Four years after the City of Boston approved the development of a
controversial apartment tower in Chinatown, most of the promised benefits of the
project have yet to be delivered...
Construction mitigation measures, which will likely be of relevance for years to come, should include at a minimum attractive sound-barriers covered with greenery, sound-proof windows for abutters affected by construction-related noise, and a comprehensive plan for maintaining safety and traffic access to local streets for pedestrians, residents, drivers, and cyclists, including measures to reduce cutthrough traffic.Harvard's response in the DPIR was:
The Proponent and the Construction Manager will work together to ensure impacts to the neighborhood are kept at a minimum. A Construction Impact Management Plan (Section 4.11) will be put in place and enforced. Appropriate signage, police details, and secure fencing will also be included. Please see Section 4.11.4 for further information.In Section 4.11 I don't see anything about sound-proof windows, design details about a barrier wall to surround the site, or strategies to reduce cut-through traffic that could be caused by the construction. I also don't see much recognition by Harvard that this is not just one construction project that is about to start, but decades of construction that will unavoidably disrupt this neighborhood regardless of how many bulletin boards Harvard puts up.
The tentative schedule for Task Force meetings to review the Draft Project Impact Report for the Science Complex is as follows. Meetings will likely be at the Honan-Allston Library, but that is in the process of being confirmed.
July 16: Transportation and Construction Impacts
July 25: Project Description and Environmental Protection
July 30: Sustainability/Urban Design
August 6: Historic Resources/Infrastructure
August 13: Tentative; agenda to be determined
August 22: Agenda to be determined
September 10: Agenda to be determined
Here are photos from last month and earlier this week showing how Harvard's new plants quickly go from green to dead.
 |  |
| Harvard says they will do a great job informing the community about the construction-related activity. They put up the notice boards that they promised but then they put chain link fencing between the boards and the sidewalk and most of what is on the notices can't be read. I'm sure they will fix this, but it seems like the sort of "rookie mistake" that is surprising to see from a developer with so much construction experience. | Luckily I had a zoom lens on my camera so I could read the small print on the notice. But isn't this notice supposed to tell us what is going to happen instead of what has already happened? Today was Tuesday July 10 and this notice is for last week, the week of July 2. |
 |  |
This model shows details of the facades but it lacks any context to show how these proposed buildings relate to Charlesview and the residential neighborhoods to the south and west. The model also has an unrealistic ghost-like appearance because it is entirely white. So it is great that page 10 of Appendix B of the Science Complex DPIR has a photo showing the Science Complex and some of the adjacent neighborhoods. We can finally see the difference in height and size between the homes on Hopedale St, the Charlesview apartments, and Harvard's proposed buildings.
To further clarify its proposal, Harvard could add more detail to this model to show exterior windows, smokestacks and other key features. A coat of paint matching the beige color of the building would make it more realistic. And the model should be installed at the Honan library for the duration of the comment period to give more Allston and Brighton residents a chance to view and understand it.1) Do you support the creation of a Boston Planning Department?
Yes_X_ No_____
At the debate with Tim Schofield and James Jenner, I was able to describe in some detail and express strong support for the creation of a City Planning Dept. I continue to support it.
The planning of the city MUST be separated from the promoting of development. The BRA, an enormously powerful and unaccountable entity, cannot be responsible for both. It is an unacceptable conflict of interest, and too many of us see the disastrous results right outside of our windows.
The proposal would require a City Planning Dept. to be responsible for their actions to the City Council and the citizens: a refreshingly equitable and democratic concept.
2) Should height limits in the North Allston Strategic Framework be strictly applied to Harvard's proposed buildings?
Yes_X_ No_____
The community and city agencies worked very hard to draw up the NASF.It is appropriate for the neighborhood, enjoys wide support, and should be respected. Any exception, such as Harvard's present plan for the 150' tall Science 1 building, provides a toehold for more of their (and anyone else's) projects to exceed the framework's provisions.
Was the NASF created and supported by the City and neighborhood only to be ignored by Harvard? Rules are rules, but let's not forget that the BRA gets to make up their own.
3) Should City Council approval be required before a university can purchase property in Boston?
Yes____ Maybe_X__ No_____
Massive and continual real estate purchases by tax-exempt institutions shifts the burden of paying for city services to fewer and fewer taxpayers: you and me. This cannot continue unchecked in our neighborhood, as we are losing residents due to high taxes, quality of life issues, and other factors associated with expansion. Should Allston-Brighton become a swathe of conjoined college campuses and rental properties, with no long-term residents or children living here?
A zoning plan must be created for the city, with strong emphasis placed on protecting highly impacted neighborhoods such as ours. We simply cannot allow more families and long term residents to be driven from their homes, and for our wonderful community to disappear.
The universities bring prosperity to a large region around Boston. We of Allston-Brighton have dutifully shouldered more than our fair share of the burden for it. Enough is enough.
4) What are your thoughts about a possible Charlesview relocation?
Many of the CV residents shared their opinions with me. Some are excited about the prospect of new, bright housing,others are outraged that they are being displaced. Abutters of the new site have expressed concern over the construction involved and more intense use of the area.
Instead of offering MY thoughts, it would be better to listen to our neighbors, support their decisions, and make sure we reach a fair and reasonable solution.
Will everyone be happy? No. But the decision will better reflect what our neighbors who live, raise children, and make a home in Charlesview want. They know best.
5) What should be the future of the Speedway property on Western Ave?
It should be restored and preserved. Let's not leave the future of this historic property in the hands of developers or well-intentioned bureaucrats. Let’s dream about what this building could be for our community. As one of A- B's landmarks, could it be brought back to life as a multi-use building for the community?
Could it host farmer's and/or flea markets, a community building materials and loaner tool cooperative (park cleanups, anyone?), an events center for concerts, puppet shows? The restoration and programming for the building could be undertaken by our community, for our community, and even create local jobs.
Of particular interest to me would be the melding of an old building with environmentally responsible, carbon-negative technologies. As an example, much of the roof faces south, making it perfect for solar panels. Can we reuse the grey water? Our finished project would be a shining example for the rest of the city to follow.
I'd be happy to volunteer my limited skills and well-stocked toolbox for a community restoration mobilization. I know a thing or two about breathing new life into tired old buildings.
6) How do you feel about the vacant Harvard-owned properties in North Allston and North Brighton?
Empty, abandoned buildings are ugly, and have a negative impact on the neighboring properties. It’s high time that Harvard addressed this issue.
The properties should be landscaped, maintained, and kept up to standards we all know to be acceptable. Harvard could show some goodwill towards the neighborhood by allowing temporary use of the buildings by startup community groups and/or businesses.
We make our homes, raise our children, and grow old here. During the next election cycle it is a critical that we all stand up for what is right, or watch what's left of the community we love wither away.
We must send a message to those who think they can push us around: that Allston- Brighton fights back.
| Daycare | 11,250 |
| Auditorium | 10,100 |
| Cafeteria | 9,400 |
| Atrium | 6,800 |
| Retail | 6,400 |
1) October 2006 | 2) December 2006 |
3) April 2007 | 4) June 2007 |
154-162A Brighton Ave: Increase the patron occupancy capacity of the restaurant to five hundred and twenty-five patrons, and add entertainment.
157-171 Brighton Ave: Change the legal occupancy from a restaurant #37/38 and five stores to a restaurant #37/38 and three stores.
97-99 Colborne Road: Remove existing deck and erect and extend the deck.
80 Lake Shore Road: Erect a rear addition to a one-family dwelling, and erect a deck.
2 Emory Street: Outdoor storage of sixty vehicles.
19 Brooksdale Road: Create off street parking for two vehicles.
Call the Board of Appeal at 617-635-4775 for more info.
| The City has been doing a ton of street repaving around here. Much more in one season than I have ever seen before. |  |
| Harvard has made some improvements to its campus near where it borders the neighborhood. Here are a few new bushes along Riverdale St. |  |
| The Riverfest & Summer party at the Honan Library were both wonderful community events. Great opportunities to see our neighbors, learn about the good work that many organizations are doing here in Allston and Brighton, and to appreciate the Charles River and Honan Library, two of the treasures of our neighborhood. Our kids particularly enjoyed having The Fishing Academy at the Riverfest. |  |
Visits Total ....................... 20,500
Average per Day ................ 116
Average Visit Length .......... 1:55
This Week ...................... 815
'We have just, as a private property owner, placed a restriction on the use ofThe Bulletin Newspaper wrote a story about the issue back in February:
our property for 875 years,' Harvard’s director of community relations, Kevin
McCluskey, said in an interview Tuesday. “Anyone who’s unimpressed by that
really needs to look more carefully at the situation.'
Meeting minutes and the Master Plan are online at:"Harvard University unveiled plans outlining a 100-year commitment to
protect a portion of land from development near the Arnold Arboretum. Harvard’s
proposed 100-year commitment aims to record a declaration of development
restrictions for the land where the facility is proposed.
In September of last year, Harvard University and the Arnold Arboretum
proposed a 40-year development control commitment for the parcel of land in an
attempt to garner community support for the proposed facility. That term of
commitment was not acceptable to community members at past meetings.
Looks like a couple of not-small car crashes on Cambridge Street have done some recent damage. As the sign reminds us, this is Harvard property, and hopefully the damage will be repaired soon.
Here is it - 3 inches thick weighing more than a few pounds. Hopefully copies will be online at http://allston.harvard.edu/ and the BRA website soon.
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |
| Transportation Findings document and a Transportation Status Report - Harvard is now proposing a much shorter "Stadium Way" road (shown in blue in the photo) that connects to Windom instead of the previously proposed road that would have run parallel to Windom and connected Western Ave & Camridge St |  |
| Science Complex design presentation - This presenation includes new images of the proposed buildings and information about the building heights. The buildings range in height from 126 to 83 feet. (These numbers include the mechanical equipment on the roof that extends 20-30 feet above the roof of each building). The smokestacks (or chimneys or whatever you want to call them) on top of the buildings add another 20 feet or so to each building, so when these are included the tallest point above the sidewalk will be 150 feet. |  |
This year's neighborhood garden tour is Saturday, July 7 from 10-4. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the event. Do you support the creation of a Boston Planning Department?
Yes_X__ No_____
Should height limits in the North Allston Strategic Framework be strictly applied to Harvard’s proposed buildings?
Yes__X_ No_____
Should City Council approval be required before a university can purchase property in Boston?
Yes__X__ No_____
What are your thoughts about a possible Charlesview relocation?
I have spoken with many of the residents of Charlesview and the overwhelming message I received was that they are not chess pieces that can be moved just for the betterment of an overall strategic plan. Charlesview is their home and even moving just down the road is replacing their home and memories. I am strongly opposed to this idea and hope a more amicable solution can be reached between residents, property management and Harvard.
What should be the future of the Speedway property on Western Ave?
Being that the Speedway site is a DCR property there would have to be state overview. However, I feel that a new school such as K-12 would be a good idea. I also like the idea of new green space. Really, there are a number of reasonable uses for this site . I'm sure whatever use is deemed appropriate will be both visually pleasing and beneficial to the community.
How do you feel about the vacant Harvard-owned properties in North Allston and North Brighton?
I am a little concerned that it appears Harvard has become so enveloped by their master plan that their other ventures have suffered. I only hope this is not a foreshadowing of more vacant properties to come as their Master Plan goes forward.
Fortunately, for Harvard's first project, there is an opportunity for a significant buffer between the construction and the community.
To try to help us move towards a construction management plan that everyone can accept, I have compiled these thoughts about what such a plan might be. Hopefully this would allow for the reasonable construction of the buildings and protect the community’s quality of life. This is not intended to be a complete plan, but it tries to addresses some of the key issues.
1) All construction related parking on land adjacent to the construction site
Parking for 750 cars is needed. This can be done in 6 acres of land. Harvard owns 14 acres surrounding the construction site. Six acres of parking would leave 8 acres for other construction activities.
2) All normal access to the construction site via Western Ave only
a. Emergency access can use Travis Street as Harvard has proposed.
b. Keep routine traffic on the existing major roads to protect the nearby neighborhoods.
c. Deliver materials and equipment during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on Western Ave traffic.
d. Remove on-street parking on a portion of the north side of Western Ave and create a left-turn only lane. This could improve the flow of westbound traffic unrelated to the construction.
3) No construction-related use of the former Sears property east of Windom St
a. Not enough is known about Harvard future construction plans and potential long-term use of this site
b. The impact on Windom and Hopedale homes should be avoided
4) A solid, attractive barrier wall around the entire construction site (following the purple lines in the drawing below) with a green buffer of mature trees and other landscaping between the wall and community.
5) Set annual limits on the number of Saturday work days and after-hours work periods.
What do you think about these ideas? Do they make sense? What should be added or changed?
Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development considers housing developments for the former site of the Provident Nursing Home. |  |
Monday June 4 from 6-8pm at then Honan Allston Library
Join us for a meeting with architecture and urban design students from M.I.T. and Harvard. We will focus on Allston and Brighton residents' vision for the neighborhood created in the Strategic Framework and outline a process for moving forward with that vision. We'll also discuss the Harvard Science Complex and Harvard’s 50-year plan and discuss how it fits (or doesn’t fit) into our neighborhood vision.
$1b remake of Bayside proposed - The Boston Globe
