III Background - Meeting Minutes - Boston Redevelopment Authority

MEETING #2 cont.
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I I I B a c k g r o u n d - M e e t i n g M i n u t e s
5. Close to Esplanade, River
6. Safe neighborhood
7. Diversity of ages, income, ethnicity…welcoming to all
8. Car-free zone in midst of busy area
9. Availability of off-street parking
10. A community that works better than most
Things we can Improve:
1. Public opinion of our neighborhood
2. Connections between buildings and surrounding areas
3. Accessibility for all, better maintained sidewalks, curb cuts, traffic crossings
4. Attractiveness, aesthetic improvements
5. Improve appearance of surrounding public buildings
6. Address homelessness and vagrants on perimeter
7. Air quality, Big Dig, MGH diesel busses, hazardous waste, medical waste, leaking
dumpsters
8. Too many busses and trucks on Cardinal O’Connell Way
9. Unsightly security measures like jersey barriers around public buildings
10. More brick, less concrete, more planters, more attractive lighting
11. Upgrade Science Park and Bowdoin stations
12. Improve pedestrian overpasses to Science Museum, Esplanade
13. Improve signage and reconfigure pedestrian walkways
14. Unattractive edges (Martha Road, Charles Street extension, Blossom St., etc.)
15. Noise from Helipad, Fleet Center Garage, Loading ramps
GROUP #4
Current:
• Diversity: Business/Residential, Social/Economic
• West End has a very well defined image: open space, quiet, unique
Future:
• Maintain affordability and stability
• Can we expand or make better use of West End boundaries, specifically to be used
for Residential
• Restrict density levels
• Residential support services, (i.e., schools, retail, recreational)
• Preserve open space and character