Back Bay Association in Action

by | Feb 6, 2020 | In the NEWS

January 2020

Proposed Hynes Convention Center Sale

A hearing  before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight exposed serious road blocks to the approval of the sale of the Hynes Convention Center. Co-chairs State Sen. Marc Pacheco and Rep. Danielle Gregoire  indicated that they would not support the sale without increased support from the neighborhood after a number of speakers, including members of the Back Bay Association, expressed strong concerns about the lack of transparency and planning process.  Back Bay Association Meg Mainzer-Cohen testified at the hearing and numerous BBA members responded to the association’s call to action by writing letters of concern and attending the hearing.

For more on this hearing:  Boston Globe, Beacon Hill Times,  BisNow

Development of Parcel 13

The Peebles Group began the community process regarding the potential development of Parcel 13, one of the parcels above the Mass Pike that have been targeted for air rights development.  The Peebles Group project proposes a 373,000-square-foot development, comprised of:

  • 85 rental and 88 condominium residential units
  • 156-key hotel
  • 26,000 square feet of retail space
  • 138 accessory parking spaces.

The project will also focus on fixing the Hynes T station, filling in the “hole” over the Mass Pike at Mass Ave, and enhancing the public realm while keeping with the historic character of the neighborhood.  The Back Bay Association will play an essential role in this project review. 

For more on this project: Boston Business Journal

Fenway Center Approvals

The Fenway Center is seeking final approvals.  This 1.1 million sqft mixed use air rights project will consist of five new buildings and include:

  • 550 residential units
  • 160,000 square feet of office space
  • over 50,000 square feet of retail will be built at Fenway Center
  • over 30,000 square feet of park and green space.

The recent overhaul of the Yawkey Commuter Rail station was part of this project.  The first phase of this project, Bower, looks to open in Spring 2020.  The Back Bay Association has played a key role in planning for Fenway Center since 2005.

For more on the first Fenway Center opening, click here.

Downtown Waltham  Partnership

Back Bay Association  Meg Mainzer-Cohen presented to the Downtown Waltham Partnership.  Meg provided an overview about the Back Bay Association mission to improve, promote, and protect business and outlined like areas of concern, such as signage, zoning, beautification, and more.

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