Government Center Garage Plans Gaining Local Support

Development of the Government Center Garage has lingered for years with no resolve for far too long according to proponents for the newest proposal on the table submitted by The HYM investment Group.

The multi-million, mix use project has the support of local elected officials, North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) conditionally.

To date, the North End Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) have not fallen off the fence either way.

NEWNC has scheduled an appearance by the developer to present their proposal at the community group’s monthly meeting on Monday, August 12 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street. The meeting is open to the public.

No meeting has been scheduled with the Chamber.

The developer has stated he would meet with any neighborhood group that would like to see and review the garage plans which includes mix-use, residential, retail and office space.

Officials and groups support the Government Center Garage Project

Neighborhood involvement key to Representative Michlewitz support

One of the key elements that lead to State Representative Aaron Michlewitz eventual support of the Government Center Garage Development was that the developer, The HYM Investment Group made sure that everyone in the construction surrounding area was notified.

Thus far, the developer has managed to abide by Michlewitz’s request and has committed to continue to do so as long as possible.

“In a community where we are tirelessly looking to grow, strengthen and improve, it remains evident that our construction projects of yesterday have impaired our growth and development into the future,” the Representative wrote in a letter to the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA).

“Erected in the 1960s, the garage serves as a key example of construction ultimately creating an unnecessary barrier that has stunted the growth of the communities which surround it,” the letter noted.

Having no opportunity to confront and address the impacts of this structure Michlewitz said, “It is crucial that we as surrounding community members join together in embracing constructively the replacement and development of this parcel.”

Michlewitz said he was “Delighted to see The HYM Investment Group’s diligent efforts to address the defects of the proposal submitted eight years ago and I support the project going forward.”

While suggesting that a portion of this project be allotted towards student residences for a local university, he did not name the benefactor.

Councilor LaMattina on board with Garage Proposal

Current plans by The HYM Investment Group for a multi-million dollar development project for the ancient Government Center Garage will urbanize the area surrounding the garage, create over 6,000 permanent jobs, attract residents and tourists, provide 771 new housing units and bring in approximately $11 million in new annual tax income, according to District One Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina.

The Councilor in a letter to the Boston Redevelopment Authority wrote: “For far too long, the garage has served not only as an eyesore but also as a barrier between important downtown neighborhoods.”

The District One Councilor also wrote, “I fully support the plan to tear down the portion of the garage that covers Congress Street, as well as, restore the areas across from the Brooke Courthouse and the Rose Kennedy Greenway.”

He also applauded the developer The HYM Investment Group for “committing to environmental sustainable construction and to installing green roofs.”

Senator Petruccelli supports Garage Plans

State Senator Anthony Petruccelli called plans by The HYM Investment Group to develop the old Government Center Garage “a mixed-use development that will provide new residential, commercial and retail opportunities to our communities and with that will bring greater economic growth to the surrounding areas.”

He noted, “The large scale of this project, while promising economic vitality, requires careful planning and review to ensure that it remains consistent with the vision of further connecting the North End and downtown neighborhoods.”

In his letter to the Boston Redevelopment Authority, support the project, Senator Petruccelli stated, “Not only must this project remain consistent with the vision for the areas, it must also address economic, public amenity, growth and infrastructure concerns while also mitigating the impact on the communities affected.”

NEWRA conditionally Supports Garage Plans

While the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Resident’ Association (NEWRA) supports the removal of a portion of the Government Center Garage and replacement and build out with a transit-oriented, mixed up development that will bring new residential, commercial and retail opportunities, the community group has sent a seven page letter to the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) expressing several issues and concerns.

Some of the concerns raised were the enormous project, public review, Greenway district zoning, adequacy of infrastructure, traffic, open space and other issues.