Boston Landmarks Commission states that the entire Edison Plant development site has historical significance. Boston Parks and Recreation Commission states that inadequate open and green space will overburden M Street Park and vicinity. Longshoreman Union and other Port-related entities state that the commerce and attendant jobs will be adversely affected. The Arts and Cultural community have been proponents but are simply seeking a venue that is not necessarily at this project, especially since there are nearer term opportunities such as the Fan Pier site currently accepting proposals. Affordable Housing advocates are appalled that there are no affordable housing units planned on site nor elsewhere in South Boston. Adding that, should affordable housing even be addressed at some point, history with the BPDA and DND shows that other neigh – borhoods get most of the money earmarked from South Boston developers, limiting the opportunities for local residents. The 35- page report includes public comment, letters from elected officials and agency technical verbiage as well as a tone that, while pointing out significant hurdles to overcome, mainly “encourages”, “recommends” or “guides” the developer though the process, despite all of the following aspects of site mitigation that includes transportation, environmental including wind, shadow, noise, air quality, solar glare, solid and hazardous waste, as well as infrastructure and accessibility issues. Here is the synopsis of the report: • Throughout this initial phase of review, the Proponent has taken steps to meet with community members, elected officials, abutters, and various City agencies/departments. Regular conversations and meetings with all interested parties must continue through the duration of the public review process, ensuring that what is presented in the DPIR is beneficial to the respective neighborhood and the City of Boston as a whole. • It is clear in reading through the comment letters that the Proposed Project has simultaneously generated excitement and concern. While many of the letters show desire to see the redevelopment of the former Edison plan site, numerous letters request that additional studies occur in order to evaluate the potential impacts of a project of this magnitude, as well as the potential benefits. The BPDA encourages the Proponent to continue to work with those parties, including the IAG and community members, who have expressed concern, in order to minimize and mitigate the Proposed Project’s impacts. • The general public along with the IAG have expressed concerns with respect to the overall density of the project and the height of some of the buildings being proposed. The BPDA encourages the Proponent to continue to work with the community to address the concerns regarding density and the height of the overall project. • During the initial review process, residents, elected officials, and other stakeholders raised concerns about the Proposed Project’s effect on the continued viability of the Conley Terminal and Raymond Flynn Cruiseport. The BPDA shares these concerns, and encourages the Proponent to continue to work with the various port stakeholders and to keep the long-term sustainability of the port in mind as the design of the Proposed Project evolves. • The BPDA encourages the Proponent to continue to work with the Boston Police Department (“BPD”) and Boston Fire Department (“BFD”) to review and address the community’s concerns regarding the impacts that this proposal will have on the existing capacity of these departments’ facilities and staff, should a project move forward. • The BPDA encourages the Proponent to provide a range of rental and homeownership opportunities, including income-restricted units of both types. The Proponent should look at ways in which the project can exceed the Inclusionary Development Policy, perhaps through the provision of additional income restricted units at a higher income level, so as to meet the needs of middle-income households who are having a difficulty finding housing in the South Bos – ton neighborhood. • The Proponent must work with the Boston Transportation Department (“BTD”) to address concerns regarding site access, circulation of traffic in and around the Pro – posed Project site, potential traffic impacts, and appropriate mitigation throughout South Boston. • The Proponent must work with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department (“BPRD”) to address anticipated impacts on South Boston’s public parks and open spaces. In addition to working with BPRD, the BPDA encourages the Proponent to continue to engage the IAG and community to help mitigate these impacts and provide new public open space that addresses the needs and goals of the BPRD and overall community. • As stated in the PNF, the Proponent intends to provide a total of approximately 987 vehicle parking spaces. A better understanding of how these spaces will be allocated must be provided in the DPIR. The Proponent should promote alternative modes of transit to new occupants and visitors to the site. 5 • All development projects have construction impacts. As with any urban development, there needs to be a balance of construction related inconveniences with the daily activities that will continue to occur adjacent to the Proposed Project site. A detailed approach to the construction management must be included in the DPIR. • The Proponent must take into account all BPDA approved and under review proposals in the South Boston and South Boston Waterfront neighborhoods, scheduled infrastructure improvements in the general area, and nearby large-scale developments in the City of Boston while conducting the DPIR’s required studies (transportation, infrastructure, open space, etc.). • The Proponent must clearly describe the overall demolition and phasing of the Proposed Project. The buildings to be demolished and constructed in each phase of the Proposed Project should be specified along with an anticipated timeline for each phase. The BPDA acknowledges that project timelines are subject to change due to market conditions and other factors. The South Boston Community is undergoing dramatic growth and development. Residents must pay attention and be heard. Here is the Report: http://www. bostonplans.org/getattachment/ e7d13911-c7a4-45e1-9f8ec26720cb7c88
