Re: Filene's
I appreciate the sentiment that people should attend these types of meetings to voice their opinions. I have attended BRA meetings in the past. Most memorable was the time a number archboston people, particularly, Itchy, practically hijacked a BRA meeting re: the proposed demolition (and redevelopment) of the Shreve Crump and Low building! It seemed to raise awareness of the pitfalls of the project, but, as expected, the BRA still remains dead set allowing the Druker's plan to proceed as is.
I can't make this upcoming meeting on Filenes due to conflicts. Given development is on the uptick and popping up all over Boston, it would be comforting if the BRA which is our city planning agency actually had some rigorous and adequate design review in place. The crap that gets the green light is astonishing. Simple stuff like tweaking projects to improve streetwall treatment and interaction seems to be just flat out neglected. This has been pointed out by Briv et. al., throughout the various threads.
I'd drive myself crazy running around attending all these BRA meetings trying to pick up the slack where leadership from the BRA is lacking. For example, I believe it was Sicilian who indicated that after years of continually participating in BRA meetings trying to guide and encourage development in the Fort Point neighborhood, the actively engaged neighborhood is weary and disillusioned with the BRA.