Opinion

By Phil Orlandella

BPDA Should Consider Altering Marketplace Center PNF

Many flaws and cold items I mentioned in the Project Notification Form (PNF) for development of the Marketplace Center, 200 State Street, in a letter sent to the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) by the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) that calls for a rejection of the project as proposed.

NEWRA claims the PNF does not adequately take into account the project site’s sensitive location along the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy on The Greenway, key connections to Boston Harbor and Downtown Waterfront parks, including Armenian, Christopher Columbus and Long Wharf Parks.

The seven-page letter also claims the PNF violates the City’s Zoning Code, development guidelines and goals.

The neighborhood organization also believes the PNF Project would create a greater barrier and impact on important and sensitive public realm resources, historical resources and connection of the Government Center/Market District and Boston Harbor.

In addition, NEWRA claims the PNF Project lacks pedestrian accommodations, compromises safety and several other items of interest noted in the letter.

Based on NEWRA’s concerns: the BPDA should seriously take a hard look at NEWRA’s concerns and entertain possible ways to alter the project plans to everyone’s satisfaction.

BPDA Makes Outdoor Dining Changes

For the third consecutive season, outdoor dining will take place in the North End but with several changes that the Boston Planning and Development Agency has imposed.

Turning Hanover Street, from Richmond to Cross Streets is a good public safety change. Limiting the outdoor dining space area will help.

Engaging more enforcement of the rules will help control things a little better, also cutting the operational hours will cut down on some noise and clear the area sooner.

Resident parking has once again been made available at parking sites throughout the area paid for these participating in outdoor dining.

Most residents will rather see outdoor dining go away but the new rules and regulations are a good start to lessen some of the problems.

Any problems that occur should be reported to BPDA as soon as possible so actions can be taken.

North End Sidewalks to be Repaired

Sometime this summer the city is planning to repair North End sidewalks. No schedule is currently available. This project will surely impact the neighborhood for some time creating a loss of parking spaces, walk areas and access to homes and businesses.

The community will be once again impacted but the North End sidewalks are in dire repair.

 Gulla Served the Community Well

Maria Stella Gulla, at the end of January 2022, decided to retire following many years as the Director of the ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Center (NSC).

During her time at the Center, Gulla helped make a real difference by providing events, programs and a great food program for residents.

She was a caring and professional person that gave it her all to make the NSC the successful community program that it is. Gulla was a dedicated leader who will be missed