BOSTON’S WATERFRONT: 2015

Next month, I become President and CEO of Riverlife, an organization which works to reclaim, restore, and promote Pittsburgh’s riverfronts.  Riverlife’s vision calls for a grand, 13-mile continuous system of riverfront parks and trails, and large numbers of visitors and residents are already enjoying the existing riverfront open spaces and amenities.

As I prepare to leave The Boston Harbor Association after 24 years, I am reminded of the dedicated efforts of so many people to help transform Boston’s waterfront.  During that time, we have been fortunate to have had the strong support of each Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President, as well as Boston Mayors Ray Flynn, Tom Menino, and Marty Walsh.  Bipartisan political support, and the efforts of Judges Garrity, Mazzone, and Stearns and of public agency staffs, helped to make possible the clean up of Boston Harbor, restoration of Boston Harbor beaches, and enhancement of Boston Harbor Islands.  The 41-mile HarborWalk public access network through Boston’s six waterfront neighborhoods, constructed by waterfront property owners in response to state tidelands requirements, is used and enjoyed by thousands of people every day.

The transformation of Boston’s waterfront is extraordinary, and is a model for other waterfront communities. Thank you to all of you for your support of our efforts in the revitalization of Boston Harbor.