Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends:

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Being an election year, let’s look at the history of the women’s vote: it was 1920 when women got the right to vote. 104 years later, women are 51% of the population but hold 30% of elected offices. Here in Boston, women hold many top offices, but we still have a ways to go.

Boston Parks is marking Women’s History Month by lifting up the stories behind the names of some of your favorite neighborhood parks. Honor their legacy by visiting these public spaces with renewed understanding of their struggles and achievements.  

As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, Let’s Raise a Glass to the Irish American Women who worked for a better society.

FENWAY CIVIC ANNUAL MEETING – SAVE THE DATE – APRIL 10TH  

Details to come! We look forward to sharing our accomplishments and goals with you at an in-person meeting.

SUPPORT FENWAY CARES

Donate to Fenway Cares by pledging to our Boston Marathon Runner.

Nehal Munshi is running to raise $5,000 in pledges – and he’s 40% there!!! 

Please make your pledge here:  bit.ly/FenwayCaresRun (flyer below)

BPDA DISCUSSIONS

The City of Boston Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department is being discussed in detail by the City Council. Public comment is encouraged. More below.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Councilor Sharon Durkan – Office Hours for the Fenway neighborhoods

Tuesday, March 12, Fenway: at Phinista Cafe (96 Peterborough St) 

Thursday, March 21, Kenmore: at Cornwall’s (644 Beacon St)

You’re invited to Councilor Durkan’s winter/spring office hours! If you’ve never met for office hours, consider signing up! Meet the Councilor and the new Constituent Services Director and liaison to the Fenway, Lily Sweeterman.  Sign up here. 

Wednesday, March 13, Fenway Cares (see detail below)

Thursday, March 14, 1-2PM, Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting 

Join the meeting to talk about the development of the program’s tree planting and care grants. Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting

ONGOING

Coffee Hour with Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie Van Scoy: Fridays – Locations rotate and include Fenway, for up-to-date information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-beacon-hill-mission-hill-and-fenway-kenmore-liaison-coffee-hours 

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution Next date: 3/13

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares takes place at 2 locations on the same day:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!  Volunteer

MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic – 2-5 p.m. on Fenway Cares dates, East Fenway, inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Offerings include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

MBTA Current Service Alerts: Click here to see CURRENT service alerts. 

UPCOMING

March 19 & 21, The Mayor’s Office of Housing Wants to hear from you! 

The Mayor’s Office wants your input on setting priorities for use for an estimated $143 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds may be invested in housing, homeless assistance and community development programs that serve low to moderate income residents over a 5-year period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 and cover these HUD programs:      

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

Tuesday, March 19,  6:00 pm to 7:30 pm  Hearing #1 (Virtual – Zoom)

Video call link: https://boston-gov.zoom.us/j/5995592565?omn=83698691556

Meeting ID: 599 559 2565 Or dial: 1-646-558-8656

Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm to 7:30pm  Hearing #2 (In Person)

Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Commonwealth Salon, 700 Boylston Street.

Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT)  Institutional Master Plan (IMP)

Comment Period – End Date is March 20 2024

The WIT Institutional Master Plan (IMP) outlines the campus plan for the next ten years. WIT has 31 acres between Southwest Corridor and the Back Bay Fens. Highlights of the plan: redesigned Ruggles Street Front Lawn; a Huntington Pavillion, building upgrades and new structures: a 23-story dormitory on Huntington,  network of open spaces, sports field deck with parking underneath to replace Sweeney Field (converting to a private project, 500 Huntington), a 7-story consolidated parking garage with 700 spaces on Parker St. WIT’s goal is to have 60-70% of their approx 4,000 students on a modernized campus. Visit the project page for details, video and comments. 

Thursday, March 21, 6-7:30 p.m. Sign Code Modernization Kickoff Public Meeting

A BPDA virtual public meeting to kick off the Agency’s Sign Code Modernization zoning initiative. Presentation will be followed by a discussion on what the future of Boston’s signage should look like. Project webpage. Register in advance

Saturday, April 6^th,  save the date for the annual Northeastern off-campus Spring Clean-Up. This event celebrates a successful year of weekly litter clean-ups and seeks to include our off-campus student leaders, student residents, and Boston community members in a day of beautification projects across neighborhoods. 

ARTS & RECREATION

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concert, March 22nd

Click here for tickets and more info.

Kaji Aso Studio announces arts offerings and special events announced via their emailing list. The 35th International Haiku Contest  submissions are due on April 15, 2024 Please check their site for details. 

DEVELOPMENT – BPDA DISCUSSION

Mayor Wu’s vision for the BPDA to create a City Planning Department has generated robust discussion, with questions on structure, oversight, community input, and the transferal process. 

In 1960, the City Planning Department was abolished and the Boston Redevelopment Authority took on Urban Planning, outside of City oversight, focused on Urban Renewal. The Ordinance is to bring Planning back into City government. Concurrently, there are related questions on how the roles of Development and Zoning will work. 

This change requires community input, as we will live with these results for decades to come. Civic groups across the city are demanding hearings and discussions so the citizens can be involved in shaping our city’s future.

The Boston City Council held a working session on Friday, March 8: you can view the recording here:  Government Operations Working Session -Docket #0257-A working session to discuss an Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department. This session was different from most, because public testimony was allowed at the start of the meeting. The session was nearly a full day, raising complex  and important issues which need clarity. We encourage all to review and weigh in.

BPDA ACTIVE PROJECTS

The 2 Charlesgate West development proposal is currently under review, and comments are open through March 22. This large project is considered a Gateway position in the Fenway, at a prominent entry to the Fenway and abutting sensitive parklands. Please take a look and submit your comments during this open period.

Currently, there are 5 projects in the Fenway “Under Review”: Fenway Corners (West) ,Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 409 Huntington Avenue,  2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

March is Women’s History Month

As we approach “Super Tuesday” it’s interesting to look at women’s voting history in our state. In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote and to hold office became law; the next MA election saw two women, M. Sylvia Donaldson and Susan Walker Fitzgerald, elected to serve as State Representatives. Massachusetts women are politically active; ours is the only state in the country with women in both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor offices, as well as our capital city having a woman Mayor. Statusofwomen.org ranks MA as having  3rd best status of women in the US based on metrics including work & family, violence and safety, reproductive rights, health and political participation. But we’ve still got a long way to go as far as pay equity and representation. 

Vote in the Presidential Primary Election this Tuesday – March 5th (details below)

Boston Parks Celebrate Women’s History Month 

The city is marking Women’s History Month by lifting up the stories behind the names of some of your favorite neighborhood parks. Honor their legacy by visiting these public spaces with renewed understanding of their struggles and achievements. Learn more!

Development issues

Mayor Wu ran on the promise of abolishing the BPDA, and creating a City Planning Department. This transition was proposed to the City Council via an Ordinance, and the Statehouse via a Home Rule Petition. The City Council had a meeting on Feb 29 with the next meeting March 8. More detail below. This change will impact all development in the City, and is worth your attention. 

The 2 Charlesgate West development proposal is currently under review, and comments are open through March 22. This large project is considered a Gateway position in the Fenway, at a prominent entry to the Fenway and abutting sensitive parklands. Please take a look and submit your comments during this open period.

Spring is coming… and so is the Boston Marathon. Nehal Munshi is running for Fenway Cares, and hopes to raise $5,000 in pledges this month – you can donate here: bit.ly/FenwayCaresRun (more below)

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, March 5, 7 a.m – 8 p.m. Presidential Primary Election

For in-person voting: Find your polling location here.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.   

For information on voting check the official Massachusetts Elections Division website.

Click here to determine your Voter Registration Status.

Wednesday, March 6, 6-7:30 p.m.  Boston Police District D-4 COMPSTAT Meeting, Cathedral High School, 72 Union Park St, parking available behind school.

Join this community meeting to review the crime trends and patterns in D-4, and to plan strategies to address these issues. More details on flyer below.

Thursday, March 7 is Social Security “Slam the Scam” Day – protect yourself and help others avoid Social Security fraud schemes, especially directed towards elders.

Friday, March 8, 10 a.m. start City Council Committee on Government Operations Working Session on Docket #0257, an Ordinance creating the City of Boston Planning Department. City Council meeting link

On January 29th, Mayor Wu submitted “An Ordinance creating the Planning Department in the City of Boston” to the City Council, to transition the BPDA staff to a new City Planning Department. Read the letter and ordinance here. This is part of a larger discussion to bring the BPDA into City Hall; there is also a stathouse Home Rule Petition being considered. A City Council meeting was held February 29th (view the recording here). The next meeting is a working session continuing this discussion. To further understand this large and complex issue, you may wish to refer to Mayor Wu’s proposal from 2019 titled: Fixing Boston’s Broken Development Process  Why and How to Abolish the BPDA 

ONGOING

MBTA Current Service Alerts: Click here to see CURRENT service alerts.. Green lines will have service disruptions through March 8–visit the website for all lines and alerts.

Coffee Hour with Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie Van Scoy: Fridays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Locations rotate and include Fenway, for the most updated information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-beacon-hill-mission-hill-and-fenway-kenmore-liaison-coffee-hours 

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution Next date for EAST AND WEST FENWAY: 3/13

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares takes place at 2 locations on the same day:

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!  https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/volunteer/

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, blood sugar testing, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

UPCOMING

March 12, Councilor Sharon Durkan Office Hours for the Fenway neighborhood  at Phinista Cafe (96 Peterborough St) 

You’re invited to Councilor Durkan’s winter/spring session of office hours! If you’ve never met for office hours, consider signing up! To ensure all neighborhoods are represented and have a chance to speak with the Councilor, please sign up for a time in your neighborhood only. As the Fenway has the largest population of the D8 neighborhoods, there are two opportunities — West Fenway 3/12 and Kenmore 3/21 — for Fenway residents to meet with the Councilor. You can sign up here and choose the date, time slot and location. Also, you’ll get to meet the Councilor’s new Constituent Services Director and liaison to the Fenway — Lily Sweeterman.

Thursday, March 14, 1-2PM, Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting 

Join the Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting to talk about the development of the program’s tree planting and care grants. Details on how to join this event: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/boston-tree-alliance-general-meeting

March 19 & 21, The Mayor’s Office of Housing Wants to hear from you! 

Please save the dates! The Mayor’s Office wants your input on setting the priorities of use for an estimated $143 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds may be invested in housing, homeless assistance and community development programs that serve low to moderate income residents over a 5-year period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 and cover these HUD programs:      

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

Hearing #1 (Virtual – Zoom)

Tuesday, March 19,  6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Video call link: https://boston-gov.zoom.us/j/5995592565?omn=83698691556

Meeting ID: 599 559 2565 Or dial: 1-646-558-8656

Hearing #2 (In Person)

Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm to 7:30pm

Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Commonwealth Salon, 700 Boylston Street.

Attend one or both, no registration required. Translation services can be arranged by request at least 7 days in advance of the hearings: email mohcomments@boston.gov or call 617-635-3880.

Wentworth Institute of Technology  Institutional Master Plan (IMP)

Comment Period – End Date is March 20 2024

Linked for your review is an electronic copy of the proposed Institutional Master Plan (IMP) for the Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) IMP project located in Fenway and Mission Hill, received by the Boston Planning & Development Agency on February 21 2024. March 20th is the last day to comment on the IMP. WIT is a technology university with five schools focused on engineering, computing, design, science, and management. The University consists of 31 acres of land between the Southwest Corridor and the Back Bay Fens.

Saturday, April 6^th,  save the date for the annual Northeastern off-campus Spring Clean-Up. This event celebrates a successful year of weekly litter clean-ups and seeks to include our off-campus student leaders, student residents, and Boston community members in a day of beautification projects across neighborhoods. 

RUN FOR FUNDS – FENWAY CARES IN THE BOSTON MARATHON

Nehal Munshi is running the Boston Marathon on behalf of Fenway Cares, a collective of neighborhood organizations that has distributed more than 20,000 bags of fresh, FREE produce to neighbors in need. Support his run and donate to Fenway Cares at bit.ly/FenwayCaresRun (flyer attached)

ARTS & RECREATION

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concert, March 22nd

Follow this link for tickets to this Fenway performance.

Kaji Aso Studio announces arts offerings and special events announced via their emailing list. The 35th International Haiku Contest  submissions are due on April 15, 2024 Please check their site for details. 

DEVELOPMENT 

Currently, there are 5 projects in the Fenway “Under Review” with the BPDA: Fenway Corners (West) ,Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 409 Huntington Avenue,  2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

February is Black History month — With celebrations and events across the city, the City of Boston has compiled links to educational and historic resources, local events, concerts, black owned businesses and more to celebrate: https://www.boston.gov/news/february-black-history-month-3.

BACK BAY FENS – TREE AND PATH IMPROVEMENT NEWS

Back Bay Fens – Tree Removals news

You may have seen some trees marked for removal around the Fens. Each tree was assessed by at least 3 certified arborists as either dead or high risk trees, many of which are ash trees that have emerald ash borer and elm trees which have died due to dutch elm disease. In total, 46 tree removals are scheduled for late February to early March when the ground is hard and work can be done without damaging the surrounding ground. It is best management practice to remove trees with emerald ash borer in the dormant season to decrease further spread. 

Back Bay Fens – Tree plantings

The Back Bay Fens Pathways project will include planting of new trees as part of the larger project scope including rehabilitation of pathways at the Back Bay Fens to improve accessibility and site conditions. This historic park is under the jurisdiction of the Boston Landmarks Commission. The project includes the assessment and prioritization of pathway work, as well as Boston Parks standard project design work. The project will also include items along and adjacent to pathways, such as site furnishings, utilities, and plantings.

Fenway Civic Association will be announcing a new tree initiative at the Annual Meeting, on March 27, details to come soon!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, February 19 – Presidents Day

• City offices, Boston Public Libraries, and BCYF Community Centers are closed.
• Parking meters are free with no time limit.
• Daytime street cleaning is canceled, but overnight street cleaning is on a normal schedule.
• Trash and recycling pickups are delayed in some neighborhoods during the holiday week. To check your schedule, use the Trash Day app.

Massachusetts – A state rich with presidential history. Did you know that four US Presidents were born in MA? And many others have ties to the state, check out this link for more info.

BU Athletics is offering City of Boston residents free admission to athletic home games between Friday, February 16th and Sunday, February 25th. 

Residents can view the game schedule and reserve up to eight free tickets per game by logging onto www.GoTerriers.com/BostonWeek.

ONGOING

MBTA Planned Service Alerts: Click here to see upcoming PLANNED service alerts.. Green line will have service disruptions starting on Feb. 20th, and starting the 15th, some elevator closures.

Coffee Hour with Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie Van Scoy: Fridays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Locations rotate and include Fenway, for the most updated information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-beacon-hill-mission-hill-and-fenway-kenmore-liaison-coffee-hours 

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

EAST AND WEST FENWAY: 2/28

Food Distributions

Fenway Cares distributions will take place at both locations every other Wednesday on the same day of the month. 

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, blood sugar testing, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

UPCOMING

Monday, February 26, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 1 Joslin Place (New Cancer Hospital) Task Force and Public Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

Meeting of the 1 Joslin Place Task Force to review the proposed Institutional Master Plan project. The Task Force serves as the advisory body for the 1 Joslin Place institutional development. Please note that this is a joint Task Force/Public meeting. The meeting will begin with a 30-minute presentation of the project by the development team, followed by a 45-minute discussion of the Task Force, followed by 45 minutes of public Q&A.

How to Participate Register in advance:  bit.ly/1JoslinTF

Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864    Meeting ID: 160 124 8468

Thursday, March 14, 1-2PM, BOSTON TREE ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING

Join the Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting to talk about the development of the program’s tree planting and care grants. Details on how to join this event: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/boston-tree-alliance-general-meeting

March 19 & 21, THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF HOUSING WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU

Please save the dates! The Mayor’s Office wants your input on setting the priorities of use for an estimated $143 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds may be invested in housing, homeless assistance and community development programs that serve low to moderate income residents over a 5-year period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 and cover these HUD programs:      

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

Hearing #1 (Virtual – Zoom)

Tuesday, March 19,  6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Video call link: https://boston-gov.zoom.us/j/5995592565?omn=83698691556

Meeting ID: 599 559 2565 Or dial: 1-646-558-8656

Hearing #2 (In Person)

Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm to 7:30pm

Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Commonwealth Salon, 700 Boylston Street.

Attend one or both, no registration required. Translation services can be arranged by request at least 7 days in advance of the hearings: email mohcomments@boston.gov or call 617-635-3880.

Saturday, April 6^th,  save the date for the annual Northeastern off-campus Spring Clean-Up. This event celebrates a successful year of weekly litter clean-ups and seeks to include our off-campus student leaders, student residents, and Boston community members in a day of beautification projects across neighborhoods. 

ARTS & RECREATION

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts

Follow this link to view the concerts through March.

Kaji Aso Studio announces winter arts offerings and special events announced via their emailing list. Check their site for details. You might wish to enter the 35th International Haiku Contest, Submissions Due on April 15, 2024 Please see details on their website.

Winter in The Fenway / The Rink 401 Park

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

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

BPDA Fenway Projects:

As a neighborhood with millions of square feet in proposed development, the BPDA impacts all of us who rent, own, live or wish to continue to live in the Fenway. Civic engagement is essential in ensuring we retain a meaningful voice in the planning processes that shape our community. We encourage members to stay involved as these discussions continue.

Currently, there are 19 active developments impacting the Fenway.

(click on links to visit the BPDA project pages)

“Letters of Intent” 

1. 645 Beacon Street [Retail /Research Lab]

 “Under Review”: 

2. Fenway Corners (West) [Office/Rental/Residential/Retail/Research Lab]

3. Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation [campus dorm]

4. 409 Huntington Avenue [Rental / Residential /Retail]

5.  2 Charlesgate West [Rental / Residential /Retail]  *DPIR Comment Period Ends Feb 22

6.  142-146 St. Mary’s Street [Rental]

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

7. 1400 Boylston Street, [Cultural / Retail / Research Lab]

8. 165 Park Drive [Ownership/Rental/Residential ]

9. Fenway Corners (North) [Office/Retail/Research Lab]

10. 819 Beacon Street [Institution / Rental / Residential / Retail]

11. 601 Newbury  Street [Rental / Residential]

12. Simmons University 2019 IMP Projects [Dormitory]

13. 1241 Boylston Street – [hotel]  

14. Kenmore Hotel – [hotel]

15. 109 Brookline Avenue  

16. Fenway Center –  

Roxbury: 

Under Review

17.  840 Columbus Avenue project [dormitory] Boston Civic Design Commission meeting 2/20 5PM

Longwood Medical Area: 

Under review:

18. 1 Joslin Place [hospital, institutional master plan] *Task Force and Public Meeting 2/26

Board approved: 

19. Longwood Place at 305 Brookline – related to Simmons

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

February is Black History month — With celebrations and events across the city, the City of Boston has compiled links to educational and historic resources, local events, concerts, black owned businesses and more to celebrate: https://www.boston.gov/news/february-black-history-month-3.

Fenway Cares has changed their food distribution schedules (detail below) so that the East and West Fens are served on the same date, every two weeks. Change takes effect this week.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, Feb 14, 3:30 p.m.until supplies last, Fenway Cares – Food Distribution 

EAST AND WEST FENWAY: 2/14 [full details in ONGOING section below]

Food Distributions

ONGOING

MBTA Planned Service Alerts: Click here to see upcoming PLANNED service alerts..Green line will have service disruptions starting on Feb. 20th, and starting the 15th, some elevator closures.

Coffee Hour with Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services liaison, Maggie Van Scoy: Fridays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Locations rotate and include Fenway, for the most updated information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-beacon-hill-mission-hill-and-fenway-kenmore-liaison-coffee-hours 

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

EAST AND WEST FENWAY: 2/14

Food Distributions

Starting 2/14, Fenway Cares distributions will take place at both locations every other Wednesday on the same day of the month. 

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, blood sugar testing, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

UPCOMING

Monday, February 26, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 1 Joslin Place (New Cancer Hospital) Task Force and Public Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

Meeting of the 1 Joslin Place Task Force to review the proposed Institutional Master Plan project. The Task Force serves as the advisory body for the 1 Joslin Place institutional development. Please note that this is a joint Task Force/Public meeting. The meeting will begin with a 30-minute presentation of the project by the development team, followed by a 45-minute discussion of the Task Force, followed by 45 minutes of public Q&A.

How to Participate Register in advance:  bit.ly/1JoslinTF

Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864    Meeting ID: 160 124 8468

Thursday, March 14, 1-2PM, BOSTON TREE ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING

Join the Boston Tree Alliance General Meeting to talk about the development of the program’s tree planting and care grants. Details on how to join this event: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/boston-tree-alliance-general-meeting

March 19 & 21, THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF HOUSING WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU

Please save the dates! The Mayor’s Office wants your input on setting the priorities of use for an estimated $143 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds may be invested in housing, homeless assistance and community development programs that serve low to moderate income residents over a 5-year period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 and cover these HUD programs:      

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

Hearing #1 (Virtual – Zoom)

Tuesday, March 19,  6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Video call link: https://boston-gov.zoom.us/j/5995592565?omn=83698691556

Meeting ID: 599 559 2565 Or dial: 1-646-558-8656

Hearing #2 (In Person)

Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm to 7:30pm

Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Commonwealth Salon, 700 Boylston Street.

Attend one or both, no registration required. Translation services can be arranged by request at least 7 days in advance of the hearings: email mohcomments@boston.gov or call 617-635-3880.

Saturday, April 6^th,  save the date for the annual Northeastern off-campus Spring Clean-Up. This event celebrates a successful year of weekly litter clean-ups and seeks to include our off-campus student leaders, student residents, and Boston community members in a day of beautification projects across neighborhoods. 

ARTS & RECREATION

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts

Follow this link to view the concerts through March.

Kaji Aso Studio announces winter arts offerings and special events announced via their emailing list. Check their site for details. You might wish to enter the 35th International Haiku Contest, Submissions Due on April 15, 2024 Please see details on their website.

Winter in The Fenway / The Rink 401 Park

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

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

BPDA Fenway Projects:

As a neighborhood with millions of square feet in proposed development, the BPDA impacts all of us who rent, own, live or wish to continue to live in the Fenway. Civic engagement is essential in ensuring we retain a meaningful voice in the planning processes that shape our community. We encourage members to stay involved as these discussions continue.

Currently, there are 19 active developments impacting the Fenway.

(click on links to visit the BPDA project pages)

“Letters of Intent” 

1. 645 Beacon Street [Retail /Research Lab]

 “Under Review”: 

2. Fenway Corners (West) [Office/Rental/Residential/Retail/Research Lab]

3. Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation [campus dorm]

4. 409 Huntington Avenue [Rental / Residential /Retail]

5.  2 Charlesgate West [Rental / Residential /Retail]

6.  142-146 St. Mary’s Street [Rental]

7. 1400 Boylston Street, [Cultural / Retail / Research Lab]

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

8. 165 Park Drive [Ownership/Rental/Residential ]

9. Fenway Corners (North) [Office/Retail/Research Lab]

10. 819 Beacon Street [Institution / Rental / Residential / Retail]

11. 601 Newbury  Street [Rental / Residential]

12. Simmons University 2019 IMP Projects [Dormitory]

13. 1241 Boylston Street – [hotel]  

14. Kenmore Hotel – [hotel]

15. 109 Brookline Avenue  

16. Fenway Center –  

Roxbury: 

Under Review

17.  840 Columbus Avenue project [dormitory]

Longwood Medical Area: 

Under review:

18. 1 Joslin Place [hospital, institutional master plan]

Board approved: 

19. Longwood Place at 305 Brookline – related to Simmons

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

Civic groups across the city have been focused on recently proposed changes to the BPDA. Mayor Wu has put forth an ordinance, and a home rule petition was introduced at the state house that would legally restructure the BPDA to move it and its functions into City Hall. 

At the statehouse hearing, many citizens came forth with questions on oversight, accountability, and transparency, and concerns about community voice. 

As a neighborhood with millions of square feet in proposed development, the BPDA impacts all of us who rent, own, live or wish to continue to live in the Fenway. Civic engagement is essential in ensuring we retain a meaningful voice in the planning processes that shape our community. We encourage members to stay involved as this discussion continues.

Currently, there are 20 active developments impacting the Fenway.

(click on the links following this week’s announcement to visit the BPDA project pages)

THE WEEK AHEAD

February is Black History month — Kick it off by attending a celebration and flag raising at City Hall https://www.boston.gov/calendar/2024-black-history-month-celebration-and-flag-raising, or check out these links compiled by the City of Boston to educational and historic resources, local events, concerts, black owned businesses and more to celebrate: 

https://www.boston.gov/news/february-black-history-month-3.

Wednesday, February 7 – Fenway Cares – food and health services (details below)

Saturday, February 10, 12 – 4 p.m., Civic Engagement Training at Fenway Community Center (half day session includes lunch)

Are you a Fenway or Kenmore resident interested in building capacity for self-advocacy and civic participation? People who know how to self-advocate often feel confident in what they’re learning and doing. Self-advocacy also creates independence. And it empowers people to find solutions to problems that others might not be aware of.  There are just 2 seats left! To sign up, please complete the online form at this registration link. 

Fenway Cares will review applications and notify attendees.

This workshop will be conducted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.

Please email questions to fenwaycares@fenwaycommunitycenter.org

Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024

Time: 12pm – 1pm lunch provided, 1pm to 4pm Civic Engagement Training

Venue: Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston St #123, Boston, MA 02215

ONGOING

MBTA Planned Service Alerts: Click here to see upcoming PLANNED service alerts..Green line will have service disruptions starting on the 20th, and earlier in the month, starting the 15th, some elevator closures.

3rd Friday of the month, 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: 2/7 (no Home deliveries*)

EAST AND WEST FENWAY: 2/14

Food Distributions

Starting 2/14, Fenway Cares distributions will take place at both locations every other Wednesday on the same day of the month. 

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, blood sugar testing, COVID-19, flu, and a limited number of pneumonia vaccines.

ARTS & RECREATION

Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts

Follow this link to view the concerts through March.

Kaji Aso Studio announces winter arts offerings and special events announced via their emailing list. Check their site for details.

Winter in The Fenway / The Rink 401 Park

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

BPDA Fenway Projects:

“Letters of Intent” 

1. 645 Beacon Street [Retail /Research Lab]

 “Under Review”: 

2. Fenway Corners (West) [Office/Rental/Residential/Retail/Research Lab]

3. Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation [campus dorm]

4. 409 Huntington Avenue [Rental / Residential /Retail]

5.  2 Charlesgate West [Rental / Residential /Retail]

6.  142-146 St. Mary’s Street [Rental]

7. 1400 Boylston Street, [Cultural / Retail / Research Lab]

“Board Approved” are clear to proceed

8. 165 Park Drive [Ownership/Rental/Residential ]

9. Fenway Corners (North) [Office/Retail/Research Lab]

10. 819 Beacon Street [Institution / Rental / Residential / Retail]

11. 601 Newbury  Street [Rental / Residential]

12. Simmons University 2019 IMP Projects [Dormitory]

13. 1241 Boylston Street – [hotel]  

14. Kenmore Hotel – [hotel]

15. 109 Brookline Avenue  

16. Fenway Center –  

Roxbury: 

Under Review

17.  840 Columbus Avenue project [dormitory]

Longwood Medical Area: 

Under review:

18. 1 Joslin Place [hospital, institutional master plan]

Board approved: 

19. Longwood Place at 305 Brookline – related to Simmons

20. Merck Research Laboratories at 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur – in conjunction with Emmanuel

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Dear Members and Friends:

This February is a “leap year” and we get an ‘extra’ day on February 29th. What will you do with your extra time? A light calendar this week, perhaps you are interested in “ousting the bad spirits and asking in good luck?” – check out the Bean Ceremony at Kaji Aso Studio on February 3. Interested in learning more about civic engagement? Take a look at the upcoming workshop on Feb 10. There is still a lot of work being done on various MBTA lines, so it’s always a good idea to check their site for service alerts.

For this and more, read on…

OUT AND ABOUT?

MBTA Planned Service Alerts: Click here to see upcoming PLANNED service alerts..

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday – Fenway Cares – food and health services (details below)

Friday, 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, February 3, 4-5:30 p.m. Setsubun-Mamemaki A purifying ceremony for the year 2024 at Kaji Aso Studio, see attached flyer.

UPCOMING

Saturday, February 10, 12 – 4 p.m., Civic Engagement Training at Fenway Community Center (half day session includes lunch)

Are you a Fenway or Kenmore resident who is interested in building capacity for self-advocacy and civic participation? People who know how to self-advocate often feel confident in what they’re learning and doing. Self-advocacy also creates independence. And it empowers people to find solutions to problems that others might not be aware of.  

This workshop will be conducted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.Visit their website to learn more about the MAPC.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is a regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Metropolitan Boston. Their mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. Their regional plan, MetroFuture, guides their work as they

engage the public in responsible stewardship of our region’s future.

The MAPC works toward sound municipal management, sustainable land use, protection of natural resources, efficient and affordable transportation, a diverse housing stock, public safety, economic development, clean energy, healthy communities, an informed public, and equity and opportunity among people of all backgrounds.

To sign up, please complete the online form at this registration link. 

Seats are first come, first served. Fenway Cares will review applications and notify attendees. 

Please email questions to fenwaycares@fenwaycommunitycenter.org

Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024

Time: 12pm – 1pm lunch provided, 1pm to 4pm Civic Engagement Training

Venue: Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston St #123, Boston, MA 02215

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: 2/7 (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:

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