This week the policy and planning team is working to finalize Boston Harbor Now’s 2019 policy goals. We are encouraged by the plans, reports, and visions centered around building a Boston Harbor that is climate-resilient, inviting, and accessible to all. Before we tackle key climate change adaptation policy initiatives, like modernizing existing regulations and creating new regulatory avenues where necessary, let’s take a look at 2018 by the numbers:
In 2018, we continued to review and comment on key waterfront development projects. From January through December Boston Harbor Now’s policy and planning team submitted a total of 28 letters to City and State agencies. From projects that made national headlines (Suffolk Downs) to pivotal planning documents (Downtown Waterfront MHP, South Boston DPA Boundary Determination, Raymond L Flynn Marine Park Master Plan) to development proposals buzzing with community input (150 Seaport, L Street Redevelopment, Neponset Wharf) to never-before considered activation opportunities (ICA Watershed).
We also received and responded to 41 BOS:311 Harborwalk-related reports. With help from property managers, partners, and the Friends of the Boston Harborwalk we resolved a wide variety of issues. Everything from overflowing trash bins to marine debris to sinkholes to broken street lamps and missing signs.
Speaking of the Harborwalk, 2018 marked the redesign and return of the official Boston Harborwalk website. Relaunched in July, the new and improved site also featured a full database of thousands of chapter 91 public amenities for over 30 parcels across 35-miles of Boston waterfront. Since the launch, over 25,000 visitors have used the new site this summer to plan their trip and access the city’s waterfront.
We hosted, co-hosted, and worked with partners to put on 9 Harbor Use Public Forums one of which drew over 500 attendees–the largest public & private sector, stakeholder, and partner participation our organization has convened to date.
2018 was an eventful year. The policy and planning team is ready to make 2019 a transformative year for climate resilience and public access to Boston Harbor!
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