37 Responses to “I have seen Boston’s future, and it’s not a parking lot” »»

1. Diane Keliher
   Comment by Diane Keliher | 04/18/08 at 10:45 pm

   John
   I asked how many phases there would be and what the development plans were for each phase, what % of residential, office, hotel and green space would be built in each phase. I would not consider the Fort Point Channel a wasteland (as you put it); the residents here would like to see more residential sooner rather than later and they have concerns with the mayor and the BRA for allowing developers to build all office buildings and postpone or eliminate residential real estate..Fort Point Channel is an incredible artist community but lots of artists have been evicted from their homes so developers can build office buildings;
   Several restaurants have opened in the Fort Point/ Seaport District including Persephone, Salvatore’s, 606 Congress, Morton’s, LTK, Flour Bakery, Sauciety and many more to open. Superior Dining Group is building out a restaurant space now at 40 Channel Center and Barbara Lynch is opening a 19,000 sf Food Emporium at FP3.
   May 12th the Fort Point Neighborhood Association is having its’ first annual community meeting to elect an executive Board of Directors.
   Vivien Li is the Executive Director of The Boston Harbor Association and is one of the members of an Advisory Committee for the Seaport Square development. I believe she was questioning the amount of parking not saying she didn’t want any parking.
   Diane Keliher

2. John A Keith
   Comment by John A Keith | 04/18/08 at 11:36 pm

   Diane, thank you for taking the time to respond / correct me.

   I consider the Channel Center / Fort Point Channel / Seaport District neighborhood to be one “in transition”.

   While I may have characterized the neighborhood inaccurately as a “vast wasteland” my point was valid, I think. The developer of the Channel Center got cold feet / lost funding / lost patience and did not follow through on what was promised / implied / hoped for.

   It’s good to hear about the restaurants, especially the 40 Channel Center news. That’s a huge space and bringing dining there should also improve on foot- and street-traffic.

   I get a bit nervous when I read about “neighborhood associations” - usually it means that someone’s agenda ends up getting put ahead of someone else’s, sometimes the wrong agenda. The West Broadway Neighborhood Association, for example, was organized at first solely to come out against plans to build condos at the Notre Dame School. Something that would improve the whole neighborhood. But, of course, a few people felt that they were there first, so they should dictate what happened to everyone else.

   I’m surprised you characterize the artists housing issue as “evictions”?!! Evictions usually mean forcibly taken from the premises.

   I assume that the artists were on leases, and that once the leases were up, the landlords (who, after all, are the owners of the properties) chose not to renew. I don’t see anything wrong with that.

   I can’t say whether or not I support the revised plans to replace housing with office space. Perhaps on a limited basis, it wouldn’t hurt. I walked by six or eight empty buildings on Summer Street, last night. I believe there are more on Melcher Street? If there is a demand for offices, then maybe these could be allowed. Surely, we wouldn’t let Mr Hynes get away with that, though. And, as he emphasized, he has no intention of doing so. I assume, based on the healthy turnout from neighbors and concerned citizens, that they will hold him to his word.

3. Mr. X
   Comment by Mr. X | 04/19/08 at 4:06 am

   I like these quotes the best:

   “I get a bit nervous when I read about “neighborhood associations” - usually it means that someone’s agenda ends up getting put ahead of someone else’s, sometimes the wrong agenda.”

   and

   “So I figured there was no sense keeping quiet, so I raised my hand and basically asked…”

   and

   “It was partially a serious question, but also kind of to get Vivien Li annoyed at me (as a way of introduction).”

   and

   “John Hynes & Co. explained that their plan depended on each element being built at the same time - office, hotel, retail, and residential. One can’t be successful without the other. Don’t know if that’s true, but they’re the experts.”

   Here are some facts:

   On the table right now for approvals are three buildings, only shown in 1 of your 10 photos. The rest of the photos you show are the Disneyland that will never get built, that Hynes (or his successor) will have re-planned based on market conditions at that time. All that crap about 2,500 residential units, and all that greenspace are just the pretty pictures Hynes shows to get people (like you) on board.

   The three buildings that Hines is actually seeking to build, architected by The Lego Company, are office space and hotels. There may be somewhere around 100 residential units. Doesn’t sound like a neighborhood to me.

   You may want this project to steam forward, but at least be clear, its an extension of the Financial District. No problem if that’s your vision for the Waterfront, but it’s not mine or anyone I talk to. And, I suspect, it’s not Vivien Li’s. She has been fighting for world class planning and architecture for years, and losing the battle because of the “Build Anything Anywhere” folks who don’t care if the outcome looks like Boston or Houston or Hoboken.

   Mr. X

4. John A Keith
   Comment by John A Keith | 04/19/08 at 11:31 am

   Hmmm. Well, based on a comment I just received, I guess some people thought I was off-base? Or is “ass” a term of endearment?

   Just wanted to bolster my argument about the current state of the Fort Point Channel / Waterfront area.

   From the ArchBoston.com forum:

   I went on an anxiety-inducing “field trip” to the waterfront last week. I had been there before, but I decided to dedicate the better part of an afternoon to walking around and taking in everything that was there - without letting myself be prejudiced by the surface parking lots that will be gone in short order.

   Like you, I couldn’t feel comfortable. I found it to be a soulless, spirit-crushing place that no one in their right mind should consider an ideal template for 21st century Boston.

5. Cam Sawzin
   Comment by Cam Sawzin | 04/19/08 at 1:22 pm

   John you are sorely lacking in information when it comes to the Artist community. Artists have contributed to the fabric and creative economy of the District. The big question is what can be done to keep them in the neighborhood? can we retain artist housing in tandem with other new uses?
   Fort Point is the largest Arts community in New England. These artists have been an active and positive force in this district for 20 years and more.
   While we are exited about all the new projects flying into Fort Point Channel, It is also disappointing to hear that the 100 acre plan goal of 33% residential ratio planned for Fort Point may not be achieved for some 20-years. In this light, residents and neighborhood organizations want to work with the BRA, fellow residents, community organizations and developers to pursue creative solutions to the challenges of redevelopment here. The wonderful thing about the various organizations, Fort Point Arts Community, Seaport Alliance for a neighborhood design and Fort Point Neighborhood Association and Fort Point Cultural Coalition, is that they are basically in agreement on the planning principals for the district and support each other. Many residents are members of 2 or more of these organizations.

6. Artists or Whiners
   Comment by Artists or Whiners | 04/19/08 at 1:48 pm

   Why are so many supposed artists such whiners? You’d think they’d just go somewhere else and get busy with their art, if they actually make any art. But instead they make all these associations to whine about how important they are. Special exemptions for this one, special housing rates for that one. Artists get to have fun playing with art all day long while the rest of us are working at jobs that suck, and so _we_ should give stuff to _them?_

   Hey, go form a union like anybody else and try to bargain collectively. Good luck with that. But don’t pretend that anybody else owes you anything except payment for your work. That’s the point where you stop being an artist and start being an entitled bourgeois whiner.

7. not x
   Comment by not x | 04/19/08 at 2:01 pm

   Why do all these artist think the world owes them a living.

8. Cam Sawzin
   Comment by Cam Sawzin | 04/19/08 at 4:15 pm

   I happen to be a working artist (cellist) who makes my living and pays my mortgage doing what I love. I also belong to a national union, musician’s union local nine. Many of these artists are also designers, teachers (teachers union by the way) and work at other professions to support their art. Many Fort Point Artists sell their work for a very respectable sum. I’m sorry you do not love what you do X and not X. I put my name down when I make a comment.

9. John A Keith
   Comment by John A Keith | 04/19/08 at 6:00 pm

   I hope this won’t turn into another “artists contribute a uniqueness to neighborhoods that cannot be replicated” conversation. I’ve read it all before (on this blog, actually). It’s a boring discussion in which neither side is willing to concede.

   I am well aware of the history of the Fort Point Channel, both recent and past. I am not “lacking in information”.

   I’ll just say two things about it, a little support of each side.

   First, many hours have been spent working out plans for the neighborhood that outlines the (hoped-for) percentages of residential, commercial, and retail / restaurants. I assume the developers will be held to these guidelines. I share the concerns of some of the other people, that it will become like East Cambridge (which isn’t so bad, but does lose out on 24-hour a day life ….).

   The other thing I want to say is, the idea that artists contribute a “necessary element to neighborhoods” and so deserve special consideration makes me roll my eyes.

   So do accountants.

10. Cam Sawzin
    Comment by Cam Sawzin | 04/19/08 at 6:34 pm

    Those properties are being flipped, developers are trying to change the zoning to office. Go to http://www.bostonseaport.com/ or Fortpointneighborhood.org to do some much need research. You are a true plebeian.

    Preface from the Boston Foundation Study, “Understanding Boston”
    Arts and culture bring a great city to life. Artists and cultural institutions attract new investments and new residents, and so catalyze the growth of our neighborhoods and our regional economy. Millions of visitors come to Boston each year to see our historic sites, hear our fine orchestras, visit our renowned museums, and make tourism one of our leading industries. Cultural organizations of all sizes and types—large art and science museums, mid-sized theater companies and orchestras, and small visual arts organizations or choral groups— teach and inspire young people and help us bridge differences among our diverse population. As adults, our encounters with the arts have the power to transform us, prompting us to see, hear and think in new ways.

11. Michael J Tarheel
    Comment by Michael J Tarheel | 04/19/08 at 7:47 pm

    John, and X,

    You guys have a limited perspective here. Why not come on down and with meet us?…. get to know your neighbors here.

    You came off like real dopes . . . but I’ll bet your half sane.

    Mike
    PS: Are you guys related to Dick Cheney in any way?

12. Sandy Riviera
    Comment by Sandy Riviera | 04/19/08 at 7:58 pm

    John, X and not X,

    Wow….. You guys are dumb bunnies!

    Sincerely,

    S.R.
    Harvard trained Architect and Fort Point Resident…. (Smarter than you!!)

13. Waaaahhh
    Comment by Waaaahhh | 04/19/08 at 8:44 pm

    Just came from ArchBoston site. Same thing over there — a dozen guys writing 50% of all the messages and they delete the ones that don’t agree. The common theme: “Damn NIMBY’s and Vivien Li are ruining everything. I want my Mommy!”

    Over here we have JimboJones: “Artists are stealing all the buildings and living on the dole! Waaahhh!”

    And then we have ‘Artists or Whiners’: “My job sucks! Booooo Hoooo!”

    Gimme a break.

14. Artists or Whiners
    Comment by Artists or Whiners | 04/20/08 at 7:53 am

    Sure, Carl. Quote some propaganda at us. That’ll prove your point.

    It’s awesome you’re a cellist, and maybe I’ve heard you play. I’m all for you as an artist. As a whiner who wants some special exemptions or welfare so we can all support your “lifestyle,” not so much. You want my support, sell me a ticket.

    It’s a bummer if you get evicted because you don’t own the place you live and the owner wants to do something else with it. But it’s pretty predictable, and you’ve got bupkis for rights. That’s why people like me get jobs with steady six-figure incomes - so we can _own_ our homes. I could have been an artist, but I didn’t want the financial insecurity. You make your choices, you take your chances.

    For what it’s worth, I hope the predictions of the doomsayers are wrong - I’d rather the area didn’t become an urban office park (can anybody say Kendall Square?). I’d like to see true mixed-use, and get the residential up sooner rather than later. But in any calculation, keeping a bunch of artists on in apartments they can’t pay for is unlikely to happen. What, are you going to be curiosities? Like an artist zoo, with tours? “These, children are the artists! Now, don’t get too close!”

    As for whether any of these people up here are dumber than some CAD monkey with pretensions of artistry, I don’t think so. A frickin’ architect thinks she’s smart for that? Ha ha! Who’s up next, a paralegal? Four years at Harvard and all that’s all you did with it? Thanks for making me feel good about myself!

15. poster
    Comment by poster | 04/20/08 at 8:43 am

    If I look back at John’s post, the topic was Seaport Square. In response to Diane, John corrected a mis-statement about a vast wasteland (Channel Center is a mile from the area he was talking about). Then, Mr. X provided some info about Seaport Square. That was where the discussion went off the rails.

    Now we’re talking about artists. There are no artists under siege in Seaport Square parcels. I don’t get the connection, but I also don’t care about whether or not artists are whiners. I don’t know any artists who are on welfare, live in publicly subsidized housing, or are asking for public subsidies. None. Is the whining the problem, and is that what John’s forum is about?

    Let’s get back to a discussion about Seaport Square.

16. poster2
    Comment by poster2 | 04/20/08 at 8:08 pm

    I couldn’t agree more with “poster”. This development, regardless of artists or parking, is going to great for the city of Boston, particularly Southie. The residents of the Lower West Side of Southie (West 1st, 2nd, 3rd Streets and Bolton Street) will have a nice place to walk to.

17. Lower End Guy
    Comment by Lower End Guy | 04/21/08 at 10:50 am

    It will be a nice walk. On the weekend we usually choose some office building in the area and we walk there. As for shopping, hotels are special to us - (a secret - I find Boston’s best stores on the first floors of hotels like the Guest Quarters on Franklin Street).

    There will be a park so we can have a picnic and then go for a tour of the courthouse.

    The best thing about Seaport Square is that it is closer to us than the Seaport Hotel and Fidelity Office building - that area is hopping, but too far to walk!. Once Seaport Square is done, the kids will have more options. They are tired of having chowder at Aura at the Seaport Hotel.

18. Jeremy
    Comment by Jeremy | 05/01/08 at 2:23 pm

    Real artists make the Fort Point community incredibly special and unique. I was excited to attend one of the events held at Channel Center several months ago, showcasing the work of local artists….what a joke. The highlight was some wannabe selling old toilet seats that she had carved ugly pictures into (pretty carelessly I might add) for around $70. Obviously, art is subjective, and good art even more so, but give me a break.

    I did manage to visit one artist’s loft on that day, on A street right next to Channel Center, that had some really cool stuff. Her sculptures looked like they were straight out of ‘Beetlejuice,’ not my style but definitely cool.

    Almost all of us would love to be artists and create all day long-whether it’s music, painting, sculpture or any other medium. However, most of us choose to carry out these activities during our spare time as we know that we can’t support ourselves on creativity alone. For those who are able to actually sell their art, that’s awesome, but for everyone else, stop complaining. This is the life that you chose and you aren’t owed anything by anyone. May I remind you that there are people in this world who work multiple jobs and can barely afford to put food on the table?

    I also recall not too long ago someone slipping a letter under everyones door at Fort Point Place. The letter complained that the superintendent is overpaid and gets a free parking spot, and that the condo fees are too expensive because of it, and she will take over the job for half of what the current superintendent gets paid (I’m sure she was totally qualified to manage a 100+ unit building). She justified her complaint by stating that she was an artist. If she couldn’t afford the condo fees, than she shouldn’t have moved in. At around $215.00/month for a 1000 square foot loft, the HOA fee there is a steal!

19. reallyredcellocase
    Comment by reallyredcellocase | 05/01/08 at 10:39 pm

    IF you had read the blog carefully you would have seen no artists were “whining” I wrote the note about aritsts and I happen to be a cellist fortunate to make a good living doing what I love. Many of the artists at Fort Point have several jobs to support their art, one of the most talented watercolorists , for example is a very successful architect. I don’t know about the toilet seat you saw, but if you go on the FPAC website you will see dozens of extraordinary talented artists. you can’t make a judgement based on one open studio artist and one other person’s work. Thats like going to Paris, eating at one bad restaurant and saying all the food in Paris stinks! Next time you should “manage” to visit more that one!

20. Jeremy
    Comment by Jeremy | 05/02/08 at 11:54 am

    I don’t need to read a blog to see and hear artists whining….I live in Boston and I’ve been subjected to it in numerous forums. Furthermore, I’ve visited many FPAC events over the years, not just one, and you’ll see that while I was critical of one artist in my post, I praised another. Nowhere in my post did I say that there are no talented hardworking artists in the area, as your post implies. Perhaps it is you that needs to read more carefully.

    It’s a FACT that many artists in the Fort Point neighborhood are in fact whining about possibly losing their dirt cheap housing, even if you aren’t. However, talent or no talent, if you aren’t making money, go find a new job or move to a more affordable area. People get priced out of neighborhoods all the time; this isn’t some new phenomenon exclusive to artists.

    Lets be realistic. The FPAC is a great resource for artists and is specifically charged with furthering the interests of those it represents. But aside from a few events per year where they organize events for artists to showcase their work, they don’t make much of a contribution to the area. In between the events that it sponsors, the only sign that it exists is old FPAC fliers littering the streets and telephone polls. They claim to bring ‘culture’ to the area, but it really is quite limited. The West Broadway Neighbors Association (to which I don’t belong) was certainly created to look out for its members, largely existing homeowners, but they have also taken on projects such as neighborhood cleanups, petitioning to save old trees, planting greenery etc. As far as I know, the FPAC doesn’t do anything like this—-maybe they should.

21. reallyredcellocase
    Comment by reallyredcellocase | 05/02/08 at 11:38 pm

    Jeremy-
    I own my condo at Channel Center and am not planning on leaving for a long time. I am also designing a multimedia concert series for Fort Point Channel to create evening liveliness in the area and contribute to the development of the district. The series will be designed to integrate the area’s multi-disciplined visual arts talent with concert music. A curated gallery will be open before and after the concerts, as well as during intermission. Fort Point Artists will be able to exhibit and sell their work at this venue. This support is critical a this point in the evolution of the neighborhood. We intend to use this visibility and marketing opportunity to support the continuation of the artist community, and to create tourist destination traffic in the district.

22. Jeremy
    Comment by Jeremy | 05/07/08 at 5:57 pm

    So basically you are providing a venue for artists to express their creativity and sell their art–furthering their interests. Sorry but that type of ’support’ is not ‘crucial’ to the area and will not create ‘tourist destination traffic in the district.’ What is crucial to the neighborhood? Restaurants, grocery stores, midscale retail, parks, transportation, cleaner streets etc. What will allow these types of establishments and initiatives to prosper? More mid-priced condos and offices, not subsidized and restricted housing. The fact of the matter is that while the district may have at one point been dominated by artists, it no longer is. If it was still dominated by artists, it would be even dumpier than it is now–take a look at the area 10 years ago (I love the area, but lets face it, it has a long way to go).

    And by the way, if you are really trying to create tourist traffic, I have a suggestion. A few weeks back I was walking down A street and happened to glance into the garden level window of the artists’ studios located at the corner of A and Wormwood. In full view, and purposely placed (and lit), were a series of photographs of male genitalia. I have a feeling that all of these tourists you speak of, whether they are coming in from Brookline or Boca, probably won’t appreciate that type of ‘art’ being in full view of those that walk the streets.

    Like I said, I think the artists in the community are a nice touch, and in closing, I’ll say that I look forward to visiting and enjoying the series you are creating. However, I’m sick of artists portraying the community as dependent on their presence, because it simply isn’t. The artists in the area (and lets face it, it’s not like this is the Village, it’s literally a couple buildings of studios) have historically only been concerned with what’s going on within their four walls. Now that mid-priced condos have been built in the area, the people that have been purchasing the condos are truly contributing to the vitality and diversity of the neighborhood—well, creating it actually. And yes, I know you own your own unit at Channel Center–you’ve been lucky and/or talented enough to make a nice living off your art, but you are the minority.

23. Megan
    Comment by Megan | 05/07/08 at 10:01 pm

    “In full view, and purposely placed (and lit), were a series of photographs of male genitalia. I have a feeling that all of these tourists you speak of, whether they are coming in from Brookline or Boca, probably won’t appreciate that type of ‘art’ being in full view of those that walk the streets.”

    I’m sorry, but you come off as pathetic and small-minded. I moved from Ohio to Boston so that I could live in a cosmopolitan city and have a rich cultural experience. In the late 80s Richard Mapplethorpe’s work was banned from being displayed in the city of Cincinnati. I dont want to live in an environment like that, that’s why I moved here.

24. Megan
    Comment by Megan | 05/07/08 at 10:09 pm

    I should add that the type of work you’re describing doesn’t suit my taste at all, but I believe it has a right to exist.

25. Jeremy
    Comment by Jeremy | 05/08/08 at 9:47 am

    Megan,

    No where did I say that this type of art doesn’t have the right to exist, nor did I say that the artist doesn’t have a right to display his or her art. My point was that this artist’s actions were counter productive to creating a region of tourist attractions, which is what the FP artists claim to be working towards.

    It is also highly disrespectful to those that walk by that perhaps don’t want to expose their children to this type of art when they are ten years old. The artist should have realized that the subject matter was sensitive and not displayed the photos in the window of their first floor studio with lights shining on them to attract the attention of foot traffic. And for the record, I would think twice before you compare this artist with Mapplethorpe, there are no parallels here.

26. Jeremy
    Comment by Jeremy | 05/08/08 at 12:10 pm

    By the way, Mapplethorpe’s first name was Robert, not Richard.

27. Megan
    Comment by Megan | 05/08/08 at 10:49 pm

    I was too infuriated by your pathetic comment and was typing too quickly, I’m aware that his name is Robert and not Richard. Thanks for the correction anyway. So what should all of the Fort Point artists be working on? Boats on seashores, I suppose?

28. Megan
    Comment by Megan | 05/08/08 at 10:50 pm

    or rather, his name “was” Robert Mapplethorpe, as he’s no longer with us.

29. Jeremy
    Comment by Jeremy | 05/08/08 at 11:46 pm

    You’re missing the point here entirely, Megan. I never said that this artist doesn’t have the right to create whatever he or she wants. I suggested he or she should have exercised better judgement when deciding to expose this type of subject matter to those for whom it may be inappropriate. It’s called being considerate, tactful and respectful of one’s neighbors.

    Barnes & Noble sells many books that are not appropriate for children, and while they may be of interest to adults, it doesn’t mean they should display them in the windows of their stores. I don’t think you would feel comfortable if you were walking down the street with your child/niece/nephew, glanced in the window and saw a book with a picture of Mapplethorpe naked with a whip sticking out of his rear.

    I am a huge art fan. I support the arts. The very short statement that I made regarding this particular artist, which you seem to be dwelling on, was meant to question the FPAC’s intentions of turning the area mainstream enough to attract tourists. Perhaps you were ‘too infuriated’ to comprehend my posts.

30. j_question
    Comment by j_question | 05/11/08 at 6:32 am

    Questions for Jeremy:

    Can you name one subsidized art studio in Fort Point, particularly one that is subsidized by your tax dollars?

    Have you participated in any planning process that suggests Boston is best served by Fort Point evolving as a tourist destination?

    Are you involved in organizing any groups to pick up the papers and trash that litter the area, or make it dumpy?

    If you can’t answer these questions, it sounds like you are whining about toilet seats.

31. Bob
    Comment by Bob | 05/11/08 at 8:43 am

    Re: “I was walking down A street and happened to glance into the garden level window of the artists’ studios located at the corner of A and Wormwood.”

    I guess the situation wasn’t exactly Robert Mapplethorpe in the window of Borders Bookstore.

    Any guy peeking in someone else’s window is probably a realtor. And we are on a realtor site, gang.

    To make his point he shoulda said, “I joined the MFA and ICA, but the finest art I found was on the Kohler bathroom fixture website. Those chrome-plated babies rock!”

32. Jeremy
    Comment by Jeremy | 05/11/08 at 9:59 pm

    J_question:

    1. How much tax revenue do you think those buildings would bring in if they were sold at market value? How much tax revenue do you think the artists are contributing compared to everyone else?
    2. No, but I’m not suggesting that that Fort Point area should turn itself into a tourist center, nor am I saying that it shouldn’t.
    3. No, I don’t. I also don’t belong to an organization that is heavily supported by the community.

    Bob:

    1. It isn’t peeking when they are in the window with the blinds up and strategically placed lights are shining on them.
    2. I’m not a realtor.
    3. If I wanted a scratched up old toilet seat, I would buy one myself, from Kohler, and do it myself.

    This is my last post on the topic.

33. seaportguy
    Comment by seaportguy | 05/11/08 at 10:28 pm

    Jeremy,

    With respect, Channel Center would be office space and arts space if it wasn’t for the arts community. When Beacon Capital purchased the buildings, everyone opposed residential on the site except for the arts community. At the time every Southie elected leader opposed residential on the site, and Gillette had sued Beacon to stop the residential program. Only the arts community rallied support for new neighbors and new residential, and testified at ZBA in support of the market rate residential project, as they have continued to do for the past dozen years.

    Your comments about “four walls” and income are off base and offensive… If you suppose that you personally might not contributing as much to the tax base as some artists in Fort Point, you could be sure those artists would never guage the merits of your residency based on that criteria.

    I’m not trying to start an argument, just wanted to state some facts based on history. There is more to the big picture (including the City’s economic picture and the value of the arts community as a whole) than your casual observations allow.

    I don’t expect you to agree, no problem.

34. John A Keith
    Comment by John A Keith | 05/11/08 at 10:57 pm

    Turns out that, as of now, any residential in the area has been a poor decision. Channel Center project, canceled, Goldman Properties putting residential housing in the dustbin.

    Maybe we’re not giving developers, city planners, and the zoning board enough credit.

35. Jeremy
    Comment by Jeremy | 05/11/08 at 11:29 pm

    seaportguy, thanks for providing the information. You make a really good point in stating that if it weren’t for the arts community, no one else would probably be here either.

    John, I think that residential in the area was a great decision. The market isn’t absorbing units at the rate most might have expected a few years back, but I think that the area holds great potential and almost everyone i know that lives in the area loves it.

36. seaportguy
    Comment by seaportguy | 05/11/08 at 11:50 pm

    John -

    The people with paintbrushes knew more than the realtors did at the time.

    Mondo Condo (Melcher) = success
    Fort Point Place (Wormwood) = success
    25 Channel Center = success
    35 Channel Center = success
    Midway Studios = success

    Not sure where the failures are other than Archon’s abandonment of their so-called “vision” in favor of flipping buildings for office space.

    I guess the only questionable one might be FP3 because of pricing, but the area is an amazing place to be so FP3 may be a dark horse.

37. reallyredcellocase
    Comment by reallyredcellocase | 05/13/08 at 11:17 am

    There is a very popular tourist attraction in Florence called “David” He is also a naked guy. No one seems to mind. As far as cleaning up trash, We had a very successful Boston Shines event where 60 people, at least half of them artists showed up and cleaned A Street and the entire Fort Point Channel area, A tiny 5 months pregnant artist organized a tree mulching project, and I had the USPS cited for their trash all along A Street. They have been very responsive-
    See Bob Cannon’s note below:
    Hi Cam:

    Sorry it took awhile to reply on this. It’s a combination of me being laid up a bit and a lot of things going on. First of all, thanks for your multiple notes of appreciation on progress with the cleanup in our parking lot. Also, congratulations on your wonderful efforts on Boston Shines. I did see Tom Palmer’s article in the Globe on it. It was great! Ironically, I was interviewed by Tom a couple of days before that appeared on a story about the status of the General Mail Facility relocation project.

    I guess even I was overly-optimistic a bit at just how much work was involved in cleaning up the lot. On the day you sent me the e-mail below I went over to the lot and walked the entire length of the perimeter inside the fence from the A Street entrance across from Melcher Street down to our gas pumps south of the Vehicle Maintenance Facility. Along A Street looked fairly clean and that squared with what you saw (from the pictures you sent me) just before the Boston Shines weekend. However, there was a lot of trash most of the rest of the way and some of it looked pretty old. As I had noted before the areas inside the fence where there is a guardrail had a lot of trash, undoubtedly because the winds not only blow it toward the fence but trap it between the fence and the guardrail.

    Anyway, I brought my observations back to the maintenance manager. He assured me that the cleanup effort was ongoing and could take as much as a month because, even with the regular weekly maintenance and judging from previous years, it seems to take that long just after the winter to get the lot into as pristine a condition as possible. I knew that the effort had begun, especially when I received your previous e-mails. I just mistakenly assumed that it was completed.

    I think a positive note is that Chris Stockbridge and Frank Aldoupolis of our maintenance department have spoken and I think they’ve established a dialogue wherein each understands the other’s duties and responsibilities and so forth but each also understands the bottom line is that the parking lot has to be kept reasonably clean.

    You and I spoke about this but we’re trying to attack the problem in another way under the philosophy that “if no one drops the piece of paper in the first place, no one has to pick it up.” I’ve prepared a number of “service talks,” as they’re called, that will be used to both ask for all General Mail Facility employees’ cooperation in not littering in the parking lot but also reminding them that it is their responsibility, at least in part, to keep the lot clean and the consequences for violators, i.e., loss of parking privileges.

    I think a lot of this problem boils down to the fact that our employees are largely no different than the population at large. What this means is that, candidly, some of them are born slobs, but most of them are not. But even those that are not can be inadvertently contributing to the problem. It IS windy in that parking lot and it is very easy for papers and food wrappers to blow out of a vehicle door when it is open, sometimes without the person seeing it.

    Regarding the urine bottles and other such problems we’ve spoken about, suffice it to say that I’ve brought it to the attention of the Postal Inspection Service and their uniformed branch, the Postal Police. For probably obvious security reasons, I can’t go into any more detail than that.

    I know Chris Stockbridge gave you Frank Aldoupolis’ contact number and you certainly may contact Frank but his role is limited to strictly maintenance issues. You might want to keep me as your main contact for any issues or concerns regarding the Channel Center/Fort Point Place’s relationship with the Postal Service.

    Congrats once again on Boston Shines!

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