BOSTON CIVIC DESIGN COMMISSION - Tuesday, March 6, 2007
BRA Board Room, 9th floor, Boston City Hall
5:50 - 6:15 Report from Design Committee: St. Elizabeth’s Hospital ED and IMP
For more information about the BCDC contact David Carlson or visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/bra/BCDC/bcdc.asp
Budget for parks is hurt by deficit
Budget for parks is hurt by deficit - The Boston Globe
As a gubernatorial candidate last year, Deval Patrick delighted environmentalists with a pledge to spend an extra $10 million his first year in office to begin fixing the state's long-neglected parks system. But to the dismay of park advocates across the state, the budget Patrick released last week only increased funding for parks by about $740,000.
This is particularly relevant to Allston and Brighton, where so much of our parkland (the Charles River and reservoir) is owned and maintained by the DCR.
As a gubernatorial candidate last year, Deval Patrick delighted environmentalists with a pledge to spend an extra $10 million his first year in office to begin fixing the state's long-neglected parks system. But to the dismay of park advocates across the state, the budget Patrick released last week only increased funding for parks by about $740,000.
This is particularly relevant to Allston and Brighton, where so much of our parkland (the Charles River and reservoir) is owned and maintained by the DCR.
The Harvard Crimson Defines Being ‘Allstoned’
The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: Defining ‘Allstoned’The Crimson in today's Allston editorial looks at the plight of undergrads who might someday live in Allston. They make several references to "the Quad", which is the group of dorms or Garden St. Here is a map of the Quad and the Wikipedia description of it. The editorial mentions that the new undergrad dorms in Allston would replace the undergrad dorms that already exist in Cambridge in the Quad.
Once a school, now a cause
Once a school, now a cause - The Boston Globe
City Weekly story in today's Globe about efforts to buy the former Presentation School building to create a community center with a preschool, after-school programs, and adult education.
City Weekly story in today's Globe about efforts to buy the former Presentation School building to create a community center with a preschool, after-school programs, and adult education.
Harvard's Allston Expansion "by the numbers"
Years Harvard spent planning the recently presented blueprint for its Allston expansion: 3
Estimated number of years the project would take to complete: 50
Number of square feet of new building space: 9 - 10 million
Number of acres Harvard's expansion will cover: 250
Number of acres occupied by TD Banknorth Garden, Fenway Park, Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the Prudential Center combined: 109
Percent by which Harvard's footprint will grow: 110
Number of streets the university plans to alter or add: 9
Average per-capita income of a resident of Allston: $19,163
Cost of tuition, room, and board at Harvard this year: $43,655
Data courtesty of Boston Magazine
Estimated number of years the project would take to complete: 50
Number of square feet of new building space: 9 - 10 million
Number of acres Harvard's expansion will cover: 250
Number of acres occupied by TD Banknorth Garden, Fenway Park, Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the Prudential Center combined: 109
Percent by which Harvard's footprint will grow: 110
Number of streets the university plans to alter or add: 9
Average per-capita income of a resident of Allston: $19,163
Cost of tuition, room, and board at Harvard this year: $43,655
Data courtesty of Boston Magazine
Help buy the Presentation School
Help buy the Presentation School - Allston/Brighton TAB
The PSF needs financial support to acquire the former Presentation School building. In particular, our Community Spirit 1000 campaign seeks to obtain $250 from 1,000 Allston-Brighton businesses and individuals. Our community campaign goal of $250,000 will help to finance the $1 million purchase of the building. Combined with corporate and foundation support, we are confident of our ability to transform the building into a community-based education center providing vital programs and services for children and adults.
Donations can be made directly on-line through the Presentation School Foundation Web site at psf-inc.org/donate or by mail at Presentation School Foundation, P.O. Box 35834, Brighton, MA 02135. All donations are tax deductible.
The PSF needs financial support to acquire the former Presentation School building. In particular, our Community Spirit 1000 campaign seeks to obtain $250 from 1,000 Allston-Brighton businesses and individuals. Our community campaign goal of $250,000 will help to finance the $1 million purchase of the building. Combined with corporate and foundation support, we are confident of our ability to transform the building into a community-based education center providing vital programs and services for children and adults.
Donations can be made directly on-line through the Presentation School Foundation Web site at psf-inc.org/donate or by mail at Presentation School Foundation, P.O. Box 35834, Brighton, MA 02135. All donations are tax deductible.
Harvard taps brakes on part of Allston plan
Harvard taps brakes on part of Allston plan - Boston Business Journal:
"I think the process is in trouble because Harvard has submitted too many documents," said Ray Mellone, chairman of the Harvard Allston Task Force. He described the process as "chaotic."
Local elected officials, including state Reps. Michael Moran and Kevin Honan, state Sen. Steve Tolman and Boston City Councilor Jerry McDermott, have objected to what they consider Harvard's ad hoc approach to planning the museum.
They sent a letter to the BRA last week, asking that the museum proposal be removed from the proposed amendment to its old master plan, and instead consider it as part of the university's new master plan submitted in January -- a move that would likely significantly delay the project.
"They clearly haven't followed the process," Honan said. "And it's up to the BRA to say this is not correct."
"I think the process is in trouble because Harvard has submitted too many documents," said Ray Mellone, chairman of the Harvard Allston Task Force. He described the process as "chaotic."
Local elected officials, including state Reps. Michael Moran and Kevin Honan, state Sen. Steve Tolman and Boston City Councilor Jerry McDermott, have objected to what they consider Harvard's ad hoc approach to planning the museum.
They sent a letter to the BRA last week, asking that the museum proposal be removed from the proposed amendment to its old master plan, and instead consider it as part of the university's new master plan submitted in January -- a move that would likely significantly delay the project.
"They clearly haven't followed the process," Honan said. "And it's up to the BRA to say this is not correct."
How does Harvard estimate its economic impact?
In "The Plan for Harvard in Allston" it says that "Harvard’s Allston Initiative is expected to generate approximately 14,000 to 15,000 jobs over the next 50 years."
That's an extraordinarily precise estimate in an otherwise very general document.
That's an extraordinarily precise estimate in an otherwise very general document.
Harvard Science Complex design discussion tonight @ 6 at Honan Library
Here is a thought relevant to the topic of tonight's meeting with Stephan Behnisch, the architect designing Harvard's Science Complex. In Harvard's 50-year Allston plan it says:
Example 1: One Western Ave.
Example 2: The 125 foot tall Science Complex that is the subject of tonight's meeting.
In the dictionary one definition of intimate is "of a very personal or private nature." That makes sense. Harvard's new campus does seem very private and restricted to people with a very close association. So maybe that's what they have in mind.
How will the University community still know it’s Harvard?What does "intimate scale" mean? At least for those of us who spend more time looking at the outside of Harvard building than we do inside them, I don't see much intimacy in the scale of what Harvard is doing here.
By employing contemporary expressions of the cherished architectural and landscape devices, such as intimate scale, courtyard buildings and tree canopies.
Example 1: One Western Ave.
Example 2: The 125 foot tall Science Complex that is the subject of tonight's meeting.
In the dictionary one definition of intimate is "of a very personal or private nature." That makes sense. Harvard's new campus does seem very private and restricted to people with a very close association. So maybe that's what they have in mind.
Reader comments on today's Harvard Crimson editorial
The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: A Community Endeavor
RE: A Community Endeavor
it would be nice if the university supported the local merchants in harvard sq instead of competing with them before expanding and taking over allston.
Posted by local merchant | 3/2/2007 7:48:22 AM
RE: A Community Endeavor
Another arrogant article from the Ivory Tower, trying to teach the "local folk" what's good for them.
Posted by another resident | 3/2/2007 11:38:46 AM
RE: A Community Endeavor
1) The Master Plan as written, far from "balancing" the "needs and desires" of the Allston community, makes almost no reference to them.
2) The neighboring community is not a "faction"; it's an essential constituent of whatever is going to take shape in North Allston
3) Evidence that your wildly inflated estimate of job growth will actually benefit the community pales beside the fact on the ground of economic depression caused by Harvard's purchase and closure of many businesses outside the Master Plan area, for unspecified purposes.
4) Perhaps parochialism is unavoidable on both sides of the river, but the 'coherence' of Harvard's designs is not necessarily more urgent than the well-being of 10.000 people already living in the area.
Posted by Brent Whelan | 3/2/2007 12:04:44 PM
RE: A Community Endeavor
harvard should stop being bullies and go back to teaching and research
Posted by bob | 3/2/2007 12:25:14 PM
RE: A Community Endeavor
it would be nice if the university supported the local merchants in harvard sq instead of competing with them before expanding and taking over allston.
Posted by local merchant | 3/2/2007 7:48:22 AM
RE: A Community Endeavor
Another arrogant article from the Ivory Tower, trying to teach the "local folk" what's good for them.
Posted by another resident | 3/2/2007 11:38:46 AM
RE: A Community Endeavor
1) The Master Plan as written, far from "balancing" the "needs and desires" of the Allston community, makes almost no reference to them.
2) The neighboring community is not a "faction"; it's an essential constituent of whatever is going to take shape in North Allston
3) Evidence that your wildly inflated estimate of job growth will actually benefit the community pales beside the fact on the ground of economic depression caused by Harvard's purchase and closure of many businesses outside the Master Plan area, for unspecified purposes.
4) Perhaps parochialism is unavoidable on both sides of the river, but the 'coherence' of Harvard's designs is not necessarily more urgent than the well-being of 10.000 people already living in the area.
Posted by Brent Whelan | 3/2/2007 12:04:44 PM
RE: A Community Endeavor
harvard should stop being bullies and go back to teaching and research
Posted by bob | 3/2/2007 12:25:14 PM
City to publish trash scofflaws' names
City to publish trash scofflaws' names - The Boston Globe: "In an effort to persuade trash scofflaws to pay their bills, the city today begins trying a new tactic: shame."The top 20 violators based on the amount owed in code violations are now listed on CityOfBoston.gov. Many of these violators have Allston and Brighton properties such as:
- Sabet Management Co/Sabetfard, Alfred Trust: Owner of 108 Allston St
- Polacco, Michael: Owner of 13 Sparhawk, 72 Strathmore, 51 Allston St, 54 Chester St
- Ciliberti, Joseph: Owner of homes on Pratt, Gardner, Chester, Appian Way, Alcott, Everett, and more
- Rothman, Steven: 129 Braemore
- Forty-5 Ashford St Condo
Menino also recently filed a home-rule petition asking the Legislature for tools to help make garbage violators pay. The proposal would allow the city to place liens on the property of owners who have not paid bills for illegal dumping, site cleanliness, and improper storage of trash.
1954 Commonwealth Ave.: Historic home safe, for now
1954 Commonwealth Ave.: Historic home safe, for now - Allston/Brighton TAB
The owner of a distinctive house at 1954 Commonwealth Ave. may not be able to move forward with his plans for the property, which at various times have involved either razing or moving the structure to make way for condos.
The owner of a distinctive house at 1954 Commonwealth Ave. may not be able to move forward with his plans for the property, which at various times have involved either razing or moving the structure to make way for condos.
The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: A Community Endeavor
The Harvard Crimson :: Opinion :: A Community Endeavor:
Today's editorial in The Harvard Crimson notes "how wide the gulf between Harvard and the Allston community has become" and hopes for the cooperation and constructive relationship that we all want to see.
Today's editorial in The Harvard Crimson notes "how wide the gulf between Harvard and the Allston community has become" and hopes for the cooperation and constructive relationship that we all want to see.
Free tax clinic returns
Free tax clinic returns - Allston/Brighton TAB: "Free tax preparation is available Tuesdays from now through mid-April at the Allston-Brighton Resource Center, 357 Western Ave., Brighton, and at 22 other sites around Boston. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome, too. Call 617-562-5734, or visit bostontaxhelp.org for more information."
Tree fans gather to make A-B greener
Tree fans gather to make A-B greener - Allston/Brighton TAB
A report from this week's Green Gathering of the Allston Brighton Green Space Advocates. The Allston Brighton Green Space Advocates meet the third Wednesday of every month from 7:00PM - 9:00PM at the ABCDC. The Green Space Advocates may hold outdoor meetings in our neighborhood open spaces. For more information, contact Heather Knopsnyder at (617) 787-3874 ext. 215.
A report from this week's Green Gathering of the Allston Brighton Green Space Advocates. The Allston Brighton Green Space Advocates meet the third Wednesday of every month from 7:00PM - 9:00PM at the ABCDC. The Green Space Advocates may hold outdoor meetings in our neighborhood open spaces. For more information, contact Heather Knopsnyder at (617) 787-3874 ext. 215.
Patrick supports Fast Lane discount
Patrick supports Fast Lane discount - The Boston Globe
"The discount has been funded largely by the proceeds of the $75 million sale of turnpike land in Allston to Harvard University in 2003."
It is nice to save a quarter at the Mass Pike tolls, but it strikes me as strange that this is how the $75 million from Harvard is being spent by the State. Seems like there are other things in Allston that the Turnpike could fund (noise barrier walls along the Pike in Allston, maintenance and improvements to the Franklin St overpass that crosses the Pike that is usually a disgusting mess, tree planting or other general beautification around the Pike land, targeted toll discounts for Allston residents, air pollution monitoring and remediation for people living near the Pike who might be affected by all the tailpipe emissions, etc.) that would be more relevant to the situation.
The existing toll discount is a nice little benefit for thousands of people from all over the state. I don't think I would expect a benefit if the Pike sold land it owns in Framingham.
"The discount has been funded largely by the proceeds of the $75 million sale of turnpike land in Allston to Harvard University in 2003."
It is nice to save a quarter at the Mass Pike tolls, but it strikes me as strange that this is how the $75 million from Harvard is being spent by the State. Seems like there are other things in Allston that the Turnpike could fund (noise barrier walls along the Pike in Allston, maintenance and improvements to the Franklin St overpass that crosses the Pike that is usually a disgusting mess, tree planting or other general beautification around the Pike land, targeted toll discounts for Allston residents, air pollution monitoring and remediation for people living near the Pike who might be affected by all the tailpipe emissions, etc.) that would be more relevant to the situation.
The existing toll discount is a nice little benefit for thousands of people from all over the state. I don't think I would expect a benefit if the Pike sold land it owns in Framingham.
The new BC Neighbors Forum
Some of you might be interested in a new email group that has formed to discuss an important issue in the community. The http://groups.google.com/group/BC_Neighbors_Forum promises to be a valuable resource for community members to talk about BC's expansion plans.
Plans Postponed For Art Museum
The Harvard Crimson :: News :: Plans Postponed For Art Museum
The Harvard Crimson's report on last night's Task Force meeting and the art building delay.
The Harvard Crimson's report on last night's Task Force meeting and the art building delay.
Harvard art gallery project put on hold
Harvard art gallery project put on hold - The Boston Globe
"Harvard and Boston Redevelopment Authority officials said last night that they would hold off on plans to build an art gallery in Allston, after local residents and politicians spoke against the proposal and expressed concern that they have been left out of the decision-making process."
"Harvard and Boston Redevelopment Authority officials said last night that they would hold off on plans to build an art gallery in Allston, after local residents and politicians spoke against the proposal and expressed concern that they have been left out of the decision-making process."
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