Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends:

January is typically a time of introspection, hibernation and planning… perhaps you need to do some research or catch up on your reading? We could soon enjoy the benefits of a local library branch, as is in discussion with the 1400 Boylston project. You’ll need to plan your public travel this month, as T work continues. As students return from intersession (as evidenced by the crowds in the coffee shops) you might enjoy a coffee with Maggie, our City Hall liaison, on Fridays at the FCC. Speaking of students, there’s a student housing development BPDA meeting regarding 840 Columbus on Tuesday.

On January 9th, Mayor Wu delivered her State of the City Address, outlining her vision of Boston as a home for every generation. Part of this vision is a reworking of the BRA/BPDA structure – related to this, House Bill  H4065 will be introduced this Monday at the Statehouse. 

Squares + Streets is yet another new planning and zoning initiative which is described as “creating new plans that can be implemented within 5-10 years.” What those plans are, where they come from, why and how we navigate yet another government layer while the BRA and BPDA are morphing, with seemingly non-stop development meetings… the rapid-fire changes are causing concern and controversy in the civic realm. 

Maybe you’ve made a resolution to live a healthier new year? Drop by the  the YMCA on Sat Jan 27 for the Fenway/Kenmore Healthy Neighborhood Initiative event! 

For this and more, read on…

OUT AND ABOUT?

MBTA disruptions continue: Shuttle Buses Replace Green Line from North Station to Babcock Street, Heath Street, Kenmore January 16-28 for Critical Track Work. Click here for shuttle info and alternative route options.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, January 22,  11:00 a.m.-02:00 p.m. in A-2 , Bill H.4065 MA Statehouse Hearing For details click here.

An Act to improve and modernize planning and community development in the city of Boston, a petition of Daniel J. Ryan (with the approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to improve and modernize planning and community development in the city of Boston.

Tuesday, January 23, 6:00 – 08:00 p.m. 840 Columbus Avenue, Public – Virtual Meeting NEW DATE: (originally scheduled for January 8)

The BPDA is hosting a joint Task Force and Public Meeting to discuss the recent Supplemental Information Filing for the 840 Columbus Avenue project on the Northeastern University Campus. This project consists of a 23-story, approximately 453,800 sf mixed-use building containing an active community-focused ground floor and student housing above, anticipated to accommodate up to 1,370 beds as well as a student amenity space on the second floor.The Project will provide replacement of 500 “beds” representing students that currently occupy buildings owned by Northeastern and located in Fenway.

To register for the meeting use this link:  bit.ly/47cAjSz

Meeting ID: 161 170 6553

Toll-Free Call-in Number: 833.568.8864

[Learn more about this event]

Fridays, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Fenway Community Center 1282 Boylston St., Fenway, Coffee Hour with The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie 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. https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-beacon-hill-mission-hill-and-fenway-kenmore-liaison-coffee-hours

Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from January 12, 2024, until November 8, 2024 

Saturday, January 27, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m., Fenway/Kenmore Healthy Neighborhood Initiative at the YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave

An afternoon of sharing health & wellness, community, food resources, and more! The Fenway/Kenmore Healthy Neighborhood Initiative includes: Fenway Community Development Corporation (@fenwaycdc), Fenway Community Center (@fenwaycommunitycenter), the Fenway Alliance (@fenwayculture), Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association, Fenway Health (@fenwayhealth), Fenway Civic Association (@fenwaycivicassociation) and Operation PEACE (@operationpeaceboston). Supported by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Beth Israel Lahey Health (@bethisraellaheyhealth). 

ONGOING

Fridays, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Fenway Community Center 1282 Boylston St., Fenway, Coffee Hour with The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie Van Scoy.

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

WEST FENWAY: 1/24 (plus Home deliveries*)

EAST FENWAY: 1/31

EAST FENWAY:(*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 – and pickup every other week.  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 (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

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, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Current offerings include blood pressure monitoring, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines. And now offering blood sugar testing!

ARTS & RECREATION

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts

Check 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 concerts list, 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.

Kaji Aso Studio announces winter art class offerings, including in-person and mixed modality classes in calligraphy, watercolor, sketching, ceramics, poetry, haiku, singing and piano. Check their site for details.

Winter in The Fenway / The Rink 401 Park

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

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. Click on the bold status text to see list of each status.

“Letters of Intent” 645 Beacon Street

 “Under Review”:  Fenway Corners (West), 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 1400 Boylston Street,

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

Roxbury: Under Review

 840 Columbus Avenue project on the Northeastern University Campus

In the Longwood Medical Area: a few to watch:

Under review: 1 Joslin Place

Board approved: Longwood Place at 305 Brookline – related to Simmons; Merck Research Laboratories at 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur – in conjunction with Emmanuel

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only national holiday officially dedicated as a national day of service. This year, the King Center theme is: “It starts with me: shifting the cultural climate through the study and practice of Kingian nonviolence.”

In his speech, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community,Dr. King speaks of Operation Breadbasket, a civic action which addressed issues of housing, food insecurity, equity, employment and personal dignity.Dr. King spoke to the issues we still struggle with today. King “spoke truth to power” calling out injustices and demanding change. 

“Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.” 

On Monday, the Museum of Fine Arts and Citizens invite the community to commemorate the life, legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a free open house for Massachusetts residents. Click here for details.

The BSO will celebrate with a special concert at 4 p.m. by the Boston Children’s Chorus—In the Name of Love: 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert.

For an additional list of MLK events in the Boston area, click here. 

– – 

Here in the Fenway, development discussions continue; this Tuesday on Fenway Corners and Wednesday on 1400 Boylston. Join the discussion and speak your truth.

OUT AND ABOUT?

MBTA disruptions continue: Shuttle Buses Replace Green Line from North Station to Babcock Street, Heath Street, Kenmore on January 3-13 and January 16-28 for Critical Track Work. More info here.

View performance metric dashboards, showing stats on reliability, ridership slows zones and more. These are new and hopefully a good sign of transparency and real improvements for us.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, Jan 16, 6-8:00 p.m.Fenway Corners (West) Joint Impact Advisory Group & Public Meeting (virtual)

The BPDA is hosting a joint Impact Advisory Group (IAG) and Public Meeting for the Fenway Corners (West) project located in the Fenway. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the recently filed Notice of Project Change (NPC) and Planned Development Area (PDA) Development Plan Amendment. The meeting will include a presentation followed by a conversation with the IAG members, then Q&A and comments from the public.

How to Participate

Please register for this meeting using the following Zoom link:

bit.ly/4ar6BvV

Meeting ID: 161 484 3031

Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864

Wednesday, Jan 17, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution EAST FENWAY (full details below)

Wednesday, Jan 17, 6-8:00 p.m.,1400 Boylston Street project, Joint Impact Advisory Group & Public Meeting (Virtual) 

Samuels & Associates Development LLC (the “Proponent”) has proposed redevelopment of the approximately 2.4-acre site at 1380-1420 Boylston Street in the Fenway, which is presently occupied by a single-story Star Market grocery store, a decommissioned gas station, and surface parking lots. The Proposed Project would revitalize the site with the construction of an approximately 553,000 gross square foot project, including approximately 498,000 square feet of office/research and development space, approximately 17,000 square feet of retail/restaurant/service and accessory uses and facilities on the ground floor, approximately 33,000 square feet of enclosed loading and back of house space, approximately 5,000 square foot civic building which will be programmed in response to community needs and could serve as a Boston Public Library neighborhood branch, and over half an acre of landscaped green space, with underground parking to support the building’s programming.

UPCOMING 

Tuesday, January 23, 6:00 – 08:00 p.m. 840 Columbus Avenue, Public – Virtual Meeting NEW DATE:(originally scheduled for January 8)

The BPDA is hosting a joint Task Force and Public Meeting to discuss the recent Supplemental Information Filing for the 840 Columbus Avenue project on the Northeastern University Campus. This meeting will include a presentation from the University team followed by a conversation among the Northeastern University Task Force members, then Q&A and comments from the public.

How to Participate

Please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:

bit.ly/47cAjSz

Meeting ID: 161 170 6553

Toll-Free Call-in Number: 833.568.8864

The information at this meeting is crucial to you as a Boston resident and stakeholder. Language Access services are available at no cost to you. If you require these services, please contact quinn.w.valcich@boston.gov no later than: 1/18/24

[Learn more about this event]

ONGOING

Winter in The Fenway / The Rink 401 Park

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

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

WEST FENWAY: 1/24 (plus Home deliveries*)

EAST FENWAY: 1/17

EAST FENWAY:(*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 – and pickup every other week.  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 (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

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, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Current offerings include blood pressure monitoring, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines. Upcoming offerings will also include blood sugar testing!

ARTS OFFERINGS

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts

Check 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 concerts list, 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.

Kaji Aso Studio announces winter art class offerings, including in-person and mixed modality classes in calligraphy, watercolor, sketching, ceramics, poetry, haiku, singing and piano. Check their site for details.

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”:  Fenway Corners (West), 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 1400 Boylston Street, and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Street Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory); in Longwood Medical Area: 1 Joslin Place

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

Put away your lights, trees and party hats, it’s time to get back to business. The hot topic continues to be development. There are a series of BPDA meetings this month on pending large projects with major impacts on our daily life. Also, there is a draft Squares + Streets Citywide Draft Zoning Amendment released Dec 5, and comments close Jan 28. This amendment was introduced in the holiday season, so you may not have seen it or understand its impacts. We hope you can review, engage, and help shape these projects so they benefit us all. Your input is valued.

If business is not your thing, maybe it’s art… there’s plenty of local offerings, including winter classes at Kaji Aso Studio.

Later in the month, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – with special events in the Fenway listed below.

For all this and more, please read on…

OUT AND ABOUT?

MBTA: Shuttle Buses Replace Green Line from North Station to Babcock Street, Heath Street, Kenmore on January 3-13 and January 16-28 for Critical Track Work. More info here.

Want more info on the T? View the performance metric dashboards, showing stats on reliability, ridership slows zones and more.

Christmas Tree pickups – this is the final week for city pickup

Trees will be picked up the 2nd week of January, on your first recycling day. Check website for details: https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/leaf-and-yard-waste-schedule#christmas-tree-collection. Please place your trees on the curb by 6 a.m., without ornaments or lights.

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts

Check 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 concerts list, 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.

Kaji Aso Studio announces winter art class offerings, including in-person and mixed modality classes in calligraphy, watercolor, sketching, ceramics, poetry, haiku, singing and piano. Check their site for details.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, Jan 9, 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!

Wednesday, Jan 10, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution WEST FENWAY (full details below)

Wednesday, Jan 10, 6-7:30 p.m., Squares + Streets Citywide Draft Zoning Amendment Update Public Meeting (with a final meeting on Feb 6)

The BPDA’s Zoning Reform team will host a virtual public meeting to provide an update on the draft zoning text amendment that will create new Squares + Streets zoning districts to be adopted into the Boston Zoning Code for areas of activity within neighborhood centers and along main streets. The draft text amendment was released on Tuesday, December 5. The public comment period will close SUNDAY, JANUARY 28. Please share your comments through this public comment form.

How to Participate

Register in advance

Meeting ID: 161 570 7725

Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864

Final Public Meeting, Tues, Feb 6 (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)

Wednesday, January 10, 6-7:30 p.m., 2 Charlesgate West Impact Advisory Group Meeting (IAG) This meeting was previously scheduled for Tuesday, December 19. 

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the IAG and public. 

Please register for the IAG meeting using the following Zoom link: https://bit.ly/3RgnuAt. The Meeting ID is 161 068 2413 and the toll-free call-in number is (833) 568 – 8864.

Thursday, January 11, 6-7:30 p.m. The BPDA Virtual Public Meeting on 2 Charlesgate West project.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public. The Proposed Project consists of approximately 290,000 square feet. The program will include 406 residential units, 2,860 SF retail at the Ipswich Street level and indoor bike parking for 408 bikes. The Proponent is proposing the Project to provide 61 units (15%) of on site affordable housing units exceeding the City of Boston’s applicable IDP requirements. There is no onsite parking planned for the Project. A new publicly accessible open stair and enclosed public elevator is proposed, joining Ipswich Street with Boylston Street and providing access to the Back Bay Fens.

How to Participate

Please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:  

bit.ly/47TPaSy

Meeting ID: 161 549 0248

Toll-free call-in number: (833) 568 – 8864

UPCOMING 

Monday, Jan 15, Martin Luther King Day

BOSTON—On Monday, January 15, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), and Citizens invite the community to commemorate the life, legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a free open house for Massachusetts residents. Click here for details on the day’s programing, including a welcome speech, art-making, and musical performances.

The BSO will celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a special concert at 4 p.m. by the Boston Children’s Chorus—In the Name of Love: 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert

Want to learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr.? Check out the King Center of Atlanta’s website. This year’s strategic theme is ‘Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence’. 

Tuesday, Jan 16, Fenway Corners (West) 6-8:00 p.m. Joint Impact Advisory Group & Public Meeting (virtual)

The BPDA is hosting a joint Impact Advisory Group (IAG) and Public Meeting for the Fenway Corners (West) project located in the Fenway. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the recently filed Notice of Project Change (NPC) and Planned Development Area (PDA) Development Plan Amendment. The meeting will include a presentation followed by a conversation with the IAG members, then Q&A and comments from the public.

How to Participate

Please register for this meeting using the following Zoom link:

bit.ly/4ar6BvV

Meeting ID: 161 484 3031

Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864

Wednesday, Jan 17, 1400 Boylston Street project, 6-8:00 p.m.,Joint Impact Advisory Group & Public Meeting (Virtual) 

Samuels & Associates Development LLC (the “Proponent”) has proposed redevelopment of the approximately 2.4-acre site at 1380-1420 Boylston Street in the Fenway, which is presently occupied by a single-story Star Market grocery store, a decommissioned gas station, and surface parking lots. The Proposed Project would revitalize the site with the construction of an approximately 553,000 gross square foot project, including approximately 498,000 square feet of office/research and development space, approximately 17,000 square feet of retail/restaurant/service and accessory uses and facilities on the ground floor, approximately 33,000 square feet of enclosed loading and back of house space, approximately 5,000 square foot civic building which will be programmed in response to community needs and could serve as a Boston Public Library neighborhood branch, and over half an acre of landscaped green space, with underground parking to support the building’s programming.

Tuesday, January 23, 6:00 – 08:00 p.m. 840 Columbus Avenue, Public – Virtual Meeting NEW DATE:(originally scheduled for January 8)

The BPDA is hosting a joint Task Force and Public Meeting to discuss the recent Supplemental Information Filing for the 840 Columbus Avenue project on the Northeastern University Campus. This meeting will include a presentation from the University team followed by a conversation among the Northeastern University Task Force members, then Q&A and comments from the public.

How to Participate

Please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:

bit.ly/47cAjSz

Meeting ID: 161 170 6553

Toll-Free Call-in Number: 833.568.8864

The information at this meeting is crucial to you as a Boston resident and stakeholder. Language Access services are available at no cost to you. If you require these services, please contact quinn.w.valcich@boston.gov no later than: 1/18/24

[Learn more about this event]

ONGOING

Winter in The Fenway / The Rink 401 Park

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

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

WEST FENWAY: 1/10 (plus Home deliveries*)

EAST FENWAY: 1/17

EAST FENWAY:(*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 – and pickup every other week.  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 (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

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, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Current offerings include blood pressure monitoring, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

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”: 1400 Boylston Street,   Fenway Corners (West), 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 409 Huntington Avenue, and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory); in Longwood Medical Area: 1 Joslin Place

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

Happy New Year ~ Out with the Old, in with the New. 

Auld Lang Syne

by Robert Burns, 1759 -1796

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne!

Chorus: 

For auld lang syne, my dear,

     For auld lang syne.

     We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

     For auld lang syne.

Robert Burns, Scottish poet, pursued both love and poetry with uncommon zeal. He remains an enduring cultural icon for Scots around the world; most famously, his “Auld Lang Syne” is sung each New Year’s Eve. Read more about the poet here. 

Burns in the Fenway – walking around the Fens, you may have come upon this statue created in 1920, which was spirited away for four decades, but made a triumphant return! Read more on the Fenway connection!

OUT AND ABOUT?

Parking and other important City info during the holidays: 

Check the following website to see a list of City of Boston Holidays, when parking meters are free, when street cleaning is disrupted, trash and recycling schedule changes, and when City offices are open or closed:

https://www.boston.gov/departments/311/2024-city-boston-holidays

MBTA: Please check this site for service disruptions (updated 12/28) 

https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-12-28/reminder-shuttle-buses-replace-green-line-north-station-babcock-street-heath-street

First Night Boston – https://www.firstnightboston.org/

Out with the Old Christmas Tree pickups – first two weeks of January

Trees will be picked up the first two weeks of January, on your first recycling day. Check website for details: https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/leaf-and-yard-waste-schedule#christmas-tree-collection. Please place your trees on the curb by 6 a.m., without ornaments or lights.

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.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, Jan 3, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution EAST FENWAY (full details below)

Thursday, Jan 4, 6:00 PM – 7:30 p.m., 1 Joslin Place Project – Public Meeting (online) Click here for project details

The Project is anticipated to involve the demolition of the existing Joslin Diabetes Center Building and the construction of a new approximately 14-story building containing approximately 300 inpatient beds and 20 observation beds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), together with clinical support space on lower floors for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a below-grade inpatient imaging department for DFCI and a below-grade garage containing approximately 250 accessory vehicle parking spaces.

How to Participate

Register in advance:

bit.ly/1JoslinPub

Meeting ID: 160 224 7248

Toll-free call-in number: (833) 568 – 8864

UPCOMING 

Tuesday, January 9, 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!

Wednesday, January 10, 6-7:30 p.m. 2 Charlesgate West Impact Advisory Group Meeting (IAG) This meeting, previously scheduled for Tuesday, December 19, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 10. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the IAG and public. 

Please register for the IAG meeting using the following Zoom link: https://bit.ly/3RgnuAt. The Meeting ID is 161 068 2413 and the toll-free call-in number is (833) 568 – 8864.

Thursday, January 11, 6-7:30 p.m. The BPDA Virtual Public Meeting on 2 Charlesgate West project.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public. The Proposed Projectconsists of approximately 290,000 square feet. The program will include 406 residential units, 2,860 SF retail at the Ipswich Street level and indoor bike parking for 408 bikes. The Proponent is proposing the Project to provide 61 units (15%) of on site affordable housing units exceeding the City of Boston’s applicable IDP requirements. There is no onsite parking planned for the Project. A new publicly accessible open stair and enclosed public elevator is proposed, joining Ipswich Street with Boylston Street and providing access to the Back Bay Fens.

How to Participate

Please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:  

bit.ly/47TPaSy

Meeting ID: 161 549 0248

Toll-free call-in number: (833) 568 – 8864

Tuesday, Jan 16, Fenway Corners (West) Joint Impact Advisory Group & Public Meeting

Location: Virtual Meeting Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday, Jan 17, 1400 Boylston Street project Joint Impact Advisory Group & Public Meeting

Location: Virtual Meeting  Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

ONGOING

Winter in The Fenway / The Rink 401 Park

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

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

WEST FENWAY: 1/10 (plus Home deliveries*)

EAST FENWAY: 1/3, 1/17

EAST FENWAY:(*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 – and pickup every other week.  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 (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

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, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Current offerings include blood pressure monitoring, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

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”: 1400 Boylston Street,   Fenway Corners (West), 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 409 Huntington Avenue, and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory); in Longwood Medical Area: 1 Joslin Place

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

Happy holidays to all! 

The Fenway Civic Association believes that civic engagement is about working for the common good, seeking common ground, and improving our community. Thanks to your civic participation throughout the year, we are creating a safe, sustainable, viable and vibrant Fenway.

Did you know that civic participation is good for your health? We certainly agree with this info from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

So to the entire community, good health and good cheer in the New Year.

OUT AND ABOUT?

Parking and other important City info during the holidays: 

Check the following website to see a list of City of Boston Holidays, when parking meters are free, when street cleaning is disrupted, trash and recycling schedule changes, and when City offices are open or closed:

https://www.boston.gov/departments/311/2024-city-boston-holidays

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

NOTE: the following BPDA meetings have been rescheduled:

2 Charlesgate West Impact Advisory Group Meeting (IAG) previously scheduled for Tuesday, December 19, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 10 at 6-7:30 pm. (Full details below.)

Additionally, the BPDA public meeting previously scheduled for Thursday, December 21, will also be rescheduled for Thursday, January 11, at 6-7:30 pm. (Full details below.)

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, December 27 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution WEST FENWAY (full details below)

First Night Boston – https://www.firstnightboston.org/

UPCOMING 

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.

Thursday, Jan 04, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:30 p.m., 1 Joslin Place Project – Public Meeting (online) Click here for project details

The Project is anticipated to involve the demolition of the existing Joslin Diabetes Center Building and the construction of a new approximately 14-story building containing approximately 300 inpatient beds and 20 observation beds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), together with clinical support space on lower floors for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a below-grade inpatient imaging department for DFCI and a below-grade garage containing approximately 250 accessory vehicle parking spaces.

How to Participate

Register in advance:

bit.ly/1JoslinPub

Meeting ID: 160 224 7248

Toll-free call-in number: (833) 568 – 8864

Tuesday, January 9, 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!

Wednesday, January 10, 6-7:30 p.m. 2 Charlesgate West Impact Advisory Group Meeting (IAG) This meeting, previously scheduled for Tuesday, December 19, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 10. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the IAG and public. 

Please register for the IAG meeting using the following Zoom link: https://bit.ly/3RgnuAt. The Meeting ID is 161 068 2413 and the toll-free call-in number is (833) 568 – 8864.

Thursday, January 11, 6-7:30 p.m. The BPDA Virtual Public Meeting on 2 Charlesgate West project.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public. The Proposed Projectconsists of approximately 290,000 square feet. The program will include 406 residential units, 2,860 SF retail at the Ipswich Street level and indoor bike parking for 408 bikes. The Proponent is proposing the Project to provide 61 units (15%) of on site affordable housing units exceeding the City of Boston’s applicable IDP requirements. There is no onsite parking planned for the Project. A new publicly accessible open stair and enclosed public elevator is proposed, joining Ipswich Street with Boylston Street and providing access to the Back Bay Fens.

How to Participate

Please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:  

bit.ly/47TPaSy

Meeting ID: 161 549 0248

Toll-free call-in number: (833) 568 – 8864

Tuesday, Jan 16, Fenway Corners (West) Joint Impact Advisory Group & Public Meeting

Location: Virtual Meeting Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday, Jan 17, 1400 Boylston Street project Joint Impact Advisory Group & Public Meeting

Location: Virtual Meeting  Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

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

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

WEST FENWAY: 12/27 (No home deliveries on this date)

EAST FENWAY: 1/3/24 (*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. 27, Jan. 10 etc.

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road, every other Wednesday: Jan 3, Jan 17etc.

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, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Current offerings include blood pressure monitoring, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

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”: 1400 Boylston Street,   Fenway Corners (West), 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 409 Huntington Avenue, and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory); in Longwood Medical Area: 1 Joslin Place

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

This week brings the year’s shortest days, until winter solstice on December 21st, when daylight hours begin to grow again. The symbolic rebirth of the sun sparks hope, joy, and light. Happy Holidays, Fenway Friends!

One hope is for a better functioning MBTA: Click here to read full notice of disruptions and alternative routes, including shuttles and free bus lines.  Click here for Green Line alternatives options.

As growth continues in the Fenway new developments are also coming to Longwood Medical Area with plans for an enlarged 14-story rebuild at 1 Joslin Place (meeting details below). Is all this growth being considered in the Fenway Transportation Action Plan? We haven’t heard much on this front in awhile. Open Space has never been so important, which may motivate you to attend Tuesday’s meeting on proposed zoning amendments to Article 33.

For details, please read on….

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, December 19, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Open Space Zoning Updates Public Meeting  Click here for more info and to Register

The BPDA Planning team will host a virtual public meeting on December 19, on proposed amendments to Article 33, the zoning article that regulates Boston’s Open Space Districts. Discuss draft updates to Article 33 that would create a new stadium and public amphitheater zoning district, in order to enable greater investment and amenities in the city’s open spaces, including those like White Stadium.  Also discuss how this proposed zoning district would be applied to already existing locations in the city’s parks and open spaces.

Wednesday, December 20 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution EAST FENWAY (full details below)

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE (ends Thursday, December 21)

In partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission and the Fenway Civic Association, hosted by the Fenway Community Center. Please bring new or clean, gently worn clothing and shoes – new warm winter clothing is especially encouraged, as well as new undergarments and socks.

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

Monday and Tuesday 12/18 and 12/19 @ 12-4pm

Thursday 12/21 @ 12-7pm final collection date.

UPCOMING 

First Night Boston – https://www.firstnightboston.org/

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.

Thursday, Jan 04, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:30 p.m., 1 Joslin Place Project – Public Meeting (online) PROJECT PAGE

The Project is anticipated to involve the demolition of the existing Joslin Diabetes Center Building and the construction of a new approximately 14-story building containing approximately 300 inpatient beds and 20 observation beds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), together with clinical support space on lower floors for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a below-grade inpatient imaging department for DFCI and a below-grade garage containing approximately 250 accessory vehicle parking spaces.

How to Participate

Register in advance:

bit.ly/1JoslinPub

Meeting ID: 160 224 7248

Toll-free call-in number: (833) 568 – 8864

Tuesday, January 9, 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!

TO BE RESCHEDULED: The BPDA Virtual Public Meeting on 2 Charlesgate West project. (Dec 21 meeting date postponed.)

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public. The Proposed Projectconsists of approximately 290,000 square feet. The program will include 406 residential units, 2,860 SF retail at the Ipswich Street level and indoor bike parking for 408 bikes. The Proponent is proposing the Project to provide 61 units (15%) of on site affordable housing units exceeding the City of Boston’s applicable IDP requirements. There is no onsite parking planned for the Project. A new publicly accessible open stair and enclosed public elevator is proposed, joining Ipswich Street with Boylston Street and providing access to the Back Bay Fens.

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

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

WEST FENWAY: 12/27 (No home deliveries on this date)

EAST FENWAY: 12/20 (*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. 27, Jan. 10 etc.

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road, every other Wednesday: December 20, Jan 3 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, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Current offerings include blood pressure monitoring, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

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”: Fenway Corners (West), 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); in Longwood Medical Area: 1 Joslin Place

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

The Fenway Annual Tree Lighting on Dec 6 was a wonderful evening of community holiday spirit. Happy Holidays, Fenway Friends!

Before you head out and about, check MBTA DISRUPTIONS on the green line: Click here to read full notice of disruptions and alternative routes, including shuttles and free bus lines.  Click here for Green Line alternatives options.

Concerns about neighborhood safety and news? Attend the Community Police meeting. Want to know what’s developing? There are two new large developments being reviewed for the West Fens; housing at St. Mary’s Street (across from 401 Park Drive) and mixed development at 2 Charlesgate, details below.

For upcoming events, please read on….

THE WEEK AHEAD

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!

Wednesday, December 13 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution WEST FENWAY (full details below)

UPCOMING

Thursday, December 21, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM The BPDA is hosting a Virtual Public Meeting about 2 Charlesgate West project.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public. The Proposed Projectconsists of approximately 290,000 square feet. The program will include 406 residential units, 2,860 SF retail at the Ipswich Street level and indoor bike parking for 408 bikes. The Proponent is proposing the Project to provide 61 units (15%) of on site affordable housing units exceeding the City of Boston’s applicable IDP requirements. There is no onsite parking planned for the Project. A new publicly accessible open stair and enclosed public elevator is proposed, joining Ipswich Street with Boylston Street and providing access to the Back Bay Fens.

How to Participate:

Please register

Meeting ID: 161 549 0248

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

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 20, Jan 3 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, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Current offerings include blood pressure monitoring, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

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

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

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

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