'Tis true, it's an extension of the financial district; never thought about that way before. Thanks.
It just won't ever be a true "residential" neighborhood, not with the low number of housing units being built. There won't be enough density and/or the right "feel", if that makes sense. I can't imagine any scenario where a supermarket makes sense, much less a library. A "Foodies"-sized market, perhaps, but even that seems like a stretch, to me. Low density, plus the demographics make it unlikely, in my opinion. My neighbors here in 02210 seem to be college students (who somehow like the long commutes to BU, etc.), middle-aged professionals such as myself, and the rich who are moving into 22 & 50 Liberty, and will move into Pier 4 when completed, and the like.
Highly mobile and active, perhaps only in their homes during the week, heading off every weekend to do this or that (Bob Kraft has 2 units in 22 Liberty, for example, lol). And most of us probably buy groceries every day at the corner market, have them delivered, or eat out all the time.
My neighbors at 437 D Street seem active and eager to be involved in the decision-making going on (they were adamantly against IndyCar, for example), but I don't think many other homeowners will be that way (again, Liberty & Pier 4, specifically). And, renters are historically bad at getting involved.
Of course, I'm speaking only about the "Seaport"; Fort Point has a couple of buildings where neighbors are active; Channel Center, specifically. But, there just aren't that many people living there, even, to make much of a difference. (They are vocal in their opposition to the GElipad, but were less against it once it was decided to not build the landing pad near them.) And, for many of them, their interests end at A Street. (02210 covers Seaport, Fort Point, etc., and ends around West 1st Street. South Boston is 02127.)
The CVS is a nice addition, even though it is smaller than it should be. They have "groceries" but only a limited amount (no fresh fruit like you find in other CVSs, for example). It's good for both residents and workers in the area office buildings.
The next big game-changer is the M parcels (they're tearing up the pavement, right now) and then, of course, the L parcels. L is important not just because of the residential component but because it's the parcel closest to "downtown", etc. Currently just parking lots, it's like a barrier (a moat?) between Fort Point and the Seaport. When completed, it will stitch the two areas together.
My forecast is for the neighborhood to remain the same, even when completed, with little activity on weekends, save for those going to the Harpoon Brewery or events at the Convention Center.
I don't know if I consider it a "failure" if it turns out that way, or a lost opportunity, just that "it is what it is".
