making, signature cocktails and dining. Free for members, fees for non-members. Check web for dates and details.

UPCOMING

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution –  will alternate weekly between east and west Fens, details to come soon.

Monday, November 6, 6 – 8 p.m., 1400 Boylston Street – Public Virtual Meeting

The BPDA will host a Public Meeting to discuss a proposed project at 1400 Boylston Street and an associated proposed zoning amendment to Article 66, The Fenway neighborhood zoning article. Discussion regarding the proposed project will focus on the proposed public open space and civic space. The meeting will include presentations from the proponent and BPDA staff, followed by Q&A and comments from the public.

How to Participate

Please register in advance for this meeting through the following link:

bit.ly/3SaSIen

Meeting ID: 160 851 8527

Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. City of Boston Municipal Election for City Councilors – to see a sample ballot, click here.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 6 p.m. Back Bay Fens Pathways Design Meeting (virtual).  An update on the Back Bay Fens Pathways Project, featuring a presentation by designers with a question and answer session.Project page: boston.gov/fens-pathways. Join the meeting:  bit.ly/bbf-pathways

December 1st deadline to apply for the Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant  Berklee established the Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to support community-based projects and initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in the Fenway neighborhood. The application deadline is December 1st, and you can find more information, including eligibility requirements, here. If you are a neighborhood nonprofit, please consider applying!

ONGOING 

Muddy River Restoration Project Check out the Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (MMOC)’s refreshed web site: www.muddyrivermmoc.org for project details, current status and more! Here’s where all the partners come together to share info. MMOC meets the second Wednesday each month, 6-7:30 p.m.

Curbside food waste collection is here! (for smaller buildings) and 

If you live in a big building, you can use Project Oscar community compost drop-offs located throughout the City to compost food scraps! Closest to Fenway is the Tobin Community Center at 1481 Tremont Street.

DEVELOPMENT LINKS for BPDA – PROJECTS 

Visit BPDA’s website to see details on development projects. You can search by neighborhood, and by Project/Plan Status. 

“Letters of Intent” 645 Beacon Street; 142-146 St. Mary’s Street

 “Under Review”: 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 1400 Boylston Street,  and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory)

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed.

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

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Dear Members and Friends:

We just got this BREAKING NEWS – and are happy to share with you

The Boston City Council voted this week to make the Edgerly Pedestrian Plaza a permanent fixture in the East Fenway!

Here is more detail from the Boston City Council site: https://www.boston.gov/news/council-supports-pedestrian-plaza

We’ve attached a PDF of the Council’s Resolution filed on October 16, 

And an announcement for a public info meeting 

hosted by the City of Boston Transportation Department 

on Wednesday evening, October 25, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Contact:

Jacob Wessel – Boston Transportation Dept.

jacob.wessel@boston.gov

617-635-2672

Flyer and notice below.

With best regards,

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

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Dear Members and Friends:

This week is super busy! with four community meetings:  

BPDA Community Advisory re: impacts of 1400 Boylston Development (Star Market site)

Red Sox Community Relations meeting

Info Session on a new pedestrian plaza on Edgerly Road 

• MASSDOT meeting on Bowker Pass major improvements plan

Three surveys are closing soon: 

Fenway Park Concert Impacts Survey; Fenway Transportation Plan; and Boston Design Vision. 

For this and more, please read on….

THE WEEK AHEAD

Sunday, Oct 22, 3 p.m. Kaji Aso Studio – Institute for the Arts – 2023 Concert Series – Pushpa Palanchoke, performs traditional songs from Nepal (see flyer for details). Want to follow Kaji Aso free events? Email administrator@kajiasostudio.com and request to be on their mailing list.

Monday, October 23 6-8 p.m., 1400 Boylston Street Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) | Virtual Meeting

The BPDA will be hosting a virtual Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting in connection with the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) associated with the 1400 Boylston project received by the Boston Planning & Development Agency on September 19, 2023.

How to Participate

Please register in advance for this meeting through the following link:

bit.ly/454qyER

Meeting ID: 161 375 3793

Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864

The community meeting was held Oct. 18th. As part of the development review process, CAC members work closely with BPDA staff to identify the impacts of a project and recommend appropriate community benefits to offset those impacts. The CAC meeting will prioritize discussion between the developer and CAC members, and is open to the public.

Tuesday, October 24 6PM, Red Sox / Fenway Park Neighborhood Meeting in the Ford Clubhouse located on 72 Brookline Avenue. 

Please take the Local impact survey – 2023 Fenway Park concert series – sponsored by the Fenway Park Concert Neighborhood Committee – before the community meeting, to allow for review and responses.

Wednesday, October 25, 6-7:30 p.m., City of Boston Transportation – New Edgerly Pedestrian Plaza Community Meeting A separate email is being sent to you with breaking details on this exciting new development! The meeting is for community feedback.

Thursday, October 26 LAST DAY TO TAKE the Fenway Transportation Action Plan survey. On Friday, October 27, the BPDA will be closing the Fenway Transportation Action Plan survey. If you have not yet taken this survey, please get your response in before the 27th! We all have stories of the challenges of transportation in the neighborhood, so it is essential that the BPDA know the experiences of Fenway residents. If  you have already taken the survey, please encourage 3-4 friends in the neighborhood to respond to the survey by October 26th as well. 

Thursday, October 26, 6-7:30 p.m. MassDOT Public Meeting on Bowker Overpass improvements over the Massachusetts Turnpike between the Charlesgate neighborhood and the Back Bay Fens. MassDOT’s plan includes removing the offramp from the Bowker to Commonwealth Avenue. For more information about the plan and to register for this meeting, click here. This is yet another major project which will impact all who live, work and travel to and through the Fenway. You don’t want to miss this.

Saturday, October 28, 2023  is the NEXT Voter Registration Deadline.

The Municipal Election will be on November 7, 2023

UPCOMING

Nov 02, 2023 , 6-8 p.m. Boston Design Vision – Designing for a Diverse Boston  – Open House

Every Bostonian should see themselves represented in the buildings and outdoor spaces that define the city. Join online to learn more about the Boston Design Vision and share your design ideas for how we can build a Boston for everyone. How to Participate:

Click to Register in advance

Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864

Meeting ID: 160 192 1202

At this time, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) is continuing to host public meetings in a virtual setting for the health, safety, and accessibility of Boston residents. For more information and updates, visit bostonplans.org.

MFA First Fridays start Nov. 3rd, the Museum will welcome visitors from 6 pm to 9 pm on the first Friday of select months for music, dancing, exhibition tours, art-making, signature cocktails and dining. Free for members, fees for non-members. Check web for dates and details.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 6 p.m. Back Bay Fens Pathways Design Meeting (virtual).  An update on the Back Bay Fens Pathways Project, featuring a presentation by designers with a question and answer session.Project page: boston.gov/fens-pathways. Join the meeting:  bit.ly/bbf-pathways

December 1st deadline to apply for the Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant  Berklee established the Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to support community-based projects and initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in the Fenway neighborhood. The application deadline is December 1st, and you can find more information, including eligibility requirements, here. If you are a neighborhood nonprofit, please consider applying!

ONGOING 

MBTA OCTOBER SERVICE CHANGES here

Muddy River Restoration Project Check out the Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (MMOC)’s refreshed web site: www.muddyrivermmoc.org for project details, current status and more! Here’s where all the partners come together to share info. MMOC meets the second Wednesday each month, 6-7:30 p.m.

Curbside food waste collection is here! (for smaller buildings) and 

If you live in a big building, you can use Project Oscar community compost drop-offs located throughout the City to compost food scraps! Closest to Fenway is the Tobin Community Center at 1481 Tremont Street.

DEVELOPMENT LINKS for BPDA – PROJECTS 

Visit BPDA’s website to see details on development projects. You can search by neighborhood, and by Project/Plan Status. 

“Letters of Intent” 645 Beacon Street; 142-146 St. Mary’s Street

 “Under Review”: 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 1400 Boylston Street,  and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory)

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed.

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »