Local Opposition Mounting for Municipal Harbor Plan

By Phil Orlandella

A draft proposal by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) for a Municipal Harbor Plan has generated a lot of opposition from North End/Waterfront residents.

Some residents have submitted written comments to the BRA expressing concern related to the scope of the major project that includes height, shadows, traffic and possible environmental issues.

The plan covers the area a of the waterfront boarded by Christopher Columbus Park (Long Wharf) and the Evelyn Moakley Bridge near the Hook Lobster Company site.

The comment period on the plan was December 2 but an additional comment opportunity will become available when the plan goes through the State review process.

Several residents at the last North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) public meeting noted they will also send their comments when the plan gets to the State level.

NEWRA has not sent a comment letter but it is expected to do so and based on their December monthly meeting, the membership appears to have numerous problems and concerns with the plan.

The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) has yet to comment one way or the other on the proposal.

Apparently, state waterways regulations limit lot coverage to 50%, which would leave 50% for open space per lot.

The BRA proposes to require only 30% of open space at the Harbor Garage and the Hook Lobster Company sites.

The regulations allow a building height to 150 feet at the garage and 55 feet at the Hook site.

            However, the BRA proposes a maximum of 600 feet at the Harbor Garage and 305 feet at the Hook Lobster Company site.