Heavy Opposition Mounted for Lewis Wharf Hotel Proposal

By Phil Orlandella

More than 300 people attended the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) public meeting to discuss the potential development of a hotel on Lewis Wharf.

Most of the people in attendance oppose the project for several reasons including height, traffic, view of the harbor and more.

Over 1,000 people signed a petition opposing the project. Still many others spoke in favor of the hotel citing construction jobs, permanent jobs and the needed development in an area that is in deplorable condition.

Senator Anthony Petrucelli, Representative Aaron Michlewitz and Councilor Sal LaMattina sent a letter of opposition mainly because of the density of the project.

Neighbors have already viewed two different presentations by developer JW Capital Partners that has filed a project notification form with the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA).

This is the beginning of the formal review in comment. For a proposed luxury hotel on the wharf.

Apparently, residents want to see the dilapidated parcel developed but not with a huge hotel.

The proposed hotel will have 277 rooms and 379 parking spaces above and below ground.

The full project will be about 190,000 gross square feet including about 3 acres of open and green space and extend the Harborwal

k by 1,800 feet.

Some concerns include more traffic and pollution in the area. Residents are also concerned that the hotel and other development will further make the neighborhood a commercial zone, rather than a community.

            Numerous residents and community groups are geared up to stop a hotel on Lewis Wharf at all cost.