10/6/98
Anthony Athanas, owner of the Anthony's Pier 4 restaurant and adjacent property, is in discussion with developer Stephen Karp regarding the future of the 10-acre waterfront site. As reported in the Boston Business Journal (10/2), Karp could end up paying $20 million to acquire the site. Karp is known for developing suburban shopping malls across New England and has recently courted the Red Sox for its stadium/megaplex project.
Athanas' plans have not been presented in a public forum.
CommentWhereas adjacent property owners (Pritzker, McCourt) have hired urban planning strategists and sought community input before proceeding with a developer, Athanas has followed Massport's disappointing lead in the Seaport District -- privately pursuing speculative, isolated development options without first laying the groundwork for integration with neighboring property owners and communities.
Athanas, the namesake of Anthony's ---a Boston landmark, must pursue development goals within the context of a master plan if a seamless integration of projects throughout the South Boston Seaport District is to be achieved. Public input is appropriate as Athanas is a prime beneficiary of the multi-billion dollar public investment in the district.