East Boston Infill and Small Developments

 
Developers propose replacing rental-car lot with 300 residential units in East Boston
In a letter of intent filed with the BPDA, local developer Gate Residential and Bulgroup Colorado of New York say they would use a roughly 3.2-acre rear section of a block that also includes a building housing a fitness center and a church. The current parking lot butts up against the Brandywyne Village development, but access is through a driveway off McClellan.
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http://www.universalhub.com/2017/developers-propose-replacing-rental-car-lot-300?nocache=1
 
BostonDrew said:
Retail proposal for Maverick Square
FormPlace_24eastboston01_biz-.jpg
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BeeLine said:
Will be replacing this vvv.

https://flic.kr/p/S8T7gf
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So, this cynical little project is finally getting the vocal opposition it so richly deserves, both from local preservation activists, and the Boston Preservation Alliance. Not fully pictured in BeeLine's photo is a pair of brick townhouses (circa 1870) that the developer plans to raise in favor of the craftless retail box pictured above.

The cost of progress for any urban neighborhood should never be the sacrifice of its architectural heritage. Would these buildings be demolished if they stood in Beacon Hill, the Back Bay, or the South End? I don't think so.

The era of Tom Menino and Kairos Shen set a poor baseline for development in East Boston and other neighborhoods across the city. But the Walsh Administration seems all too committed to continuing to make the same ill-considered decisions, making the most of a hot economic cycle, while mortgaging the future quality of life for many Bostonians.

The lack of a comprehensive master plan for East Boston is inexcusable. The Walsh Administration has had four years to get their arms around this issue. We need an intelligent and inclusive dialog between the City, Developers, Preservationists, Urban Planners, and residents.

I'd love have an hour to walk the streets of our neighborhood with the Mayor. All I'd do is point at recent, new, and in-progress construction and ask: "What the hell are we doing here?" I'm genuinely interested in knowing how he'd respond.

If any of this resonates with you, I offer this petition for your consideration.
 
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BeeLine said:
Hope the petition helps.
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As do many many of us...

Here's the text of the message that was sent out by the Boston Preservation Alliance this afternoon:

October 31, 2017

Dear Preservation Friends,

Since January, the Alliance has been engaged with the East Boston community, local agencies, and developers about a proposed project at Maverick Square. Now, after much discussion and behind the scenes advocacy, it's time for all of us to speak up for Eastie.

A demolition delay period at 9 Chelsea Street will expire on November 20th, clearing the way for a developer to raze historic buildings at a prominent corner in East Boston's Maverick Square. Though the community overwhelmingly opposes the proposed suburban-style retail construction, the developer has repeatedly dismissed neighborhood concerns and plans to not only demolish the historic buildings but relocate a Landmarked historic clock from the site. As insensitive new development erodes East Boston's historic character, the neighborhood asks for your help to save what's left.
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Tell Mayor Walsh that the history of our unique communities matters; sacrificing a sense of place for generic new construction is not in keeping with the goals expressed in the Imagine Boston 2030 Plan. This includes:

• enhancing neighborhood character and public space
• preserving historic architecture and affirming neighborhood identity
• encouraging mixed-use housing
• preparing for climate change

Sign this petition created by East Boston residents asking Mayor Walsh to ensure that demolition permits will not be issued for these historic rowhouses. Let's send the message that developers need to work with communities and balance new, thoughtful design with the historic character that defines our communities.

Sign the Petition
Let's keep working together to protect the neighborhoods that make Boston, Boston.

Greg Galer
Executive Director of the Alliance
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jl326 said:
What in the world happened here?!?!
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Call it a modern interpretation of the ornamental wrought iron you’d find in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Perhaps they’ll plant some vines.
 
Sadly, East Boston is no longer a cheap place to stay! I'm thankful that I was able to stay there for 13 happy years. That is, until the NOW lying vicious landlord became an evil asshole!! :eek:
 
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jl326 said:
What in the world happened here?!?! Looks like it could have been a decent enough looking place. And then they decided to add uh.. braces to the darn thing?



More or less the same visual impact as this here:

s-l300.jpg
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The rendering isn't bad, but when you add the horizontal wire rails behind the decorative ones and make everything black and silver there is a bit much going on.
 
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