Public hearing,
Today we changed gears to an alternative
way of exploring Boston Harbor. Although I had my knife and field guide ready
to study marine species I found myself in an interesting audience of public
hearing regarding the existing and the future vision of waterfront developments.
In polite manners three different parties presented their ideas, concerns and vision
of how they would like the waterfront to look like. Those parties were Yami Tsipis
representing the Boston Marriott Hotel, Dick Mulligan from BRA and David Lucey
on behalf of 255 State street.
In a systematic order Yami Tsipis brought
us back to history of the waterfront
since 1946 until the existing structure now and added what he called a vision
for the future. He carefully chose his words and focus his presentation on how the
public and local economic can benefit of the changes he is envision. He talked
about how the existing look of the structured doesn't seem to be appealing to
the public and he would like to change that. He wants to bring new components
to the property by wrapping around life activities to draw more visitors and
consequently boasting local business. However, couple important points were
made by some committee members. How will those changes will impact the local
vendors who are already using the space? And by extending their structure
closer to the water how it will impact the walk way? At that point the hearing
started making sense to me because it sounded like people really cared about
the waterfront. It was clear to me that if any changes were to take place they
want them to be done methodically by primarily validating the interested of the public.
The second presenter was Dick
Mulligan property manager for Boston
Redevelopment Authority(BRA) who apparently owns and manages most of the
property around the waterfront. He seemed to be more concern about the logistics
of any changes that will or can make his job harder. He talked about improving
the walk ways to make it more pedestrian friendly and keep it clean by making
sure the trash is removed constantly. He
came across as a manager who likes to be hands on and open to the idea of bring
more people to the waterfront. The final presenter was David and another
associate from 255 state street who talked about their building renovation and
the use of public friendly architectural approach. They also mentioned how they
came along way to make the building that was once in shambles when they bought
it in 1997 to this very colorful and attractive to the public. Some artistic
touches were applied to the building and a good portion of the 1st floor is
open to the public. Overall, the speakers had interesting points and innovative
ideas, which in my option beautifies the waterfront and will indeed attract more people there.
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