Arched Summer Street Developments
by Rick Winterson
Two major office developments in South Boston will be completed this year. Architecturally, they are both extremely striking – the Hines Interests South Station Tower, which is 51 stories high, and the 10 World Trade Center (WTC) Avenue project by Boston Global Investors, with its curvilinear design. To be entirely accurate, the South Station Tower is actually located across the Fort Point Channel where Summer Street intersects Atlantic Avenue in Dewey Square. The Seaport’s 10 WTC Avenue project is steps away from Summer Street itself, but looks across Summer to the Convention Center. Both projects feature arches as highly visible parts of their
structures – more about this later on.
And both projects are slated to open quite soon. The South Station Tower plans to become operable this summer, after initially breaking ground early in 2020 – before the pandemic began its disruptions in full force. At the 10 WTC Avenue project, spring landscaping is underway right now. Opening day is expected in a couple of months. The 10 WTC Avenue project is lodged firmly in the center of South Boston’s Seaport District, on the crossroads formed by Congress Street adjoining I-90 as it passes under WTC Avenue. The project design incorporates a key connection between the lower level of the Seaport and Summer Street above that provides convenient access from either. The mixed use space will be just over 600,000
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Cleaning Up Carson Beach
Armed with buckets, gloves, and pickers, volunteers for the Carson Beach DCR Park Serve Day Cleanup helped beautify the beach. Led by Save the Harbor / Save the Bay (and under the guidance of Executive Director Chris Mancini), the volunteers made a big impact on keeping our local beach clean and beautiful. They collected trash, cleared debris, and ensured that Carson Beach remains a safe and vibrant spot for everyone to enjoy.
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Summer Street square feet, which will be leased for offices and laboratories –especially labs devoted to the life sciences. The 10 WTC Avenue project is the first in Boston to attain a pre-certification rating from the Sustainable SITES Initiative.
At 51 stories and topping out 16 months ago at 677 feet, the South Station Tower is a true skyscraper. It will be the sixth highest Boston building, a category led by the
Hancock Tower (790 ft.) and the Prudential (749 ft.). The Tower is truly unique by virtue of its position in the airspace above the South Station transportation complex, along with the complicated design features that accompany it. The area will exceed two million (2,000,000) square feet, including condos, offices, and potentially a hotel, as well as some parking for cars.
The current office vacancies in Boston amount to just over 20%, and we are now in a new
(to say the least) political climate. There’ll be difficult times to come. However, the pursuit of anchor tenants continues briskly at the two projects above. Optimism prevails as the search continues – we wish them both well.
We mentioned “arches” earlier - both projects utilize them very effectively. The arches within the South Station Tower are shaped like parabolic curves that really soften the appearance of the huge structural columns needed to
support the Tower. They arch over the train platforms in a unique way. Similarly, the Roman arches and the curving lines of the 10 WTC Avenue development are architecturally attractive, as well as unique in the Seaport (FYI, “Roman arches” are semi-circular in shape). They nicely emphasize the multi-level nature of 10 WTC’s design and its ultimate use. And they are a welcome relief from the incessant straight lines of most modern architecture.
A renovated South Station dwarfed by its new Tower.
The arched entrance at 10 WTC Avenue
“Boston’s Oldest Buildings” and Where to Find Them
by Rick Winterson
Recently, South Boston’s Robert Allison, a Professor of History at Suffolk University in Boston, emceed an event at the Old South Meeting House (1729). The event was a talk by Joseph M. Bagley about his recently updated book. Bob introduced Bagley, commented on Bagley’s presentation, and afterward, conducted a question-and-answer session.
Bagley is the author of two books – “A History of Boston in 50 Artifacts” and “Boston’s Oldest Buildings and Where to Find Them”. Bagley’s first book was an award-winner. His second book, the subject of his talk, pictures and describes Boston’s 50 oldest buildings. Bob Allison wrote a foreword to this book in 2025.
Bagley’s education and experience are both very extensive. He has earned a BA in Archeology from Boston University and an MA in
Historical Archeology from UMass Boston. He has worked in multiple historic preservation offices both here and in Maine. Currently, he serves as Boston’s City Archeologist and is a member of the Boston Landmarks Commission. His talk was witty and creative. Among the issues in determining the age of historic
buildings is an assessment of whether they are truly old. The buildings on some sites have been mostly preserved. On many other sites, the original buildings were demolished or substantially reconstructed. Do these still qualify as “old” sites?
Or not? This was one of the key questions brought up in the Q&A session after Bagley’s talk. You may well ask why there isn’t one of our City’s 50 oldest buildings in South Boston. Well, the “youngest” old building in Bagley’s list of 50 was put up in Charlestown in 1794. South Boston only became part of Boston 20 years later in 1804. The original South Boston was almost an island that could be accessed only by crossing marshy areas when the tides weren’t too strong. But take heart: the South End, East Boston, and West Roxbury have no buildings among the City’s “50 oldest” either. Beacon Hill has only one – the Glapion/Middleton House (1786, #34) at 5 Pinckney Street. And you can always drop in at the Warren Tavern (1780, #31) or the Union Oyster House (1716, #9) for supper and a drink.
Suffolk Prof. Bob Allison (r.) interviews author Joseph M. Bagley.
Author Bagley’s book next to a picture of the Old State House (1713).
Councilors Flynn and Murphy to Hold a Hearing on the Boston Elections Department under State Receivership May 2 at 2pm
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy will be holding a hearing on the Boston Elections Department being placed under state receivership this Friday, May 2 at 2:00pm in the Iannella Chamber. This hearing is in response to the lack of preparedness that resulted in ballot shortages at many locations, unnecessary delays for voters, and a breakdown in communication from the Boston Election Department with both poll workers and the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office on Election Day last fall. Interested neighbors who would like to attend the hearing in-person, or to testify virtually via zoom, are invited to please contact Boston City Council Central
Staff at Meghan.kavanagh@ boston.gov. If you would like to also provide written testimony, you can email the committee at Ccc.whole@Boston.gov.
On Election Day last November, ballot shortages were reported throughout Boston, including precincts that ran low or ran out in Hyde Park, Roslindale, West Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain. A precinct at Savin Hill in Dorchester was also without any ballots for an extended period of time.
Moreover, poll workers reported that their calls to notify the Boston Election Department of the ballot shortages went unanswered. This led to some of the poll
workers to turn away voters, as well as causing unnecessary and unreasonable wait times for residents. In the South End, the polling location at Cathedral High School ran out of English only ballots and also had poor lighting in the facility. This forced many voters to cast their votes on Chinese ballots which also included English, however, the poor lighting made it all the more challenging for voters to read the ballot, which left residents voting by flashlight on their cellphones. Several poll workers brought lamps from their homes to try and assist their neighbors.
While the City’s initial review found that there was
a formula miscalculation within the Boston Election Department, questions regarding the lack of communication and unanswered phone calls were not addressed. In the 2006 Gubernatorial election which elected former Governor Deval Patrick, the first African American Governor of Massachusetts, the Boston Election Department was put under State Receivership after there were ballot shortages in many communities of color.
“Voting is a Civil Rights issue and the bedrock of our democracy. It is unacceptable that Boston was both unprepared and unresponsive to warnings from poll workers, especially in a Presidential Election year, when voter turnout is always significantly higher than municipal elections,” said Councilor Flynn. “It is critical that we demonstrate the ability to provide basic city services with our elections to restore faith and confidence with the people of Boston. Until then, it is wholly appropriate that our Election Department be placed under State Receivership.”
“The chaos and confusion on Election Day last fall were unacceptable. Voters across the city deserve a system they can trust. When ballots run out and phone calls for help go unanswered, it sends a dangerous message that their voices don’t matter. I support this hearing and believe strong accountability measures are long overdue,” said Councilor Erin Murphy.
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
by Rick Winterson
MRecited Poetry Returns to Branch Library
ost poets insist that their poems are better appreciated when recited aloud instead of being read silently. For several years in the past, before the pandemic struck in 2020-2021, poetry recitals took place once or twice a year in the South Boston Branch Library’s public room, off of the main library area. Last Saturday morning, The Friends of the Branch Library successfully brought this custom back.
Once upon a time, the Patron Saint of these gatherings was South Boston’s Dorothy Morris. She organized these events, and then she and her guests recited their poems at the Branch Library, usually during
April, which is National Poetry
Month in the U.S. Dotty is no longer with us, so last Saturday’s poetic get-together was dedicated to her and her memory.
Twenty-six (26) Friends and their guests showed up. For two
hours, all of us enjoyed renewing acquaintances, consuming several elegant goodies, and most of all, listening to some very good poems.
Joe Kebartas, the President of Friends of the Library, took part in the recitations, as did Bill Valentine, the Facilitator of the OLLI poetry sessions at UMass Boston (OLLI is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). Rob Morris, Dotty’s brother, opened the readings
with some of her most dramatic poems. In total, 13 poets took part. The recital went very well; each spoken poem was truly a work of art. At this time, The Friends of the Library plan to have another poetry recital next fall. This will be announced well before it occurs, and as always, it will be completely free for anyone who wishes to attend or to recite a poem of their own.
The Friends poet group gathers at the Branch Library.
Poetry recited by Friends’ President Joe Kebartas.
Bill Valentine, poetry workshop Facilitator at OLLI UMass
Youth Enrichment Services’ (YES) Gala Raises $800,000 to Support Programming for Hundreds of Boston Youth
Boston nonprofit Youth Enrichment Services (YES) held its 14th annual Black Diamond Gala on Thursday, April 24 at the Renaissance Boston Seaport. The fundraising event raised $800,000 to support programming for hundreds of Boston youth, including snow sports, track and field, biking and rock climbing. Several world-class athletes attended the gala, including Olympic Gold medalist Jessie Diggins. The 2025 YES Achievement Award was presented to
Life Science Cares, an organization that leverages the collective power and generosity of the life science industry to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequality in communities. Founded in 1968, YES serves more than 1,200 children and teens annually primarily from Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Jamaica Plain. The mission of YES is to inspire Boston youth through outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities that build confidence and prepare them to summit life’s challenges.
Hearts, Hugs & Hope
Alzheimer’s Support Group at Compass on the Bay May 14, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
1380 Columbia Road, South Boston
Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is held both in person and virtually. Contact Director of Compass Programming Erin Bollinger at 617-2685450 or email ebollinger@compasssonthebay.com to RSVP by May 12 and to receive the virtual meeting link.
Cleaning Up Carson Beach
Volunteers for the Carson Beach DCR Park Serve Day Cleanup helped beautify the beach. Led by Save the Harbor / Save the Bay (and under the guidance of Executive Director Chris Mancini), the volunteers made a big impact on keeping our local beach clean and beautiful.
South Boston Catholic Academy News
The 6th Graders led the school in the presentation of the Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis, commemorate Jesus’ passion and death on the cross tracing his journey from condemnation to burial. There are 14 stations
that each depicts a moment on his journey to Calvary, usually through sacred art, prayers, and reflections that can be prayed at any time. The Stations of the Cross offer a way for Catholics to meditate on the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. This devotional practice encourages contemplation, prayer, and a deeper understanding of the events
leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Before Easter Break, the school gathered for our Stations of the Cross at St. Brigid Church. Each sixth grade student, at South Boston Catholic Academy, did a beautiful job creating their own depiction of a Station. They also led the school in the reflections that accompany each Station. Thank you to the sixth
graders for their reverent and prayerful commemoration of Jesus’ passion and death. Thank you to their Teacher, Ms. Faith Smith, for helping the SBCA sixth graders prepare for this very special and traditional Catholic prayer especially during Lent. Thank you also to the Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi, for his beautiful music accompaniment.
Annual Disability Community Forum on May 8th
Forum will serve as an opportunity for Boston residents with disabilities to connect with City services and departments and provide feedback on issues across Boston neighborhoods
Mayor Michelle Wu, the Commission on Persons with Disabilities and the Disability Advisory Board today announced that the City’s annual Disability Community Forum will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. The event, held at Suffolk University Law School, is open to the public, with hybrid attendance options allowing participation both in person and on Zoom. To register for this event, please visit boston.gov/disability-forum.
“As we continue our work to make Boston a home for everyone, we are working to ensure that residents with disabilities are connected to services and community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston’s Disability Community Forum is an important way for residents to shape the City’s ongoing efforts, provide feedback, and build community. I encourage everyone to attend this critical forum and help inform the work we do across Boston to make our city more inclusive and accessible.”
This year’s event will feature a brief presentation from Kristen McCosh, ADA Title II Coordinator and Disability Commissioner for the Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities. She will share the Commission and Board’s Annual
Report. The event will then open for public comment from Boston residents and a Q&A session with Commissioner McCosh and Disability Advisory Board members. The event will provide an opportunity for Boston’s disability community to help shape ongoing City services, share their feedback on initiatives across neighborhoods and ask questions to various City departments. The forum will also provide City officials an opportunity to listen to residents with disabilities and learn more from their perspective across Boston neighborhoods. The public is encouraged to submit questions and comments in advance of the forum on the registration form found at boston.gov/disability-forum.
“Boston’s annual Disability
Community Forum provides a valuable opportunity for people with disabilities to connect directly with City officials,” said Boston Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh. “We work hard to ensure that Boston is an accessible and inclusive city, but we want to hear from you. I encourage everyone who is involved in the disability community to attend our forum this year so you can tell us your priorities for accessibility and inclusion in the City of Boston.”
Last year, Mayor Wu and the Commission on Persons with Disabilities welcomed over 100 attendees in-person and on Zoom. Issues such as accessible housing, transportation, sidewalk safety, and disability discrimination were discussed. The opportunity to listen to Boston’s disability community provided City officials valuable information that improved city departments ability to plan for increased disability accessibility and inclusion in every corner of the city.
“The Disabilities Commission Advisory Board looks forward to the Disability Community Forum every year because it is a direct way to hear from the community. It is a great way to highlight accessibility work, and get feedback on issues that are directly impacting disabled residents, commuters, and visitors to Boston,” said Jerry Boyd, Chair of the City of Boston Disability Advisory Board. This event will be recorded by the City of Boston’s Cable TV channel, and following the end of the event a video recording will be available to stream on the City’s YouTube channel, Xfinity channel 24, RCN channel 13, and Fios channel 962.
To lear n more about the Disability Community Forum, visit boston.gov, email disability@ boston.gov or call the Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities at 617-635-3682.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL LICENSING HEARINGS
Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.
421 E Sixth ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Building
Hearing Date 5/6/2025
Project Description: Construction new multifamily dwelling with four units eight garage spaces Building to include sprinklers Full set construction plans architect engineers be submitted after zoning review determination Demolition included in separate permit application
736 to 738 E Broadway South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 5/6/2025
Project Description: Demolish existing 3 story mixed use building Erect new 4 with Restaurant ground first floor levels 12 dwelling units above Note that lots 736 738 E Broadway 740 742 being combined under Permit ALT1680884 Application assigned to FD PW on 1 30 25 CORE SHELL only TBD
62 L ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 5/20/2025
Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck
688 E Second ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 5/20/2025
Project Description: Change occupancy of structure from a two family to a four family by converting basement into an independent unit and by constructing a third story with private roof deck on top of existing footprint and three rear open deck porches
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.
289 Dorchester St
Proposal: New establishment, “The Hail Mary,” all alcohol license, on-premise, with entertainment licenses for non-live and potentially live music
Time: May 5, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84156408565
Meeting ID: 841 5640 8565
141 P St (pending reschedule)
Proposal: Alteration and addition to existing mixed used building
Time: May 8, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88348708044
Meeting ID: 883 4870 8044
245 E St (NEW)
Proposal: Change occupancy from store/restaurant and 5 apartments to 6, install new bath kitchen interior frame, 2 bedrooms
Time: May 15, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89405603531
Meeting ID: 894 0560 3531
36 G Street
Proposal: Confirm occupancy as a one family dwelling for this an existing condition for many years. Homeowners seek to construct a rear 2.5 story addition
Time: May 21, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82137782084
Meeting ID: 821 3778 2084
SOUTH BOSTON VILLAGE VIBES / MAY 1st
City departments alongside neighborhood-specific groups, are informed about everything from speedbumps to summer camps. Thursday, May 1st, 2025
3 PM - 6:30 PM
BCYF Condon, 200 D St, Boston, MA 02127
Meeting ID: 160 939 2189 CITATION ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
Dear neighbors,
I am seeking a fifth term at the Council to continue to advocate for my constituents regarding the issues impacting our communities - housing affordability and stability, public and pedestrian safety, standing up for working families, and addressing quality of life issues.
I will be collecting signatures for my nomination papers this Saturday morning, May 3rd from 9:30am-2pm. If you are able to join us, my team and I will meet outside 715 East 4th St in South Boston. If you have questions, please contact us at info@edforboston.com.
Thank you very much for your continued support, Ed
Register: bosplans.org/75-77DotSt Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
DESCRIPTION:
This is a Boston Planning Department Public Meeting to discuss the proposed project located at 75-77 Dorchester Street in the South Boston neighborhood. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Small Project Review Application filed on February 6th and its potential impacts.
Mail to: Phone: Email:
Website: bosplans.org/ 75-77-dorchester-st
