Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends,

As we head into February, we are looking to longer days and continued engagement- stay tuned for our upcoming Annual meeting announcement! We encourage residents to participate in public planning discussions and to take part in programs happening in the Fenway. 
For this and more, see below:

Out with the old!
1. MATTRESS REMOVAL City of Boston began a new mattress recycling program in January. Help keep landfills mattress free.
2. RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE. Last call!!! The Department of Public Works will pick up Christmas trees in January to be shredded for compost. If you have two recycling days, they pick up trees on your first recycling day. Check the Trash and Recycling Day app to find your tree collection dates. Please place your trees on the curb by 6 a.m., without ornaments or lights.

In with the new!

3. Boston Parks launches Winter Fitness series – online & free!

Ready to get moving?  Everyone, at every fitness level is invited to join in, feel good, visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/boston-parks-fitness-series to learn more!

4. Individual appointments with Senator BrownsbergerDo you want to raise a personal concern or advocate for an issue with your state senator? Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger- appointments are available on Mondays between 4 and 5:30 p.m.To schedule, visit: https://willbrownsberger.com/schedule-a-meeting. Note: Please make sure to check your district representation if you are not sure who your senator is.

5. SPARK social, February 2, 6 p.m. – Fenway Community CenterAre you a young adult looking to engage with the city? Join others at the Fenway Community Center for this exciting event. For more information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/fenway-neighborhood-social

SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY AND FOOD SECURITYNeed food? Know someone who does or want to lend a hand? Fenway Cares will be distributing free, fresh food at its East and West Fenway locations on February 1 from 3:30 p.m. WE ARE ESPECIALLY SHORT OF VOLUNTEERS THIS WEEK. To sign up to volunteer or to learn more, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/volunteer/

UPCOMING DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING MEETINGS1. Monday Jan 30 – 6-8 p.m  165 Park Drive Public meeting

The BPDA will be hosting a virtual public meeting for the 165 Park Drive project; construction of two 7-story residential buildings in the rear of the site of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. A Letter of Intent is under review. One building will be affordable condominiums, and the second will be market rate rentals. Click this link to submit your comments now through Feb 3 by going to the project page and filling out the online comments form.

2. Wednesday Feb 15 – 6-8 p.m. Fenway Zoning meetingDid you know the city is seeking to revise Fenway’s Zoning? Wonder why or who is making these decisions? Have ideas you would like to convey to planners? Join this zoom meeting by registering at https://www.bostonplans.org/planning/planning-initiatives/fenway-kenmore-planning

3. Thursday, Feb 16 – 6 p.m. Back Bay Fens Pathway meeting #3Join the third public meeting with Boston Parks and Recreation to review plans for improvements to the Back Bay Fens pathways, where conceptual designs and alternatives will be presented and discussed. Details and link at https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-3

ARTS

Thursday Feb 2 – Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

registration required – RESERVE YOUR free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

Saturday Feb 4 – Bean Celebration – Kaji Aso Studio 4-5:30 p.m.Join friends at Kaji Aso studio, located at 40 St Stephen Street, for this annual ceremony to oust bad spirits and ask good luck in!RSVP by Friday Feb 3rd by writing to administrator@kajiasostudio.com. Note- registration fees are $10 per person, $8 for students and seniors, and $4 for children under 12 years.

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday Apr 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. 

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood  

Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members,

Please see the below from Fenway CDC and the #55 coalition – your voice needed by midnight tonight.

Hi all, 

Pick up the phone today and make a call!! Super easy!! Will take like 2 minutes!! 

I hope you all are doing well today! I wanted to reach out because there is an upcoming MBTA Board of directors meeting on Thursday 26th  at 10 am. Here is more info. 

During the meeting, the Board will discuss the Bus Network Redesign Process and an Advisory Report. The meeting will begin by hearing voicemails submitted out loud. We want the board to know that the 55 is still inaccessible and needs more attention. Voice mail comments are being prioritized as there is uncertainty that written comments will be read before the meeting. 

Please leave a message for the MBTA at 617-222-3337 outlining the necessity of implementing the 55 bus with the extended hours as approved through the Bus Network Redesign Process. Other points you may mention can include: 

• The MBTA’s transparency with the Bus Network Redesign Process community process has not been equitable and more needs to be done 
• 2.5 months of public surveys collected by the MBTA after the release of the first map and 20,000 responses (5000-7000 of them collected by community-based groups and submitted to the MBTA ). These show the impact of the proposed changes. 
• Board approval of the second draft without an official public comment period
• The majority of the revisions done to the second draft reverted to current routes anyway
• Numerous route changes will lead to hidden fare increases with new transfers

Here is an example comment: 

“As a resident of the Boston area, I wanted to comment on the BNRD and how the process has not been transparent or clear with residents. So many people are completely unaware of these changes and the way they will be impacted. The MBTA must be more transparent about its timelines and implementation. Specifically with the 55 bus in the Fenway. The bus’s service hours are truly inaccessible as they are now.”

In your submission, it helps to mention the agenda item ( 11: Amendment to the BNRD) and then state your comment.

Thank you so much for your help on this! I’ve also attached a flyer. Feel free to share widely! 

Dear Members and Friends,

January…  has truly brought the darkness of midwinter. Time for reassessment and planning ahead.

On January 19, the BPDA gaveled through approval of the Longwood proposal, ignoring the petition of thousands to follow the LMA guidelines on building heights relating to shadowing public parks. There is a proposal to do a study on shadows ‘after the fact’ which was aptly summarized during the hearing as “It seems to me that what we’re asking here is to open the barn door and let all the horses out and then study … the barn door.” 

We welcome Mayor Wu will to shed some light on the Fenway at her first state of the City address at the MGM Music Hall.

For this and more, see below:

The Week Ahead 

Out with the old!

1. MATTRESS REMOVAL City of Boston began a new mattress recycling program in January. Help keep landfills mattress free.

2. RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE. Last call!!! The Department of Public Works will pick up Christmas trees in January to be shredded for compost. If you have two recycling days, they pick up trees on your first recycling day. Check the Trash and Recycling Day app to find your tree collection dates. Please place your trees on the curb by 6 a.m., without ornaments or lights.

In with the new!

3. Boston Parks launches Winter Fitness series – online & free!

Ready to get moving?  Everyone, at every fitness level is invited to join in, feel good, visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/boston-parks-fitness-series to learn more!

UPCOMING DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING MEETINGS

1. Tuesday Jan 24 6 – 8 p.m. Boston University Institutional Master Plan Taskforce – Virtual Public Meeting

This is a combined Task Force and Public Meeting, beginning with a 30-minute presentation of the project by the development team, followed by a 45-minute discussion of the IAG, followed by 45 minutes of public Q&A.

2. Wednesday Jan 25 7 p.m.  Mayor Wu’s State of the City Address A ticketed live event at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, and streaming online. Mayor Wu’s first State of the City Address. 

3. Thursday Jan 26 – 6-8 p.m.  Virtual BPDA Public Meeting – Inclusionary Development Policy Zoning Amendment

The Inclusionary Development Policy (the “IDP”), first created in 2000, was last updated in December 2015. Over 2022, MOH has worked with a consultant, RKG Associates, to better understand the feasibility of increasing the requirements of the IDP. At the same time, the MOH also released the Boston Housing Conditions and Market Trends report to better understand the affordable housing needs of Boston’s residents.

4. Monday Jan 30 – 6-8 p.m  165 Park Drive Public meeting

The BPDA will be hosting a virtual public meeting for the 165 Park Drive project; construction of two 7-story residential buildings in the rear of the site of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. A Letter of Intent is under review. One building will be affordable condominiums, and the second will be market rate rentals. Click this link to submit your comments now through Feb 3 by going to the project page and filling out the online comments form.

SAVE THE DATES

Wednesday Feb 1 – 3:30 p.m.  Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Need food? Fenway Cares will be distributing fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/.

Thursday Feb 2 – Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

registration required – RESERVE YOUR free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

Wednesday Apr 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. 

Dear Members and Friends 

We hope you have a chance to visit The Embrace, the newly installed statue at the 1965 Freedom Plaza on Boston Common, ’65 being the year Dr. King spoke there to a crowd of 22,000 Bostonians. It is a monument to the strength of love of family and community, of unity and so much more.

Members of the Fenway Community are united in asking the City of Boston to uphold a policy to protect our Emerald Necklace from shadows. We encourage you to sign onto one of the petitions to be presented to the BPDA, and to participate in this week’s BPDA meeting on Thursday, January 19th either in-person or online. (see more below).

Protect the Emerald Necklace parks—please don’t take our sunlight away!

Save Boston’s Emerald Necklace

For this and more, see below:

The Week Ahead 

Out with the old!

1. MATTRESS REMOVAL City of Boston begins a new mattress recycling program this month. Help keep landfills mattress free.

2. RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE. The Department of Public Works picks up Christmas trees in January to be shredded for compost. If you have two recycling days, they pick up trees on your first recycling day. Check the Trash and Recycling Day app to find your tree collection dates. Please place your trees on the curb by 6 a.m., without ornaments or lights.

In with the new!

3. Boston Parks launches Winter Fitness series – online & free!

Ready to get moving?  Everyone, at every fitness level is invited to join in, feel good, visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/boston-parks-fitness-series to learn more!

FENWAY CARES

Wednesday Jan 18 – 3:30 p.m.  Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Need food? Fenway Cares will be distributing fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/.

DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING MEETINGS

1. Tuesday Jan 17  6 p.m.  NIC meeting

https://berklee.zoom.us/j/92462899737?pwd=NXF4elVMazQ4TFgvVWY4SkdsUWE0UT09

Meeting ID: 924 6289 9737 Passcode: 251907

Hear from Berklee and the NIC* regarding new Fenway legislative maps, Institutional Master Plan updates, Berklee funded community grants, Traffic Calming plans for the East Fenway, and subcommitee updates. *The Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) is an all volunteer group of Fenway Neighborhood residents, organizations and businesses, facilitated by Berklee College of Music, with the goal of encouraging shared stewardship of the Fenway Neighborhood.

2. Thursday Jan 19  5:40 p.m.  BPDA meeting, including hearing on Longwood place (aka the Simmons Project) scheduled for 5:40 p.m.

bit.ly/JanBPDAMeeting

Two petitions are circulating; please sign before the meeting:

Protect the Emerald Necklace parks—please don’t take our sunlight away! petition to protect the Emerald Necklace by requesting the BPDA to adhere to its Interim Longwood Medical Area Guidelines, which would limit shadows and building heights for Longwood Place. To read the petition and sign, visit: https://chng.it/BYxwkNbRby

Save Boston’s Emerald Necklace

Stop 300 Foot tall towers from surrounding Boston’s Emerald Necklace Parks! This petition puts forth the case, with links to supporting articles and background information.

Jan 19 BPDA Meeting info:

The Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency (“BPDA”), pursuant to Sections 80A-2 and 80C-5.4 of the Boston Zoning Code (“Code”), hereby gives notice that it will hold a virtual Public Hearing on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 5:40 p.m., televised on Boston City TV (Xfinity Channel 24, RCN Channel 13, and Verizon Fios Channel 962) and live streamed on boston.gov, to consider the proposed Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 134, Longwood Place, submitted by SCD Pilgrim Road Master Planner LLC c/o Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc. Members of the public may participate in this Public Hearing by registering at https://bit.ly/JanBPDAMeeting or emailing your testimony to BRABoard@boston.gov. Emailed testimony will be read aloud during the hearing. The Proposed Project may be viewed at the following link: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/longwood-place 

ARTS

Friday Jan 20 – 7 p.m. Concert at Kaji Aso Studio

Local concert pianist & contemporary music composer, Yuhang Li, performs Mozart, Schumann, Chopin and original music. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

UPCOMING DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING MEETINGS

*This meeting was rescheduled from 1/12/23*

Monday Jan 30 – 6-8 p.m  165 Park Drive Public meeting

The BPDA will be hosting a virtual public meeting for the 165 Park Drive project; construction of two 7-story residential buildings in the rear of the site of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. A Letter of Intent is under review. One building will be affordable condominiums, and the second will be market rate rentals. Click this link to submit your comments now through Feb 3 by going to the project page and filling out the online comments form.

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood  

Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends:

The BPDA hearing on the 305 Brookline Ave Project is set for Thursday, January 19th. To view on TV or Zoom, see details at end of this message.

We want the BPDA to follow LMA guidelines and prevent shadowing of the parks. This is the final push before the hearing!

If you haven’t signed yet, please consider signing and sharing one of the petitions in circulation:

Save Boston’s Emerald Necklace…

On Monday, we shared this link:

Protect the Emerald Necklace parks—please don’t take our sunlight away!

The BPDA hearing will be live on TV and via zoom:

Thursday Jan 19  BPDA meeting, including hearing on Longwood place (scheduled for 5:40)

bit.ly/JanBPDAMeeting

The Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency (“BPDA”), pursuant to Sections 80A-2 and 80C-5.4 of the Boston Zoning Code (“Code”), hereby gives notice that it will hold a virtual Public Hearing on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 5:40 p.m., televised on Boston City TV (Xfinity Channel 24, RCN Channel 13, and Verizon Fios Channel 962) and live streamed on boston.gov, to consider the proposed Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 134, Longwood Place, submitted by SCD Pilgrim Road Master Planner LLC c/o Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc. Members of the public may participate in this Public Hearing by registering at https://bit.ly/JanBPDAMeeting or emailing your testimony to BRABoard@boston.gov. Emailed testimony will be read aloud during the hearing. The Proposed Project may be viewed at the following link: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/longwood-place 

Thank you!

your friends at

Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends:

January was named for the Roman god Janus, the protector of gates and doorways, symbols of beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces: one looks into the past, the other sees into the future. 

Our own Johnson Gates were erected in 1902 by our visionary predecessors to mark a grand entrance from the Back Bay Fens to the Emerald Necklace parks system. 121 years later, we hold the responsibility to protect the parklands into the future.

A petition is circulating to protect the Emerald Necklace by requesting the BPDA to adhere to its Interim Longwood Medical Area Guidelines, which would limit shadows and building heights for Longwood Place. To read the petition and sign, visit: https://chng.it/BYxwkNbRby

Protect the Emerald Necklace parks—please don’t take our sunlight away! 

The Week Ahead – starting Monday 1/9/23

Out with the old!

1. MATTRESS REMOVAL City of Boston begins a new mattress recycling program this month. Help keep landfills mattress free.

2. RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE. The Department of Public Works picks up Christmas trees in January to be shredded for compost. If you have two recycling days, they pick up trees on your first recycling day. Check the Trash and Recycling Day app to find your tree collection dates. Please place your trees on the curb by 6 a.m., without ornaments or lights.

In with the new(s)!

3. COVID-19 UPDATE: Boston elevated to high COVID-19 risk by CDC https://www.boston.gov/news/cdc-elevates-suffolk-county-high-covid-19-risk  Please be aware. 

4. Boston Parks launches Winter Fitness series – online & free!

Ready to get moving?  Everyone, at every fitness level is invited to join in, feel good, visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/boston-parks-fitness-series to learn more!

DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING MEETINGS

1. Tuesday Jan 10 6-7:30 p.m. Back Bay Fens pathway meeting #2 

https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-2 (Virtual meeting): Join Boston Parks and Recreation for a  community engagement meeting regarding the Back Bay Fens pathway restoration project – a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

2. Wednesday Jan 11 6-8 p.m  Public meeting on Linkage and Lab Uses Update

Click here for details. The City of Boston recently commissioned a nexus/feasibility study to better understand how the City can increase the current fees, and recommendations were to increase the base linkage and to create a new rate applicable to lab uses. In order to do that, updates to the zoning definitions of the Zoning Code as well as to Article 80 must be put into effect. We are seeking general input from the public through the website and through a public meeting on January 11, 2023. Please submit comments by January 15, 2023.

3. Wednesday Jan 11 6-8 p.m  Boston University Task Force and 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 Impact Advisory Group, followed by 45 minutes of public Q&A.

For meeting details and registration link click here.

*The 1/12/23 165 Park Drive Public meeting meeting has been rescheduled for 1/30/23* see below

UPCOMING ARTS EVENTS

Monday Jan 16  10 a.m.-5 p.m.  MLK Day – Free Admission at Boston MFA

https://www.mfa.org/event/special-event/mlk-day-open-house

Join the MFA for its annual MLK Day Open House, presented in partnership with Citizens. This year, MFA Boston offers free admission—including access to “Life Magazine and the Power of Photography”—for Massachusetts residents. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by surrounding yourself with art making, performances, and talks with members of our community! Tickets available in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free with a valid Massachusetts zip code.

Friday Jan 20 – 7 p.m. Concert at Kaji Aso Studio

Local concert pianist & contemporary music composer, Yuhang Li, performs Mozart, Schumann, Chopin and original music. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

UPCOMING DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING MEETINGS

Tuesday Jan 17  6 p.m.  NIC meeting

https://berklee.zoom.us/j/92462899737?pwd=NXF4elVMazQ4TFgvVWY4SkdsUWE0UT09

Meeting ID: 924 6289 9737 Passcode: 251907

Hear from Berklee and the NIC* regarding new Fenway legislative maps, Institutional Master Plan updates, Berklee funded community grants, Traffic Calming plans for the East Fenway, and subcommitee updates. *The Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) is an all volunteer group of Fenway Neighborhood residents, organizations and businesses, facilitated by Berklee College of Music, with the goal of encouraging shared stewardship of the Fenway Neighborhood.

Thursday Jan 19  5:40 p.m.  BPDA meeting, including hearing on Longwood place (scheduled for 5:40)

bit.ly/JanBPDAMeeting

The Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency (“BPDA”), pursuant to Sections 80A-2 and 80C-5.4 of the Boston Zoning Code (“Code”), hereby gives notice that it will hold a virtual Public Hearing on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 5:40 p.m., televised on Boston City TV (Xfinity Channel 24, RCN Channel 13, and Verizon Fios Channel 962) and live streamed on boston.gov, to consider the proposed Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 134, Longwood Place, submitted by SCD Pilgrim Road Master Planner LLC c/o Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc. Members of the public may participate in this Public Hearing by registering at https://bit.ly/JanBPDAMeeting or emailing your testimony to BRABoard@boston.gov. Emailed testimony will be read aloud during the hearing. The Proposed Project may be viewed at the following link: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/longwood-place 

*This meeting has been rescheduled from 1/12/23*

Monday Jan 30 – 6-8 p.m  165 Park Drive Public meeting

The BPDA will be hosting a virtual public meeting for the 165 Park Drive project; construction of two 7-story residential buildings in the rear of the site of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. A Letter of Intent is under review. You may submit your comments now through Feb 3 by going to the project page and filling out the online comments form.

Dear Members and Friends:

Happy New Year! Wishing you health, happiness and prosperity.

Out with the old!

1. MATTRESS REMOVAL City of Boston begins a new mattress recycling program this January. See the details and help keep landfills mattress free.

2. RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE in January. The Department of Public Works picks up Christmas trees in January to be shredded for compost. If you have two recycling days, they pick up trees on your first recycling day. Check the Trash and Recycling Day app to find your tree collection dates. Please place your trees on the curb by 6 a.m., without ornaments or lights.

Ring in the new! 

Take the opportunity to learn, grow, engage and thrive with offerings from  22 members of the Fenway Cultural District arts institutions, colleges, and community organizations; see what’s up at the Fenway Community Center, need a quiet break to contemplate the new year? stroll the Emerald Necklace – did you know the park system is over seven miles long from end to end. It covers 1,100 acres?! Put on your walking shoes!

Fenway Cares will be distributing food this Wednesday, can you help by volunteering at either location? 

Click to Volunteer

Choose one day, or make it a habit! Distributions are every other Wednesdays (volunteers welcome at 2 p.m.!)

West Fens – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston St

East Fens -Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Rd

(If inclement weather, Church Park Breezeway opposite Symphony Park)

To volunteer, click above or call/text FenwayCares at (617) 446-3949 and leave a message or your email address.

For this and more, see below:

FENWAY CARES

Wednesday Jan 4 – 3:30 p.m.  Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Need food? Fenway Cares will be distributing fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/.

DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING MEETINGS

1. Thursday Jan 5 – 6-7:30 p.m  165 Park Drive IAG meeting

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/01/05/165-park-drive-impact-advisory-group-meeting The BPDA will be hosting a virtual Impact Advisory Group (IAG) meeting associated with the 165 Park Drive project. The Project includes construction of two 7-story residential buildings in the rear of the Project Site, adjacent to the existing Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. A Letter of Intent is under review, public comments are open until January 20th. A virtual public meeting will be held January 12th, 6-8 p.m. 

2. Tuesday Jan 10 6-7:30 p.m. Back Bay Fens pathway meeting #2

https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-2 (Virtual meeting): Join Boston Parks and Recreation for a community engagement meeting regarding the Back Bay Fens pathway restoration project – join to view an online presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

3. Wednesday Jan 11 – 6-8 p.m  Public meeting on Linkage and Lab Uses Update

Click this link for more details. The City of Boston recently commissioned a nexus/feasibility study to better understand how it addresses lab use and linkage, with recommendations to increase the base linkage and to create a new rate applicable to lab uses. These will require updates to zoning definitions, Zoning code, and Article 80. Feedback is invited through the website and a public meeting on January 11, 2023. Please submit comments by January 15, 2023.

4. Wednesday Jan 11 – 6-8 p.m  Boston University Task Force and 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 Impact Advisory Group, followed by 45 minutes of public Q&A.

For meeting details and registration link click here.

5. Thursday Jan 12 – 6 p.m  165 Park Drive Public meeting

See details above (#1) on the project to construct two 7-story residential buildings in the rear of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. For meeting registration, click here.

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association.

Dear Members and Friends:

Happy holiday season! 

During this time, it’s important to make sure our friends and neighbors are safe & sound, warm and well-fed! Fenway Cares will be distributing food this Wednesday, can you help by volunteering at either location? 

Click to Volunteer

Choose one day, or make it a habit! Distributions are every other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (set up is earlier)

West Fens – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston St

East Fens – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Rd

(If inclement weather, Church Park Breezeway opposite Symphony Park)

To volunteer, click above or call/text FenwayCares at (617) 446-3949 and leave a message or your email address.

For this and more, see below:

HAPPENINGS

1. Wednesday Dec 21 – 3:30 p.m.  Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Need food? Fenway Cares will be distributing fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/.

2. The Fenway Tree Farm at The Station at Park Dr & Boylston by Star Market – through 12/24 9am-9pm 

North Pole Xmas Trees offering a large inventory of premium trees, wreaths, garlands, and more to deck your halls. Drive-thru service available. More details here. 

3. First Night is coming! Saturday Dec 31st – all day event

Boston pioneered this concept in 1976, and it keeps getting better every year. There will be tons of free, public activities throughout the city, check it out after you’ve eaten your fill of holiday meals and goodies, a good way to ‘walk it off!’…. https://www.firstnightboston.org/

Dear Members and Friends:

Happy holiday season! It was truly joyous to see so many at the Annual Tree Lighting along with Mayor Wu and other elected officials. Not to forget Santa! Wally and Tessie! Thanks to all who bring our community together. 

View the Mayor’s photo album from the lighting at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bosmayorsoffice/sets/72177720304301229/with/52550470238/ 

Getting down to business: 

Monday, Northeastern University’s Task Force will present enrollment figures and discussions impacts.

Tuesday, Longwood Place Development – Public meeting. (aka the Simmons University Residential Campus development) We encourage everyone to make their voice heard. This project will have a significant long-term impact on our lives in the Fenway neighborhood, impacting traffic, population density, and city parks protections (here, the Emerald Necklace). This project is proposing building heights which will cast shadows on the Emerald Necklace, in excess of the specific height limits identified by the Longwood Medical Area Interim Plan Guidelines of 2003. 

As stated on the BPDA Project Page:

https://www.bostonplans.org/planning/planning-initiatives/longwood-medical-area-interim-guidelines.

The Interim Guidelines continue to be in effect and are implemented through the BPDA’s Article 80 development review process. A copy of the LMA Interim Guidelines and corresponding maps are available for download below. They can also be viewed at the Office of the Executive Secretary at the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

Parks advocates and other concerned citizens are asking for modifications of the current design to meet the aforementioned guidelines. The project is currently in the REVIEW PHASE, and we can direct the outcomes through participation.

For this and more, see below:

ZOOM MEETINGS

1. Monday Dec 12 – 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Northeastern University Task Force meeting The Task Force serves as the advisory body for Northeastern’s Institutional Master Plan and related development. A presentation on enrollment figures from the University will be followed by a discussion with the Task Force. If time allows, meeting ends with questions from the general public. Please register for the meeting here: bit.ly/3gQj9WC

2. Tuesday Dec 13 – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Longwood Place Public meeting

The BPDA is hosting a Public Meeting for the Longwood Place (305 Brookline Avenue) proposal located in the Longwood Medical Area. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed Planned Development Area (PDA) Development Plan for the redevelopment of the site, which is the existing Simmons University Residential Campus. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public, time permitting.

Your participation is critical to understanding the impacts of this project on your community. Your questions and concerns are welcomed at public meetings related to this project, and we encourage you to attend. Please register for this meeting here:

bit.ly/3Xd9WIs

Webinar ID: 161 279 5078

Toll-Free Call-in Number: 833.568.8864

ONGOING

The Station at Park Dr & Boylston by Star Market

North Pole Xmas Trees offering a large inventory of premium trees, wreaths, garlands, and more to deck your halls. Drive-thru service available. More details here. 

Pop-up: The Fenway Chalet, by The Wine Press: serving beer, wine, warm seasonal alcoholic beverages, and premium snacks on weekend afternoons. Holiday markets, featuring 30+ local makers and artists. 

Join us at The Fenway Chalet on Saturday, 12/17 @ 12-5pm 

Dear Members and Friends:

Time to celebrate! Cap off 2022 in style at the Annual West Fenway Tree Lighting – Wednesday, December 7th.

Getting down to business: 

Monday, Fenway zoning process BPDA meeting on zoom, if you have questions, this is the place for answers. 

Tuesday, Longwood Place proposal, get up to date at the Impact Advisory Group (IAG) meeting. An IAG meeting is different from a public meeting. IAG members work with BPDA staff to identify the impacts of a project and recommend appropriate community benefits to offset those impacts. IAG meetings prioritize discussion between the project developer and IAG members. A Public Meeting will be held Dec 13th: We encourage everyone to make their voice heard. This project will have a significant long-term impact on our lives, traffic, density, as well as impact issues on city parks protections (here, the Emerald Necklace). Be heard, be seen during comment period.

For this and more, see below:

HOLIDAY FUN

Wednesday Dec 7 – 6 p.m. West Fenway Tree lighting – Kelleher Rose Garden 

It’s our annual holiday celebration: get festive with food, friends and music, and we’ll light the tree! For more fun, take a luminary walk to 401 Park for a community skate.

Zoning and Development

1. Monday Dec 5  – 6 p.m. Fenway Zoning public meeting

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2022/12/05/fenway-zoning-public-meeting Learn about the planning process and how YOU can get involved. The BPDA seeks to gather input on the neighborhood’s zoning and a number of future planning considerations, which will be studied and discussed over the next few months. 

2. Tuesday Dec 6 – 6 p.m. Longwood Place Impact Advisory Group meeting

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2022/12/06/longwood-place-impact-advisory-group-meeting The BPDA is hosting an Impact Advisory Group (IAG) Meeting for the Longwood Place (305 Brookline Avenue) proposal located in the Longwood Medical Area. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed Planned Development Area (PDA) Development Plan for the redevelopment of the site, which is the existing Simmons University Residential Campus. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and discussion from the IAG members, as well as comments from the general public, time permitting. A public meeting is scheduled for Dec 13.

3. Wednesday Dec 7 – 3:30 p.m.  Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Need food? Fenway Cares will be distributing fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/.

4. Thursday Dec 8 – 6 p.m. 6 p.m. Bus Network Redesign webinar

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aPyhx6oATuuVP3bIBpZyBQ

The Bus Network Redesign (BNRD) is an opportunity to make bold improvements to the bus network for the people who depend on it most. This virtual public meeting will present the results of the Fare & Service Equity Analyses for BNRD. Following the presentation, MBTA and MassDOT staff will be available to answer your questions.

5. Saturday Dec 10 – 3 p.m. #55 Bus Ride Along & Pizza Party

Join the 55 Coalition for a ride on the #55 to celebrate the advocacy win from residents, representatives, and organizations who successfully restored access to Copley Sq. Meet at the Jersey St @ Boylston bus stop at 3pm for the 3:10 PM boarding (fares provided). Pizza party provided by WS follows the ride hosted at the Fenway Community Center.

ONGOING

The Station at Park Dr & Boylston by Star Market

North Pole Xmas Trees offering a large inventory of premium trees, wreaths, garlands, and more to deck your halls. Drive-thru service available. More details here. 

Pop-up: The Fenway Chalet, by The Wine Press: serving beer, wine, warm seasonal alcoholic beverages, and premium snacks on weekend afternoons. Holiday markets, featuring 30+ local makers and artists. 

Join us at The Fenway Chalet on select dates:

·         Friday, 12/9 @ 4-8pm, featuring Boston Women’s Market  

·         Saturday, 12/10 @ 12-5pm 

·         Saturday, 12/17 @ 12-5pm