I don't get the Silver Line arguments. Between South Station and WTC, it is a subway. Yes, it's buses, but it's below ground and a dedicated line. Between Courthouse Station, and WTC station, plus an additional one halfway between in the future, Fan Pier and Seaport Square into the Massport lots will be very well covered. The BCEC, Waterside, and D Street developments are underserved, even though WTC station isn't far away. A tunnel from WTC station to BCEC could help.
True........Cambridge was dump but it still had the Redline running through the area which made it an easy commute to everywhere.
The Innovation district will be built with buildings and people will be walking around. Overtime will it evolve into something....... successful? I doubt it. I think we might see some serious congestion of automobile traffic coming in & out of the area...Which will be a negative affect for the Greenway.
Will the innovation district become a similar Cambridge......Not in my lifetime, that area is missing two key components called Harvard & MIT.
This probably was the last great development area close to the city to make a serious statement for Boston. The Seaport District.
I just see corporations flocking back to the city to stay near the MBTA grid to make life an easier commute for its employees. Having Cars getting in & out of the city in this area will SUCK.
What I'm seeing with my eyes right now is an area evolving
Remys
average bars &restaurants on the water with plenty of parking right now
route128 box buildings
high end condo buildings with Boats
courthouse
And they will continue to pump as much tax-dollars in this area as they can which will even force more shitty developments.
I think the best thing going for the area is the Childrens Musuem
The poor planning for the Seaport District will also affect the Greenway with Gridlock Automobile Traffic around it
You indicate the Children's Musem as a positive, but in addition the Tea Party is almost done and back on the map, plus everyone seems to love the ICA. That's 3 cultural draws so far. High End restaurants abound right now, but yes that suits the office clientele as well as conventioners. I'm still hoping for the lower cost food, but that wil follow and fill in as residents move in.
Tourists? What is a tourist? An out of towner? There are hundreds and thousands of them when the BCEC is full. When operating at or near capacity that dumps a lot of people into the area. From traveling to conventions, I know I prefer to stay close to the hall and hotel, and want everything within easy reach. Right now this isn't the case, which is why you don't see these folks. Head over to the No Name on a big convention day, and it's mobbed for 2 hours. 2,000 more hotel rooms like they want, and you will see foot traffic at local places.
Add to this the increased working population as well as new residents, and you get a neighborhood.... Again, not saying it'll all work out, but it's hardly the doom and gloom you predict. You just seem to want instant gratification in an area notoriously slow in growing and developing. Not in your lifetime? Maybe, I don't know how old you are, but it's built for the long haul not for the moment in time.
Traffic is a reality and will increase. We are a bit spoiled right now with how easy it is to get into the area and drive the Seaport streets relatively traffic free. It's also peoples own fault, as there should not be a huge need at full build out to drive much during peak hours. Taxis to and from businesses and the BCEC sure. I already drive in early and leave late when I decide to drive because I know the hours. Others will learn too. And traffic adversely affecting the greenway????? How does traffic adversely affect a 6 lane highway? Unless people start driving their cars on the walking paths as a shortcut, I don't see the impact on the parks themselves, besides it maybe making more people walk to easy to reach destinations, and increasing foot traffic on the greenway, which is what it lacks.
