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Free New Year's Eve Activities
On Boston’s Waterfront
New Year’s Eve fireworks, Boston Harbor, 2010
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Boston Harbor with family and friends at the following free events sponsored by The Boston Harbor Association in conjunction with First Night Boston. Special thanks to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Boston Redevelopment Authority for providing funding support for these events.
First Night 2012 buttons can be purchased at a number of locations, including Shaw's, Au Bon Pain, Tedeschi's, Boston Children's Museum, and the New England Aquarium. Please note that refreshments and art supplies are available on a first-come, first served basis.
Fort Point Channel Information:
Visitors can pick up a "passport" to New Year's Eve activities on Boston's waterfront at Waterfront Square in Atlantic Wharf,
290 Congress Street, from 10-11:30 a.m. Be sure to view the cyber art installation, "Vast Vistas", and outdoor winter art by students from Wentworth College. Refreshments provided by Boston Properties.
Norman B. Leventhal Boston Harbor Map Collection:
View original historic maps of Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay from the Norman B. Leventhal Map Collection while enjoying hot chocolate, hot mulled cider, and Boston Harbor Hotel holiday cookies in the Magellan Gallery, Boston Harbor Hotel, Rowes Wharf, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Made in Fort Point:
Fort Point artist Hilary Law will lead art activities for children and adults from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the FPAC Store, 12 Farnsworth Street.
Boston Harbor and the Environment:
The Boston Harbor Association will sponsor story-telling about the environment and family-oriented activities at Independence Wharf's interior public space next to the HarborWalk, 470 Atlantic Avenue, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free coloring books provided by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and refreshments provided by Cushman and Wakefield.
Clam Chowder:
Sample clam chowder at Smith & Wollensky's newest location on the Fort Point Channel. Complimentary samples from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Atlantic Wharf, 294 Congress Street.
Boston’s Working Port:
The Boston Pilot Association’s CHELSEA and a U.S. Coast Guard response boat will be docked at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse for public tours from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
First Night on the Rose Kennedy Greenway:
From 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., enjoy educational programs, harbor island tours, and book signings at the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. At 4:30 p.m., view the "Lighthouse" art installation and video displays of goodgood Studio and New American Public Art, part of the "Winter Lights" series along the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Maritime History:
Learn about Boston's maritime past at a one-of-a-kind pocket museum on Battery Wharf along the North End waterfront. Ultimate hot chocolate bar and cookies provided by Fairmont Battery Wharf in the museum from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
View the fireworks on Boston Harbor
(open to First Night button holders and the general public):
First 275 guests will view the midnight fireworks on Boston Harbor. Boarding begins at 10:30 p.m. from Gate C, Rowes Wharf, with departure at 11:30 p.m. Boat will return at 12:30 a.m. Hot chocolate available for purchase. Sponsored by The Boston Harbor Association and Mass Bay Lines, with support by the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
Arts and Culture along the Waterfront:
Atlantic Wharf, 280 Congress Street. Cyber art installation, "Vast Vistas", and outdoor winter art by Wentworth College students.
Boston Children's
Museum, 300 Congress Street. Free admission to First Night button holders from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with "Happy Noon Year" celebration from noon to 3 p.m.
Institute of Contemporary
Art, 100 Northern Avenue. Free admission to First Night button holders from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Made in Fort
Point, The FPAC Store, 12 Farnsworth Street. Free art activities lead by Fort Point artist Hilary Law from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be sure to view the exhibits “The New Big is Small” and “Big Ideas”, which showcase works by Fort Point artists.
New England
Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf. Two-for-one admission to First Night button holders. Ice sculptures on the Aquarium's Plaza.
Rose Kennedy
Greenway. View the "Lighthouse" art installation and video display, part of the "Winter Lights" series along the Greenway, starting at 4:30 p.m.
Getting around the Waterfront:
Free MBTA service from 8 p.m. until closing, with some extended service. Discounted parking available at Gale International Parking lots across from the Moakley Courthouse and at Atlantic Wharf parking garage.
TBHA’s
Fall 2011 Harbor Bound Program
City on a Hill students under one of the egg-shaped digester at Deer Island
The Boston Harbor Association, together with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), launched the
Fall 2011 Harbor Bound education program with City on a Hill charter school in Roxbury in early October. Twenty-five college-bound students went to Deer Island to learn about the Harbor clean up project and about environmental sustainability. Thanks to proceeds from TBHA’s annual auction, many of the students experienced their first-ever boat trip.
At Deer Island, the students were greeted by the facilities manager, Dan O’Brien, and other MWRA staff. At the Visitor’s Center, the students learned about the treatment process for waste water before going around the island to see the MWRA operations and to learn more about the legacy of Judge David Mazzone, the federal judge who oversaw the Boston Harbor project.
The students also saw first-hand the renewable energy sources powering the plant, from solar panels to two different types of wind turbines.
Special thanks to the dedicated MWRA staff for their continued support of TBHA’s Harbor Bound program.
Fall 2011 on Boston Harbor
 
On a beautiful day in early November, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Massport Interim Director Dave Mackey, MA DOT Secretary Rich Davey, East Boston elected officials, and East Boston residents and community advocates gathered for the announcement of the East Boston Greenway extension. The extension will connect Bremen Street Park with a saltwater marsh, and eventually with Constitution Beach.
Public officials acknowledged and thanked local East Boston residents and advocacy groups, as well as the Boston Conservation Commission and the Boston Redevelopment Authority, for their tireless efforts in making the extension a reality.
Following the formal ceremony, Mayor Menino greeted Gretchen Schneider, a local architect who helped to design the extension, and her new-born son, Sam (above left photo). Boston Natural Areas Network President Valerie Burns (r), who has worked for close to two decades on marking the East Boston Greenway a reality, checks on Bremen Street Park conditions with BNAN colleague, Candice Cook, following the ceremony (right photo).
Gillette Public DockAs part of the implementation of the City of Boston’s Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan to which TBHA has been an on-going active participant, a new dock built by P & G Gillette in Fall, 2011 is now open for public use. TBHA also successfully advocated for free parking spaces for use by those with kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized boats. The dock is another successful addition to creating more water accessibility for the general public.
Jody Adams, chef/owner
of Trade restaurantWith increased vibrancy along the waterfront, The Boston Harbor Association hosted more events than ever this fall. Hundreds of TBHA members as well as representatives from the real estate community enjoyed tours of the
Seaport/Innovation District, Charlestown’s HarborWalk, and the
Norman B. Leventhal Walk to the Sea.
TBHA President Vivien Li also led a tour of “Restaurant Row” along the Fort Point Channel. Participants visited some of the newest restaurants/cafes along the Channel, including Zigo at 470 Atlantic Avenue, as well as new additions at Atlantic Wharf:
- Trade, local chef Jody Adams’s new restaurant (Adams, above, greeting TBHA guests). Trade features traditional New England fare with European, Asian, and African twists inspired by Adams’s worldwide travels.
- Smith & Wollensky, second Boston location (and ninth nationwide). The restaurant serves prime cuts of meat and gourmet sides along with creative cocktails and an extensive wine list. Guests can also enjoy selections from a raw bar.
- Sorelle Bakery & Café, the third outpost of the Boston-based café, which serves breakfast, soups, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts, and coffee beverages in an informal setting.
Barrington Coffee Company and Boloco will open in the Fort Point Channel neighborhood later this fall.
Next to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway and Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, the
Marriott Long Wharf recently completed a full renovation of its public spaces. The sleek new look, together with a new
Waterline restaurant and a new Harbor View Ballroom, continue to make this a popular stop for many.
Earlier in the summer, TBHA hosted tours of the Liberty Wharf development, one of the most active locations along the entire waterfront. Boaters were often queued up to dock at the slips. Diners enjoyed exceptional harbor views while dining indoors or on the patio areas next to the HarborWalk at
Legal Harborside restaurant, Jerry Remy Seaport,
Temazcal, and at Del Frisco’s of Boston.
TBHA Announces New Executive Director
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| Julie
Wormser,
Executive Director of TBHA |
The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA) announced on September 6, 2011 the hire of Julie Wormser as Executive Director of the organization. Wormser joins President Vivien Li, who was promoted to President in March after serving as Executive Director for 20 years.
“The combination of Julie Wormser and Vivien Li creates a very strong senior team for TBHA,” said Brian Dacey, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Between Vivien’s unmatched knowledge of Boston Harbor issues and Julie’s extensive background in environmental policy and capacity building, our new team has the skills and resources to enable TBHA to grow our advocacy and programming efforts.”
Wormser has had an impressive career at several environmental organizations. Most recently, she served as New England Regional Director of the Oceans Program for the Environmental Defense Fund. Previously, she managed regional policy programs for the Appalachian Mountain Club and The Wilderness Society. “Julie was the unanimous choice of our Board of Directors after an extensive search process identified a number of strong candidates,” said Dacey.
“Julie is joining us at an important time in our organization’s history,” said Vivien Li, “With the near-completion of both the harbor cleanup and the 47-mile Harbor Walk, Boston Harbor is once again a vibrant, world-class resource for residents and visitors alike. Yet with the rise in the sea level threatening this historic port, we have yeoman’s work ahead of us to protect the city’s harbor front businesses and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.”
“I have long been a fan of Vivien’s and of TBHA,” said Wormser. “I look forward to working together with her and with a wide range of partners to address the emerging threats and to leverage opportunities to Boston Harbor and the communities that surround it.”
“It is an exciting time,” agreed Li. “We’ve accomplished a great deal over the first three decades of this organization’s existence. I’m looking forward to even greater success in the years to come.”
Summer 2011 on Boston Harbor
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Swimmers at
Boston’s newest beach,
Spectacle Island |
In recognition of 25 years of extraordinary accomplishments by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the MWRA Advisory Board, more than 150 guests, elected officials, and MWRA and Advisory Board staffs toured the revitalized Boston Harbor on 18 August 2011. TBHA’s Vivien Li served as narrator, pointing out the recreational users along the waterfront (swimmers at Spectacle Island, recreational fishermen at Castle Island, and boaters) as well as the activities of the Working Port.
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Cruise ships at Massport’s Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, South Boston |
Among the highlights were close ups of two cruise ships docked in the Harbor, views of a cargo ship coming into Massport’s Conley Terminal, time to explore Spectacle Island, a former landfill transformed into a park with a beach area as part of the environmental mitigation for the “Big Dig” project, as well as the opportunity to watch MWRA staff doing water quality testing off of Spectacle Island. At Deer Island, many of the participants toured the treatment facility and learned about the island’s renewable energy sources.
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| TBHA Young Professionals on Boston Harbor Cruises’ Codzilla |
Earlier in the week, TBHA Young Professionals enjoyed the opportunity to network on board the M/V Majesty, courtesy of Boston Harbor Cruises. Following the reception, guests were treated to a thrill ride on the company’s Codzilla, which zips through the harbor at 40 mph while blasting adrenaline-pumping music.
On 11 August, more than 140 members of the general public visited Georges Island, courtesy of The Boston Harbor Association. Forty-six youths from a Dorchester summer program joined the group, and enjoyed their first harbor cruise ever on Boston Harbor.
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| Diving into Boston Harbor from the top of the ICA |
August ended with the “Red Bull Cliff Dive” off of the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). More than 23,000 people watched along the South Boston waterfront near the ICA as professional divers dove 80 feet into Boston Harbor.
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Crowds along the HarborWalk and the ICA watching divers
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TBHA Kicks Off 11th Season of Marine
Debris Cleanup Program
Boston Line & Service crew removing debris from Boston Harbor
On June 30, The Boston Harbor Association kicked off the 2011 season of the Boston Harbor Marine Debris Cleanup program. The program, run in partnership with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), Massport, the City of Boston, and Eastern Salt Company, has been successful in maintaining a clean Boston Harbor for a number of swimming seasons. During the past eleven summers, more than 240 tons of debris have been removed from Boston Harbor and its tributaries. Beverage and plastic bottles, which represent more than 20% of the total debris collected, will be recycled by Save That Stuff, Inc.
The program is designed to make Boston Harbor and its tributaries safer for swimmers, boaters, and marine life, as well as to improve Boston Harbor for navigation. TBHA also provides educational materials to boaters, property owners, and the general public to prevent debris from entering the harbor.
To view a gallery of photos from the launch, click
here.
To read more about the program’s launch, click
here.
“A Clean Boston Harbor: What Next?”
The
Boston Harbor Association’s June, 2011 “A Clean Boston
Harbor: What Next?” celebration and activities were a
resounding success, with hundreds of participants engaged in
thinking about the future of Boston’s clean waters and
revitalized waterfront. During
the 11 June cruise of Boston Harbor, many were amazed at how
clean the Harbor was as well as the mix of residential,
working port, and open space activities side by side.
Afterwards,
participants enjoyed refreshments provided by the Boston
Harbor Hotel while viewing the Poster Session in Foster’s
Rotunda.
14 June “A Clean Boston Harbor: What Next?”
The evening of 14 June, hundreds gathered as TBHA President Brian Dacey recognize the outstanding contributions of former Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Executive Directors Paul Levy, Doug MacDonald, Phil Shapiro, and current MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey.
Martha Mazzone, daughter of the late Federal Judge A. David Mazzone who presided over the Boston Harbor case, introduced Doug Foy, who spoke about his efforts as chief plaintiff in the Boston Harbor case while head of the Conservation Law Foundation. Foy urged those present to now focus their efforts on the impacts of climate change.
Audrey O’Hagan, 2011 President of the Boston Society of Architects which will shortly be moving its offices next to the Fort Point Channel, introduced noted aerial photographer Alex MacLean.
MacLean’s “before” and “after” photos from 1975 to the present generated much interest and sustained applause.
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Alex MacLean’s 1975 and 2011 photos of North End waterfront. |
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Ken Greenberg, internationally-recognized urban planner and author of “Walking Home: The Life and Lessons of a City Builder” (2011) helped to set the stage for the next day’s discussions by sharing an urbanist’s life cycle as it relates to the evolution of a city.
A spirited open mike session with numerous observations by the general public was followed by a reception and opportunity to view the Poster Session.
15 June “A Clean Boston Harbor: What Next?”
The next morning, participants gathered at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse overlooking Boston Harbor for an “Opening Conversation” with Brent Toderian, Vancouver’s Planning Director, and Michael Marrella, Project Director of New York City Planning Department’s “Vision 2020.” Both Toderian and Marrella addressed how waterfront cities can support density while ensuring a “livable” city.
Lorraine Downey, TBHA Trustee and an original and long-serving member of the MWRA Board, introduced Curt Spalding, EPA Region 1 Administrator, who spoke about the environmental progress in Boston Harbor.
A panel representing multi-generational, family-owned businesses spoke of the transformation of Boston Harbor and of their future visions. Ideas voiced by Legal Sea Foods’ Roger Berkowitz, Boston Towing and Transportation Marine Construction’s Scott Haggerty, and Boston Harbor Cruises’ Alison Nolan included: harbor cruises focused on the history of Boston; aquaculture in the Harbor; a more robust water transportation system; and more maritime businesses in
Boston.
Mimi Love discussing the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion
A second panel focused on Visions for the Future included: Dan Adams of Landing Studio who
showed the use of light and art on salt piles in Chelsea, as well as plans for seasonal open space along Chelsea Creek; Andrew Jay, MA Oyster Project for Clean Water who talked about the restoration of water cleansing oysters to Boston Harbor and to the Fort Point Channel; and Mimi Love, who described the process for design of the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.
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Jeanne Richardson |
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Kairos Shen |
Jeanne Richardson, Manager of Communications, Boston Water and Sewer Commission, facilitated the open mike session for public comment. Kairos Shen, Boston’s Chief Planner, provided a wrap up and closing remarks. Shen noted how powerful the changes have been in one generation (clean up of the Harbor, depression of the highway, reclaiming of the waterfront), but also challenged the group by asking whether we are now too comfortable in our views of the waterfront and harbor. What is next, Shen asked, and urged the group to “be bold” in its thinking and advocacy.
Follow up to “A Clean Boston Harbor: What Next?” will continue in the Fall, 2011. The Boston Harbor Association thanks the Judge A. David Mazzone Fund for generously underwriting “A Clean Boston Harbor: What Next?” In addition, special thanks to the Boston Harbor Hotel, Massachusetts Bay Lines, Seaport Hotel, and Au Bon Pain for in-kind contributions and support.
2011 “Grading the HarborWalk” Day a Success
“Grading the HarborWalk” Day, 88 Black Falcon Avenue, South Boston
 On May 21, 2011, more than two dozen residents participated in The Boston Harbor Association’s first-ever “Grading the HarborWalk” Day. Using forms provided by TBHA, individuals and groups completed detailed evaluations of HarborWalk segments along Charlestown, Downtown, Dorchester, East Boston, North End, and South Boston. The volunteers focused on existing conditions and maintenance, ADA accessibility, signage, public seating, public art, open spaces and parks, and public amenities like public restrooms and facilities of public accommodation.
 Of the responses received, most were pleased by the progress in completion of the HarborWalk public access system. A number of places were flagged for needing additional maintenance, and participants noted the need for more and consistent HarborWalk signage.
Over the next few weeks, TBHA will compile the citizen input into a report which will be shared with the public, waterfront property owners, and public officials. Special thanks to all the volunteers for their input and suggestions on the
HarborWalk.
2011 Deer Island Community Service
and Harbor Bound Trip
On Wednesday, May 25, young professionals, students, and members of the public joined The Boston Harbor Association for a morning of harbor education and community service on Deer Island.
An enthusiastic, hard-working group of young professionals from the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel and The Boston Harbor Association completed a community service project near the island’s Judge A. David Mazzone Memorial. With the guidance and under the watchful eye of landscape architect Margaret Nestler, volunteers weeded flower beds, planted flowers and seedlings, put down mulch, and removed debris. Special thanks to Dan O’Brien, MWRA manager of Deer Island, for his assistance and support.
Michael Pereira, Caitlyn Weller, Dana Heywood, and Audrey Matthews,
of the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, take a break from the community
service project on Deer Island. To view the galleryWhile the young professionals were hard at work, a group of Robotics and AP Physics students from the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science, along with their teacher, Dan Smalley, toured Deer Island’s wastewater treatment facility and saw some of the island’s renewable energy sources (wind and solar) as part of TBHA’s Harbor Bound program. The students were impressed with the knowledge and dedication of the MWRA staff, including Tom Lindberg, who spoke on how to pursue a career in environmental engineering; Jackie Floyd, who helped the students with hands-on experience in water quality testing; and Nadia Caines and Richard Dalton, who gave a great tour of the facility.
Students from the
O’Bryant School enjoying the beautiful weather before
departing Deer Island by boat (photo by MWRA’s
Barbara Allen)
Promotion of Vivien Li to TBHA President
and Search for New Executive Director
 The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA) announced on 4 May 2011 the promotion of Vivien Li to President, a new position, and also announced the search for a new Executive Director for the organization.
“We are thrilled with the growth of The Boston Harbor Association and the leadership and advocacy that Vivien has provided,” said Brian Dacey, Chairman, TBHA Board of Trustees. Li has served as the Executive Director of the organization since 1991 and has played an instrumental role in the planning of the Boston Harbor Project, in the establishment of a 39 mile HarborWalk along Boston Harbor, securing funding for and helping to implement the $30 million “Back to the Beaches” program, initiating a harbor education program for urban high school students, developing a Working Port Advocacy Program promoting maritime and water-dependent jobs and uses, and initiating a “Green Boston Harbor” environmental sustainability program.
As President, Li will work with the Association’s Executive Committee and Board of Trustees on special initiatives and projects including the upcoming “A Clean Boston Harbor: What Next” Forum convened by TBHA June 14th and 15th and follow up to the first-ever “Boston Harbor Sea Level Rise Forum” organized by TBHA last November. In addition, Li will continue to serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization on issues relating to waterfront development and participate in the ongoing fundraising activities.
“Vivien’s selection as a prestigious Barr Foundation Fellow helped set the stage for this promotion. After completing our strategic plan and reviewing the important role that TBHA has played in shaping both development and public access to the waterfront, as well as setting policy to ensure a clean Boston Harbor, the Board of Trustees voted to promote Vivien and create this new position to ensure that the organization has the necessary staff to continue to grow our advocacy and programming. This additional position will allow the Association to more effectively address the important issues that face Boston Harbor in the coming years such as the role of the working port, water transportation, and the waterfront economy in addition to climate change and the threat of rising sea levels,” said
Dacey.
Li, who was in the inaugural class of Barr Foundation Fellows representing Boston’s most prominent not-for-profit leaders, said, “I look forward to this new position and continuing my advocacy work on behalf of TBHA. It is an exciting time, as I continue my work with TBHA’s Board of Trustees and our new Executive Director, in providing leadership on issues such as climate change and sea level rise, as well as on what’s next for Boston Harbor.”
Founded in 1973, The Boston Harbor Association is the leading non-profit, public interest organization working to promote a clean, alive and accessible Boston Harbor, and is committed to providing free programming for the general public and students to learn about Boston Harbor and the waterfront.
2011 Harbor Bound Program off to a Great Start
The Boston Harbor Association’s Harbor Bound education program, done in partnership with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, is off to a great start. On 4 May 2011, 36 students from the Horace Mann School for the Deaf in Allston had an opportunity to do water quality testing and to tour the Deer Island treatment facility. The students were among the first to see close-up the operation of the new Flo Design Wind Turbine, with its turbo-style blade similar to that of a jet engine, which debuted 29 April 2011. Renewable energy sources, such as hydro, wind, and solar power, generate about 28% of the power needed to operate the Deer Island treatment plant, making the plant a national leader in environmental sustainability.
Partnering with Waterfront Destinations
“Dirty Watah” Donation at Jerry Remy’s
The new Jerry Remy's Seaport restaurant at Liberty Wharf is taking a unique spin on the Red Sox's traditional winning anthem, "Dirty Watah" by the Standells. Partnering with TBHA, Jerry Remy's is now offering a "Dirty Watah" cocktail, with a portion of the proceeds donated to TBHA to help support our free harbor education programs, HarborWalk programs, and educational boat tours. The new Jerry Remy's joins Legal Sea Foods' new Legal Harborside Restaurant, as well as Temazcal Tequila Cantina and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse as part of the new complex at Liberty Wharf. Each restaurant will feature outdoor seating, expansive HarborWalk open to the public, and access to 24 slips for use by diners at the restaurants.
“Round Up for Charity” at The Barking Crab
Through October 2011, The Boston Harbor Association will be the beneficiary of The Barking Crab Restaurant's "Round Up for Charity." Barking Crab diners will be able to "round up" their bill to the next highest dollar amount; the difference will be donated to TBHA to help support our free harbor advocacy programs. The Barking Crab Restaurant is located on the Fort Point Channel next to the HarborWalk; boaters can tie up for free behind the restaurant while dining.
TBHA’s Annual Boston Harbor Celebration
and Auction a Success
More than 325 friends and supporters attended The Boston Harbor Association’s 18th Annual Harbor Auction and Celebration, held on 12 April 2011 in the beautiful Wharf Room of the Boston Harbor Hotel. The event raised nearly $190,000, which will be used to support TBHA’s harbor advocacy efforts, work on climate change and potential sea level rise, and free harbor education programs and cruises for the general public.
Special thanks to the Boston Harbor Hotel, Legal Sea Foods, and Paul Saperstein Co., Inc., for underwriting the event.
Click here to view photos by volunteer Barbara Allen.
Earth Day 2011: Sustainability in the Built Environment
 TBHA's Executive Director Vivien Li marked Earth Day 2011 as a participant of the Third Annual MIT Sustainability Summit held on 22 April at Microsoft's New England R&D (NERD) Center in Cambridge. This year's Summit focused on "Bridging Thought and Action: Creating a Sustainable Organization". Li spoke about integrating transportation planning with land use and building design.
For more information, please go to sustainabilitysummit.mit.edu.
TBHA Talks Green at Low Impact Development Luncheon
The Boston Harbor Association sponsored a well-attended lunchtime presentation on Low-Impact Development, including discussion of "green roofs," on Wednesday, 23 March 2011. The luncheon complements TBHA's "Boston Harbor Sea Level Rise Forum" held last November with support from the Barr Foundation.
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| Boston Redevelopment Authority Director Peter Meade (facing camera) being shown the "green roof" on top of Atlantic Wharf by Jeff Lowenberg and Mike Cantalupa of Boston Properties, during a March, 2011 TBHA tour. |
A panel of prominent speakers, including Sandra Brock, Chief Engineer at Nitsch Engineering; Martin Pillsbury, Manager of Environmental Planning at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council; and Bob Uhlig, President of Halvorson Design, spoke of innovative means for low-impact development, citing examples throughout New England. This presentation will be posted on TBHA's
website in May 2011.
Swans, Stories, and Sustainability:
School Vacation Week on the Harbor
More than 40 participants, including students enrolled at the John Marshall School in Dorchester, children and parents from Greater Boston, joined The Boston Harbor Association’s Executive Director Vivien Li for TBHA’s Boston Harbor Family Activities Day on 22 February 2011. Sitting in the new ground floor facility of public accommodation at 470 Atlantic Avenue, Independence Wharf, next to the Fort Point Channel, the children enjoyed listening to educational stories related to a clean harbor and environment, such as Lucy Cousins’ Hooray for Fish!, Jean Marzollo’s I Am Water, and Dr. Suess’ The
Lorax.
Li also spoke briefly about climate change and what citizens can do to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise, and everyone enjoyed complimentary cookies and refreshments provided courtesy of Independence Wharf and Cushman & Wakefield.
 Stepping outside, a number of the children and adults were thrilled with the appearance of a swan, which has recently been making frequent appearances in the Fort Point Channel.
Also this week, FableVision, an educational media developer and publisher on the Fort Point Channel, debuted its bilingual book, The Curious Adventures of Sydney and Symon in: Water Wonders. The book, in English and Spanish, introduces young people to water cycle and other science concepts, and includes a number of science activities.
Atlantic Wharf on the Fort Point Channel
The new public space at Atlantic Wharf (formerly known as Russia Wharf) is well on its way to completion, and will nicely complement a series of amenities along the Fort Point Channel already provided by Independence Wharf at 470 Atlantic Avenue and by the InterContinental Hotel and Residences next door. Representatives from Boston Properties, owners of Atlantic Wharf, say to expect performances, art and architecture, and restaurants spilling onto the waterfront plaza soon. Boston Properties shares the vision of Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino and the Boston Redevelopment Authority as articulated in the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan: to transform the Fort Point Channel into a contemporary waterfront with residences, restaurants, boat tours, and cultural institutions.
On the ground floor of the building, the “Town Square” has begun to take shape. The space, still being “fitted out” for retail users, is publicly accessible from the HarborWalk, and features temporary seating, food, local art, and public restrooms.
Steakhouse Smith & Wollensky, along with chef Jody Adams'
"Trade" Restaurant, have just announced that they
will be sharing the ground-floor with other eating
establishments. The new 10,000-square-foot steakhouse will
debut on the Channel side Summer, 2011, with outdoor bar and
dining, while "Trade" will open later in the year.
Those walking on the HarborWalk will enjoy the expansive plaza on the waterfront with benches, trees, and grassy open space, as well as a series of new docks that will provide water-taxi service, tour boats, and private docking for small vessels.
The Boston Society of Architects, which will manage gallery space and operate architectural boat tours from the site, anticipates moving into its offices in the building in the Fall, 2011.
Celebrating the start of 2011 on Boston Harbor
With support from the Boston Redevelopment Authority, The Boston Harbor Association hosted two waterfront events to celebrate the start of 2011. On New Year's Eve day, more than 600 members of the general public toured the Boston Harbor Pilot Association's CHELSEA and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston's 45-feet response boat docked at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse dock. Both vessels are routinely in Boston Harbor, and are among the newest boats in the harbor (TBHA's Vivien Li christened the CHELSEA).
At 11:30 p.m., close to 230 guests departed Rowes Wharf on a free cruise to watch the midnight fireworks
 in Boston Harbor. While waiting for the fireworks, members of the public viewed the South Boston, East Boston, and Charlestown waterfronts. Many commented that the First Night Boston fireworks display was the best in recent memory.
The Boston Harbor Association thanks our partners the Boston Redevelopment Authority, First Night Boston, U.S. Coast Guard, Boston Harbor Pilot Association, Mass Bay Lines, and EMCOR Government Services for their support and assistance in making these activities available to the public free of charge.
Boston Harbor Sea Level Rise
Forum and Community Meetings
More than 450 people participated in the "Boston Harbor Sea Level Rise Forum," held on Tuesday November 9, 2011, at the New England Aquarium IMAX Theatre, and on Wednesday November 10, 2011, at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse.
Highlights of the Forum included keynote addresses by Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Guy Nordenson of Princeton University, Dr. Ellen Douglas of UMass Boston and Dr. Paul Kirshen of the Battelle Institute. Participants viewed specially-prepared maps by Drs. Douglas and Kirshen and Chris Watson of UMass Boston showing the potential impacts of sea level rise and climate change on Boston Harbor and local neighborhoods.
Wednesday's event at the Moakely Courthouse opened with a greeting from the City of Boston by Jim Hunt, Chief, Environmental and Energy Services, City of Boston and also included a panel response session. Participants in the panel response were Tom Kinton, Executive Director, Massport, David Begelfer, CEO, NAIOP Massachusetts, Hubert Murray, Sustainable Initiatives Manager, Partners HealthCare, and Leo Robinson, Chelsea City Council President. The forum closed with a wrapup by Kairos Shen, Chief Planner, City of Boston.
Additionally, over 100 people participated in two community meetings on November 22, 2010 at Maverick Landing in East Boston and on November 29, 2010 at the Harbor Point Community Center in Dorchester. All four events included open mike sessions that allowed for insightful comments and questions from the public.
Materials from the Forum, include the maps showing potential sea level rise, and the slides from the presentations by Drs. Douglas and
Kirshen.
The Boston Harbor Association thanks the Barr Foundation for their generous support of the Forum and community meetings.
Boston Inner Harbor at High Tide plus 7.5 Feet of Sea Level Rise
The 2010 Sea Level Rise Forum Materials by
The Boston Harbor Association are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
License.
Although not required under the CC BY-SA license, TBHA would appreciate knowing if you reuse these materials. Please send a short
description of your project to
mail@tbha.org
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