The Fort Point Index
10 Years of Urban Planning, 1997-2007
 SUMMARY 10 YEARS OF FORT POINT PLANNING
  • 25 VARIANCES TO AREA DEVELOPERS and PROPERTY OWNERS
    -----------------------------------
  • 0 RECREATIONAL PARKS IN 1/2 MILE RADIUS OF RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD
  • 0 CULTURAL OR CIVIC SPACES
  • 0 FIRE OR POLICE STATIONS
  • 0 SCHOOLS
  • 0 NON-COMMERCIAL FACILITIES OF PUBLIC ACCOMODATION
  • PRIVATE CONTROL OF CULTURAL PROGRAMMING ALONG THE CHANNEL
  • NO ENFORCEMENT OF SOUTH BOSTON PARKING FREEZE
Boston Redevelopment Authority
Project Approvals since 1997 including:
-- Planned Development Areas (PDA)
-- Zoning Variances
-- Article 80 large projects		 Approx. 25
Project variances offer rights greater than as-of-right under existing zoning, purportedly in exchange for area improvements.
Residents Approx. 1000
Recreational Parks

1
Childrens Museum Park: 1/2 mile from center of Fort Point neighborhood at intersection of Melcher and A St., and 3/4 mile from Channel Center
Pocket Parks and Dog Parks 1
Wormwood Street
60 x 100 feet
Owned by US Postal Service
Built by Central Artery / Tunnel
Civic / Community Centers 0
Public Cultural Facilities 0
Police / Fire 0
Schools 0
Parking Spaces 1500+ cars
$9.00 - $10.00 per car per day
Public Outdoor Performance Venues along Waterfront

0 (All venues privately controlled)

From San Francisco to Sydney, public spaces allow for a level of spontaneity in the programming of outdoor events and performances along their waterfronts. Not along Boston's waterfront. Along the Fort Point Channel, private property owners are determined to tightly control all waterfront venues and programming, while tapping City (BRA) and State (Chapter 91) coffers to stage their events at the water's edge.

As a stunning example of the complete appropriation of civic and public space by private interests, Boston has ceded the reins on event programming along the Fort Point Channel to a private organization controlled by large property owners. No outdoor venues, events or performances (even with a City permit) are allowed on or near the Harborwalk without expressed written approval of the abutting large-property owner.

Despite the fact that the City has approved numerous variances for additional height and density of new construction along the Channel, no venues for spontaneous performance, public programming or celebration exist or are under construction. When private funds are used for events, property owners are allowed to temporarily privatize areas of the Harborwalk for their own premium (commercial, paid) seating.

In nearly every instance, private owners have sought reimbursement for funding public events on their properties, either tapping public BRA or State Chapter 91 coffers, or competing for funds from traditional artist grant initiatives, or through commercialization of public space. Much of the funding has been allocated to administrative expenses.

Private control of waterside activity is antithetical to the goal of creating a sustainable environment for waterfront activation. Yet, after ten years of planning, no outdoor venues exist along the Fort Point Channel for publicly programmed events.
Public Docks and Boat Access (touch-and-go) 0
Fort Point 100 Acre Plan
"Phase One" development priorities		 1. New 4-Lane "Fort Point Ave"
2. Widening of A Street
Parks planned in 100 Acre Plan "Phase One" 0

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