Good bread comes to those that wait - Swiss Bakers to open before 2013?
In March 2011, Harvard President Drew Faust told us that Harvard had recently signed a lease with the Swiss Bakers company to rent Harvard's former Volkwagen dealership on Western Ave.
Harvard VP Christine Heenan was, in retrospect, overly optimistic almost a year and a half ago when she said:
But according to this tweet, our wait is almost over and we will have fresh pretzels come New Years.
Harvard VP Christine Heenan was, in retrospect, overly optimistic almost a year and a half ago when she said:
"When we come together for the 10th Boston Shines next year, you will see Stone Hearth Pizza across the street, Swiss Bakers café and the Innovation Lab down Western Avenue."2012's Boston Shines came and went without the bakery opening, and 17 months later we are still looking forward to when Swiss Bakers arrival.
But according to this tweet, our wait is almost over and we will have fresh pretzels come New Years.
Patch interviews State Senate Candidates Brownsberger & Aylward
Click here to read about their priorities, how they will help create jobs, and more.
Boston Startup School leaving Allston & Harvard's Innovation Lab
Boston Startup School moving to Communispace HQ on Boston waterfront - Boston Business Journal:
"Seeking to be closer to startup hubs in Boston's Innovation District and Leather District, the Boston Startup School is moving this week from the Harvard Innovation Lab in Allston into the headquarters of Communispace at Atlantic Wharf in Boston,"
Harvard's 2008 promises coming due - Part 1, Shuttle Bus access
Harvard recently submitted a notification form for a new 10 year Master Plan in Allston. This makes it a good time to remember the promises that Harvard made in 2008 in the Science Complex Cooperation Agreement.
This concept of community access to the Harvard shuttle wasn't new in the 2008 Cooperation Agreement. It goes back at least to 2005 and this section on page 49 of the North Allston Strategic Framework for Planning.
This concept of community access to the Harvard shuttle wasn't new in the 2008 Cooperation Agreement. It goes back at least to 2005 and this section on page 49 of the North Allston Strategic Framework for Planning.
New Balance expands Brighton real estate empire
Adding to the New Balance - BostonHerald.com: "In separate deals within the past month, company affiliates paid $3.8 million for a North Beacon Street building that’s home to the Vocational Advancement Center and $5 million for the Grossman’s Bargain Outlet site next door."
Fern Square looking great!
Thanks to the neighbors, Mahoney's Garden Center, and the New England Grassroots Environment Fund for helping improve Collins Square (at the intersection of Holton & Franklin Streets). The new border, new plants, and improvements to the path are great, and the plants will look even better next spring!
CSX Departure Moves Closer - How will Harvard respond?
As CSX gets closer to moving its trains and operations out of Allston, the question looms regarding what Harvard will do with the land. Will Harvard let it sit empty for years like it has with the Sears slab between Windom and Cambridge Streets?
Harvard spent $75 million to buy the 91-acre CSX property back in 2003. For years we heard that Harvard couldn't touch the land because of the permanent rail easements. But when CSX is gone what will come next?
State Closes CSX Deal, Expands 'T' Service | WBJournal.com:
Harvard spent $75 million to buy the 91-acre CSX property back in 2003. For years we heard that Harvard couldn't touch the land because of the permanent rail easements. But when CSX is gone what will come next?
State Closes CSX Deal, Expands 'T' Service | WBJournal.com:
"The Worcester facility is part of CSX's plan to move operations from Allston to Westborough and Worcester by the end of the year...
CSX expects to begin moving bulk commodity operations from Allston to Westborough soon and the intermodal freight to Worcester later this year."
Harvard grows its Allston team - adds Tufts Vice Provost Newell
Vice Provost Newell to assume new position at Harvard - Tufts Daily - Tufts University
“Initially, my first early responsibilities will relate to the Allston building; they’re building a new campus in Allston,” she said. “I’ll be involved in the planning for the Allston campus and also helping them to assure that academic priorities at Harvard help to drive their fundraising objectives.”
Help plant on Everett St this weekend
Rain or shine neighbors will be planting and mulching the embankment at the corner of Everett Street and Braintree Street in Allston this Saturday and Sunday!
Location:
Across the Street from Emerald Necklace Martial Arts
95 Everett Street, Allston, MA
Ask Governor Patrick to Build the Charles River Underpasses
Please click here to voice your support for this important project
The Massachusetts State Government is considering whether to build pedestrian underpasses at the Anderson (North Harvard Street), Western Avenue, and River Street bridge intersections along the Charles River. These underpasses:
The Massachusetts State Government is considering whether to build pedestrian underpasses at the Anderson (North Harvard Street), Western Avenue, and River Street bridge intersections along the Charles River. These underpasses:
- will be much cheaper to build now vs. 75 years from now during the next bridge renovation project
- can be very easily integrated into the construction plans while the bridges are being restored next year;
- will make it safer and easier for cyclists, runners, skaters, wheelchair users, and pedestrians to enjoy the river paths, with gains to public health, recreation, and the environment; and
- will reduce congestion and traffic jams for vehicular traffic.
 |
| View of the Anderson Bridge from bing.com/maps |
 |
| Possible Anderson Bridge underpass |
New parking lot proposed for Everett Street
Now that Harvard has completed its land-swap with the Skating Club of Boston, the design is moving forward on the project to replace the never-occupied building on Lincoln Street which was described by Paul McMorrow as "the trade bait in a neighborhood-wide game of Monopoly".
Crimson: Harvard "do no harm" in Allston
Suggesting that Harvard "do as little inadvertent harm as possible" is setting a pretty meager bar for Harvard to clear. On a more ambitious note, it is nice to see the editorial hope to see "Allston flourish, both for our campus and the surrounding community".
Developing Allston | Opinion | The Harvard Crimson:
Developing Allston | Opinion | The Harvard Crimson:
"Ultimately, Harvard has no institutional obligation to prioritize the development of a community over the actualization of its private goals. However, it does have a social obligation to act as a constructive member of the community and do as little inadvertent harm as possible to Allstonians in the pursuit of its objectives."
Could Harvard cheating derail Allston expansion?
Harvard Cheating Scandal Revives Debate Over Athletics - NYTimes.com:
But last week, days after published reports implicated the co-captains of the basketball team in a widespread academic cheating scandal that may involve dozens of varsity athletes, the mood at Harvard had shifted...The news could reignite a contentious decades-old debate about athletes and academic integrity in the Ivy League...Harvard’s senior basketball co-captains, Kyle Casey and Brandyn Curry, have taken leaves of absences for the 2012-13 year, according to two Harvard officials briefed on the situation.Will this news dampen Harvard's enthusiasm to build a new basketball arena in Allston? If there is going to be a period of introspection at Harvard about the role of athletics, it would be a bit awkward to at the same time be also committing tens of millions of dollars on the construction of a new arena.
Allston Residents Call for Detailed Harvard Plans
Allston Residents Call for Detailed Plans | News | The Harvard Crimson:
Mellone worried that the proposed Barry’s Corner Complex, as it stands, will not realize the University and the community’s expressed desires to make Barry’s Corner a vibrant and lively community center.
“Right now, it seems generic,” Mellone said. “It doesn’t seem to have a kind of interest for most of the community.”
“Harvard for years talked about there being some major cultural institution or activities,” Mattison said. “We want that. If it’s a CVS, a bank, and an AT&T store, it’s not going to be a place people want to come to—it’s not going to be a particularly attractive draw.”
Mattison said that to address the current issues causing anxiety in the community, the nature of the conversations between residents and the University would have to change.
“Right now, the discussion is focused almost exclusively on the height and shape of the buildings,” he said. “If Barry’s Corner is going to become a lively vibrant place, there are a lot of other things that are much more important than how tall and how wide the buildings are.”
short story from last night's Harvard meeting
Samuels & Assoc. To Build 11-Story Mixed Use Project In Allston
Romar Trucking leaving Allston - another Harvard vacancy
Railroad draws new business to Hopedale, MA"Romar, which has been in Allston for more than 40 years, distributes business supplies, including paper, lumber, drywall and other non-hazardous materials. The company recently had its lease in Allston terminated when Harvard University acquired the land, forcing it to relocate."
Racial segregation in Boston
Red is white, blue is black, green is Asian, orange is Hispanic. Each dot is 25 people.
Allston's Cathi Campbell nominated to District Court
Patrick nominates 3 to District Court: "Governor Deval L. Patrick today announced the nomination of three attorneys to the District Court bench.
Cathleen E. Campbell and Michael L. Fabbri have been tapped for the Cambridge and Framingham courts, respectively, while Mary F. McCabe has been nominated as a circuit justice.
Campbell has been a partner at Boston’s Schofield, Campbell & Connolly since 2006, specializing in criminal and civil litigation. Prior to joining the firm, she was a sole practitioner in Allston for seven years, an Essex County assistant district attorney in for three years and an assistant general counsel in the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department for four years."
'via Blog this'
Cathleen E. Campbell and Michael L. Fabbri have been tapped for the Cambridge and Framingham courts, respectively, while Mary F. McCabe has been nominated as a circuit justice.
Campbell has been a partner at Boston’s Schofield, Campbell & Connolly since 2006, specializing in criminal and civil litigation. Prior to joining the firm, she was a sole practitioner in Allston for seven years, an Essex County assistant district attorney in for three years and an assistant general counsel in the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department for four years."
'via Blog this'
State requires New Brighton Landing Environmental Impact Report
New Brighton Landing had requested a waiver to avoid having to write this report, but the state is requiring it anyway. Read the details at: http://www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepacerts/2012/sc/enf/14909eenf.pdf
Economy Forces Harvard to Tighten Its Belt - WSJ.com
Here are a few excerpts from a little story in the Wall Street Journal about the choices being made by Harvard about how to spend its $$$
In 2009, as its endowment plunged by nearly 30%, Harvard University halted construction on a $1.2 billion science center across the Charles River, angering the neighborhood there by leaving behind a foundation and an idle construction site.
Harvard now says it will resume work on the project, but not until 2014 and even then at half the originally planned size, reflecting a newfound fiscal caution at the school. "The economic realities necessitate this," Kevin Casey, a Harvard spokesman, said in June at a community meeting.
"There was a definite change in mentality over there...there was a sort of sky-is-the-limit attitude but now they are taking much more cautious approach," says Gerald Autler, a senior project manager for the Boston Redevelopment Authority, a public agency which works with colleges on building projects and expansion.
Harvard isn't belt-tightening everywhere. Since 2007, its investment in financial aid to undergraduates has risen by more than 78%, which Harvard said is "significantly outpacing increases in tuition." Undergraduate tuition for the 2012-13 year climbed 3.5% to $54,496. In May, Harvard committed $30 million to edX, a collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology to provide online classes to the public.
2 A/B projects at the Boston Civic Design Commission tonight
@6:00pm City Hall Room 933A BU New Balance Field
@7:00pm
Room 937A New Brighton Landing Parcels A+B (HQ complex)
Globe - Daly Field bill "is a poor example of privatization"
Brighton field does not belong in private hands - Editorials - The Boston Globe:
"Daly Field is currently operated by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, which has neglected it amid uncertain funding. But that’s no reason to write it off. Daly Field is still a valuable state asset with great potential. Under no circumstances should hours of use be dominated by a private college. And hours devoted to public use, for that matter, shouldn’t be monopolized by residents of a single neighborhood.
State environmental groups, including the Conservation Law Foundation and the Environmental League of Massachusetts, have urged lawmakers to reject the bill, but were ignored by the House and Senate. Governor Patrick shouldn’t make the same mistake."
When would "regular" people get to use the new semi-private Daly Field?
Simmons College plan to build athletic fields in state-owned Brighton park sparks opposition - Massachusetts - The Boston Globe:
- Simmons will have full use of the field from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays from March to May and mid-August to November.
- The Brighton High football team would have practices from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and Friday nights from mid-August to November.
- The bill also carves out time for the Allston-Brighton Little League on weekday evenings from May to July.
- Saturdays would be time-reserved and shared by Simmons College, Allston-Brighton, and abutting communities.
- Sundays would be reserved for Allston-Brighton and abutting communities.
Why have outdoor public space in Barry's Corner?
We had some discussion about outdoor public space in Barry's Corner at last night's Harvard meeting. There was talk about both where it should be (along North Harvard St, along Western Ave, at the intersection, etc) and its shape (thin and linear vs. compact) but I think the conversation should start with what types of activity the space is intended to host. What are its goals?
Sitting and eating was mentioned frequently and that is fine, but if Barry's Corner is going to be a real center of community activity then it needs to bring people together to do more than have a sandwich on a bench.
The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema in Bellingham, WA is one example of a great looking outdoor space that brings neighbors together. On summer Saturday evenings there is live music starting at 7:30 or 8:00 followed by a family-friendly movie.
There are already other places around Boston with similar events (Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell and Music & Movie Fridays at the Boston Harbor Hotel) but I don't know of anything comparable in this area.
A space with programming like this would be a great addition to our neighborhood and could be a nice place for the Harvard community, Allston residents from our existing community, and our new neighbors from the new Barry's Corner housing to all come together.
Sitting and eating was mentioned frequently and that is fine, but if Barry's Corner is going to be a real center of community activity then it needs to bring people together to do more than have a sandwich on a bench.The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema in Bellingham, WA is one example of a great looking outdoor space that brings neighbors together. On summer Saturday evenings there is live music starting at 7:30 or 8:00 followed by a family-friendly movie.
There are already other places around Boston with similar events (Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell and Music & Movie Fridays at the Boston Harbor Hotel) but I don't know of anything comparable in this area.
A space with programming like this would be a great addition to our neighborhood and could be a nice place for the Harvard community, Allston residents from our existing community, and our new neighbors from the new Barry's Corner housing to all come together.
Seemed like The Stockyard would be in Brighton forever, but maybe not
Where's the beef? Not at the Stockyard in Brighton anymore | Universal Hub:
Word is filtering in that the venerable Brighton steak place, named for the area's beefy past, has gone to that great cattle drive in the sky.
Word is filtering in that the venerable Brighton steak place, named for the area's beefy past, has gone to that great cattle drive in the sky.
Allston rail yards about to get real quiet
Harvard - Allston Campus - Page 42 - archBOSTON.org:
"Get your last photo ops of Beacon Park in action. Domestic freight transloading moves to Worcester officially on Sept. 1."
"Get your last photo ops of Beacon Park in action. Domestic freight transloading moves to Worcester officially on Sept. 1."
Urban Ecology City Roots meeting
Tuesday, June 19 from 7-8 pm
Brian J. Honan Apartment Unit N (Lower Level), 57 Everett St
Meet Your Neighbors, Learn About Urban Ecology,
and Enjoy Family Friendly Activities:
- Hands-on Science Demonstrations
- Arts and Crafts Activities
Learn the answer to these questions:
- Where does the Allston Brighton stormwater go?
- How does a green roof work?
- What is a rain garden?
- What is a pollinator?
- What is an arthropod and what does it look like under a magnifying glass?
- What green roof research is happening in my neighborhood?
- . . .and more!
Light refreshments will be served!
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Martinat
mmartinat@urbaneco.org
Community Forester
Urban Ecology Institute
Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors!
Harvard Science Complex to resume construction in 2014
http://www.evp.harvard.edu/sites/evp.harvard.edu/files/Harvard%20Allston%20Science%20Update%206%2013%2012.pdf
- Building and space programming: Initiated (to be completed by fall 2012)
- Architectural design and Regulatory Review: Spring 2013
- Early site work: Targeted for late 2013
- Construction on the Health and Life Science Center in 2014
Upcoming zoning hearings
http://www.cityofboston.gov/ons/pdfs/allstonbright.pdf
Raymond St, Gerrish St, Bigelow St, Comm Ave
Raymond St, Gerrish St, Bigelow St, Comm Ave
Public art opportunity for Harvard in Barry's Corner
Harvard professor Preston Scott Cohen is the designer of "one of the best new works of architecture in New York... an angular glass canopy over an obscure but busy pedestrian street". This raises the interesting question about what type of art and architecture Harvard will bring to Allston with its pending Barry's Corner housing/retail development.I've written before about MIT's Percent for Art program that designates as much as $250,000 for public art at every major MIT renovation or building project and how a similar approach would help Harvard to make good on its promise to transform Western Ave and Barry's Corner.
The Dean of Harvard Business School said that he couldn't afford public art on Western Ave as part of Harvard's Innovation Lab. But somehow Goldman Sachs, whose New York headquarters are next door to Cohen's canopy, found the money and decided that trying to create a great public space was worth the expense.
As details emerge about Barry's Corner over the next few months, it will be interesting to see which route Harvard and its developer want to take.
CityRoots coming back to Everett Street
The CityRoots organization was a great source of financial and technical support when the Everett Street slope between Lincoln and Aldie streets was beautified over the past few years. Now CityRoots is coming back to help improve the Everett Street slope on the south side of the Pike.
Join them next week to learn more!
Join them next week to learn more!
Do you enjoy nature in the city?
Volunteer for this year's CityRoots Project!
Participants will:
• Learn the importance of trees and birds in our cities
• Tour local green spaces and green roofs
• Research urban ecology with Boston University faculty and students
• Design and develop green space along Everett St.
• Improve the neighborhood through urban plantings
Join us for an information session!
Where: 95 Everett St, Allston, MA
(In case of inclement weather, info sessions
When: Monday, June 4 from 6-7 pm (led in Spanish)
Light refreshments will be served!
For more information, please contact:
Victoria Wolff at Vwolff@urbaneco.org
Book Sale & Fun @ Mellone Park
Mark your calendars Saturday, June 9 for two events:
The Friends of the Honan-Allston Library Book Sale, 300 North Harvard St, Allston 10:00 am-2:00 pm RAIN OR SHINE
All Books - .10 cents to $3.00 - All proceeds directly benefit the Honan-Allston Branch Library
Visit the new Teen Area in the Library.
from the Friends of the Honan-Allston Library
A Day of Fun in Ray Mellone Park, 12 Noon-3:00 PM. Park located in the rear of the library – NO RAIN DATE
Face painting, ice cream, balloons and Musical Entertainment by Tim McHale
Come and enjoy the new park and meet your neighbors.
from the Friends of the Ray Mellone Park
It will be a fun day and we look forward to seeing you!!
Weeks footbridge accessibility meeting tonight
JOHN W. WEEKS FOOTBRIDGE ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Thursday, May 17, 2012
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Harvard Business School – Cumnock Hall, Room 102
33 Harvard Way, Cambridge, MA
At the meeting, DCR staff will present a project overview and alternatives for improving accessibility to the John W. Weeks Footbridge over the Charles River in Boston and Cambridge, while maintaining its historic character. The meeting will include an opportunity for public questions and comment and will be followed by two additional public meetings regarding project design and construction plans.
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/materials/bridges/weeks2012-5-17.pdf
Thursday, May 17, 2012
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Harvard Business School – Cumnock Hall, Room 102
33 Harvard Way, Cambridge, MA
At the meeting, DCR staff will present a project overview and alternatives for improving accessibility to the John W. Weeks Footbridge over the Charles River in Boston and Cambridge, while maintaining its historic character. The meeting will include an opportunity for public questions and comment and will be followed by two additional public meetings regarding project design and construction plans.
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/materials/bridges/weeks2012-5-17.pdf
Anderson Bridge construction starts this month
If you are travelling between Allston & Harvard Square, you might want to find a different way to get there.
Traffic Information - Charles River Basin Project: "Starting Tuesday, May 29, 2012, MassDOT crews will begin road work required as part of the Anderson Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project. During the work, the downstream sidewalk will be closed and traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on the bridge."
Traffic Information - Charles River Basin Project: "Starting Tuesday, May 29, 2012, MassDOT crews will begin road work required as part of the Anderson Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project. During the work, the downstream sidewalk will be closed and traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on the bridge."
A Science Complex Update from President Faust
"Isaacson then read out the first alumni question, a brief one on the status of the Science Center at Allston, and the cognoscenti leaned forward to hear her response. President Faust gave a long answer, taking up a big piece of the discussion period, referring to the impact of the global financial meltdown, which seriously affected the size of the University's endowment.
A new plan for the Center is being refined, reports President Faust. It will encourage both a greater concentration of scientific talent in the science center and will establish designated locations for nearby private businesses to create spaces for commercializing new ideas."
New springtime babies
The parent robins built this nest in the climbing Hydrangea in our backyard and now they have what looks like 3 very new children!
Thank you Boston for the street trees!
.JPG)
Everett Street meeting
The City of Boston Transportation Department and Public Works Department are proposing traffic safety improvements on Everett Street between Adamson Street and Aldie Street in Brighton.
A public meeting to discuss the proposed design will be held on Wednesday, April 25 @6:00 PM at the Brighton Marine Health Center.
A public meeting to discuss the proposed design will be held on Wednesday, April 25 @6:00 PM at the Brighton Marine Health Center.
How big is your shadow?
With so much talk at the recent Harvard meetings about the size of shadows that new construction in Barry's Corner might cast onto Smith Field, I thought it would be interesting to find some real-world examples in our neighborhood.
The office building at the corner of Cambridge St and Everett St seems to be about the same height as what Harvard tentatively proposed along the eastern border of Smith Field. At 9:45 this morning the shadow reached almost to the edge of the parking lot, which according to the ruler in Google Earth, would be approximately 55 feet. Later in the day and as summer approaches, the shadows would be shorter as the sun moves higher in the sky.
The yellow line in this image from Google Earth measures 55 feet. The taller buildings suggested in Harvard's diagram are farther from Smith Field, so while their shadows would be longer, some of those shadows would be cast onto the other buildings.
The office building at the corner of Cambridge St and Everett St seems to be about the same height as what Harvard tentatively proposed along the eastern border of Smith Field. At 9:45 this morning the shadow reached almost to the edge of the parking lot, which according to the ruler in Google Earth, would be approximately 55 feet. Later in the day and as summer approaches, the shadows would be shorter as the sun moves higher in the sky.The yellow line in this image from Google Earth measures 55 feet. The taller buildings suggested in Harvard's diagram are farther from Smith Field, so while their shadows would be longer, some of those shadows would be cast onto the other buildings.
 |  |
Once upon a time, when Harvard promised Barry's Corner culture
In 2007, Harvard did propose building huge amounts of art and cultural facilities in Barry's Corner, primarily on the current Charlesview site. These proposals contributed to a lot of the excitement and enthusiasm about what Barry's Corner would become and how relocating Charlesview would be a net improvement for everyone.
Harvard isn't doing 20 year plans anymore, and Harvard isn't proposing any arts or museums on the Charlesview site. The retail proposed for Barry's Corner is much less than 60,000 sq ft. These changes leave a lot less to be excited about in Barry's Corner.
Source: The Plan for Harvard in Allston (http://harvardmag.com/media/Allston-2007-01-11.pdf) pages 16 & 18
 |  |
Source: The Plan for Harvard in Allston (http://harvardmag.com/media/Allston-2007-01-11.pdf) pages 16 & 18
BPS School Assignment policy meeting
Saturday morning at the Jackson Mann
http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/files/03-21-12_meeting_flyer.pdf
http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/files/03-21-12_meeting_flyer.pdf
New Balance submits BIG plans
New Balance details massive Brighton project - BostonHerald.com:
The athletic equipment maker, led by billionaire Jim Davis, plans four buildings at its “New Brighton Landing” project on Guest Street, including a new world headquarters measuring 250,000 square feet and a 175-room hotel rising as high as 20 stories.
The company also proposes as much as 650,000 square feet of office space on a nearly 10-acre parcel along the eastbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike.
On a separate parcel across Guest Street, New Balance plans to build a 345,000-square-foot sports facility with an ice rink and track. The company said in the filing that the facility “may contain venues for basketball, tennis, ice hockey, general recreation, track and field,” and a fitness facility.Full details at http://assets.bizjournals.com/boston/news/New-Balance-Brighton-Plan.pdf
The project includes about 65,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and service space spread among the buildings.
Can we have South End-style infrastructure to support South End-style density?
At last night's Task Force meeting, Harvard's consultant suggested that Rollins Square is a valid precedent to consider when thinking about the scale of what Harvard might build in Barry's Corner. In many ways, Rollins Square is a great project as I mentioned in a 2008 post:
Using the MBTA map at http://erikdemaine.org/maps/mbta/, here are the subway lines within approximately 1 mile of Rollins Sq and Barry's Corner. Which location is better able to handle large numbers of residents, workers, and visitors?
If Harvard was willing to talk about a commuter rail stop, a revived section of the proposed but since mothballed Urban Ring, encouraging Harvard employees to live in Allston and walk or bike to work, or other ways to mitigate/reduce the transportation impacts of Rollins Square style housing in Barry's Corner, I expect that their plans would be received much more favorably than they were last night.
But buildings like this need to be considered in their context, and the context of Boston's South End is very different than North Allston, particularly in terms of its transportation infrastructure.Rollins Sq won the John M. Clancy Award for socially responsible housing in 2006. The jury noted that the six-story buildings and four-story townhomes "fit well within its mid-rise neighborhood". It also received a Maxwell Award from the Fannie Mae Foundation for outstanding development of affordable housing and an award from the Boston Preservation Alliance.
Using the MBTA map at http://erikdemaine.org/maps/mbta/, here are the subway lines within approximately 1 mile of Rollins Sq and Barry's Corner. Which location is better able to handle large numbers of residents, workers, and visitors?
 |  |
New condos coming to Comm Ave in Brighton
Long-awaited plan for Charing Cross condo building in Brighton to be unveiled - Boston.com:
"A local developer will announce detailed plans Thursday night for a long-awaited project to construct a 55-unit condominium building at a highly-visible, city-owned site along Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton... “We’re going to be one of the first ones in Boston to get in on what I think is an emerging condominium market,” said Diamond, declining to disclose the current projected cost of a project that, as of four years ago, was billed at about $18 million."Nice to see that a private developer can build some owner-occupied housing in Brighton. Does this mean it might be financially viable for Harvard to do the same in North Allston?
Will a March Madness win bring a new arena to Allston?
If #12 Harvard pulls of a big upset this afternoon against #5 Vanderbilt, how quickly will Harvard be able to raise $100M or so to build a new hoops arena in Allston?
http://espn.go.com/ncb/preview?gameId=320750238
http://espn.go.com/ncb/preview?gameId=320750238
Why would anyone "throw out" the Ed Portal?
This is a very strange story. The Ed Portal could certainly be relocated to make space for new development in Barry's Corner. The new Ed Portal could be completed before the current building would be torn down. So the suggestion that the Ed Portal would be "thrown out" or that there would have to be a year without any Ed Portal really doesn't make sense.
“Being thrown out of the building would represent a problem for the various activities we provide for the community,” Lue said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity for the more than 100 children who utilize Portal resources.
“Missing a whole season, or two seasons, could really interfere with their progress,” he said.
Harvard still considering a new Allston stadium
The Rise of Harvard Basketball | FM | The Harvard Crimson:
Prior to the 2008 recession and the steep decline in the University’s endowment, the construction of a new basketball stadium in Allston was in consideration.
“Before the stock market took that big dive it did and the endowment had that big struggle, there was a greater plan for all of those facilities on that side of the river to eventually be relocated,” Mannix says.
Those plans, however, were put on hold with the bad economy. Today, the construction of a new stadium in Allston remains in discussion.
“It’s still a subject of conversation,” [Staples Founder Tom] Stemberg adds. “People are still talking about it. Nobody’s done anything yet because nobody’s given up the money, but I think, you know, if the money were there, I think we’d get it done.”
Speedway comments
To: dcr.updates@state.ma.us
I am writing to follow-up comments that I and other neighbors made at the February 27 public meeting regarding the future of the Speedway building.
I am writing to follow-up comments that I and other neighbors made at the February 27 public meeting regarding the future of the Speedway building.
To fully realize the potential of a rehabilitated Speedway and help create a financially and operationally feasible project, it is essential to consider the future of the abutting properties.
Adjacent to the the Speedway buildings are blighted and underutilized properties owned by the State and Harvard University. Harvard's property (the former Toureen Kennels / Brighton Animal Hospital) has been vacant for several years and I expect that demolition is the only viable option. If Harvard refuses to engage in constructive discussions, eminent domain should be considered.
To this end, I hope that DCR will reach out to Harvard, the Smith Health Center (who is leasing some or all of the State's adjacent property), and any other related parties to identify strategies for collaboration that can maximize the potential of this set of parcels.
If nothing else, this holistic approach might find opportunities to create shared parking facilities among various future users. This could address the limited space for parking at the Speedway which was noted as an obstacle during DCR's public design charrette.
Presentation from Monday's Speedway meeting
regarding the future of the crumbling building along Soldiers Field Road at the western end of Western Ave
The 'Ink Block' - The high end of the Barry's Corner spectrum
A Guide to the 'Ink Block' Proposal at the Former Boston Herald Site - South End, MA Patch:
The former site of the Boston Herald for more than 50 years, at 300 Harrison Ave., is 6.22 acres.
There would be 471 new residential units and a total of about 85,000 square feet of retail space, including a 30,000-square-foot space for a grocery store and multiple smaller, ground-floor spaces for retail and/or restaurants.
The former site of the Boston Herald for more than 50 years, at 300 Harrison Ave., is 6.22 acres.
National Development’s plans call for the construction of three new buildings, which would all be between 70 and 100 feet high, and the reuse of the existing Boston Herald building, mainly for its foundation. The four buildings would be five, eight, eight and nine stories high and together would be nearly 550,000 square feet.
There would be 471 new residential units and a total of about 85,000 square feet of retail space, including a 30,000-square-foot space for a grocery store and multiple smaller, ground-floor spaces for retail and/or restaurants.
1282 Boylston as a Barry's Corner comparison (using 1/2 as much land)
Harvard is suggesting that 200-400 apartments could be built on 2.5 acres in Barry's Corner. 1282 Boylston St is a recently approved project of a comparable size (210 units, 331,000 sq ft) on a 1 acre site of a parking lot near Fenway Park which was home to a McDonald's until 2009.
Mayor Menino Announces 1282 Boylston Approved by BRA Board - November, 2011:
 |
| From the Boston Herald |
Mayor Menino Announces 1282 Boylston Approved by BRA Board - November, 2011:
The 331,000 square foot project that will be developed by The Abbey Group will replace an underutilized surface parking lot with 12,000 square feet of ground floor retail space, 88,000 square feet of office space, a 295 space below grade parking garage, and 210 housing units, including 21 affordable units.
The $150 million project will include a 2,700 square foot ground floor community center furnished with computers and presentation equipment that will be maintained by the building management and available for use by the neighborhood.
Why not develop more Barry's Corner?
I mentioned below that Harvard proposes to develop only 2.5 acres of Barry's Corner's northwest corner. From my perspective, Barry's Corner and this area would benefit from as much new housing and retail as possible, so why think small?
The parcel bounded by Western Ave, Smith Field, North Harvard Street, and Harvard Athletics is 6.5 acres. Developing more land = more housing, more retail, more people enlivening the area, more jobs, and more general economic activity - all of which are good things.
Maybe there isn't enough demand for that much housing and retail, I don't know, but it would be hard to argue that the existing uses are the "best and highest uses" possible. Everyone likes Harvard's Ed Portal, and it could be relocated elsewhere in Allston either temporarily during construction or permanently, and alternative office space for the 10-person staff of the Silk Road Project could be found elsewhere. But if the demand exists, then I hope Barry's Corner can get the biggest boost of energy that it can.
The parcel bounded by Western Ave, Smith Field, North Harvard Street, and Harvard Athletics is 6.5 acres. Developing more land = more housing, more retail, more people enlivening the area, more jobs, and more general economic activity - all of which are good things.
What is "market rate"? $3,800+/month for a 2BR
Harvard is describing its proposed Barry's Corner apartments as being "market rate" and the project as being "market driven". There was discussion last night about what that really means, and what the rents would be in such a situation.
There isn't much comparable new construction in Allston, but here are a couple examples from the Longwood area that might be relevant - these 2BR apartments are $3,825 and $3,950 per month. The Trilogy on Bolyston Street is a "first-class", luxury building and Harvard wasn't clear if it envisions something on par with this, but in the meantime we can consider this to be a possible high-end of the range for rents.
A possible alternative would be to include some "workforce housing" which would be affordable to people who earn approximately the median income. Workforce housing is a priority of Mayor Menino and a report by the Urban Land Institute observes that:
There isn't much comparable new construction in Allston, but here are a couple examples from the Longwood area that might be relevant - these 2BR apartments are $3,825 and $3,950 per month. The Trilogy on Bolyston Street is a "first-class", luxury building and Harvard wasn't clear if it envisions something on par with this, but in the meantime we can consider this to be a possible high-end of the range for rents.
A possible alternative would be to include some "workforce housing" which would be affordable to people who earn approximately the median income. Workforce housing is a priority of Mayor Menino and a report by the Urban Land Institute observes that:
- Housing in the Boston metropolitan area remains unaffordable to the vast majority of workforce households
- Between now and 2020, the Boston metropolitan area market will face an additional shortage of nearly 11,000 units, leaving many of the region’s teachers, firefighters, nurses, and other workers vital to the area’s economy priced out of the market.
- The ability to house workers in key workforce housing employment sectors—teachers, health care workers, police officers, and firefighters, among others—is vital to the economic sustainability of the Boston metropolitan area.
- Workforce renter households, particularly those with three or more persons, are largely priced out of the market for new-construction rental apartments. The high cost of land, entitlement, and construction makes developing new rental housing for these households challenging, if not impossible, without creative public financing solutions and other subsidy mechanisms.
Harvard's Barry Corner proposed 2.5 acre site
One of the questions at last night's Harvard Allston Task Force meeting was about the specific size and location of land that Harvard proposes to use for the construction of new retail and apartments in Barry's Corner. Harvard didn't offer an exact boundary perpendicular to North Harvard Street, but it looked something like this.
According to http://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-area-calculator-tool.htm this is 2.5 acres.
Deja Vu - More claims that Allston rentals will be subject to city's laws
Mayor Menino Orders Inspectional Services Walkthrough of Allston Area with Heavy Student Population | City of Boston:
Here's effectively the same story from 6 years ago.
Landlords Who Take Advantage Of Students Targeted - Mayor Tours Off-Campus Housing - http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/9771985/detail.html
February 17, 2012
Mayor Thomas M. Menino today announced that the City’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD), in collaboration with the Boston Police and Fire departments, has completed a three day code sweep of rental units located at Gardner, Pratt, Linden and Ashford Streets in Allston, an area heavily populated with students. ISD will again be in the area tomorrow at 12 PM to follow up with students, distributing pamphlets with information on rental housing resources and how to protect themselves from potential health and safety hazards.
“Boston is home to thousands of students, and they all deserve a safe place to live,” Mayor Menino said. “We will not allow landlords to take advantage of students by neglecting their properties and putting people at risk. We also want to make sure that renters in Boston, particularly students, are aware of their responsibilities as tenants. We will continue to work with the student community as well as landlords to ensure a safe environment for everyone.”Where have I heard this before? Oh, that's right we hear the same thing every year or two, usually in the fall when students return to Allston. I wonder if this time there will be more consistent follow through.
Here's effectively the same story from 6 years ago.
Landlords Who Take Advantage Of Students Targeted - Mayor Tours Off-Campus Housing - http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/9771985/detail.html
August 31, 2006
As thousands of college students descend on Boston, Mayor Thomas Menino promised to crack down on landlords who take advantage of students.NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross reported that Menino said routine inspections of apartments usually rented to college students found trash, rats and other unsanitary conditions.
"It's one of the worst (apartments) I've seen, especially for a neighborhood," said Edward Kennedy, of Boston Inspectional Services. "There is definitely a rat infestation here as well."
"They have debris (blocking windows). Coming out of the window, you would trip over something," Menino said.
What type of housing would improve North Allston
While reading this story in today's Crimson about Harvard's plans for new housing in Barry's Corner (Barry's Corner Plans Worry Allston Residents) I thought back to the home-ownership post I wrote in 2008 regarding the ownership/rental mix for the new Charlesview housing.
During the public review of Charlesview the project was described as having apartments south of Western Ave and condo along Telford St on the north side of Western Ave. For many in the community who believe that more homeownership would be a good thing here, we looked forward to the construction of these condos.
But while construction of the apartments is moving ahead briskly, there is no activity relating to the construction of the condos which are now describes as being "Phase 2" of the project and, according to this Globe story, that "phase’s timing is market dependent" and who knows when or if that means it will be built.
So, getting back to Barry's Corner, the documents that I linked to in that 2008 post have been moved or deleted, and data from the 2010 Census is now available.
But the story is still the same regarding two topics raised in the Crimson article - Allston has few families and few homeowners.
Allston: 13% owner-occupied housing units. Households with individuals under 18 years = 9%
Jamaica Plain: 44% owner occupied. Households with individuals under 18 years = 23%
South Boston: 40% owner occupied. Households with individuals under 18 years = 17%
Roxbury: 20% owner occupied. Households with individuals under 18 years = 35%
South End: 39% owner occupied. Households with individuals under 18 years = 15%
Harvard's Housing Studies website explains that:
Strong and consistent evidence indicates that homeowners are more likely to: a) be satisfied with their homes and neighborhoods; b) participate in voluntary and political activities; and c) stay in their homes longer, contributing to neighborhood stability.
Building small apartments in Barry's Corner will maximize Harvard's profit and will also move Allston in the wrong direction - further exacerbating our lack of families and homeowners.
Hopefully it will be possible to balance Harvard's goals for a money-making development of Barry's Corner with the type of housing that will also advance the housing and social goals of Allston.
Alford ask Mayor to remember Allston
Remember Allston - BostonHerald.com:
Mayor Tom Menino offered the correct incentive for Vornado Realty Trust to finally deal with its gaping problem downtown (Feb. 3). I hope he applies the same incentive to Harvard to complete its science complex, which is a 5-year-old, 5-acre, 50-foot-deep hole in our neighborhood.
The BRA has notified Allston that it will “discuss the planning and development of Harvard-owned properties from this point forward.” At this time — and after requests from the community — the BRA agenda still does not include a discussion of the abandoned science complex. Like with Filene’s/Vornado, I hope Menino will not issue more permits until Harvard has completed its science complex or at least shown a plan that would have parallel construction of the complex with any new development.
— Paul Alford, Allston
Gardner School featured in national report
Congratulations to Allston's Gardner Pilot Academy for being featured in this report by the Center for American Progress!
Lightening the Load - A Look at Four Ways that Community Schools Can Support Effective Teaching - http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2012/01/pdf/chang_wraparound.pdf
"The Gardner Pilot Academy in Boston, Massachusetts, also established an English language program for its students’ families that now serves 100 families. Thereare five levels of classes, ranging from Basic Beginner to Advanced, offered on weekday evenings to accommodate the schedules of working adults. Classes arefree of charge, and child care is provided....While only 25 percent of Gardner families attended parent teacher conferences in 1997, 98 percent of families participated in the 2010-11 school year"
New Balance's New Brighton plans
As I wrote 2 years ago about New Balance's potential expansion, the devil is in the details, and it will be a long time before the details of this plan are worked out. But the big ideas of offices, track and field, hockey, and hotel all sound pretty good. Especially if this spurs infrastructure improvements like a commuter rail stop (and it is hard to imagine a project of this magnitude without it) in the Everett Street / Market Street area it can be really great.
New Balance's Letter of Intent to the BRA
2012 Kickoff Party - Charles River Conservancy Young Professionals
2012 Kickoff Party - Charles River Conservancy Young Professionals:
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
6:00pm until 7:30pm
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
6:00pm until 7:30pm
Join us to help launch the CRC Young Professionals Group, dedicated to supporting the Conservancy's efforts and providing unique outdoor opportunities to interact with the Charles River in every season.
Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres from OM, enter raffles to win gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses, and learn about our first outdoor event: SNOWSHOEING in Herter Park on February 4th (hope for snow)! Kickoff attendees will receive a beautiful map of the Charles River Basin and parklands, as well as a special copy of "River Stories". All are welcome!
The CRC is a nonprofit citizens’ advocacy group dedicated to the renewal and stewardship of the Charles River Parklands.
Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres from OM, enter raffles to win gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses, and learn about our first outdoor event: SNOWSHOEING in Herter Park on February 4th (hope for snow)! Kickoff attendees will receive a beautiful map of the Charles River Basin and parklands, as well as a special copy of "River Stories". All are welcome!
The CRC is a nonprofit citizens’ advocacy group dedicated to the renewal and stewardship of the Charles River Parklands.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)