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SUMM e r 2 0 0 8 Proposed Tower Raises Serious , and on the Back Bay and South Questions about Public Space, Shadows End Historic districts. The PNF studies indicate By Jackie yessian, jolinda taylor, and peter flynn that shadows would extend all the way to the Commonwealth Avenue Mall at some times of the The proposed new tower over Copley photographed buildings in . When planning year. Place Park—the plaza with the two metal horses in Copley Place, the rule of thumb, “no higher than half front of Neiman Marcus—is the latest example of a the height of the Hancock,” was used to establish Very tall buildings, such as the Hancock Tower, development project where none was ever envisioned the maximum height for the hotel and office towers. are responsible for winds that make walking in this by the adjacent neighborhoods or the City of Boston. Adhering to this principal for any building within the area difficult in many weather conditions. The It has come about because the Simon Properties area would clearly establish the new tower as part proposed tower would add to this problem. Company, one of the of Copley Place, 790 feet The site is at a transportation hub, close to largest mall owners in Hancock and avoid visual turnpike, bus, subway, and train routes. Thus, it is tower the world, is looking 600 feet conflict with the ripe for transit-oriented development. However, to expand, employing Proposed taller structures. continued on page 3 Copley the latest strategy in tower 395 feet The location mall development— WEstin of the proposed Hotel high-end residences development is Bare Today, Green Tomorrow and retail space. also directly south This may make of the Boston sense in the typical Public Library suburban mall where on Dartmouth the retail buildings Street. Buildings are surrounded by on Dartmouth acres of parking that Pho t o: j a ckie Y essi an Street are held provide ample space This composite photo, shot looking south along Dartmouth Street from away from the

Boylston, illustrates the approximate height of the proposed tower, based Pho t o: j a ckie yessi an for new buildings over street, creating an on information in the Project Notification Form. (The “ghost” building the cars. In Copley important north- here does not accurately convey the project’s proposed shape.) Place, however, such a south boulevard proposal is much more problematic. that expands into the open space of Copley Place parking is already covered by the (see box.) The proposed tower would block views of mall. There is limited open space, and that open space the sky from the Square and cause new shadows on The City of Boston has begun work to renew the lawn is suspended over the publicly owned Dartmouth Street, Copley Square, on the adjacent and some of the masonry in Copley Square. See page 3 for details. Turnpike. The open space is an east-northeast fac- nationally landmarked and ing park, an asset to the neighboring residents, mall shoppers, and travelers using the train station across Dartmouth Street. The proposed development will enclose this park, as well as part of the adjacent, heav- Graffiti NABBers Round-up: A Tagger, an Award, and More... ily trafficked sidewalks, and will require the acquisi- tion of the corner of Dartmouth and Stuart Streets. by anne swanson and kathleen alexander At the Copley Place site, a building that could Quick Thinking Leads to Arrest Graffiti NABBers Wins Award contain the developer’s desired number of new On June 11, neighbor Penny Cherubino proved In July, the Graffiti NABBers were selected to residential units would have to be very tall because to be a Graffiti NABBer extraordinaire when she receive one of Boston’s Top Ten Crime Watch Awards the available open space is relatively small. The used her cell phone to photograph a young man for 2008. Mayor Menino attended the presentation developers are touting the views from these units. scrawling words and pictures on the Collins Statue on of the awards at the Salute to the Neighborhoods But for those of us who live in the surrounding Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Community Awards Celebration on August 4. Seven neighborhoods, the view would be less attractive. After the vandal jokingly posed for her camera, Graffiti NABBers represented the larger group at the The project is described in a Project Notification he thought to inquire what Penny intended to do event at the Venezia Restaurant in Dorchester, where Form (PNF) submitted to the Boston Redevelopment with the photo. When Penny said she planned to crime watch groups were honored for contributing to Authority (BRA) for public review and comment. send it directly to the a safer and friendlier (Copies are available for viewing at the BRA and at police, the tagger fol- city for all of us! the Boston Public Library.) As illustrations in the lowed her aggressively. Graffiti Busters to PNF show, the basic idea is to expand the retail space Fortunately, two nearby on the lower levels and construct the residences Clean Residential postal workers came to Alleys in a 600-foot-tall tower above. For reference, The her aid by escorting the is 749 feet tall. The nearby John The City of young man back to his Boston’s Graffiti Hancock Tower is 790 feet. The neighboring Westin, friends. the Marriott at Copley, and the new Clarendon Busters has agreed to Penny immediately building are 395, 382, and 375 feet, respectively. The clean the residential emailed the perpetra- Pho t o: To m S hi ll i n g la w typical Back Bay/South End brownstone is only about alleys north of tor’s photo to our long- 65 feet tall. Commonwealth time ally, Detective Avenue in early The location of the proposed tower is close to the Billy Kelley, who drove September. In iconic , which is widely regarded to the Mall and made as one of the best high-rise buildings in the world. preparation, Graffiti the arrest. This is the Graffiti NABBers co-chairs, Kathleen Alexander and Anne Swanson NABBers has Along with Trinity Church, it is one of the most (left to right) accepted a Crime Watch Award as BPD officers, ultimate in community contacted residents including Sergeant Kevin Power and Officer Richard Litto (left to policing and a great for permission forms use of technology to right next to Anne), look on. Annual Meeting and Street Sale and will post flyers on help us enforce the law tagged surfaces. Graffiti Busters will also clean new > THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 at 6:30 p.m. in our neighborhood! While we do not recommend tags in the commercial alleys south of Commonwealth NABB Annual Meeting at the Algonquin Club, confronting vandals, we salute Penny for her forti- Avenue. Completing the cleaning of all Back Bay 217 Commonwealth Avenue. Guest Speaker will be tude and quick thinking! (And thanks to the Parks Emily Rooney of WGBH-TV’s “” alleys will be a huge milestone after our two-and-a- Department for quickly removing the graffiti.) half-year effort to eradicate graffiti from the historic > SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. We need to educate young people that defacing NABB Street Sale on the Dartmouth Street Mall. district. public or private property for entertainment is continued on page 2 Call 617-247-3961 for information. unacceptable. We Will Miss Dick Brayley And Fred Mauet Graffiti NABBers, continued from page 1 his spring the Back Bay neighborhood lost two stalwart defenders with the passing of Richard Brayley on March We urge owners of cleaned properties to 9, aged 83, and Fred Mauet on April 19 at age 55. Both men were longtime NABB board members and both had express their appreciation to Mike Bartosiak been honored with NABB Community Service Awards. and his crews. While we all pay taxes for T At the time of his death, Dick Brayley had lived in the Back Bay for over 50 years and in his soft-spoken, these services, Graffiti Busters serves 22 selfless way had been a knowledgeable advisor and helpful participant in many of NABB’s endeavors. In the mid-1980s, neighborhoods and receives 100 calls a day! Dick built a model of the proposed Prudential Center redevelopment project that pointed up By facilitating the cleaning of entire alley Richard the need for project guidelines, influencing the establishment of the citizen’s group, PruPAC. corridors, Graffiti NABBers has worked With fellow NABB activist, Paul Prindle, Dick called attention to poor conditions in our alleys together with Graffiti Busters to combat Brayley and worked with the City on much-needed improvements—an effort that continues to this this chronic vandalism as never before. Our 1924–2008 day. Dick also served over a decade as a NABB representative to the Back Bay Architectural photographic record of the original condition Commission. of these alleys shows that the transformation In 2007, Dick received NABB Mary Natale Citizenship Award in recognition of his is astonishing and reminds us how very far sustained dedication and significant and unheralded service to our neighborhood. (See NABB we’ve come! NEWS, Winter 2008) E.J. Clean Reaches Higher Neighbors and family gathered to remember the life of Dick Erik Barry of E.J. Clean is continuing to Brayley on April 27th at the Boston Architectural College across Fred Mauet contact property owners to provide graffiti from his home and the NABB office where for many removal for upper stories and rooftops. This years Dick was this association’s welcoming landlord. Many memories 1953–2008 is a complicated and time-consuming process and anecdotes, both humorous and touching, were shared about Dick and removal of many layers of paint adds to as a proud WWII Army veteran, intrepid pilot, and delightful friend. the cost. Nevertheless, Erik’s service makes As Dick was fond of saying about the buildings in his beloved historic it possible to remove upper-story graffiti. We Back Bay neighborhood, “They’re not making any more of them!” urge property owners to contact Erik Barry The same could be said of this unique gentleman. at 617-212-4575 or [email protected] If you  Fred Mauet was the 2005 recipient of the Paul Prindle prefer to have your own maintenance people p ho t o: patt i q ui nn Community Leadership Award, which honored his two decades of take on the task, that’s wonderful, too! Please dedication and advocacy on behalf of our neighborhood and the city. (See NABB NEWS, Fall do so at your earliest convenience. 2005) Fred served NABB and Boston in a multitude of capacities, as chairman, as a member of NABB Website Provides Tips the Millennium and Columbus Center Citizen’s Advisory Committees, and as vice-president of Please check the Graffiti NABBer the Friends of the Public Garden. NABB recently named the Fred Mauet Legal Action Fund in portion of NABB’s new website for practical his honor. Friends and family held a memorial service at Mount Auburn Cemetery on May 21 information about graffiti removal. The celebrating Fred’s life with music and loving recollections. website explains our working relationships A lawyer, teacher, and preservationist, Fred’s brand of civic activism combined intellectual and provides contact information for the analysis with passionate conviction. His insight, wisdom, and vision were invaluable to all who Graffiti Busters, E.J. Clean, and local paint sought his counsel. p ho t o: Ja ckie Y essi an and hardware stores. We also tell you how to report graffiti vandalism and how to remove Fred’s belief in the importance of neighborhood involvement in thoughtful development is best explained in his own words, graffiti. Go to www.nabbonline.com. which resonate today as well as when they were written in 1999. USPS Repaints Mailboxes Postal worker Dave Eisner has been repainting Back Bay mailboxes covered with When Good Things Happen to Bad Projects: graffiti or splotchy, mismatched paint from The Neighborhood Review Process temporary graffiti paint-overs. The freshly By Fred Mauet Boston’s super-heated real-estate wave of a feverish real-estate cycle, BRA review immeasurably. We need market has generated scores of will be unhealthy for the future livabil- to remember the lessons of the past, development proposals, most of them ity of districts where residents must when residents who resisted projects targeted for downtown locations. coexist with workers, shoppers and were roundly criticized as “anti-prog- The 70 projects currently proposed tourists. For that reason, community ress.” Decades later, we are thankful or in the pipeline have provoked groups have been speaking forcefully that stalwart citizens resisted highrises alarm in the city’s neighborhoods. about the dangers inherent in a build- on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Many residents feel overwhelmed ing boom. They are not advocating a a new expressway in the Southwest by the size of the proposals and moratorium on development—respon- Corridor, and a tower plunging the their perceived impact, and they are sible neighborhood organizations, Public Garden into perpetual shadow. vigorously voicing their concerns. But which the city has in abundance, sup- Instead, the city is the proud possessor painted mailboxes look infinitely better, neighborhood involvement in the port reasonable choices. But they are of a preserved jewel of the Emerald and we are very grateful! If you see Dave in development discussion is a sign of asking some tough questions which Necklace, a stunning “ribbon park,” action, please express your appreciation! Boston’s success as a vibrant city, not deserve answers. The hardest question and the respectfully designed Heritage a frustrating symptom of a lack of a has turned out to be the management on the Garden complex—all victories of Adopt-a-Block “can-do” attitude. of transportation infrastructure. It is stubborn advocates who sailed against The Adopt-a-Block initiative is the In the last two decades, Boston’s difficult to see how Boston’s streets the prevailing development winds of next step in spreading the responsibility for maintaining our beautiful historic district. competitive niche—from a physical per- will accommodate 30,000 new cars their day. We’ve worked hard to complete the initial spective—has become its walkable and lured into the city by the parking This isn’t to say that new build- hands-on removal of graffiti and stickers human-sized scale. Guidebooks and facilities that accompany many of the ing shouldn’t happen in Boston. This throughout the district. Now we are simply newspapers tout the city’s “moderate development projects in planning, or city is deservedly a showcase of urban asking more of you to keep an eye on your skyline” and “villagey charm” as quali- already under review at the Boston living, which merits the attention of Redevelopment Authority (BRA). The immediate area, remove small tags and ties that visitors love. For residents, developers who understand its history. stickers, and report larger tags for removal by neighborhoods believe the only solu- Boston offers an amenity possessed by The neighborhoods must be encour- the Graffiti Busters. Please let us know if you tion is an improved transit system. It only a handful of large American cities: aged to participate in decision-making wish to Adopt-a-Block by sending an email to is irresponsible to first build millions of thriving downtown neighborhoods regarding the city’s future if we are to [email protected]. where workplaces in the financial dis- square feet of development and then have a semblance of serious discussion Please become part of our collective trict are within walking distance, and ask if there is a coherent strategy to that moves out of developers’ confer- serve the transportation needs of a solution for this ongoing problem. If many a sense of community has been pre- ence rooms. We are a society that people take care of a small area, we can denser city. served in the midst of the urban hurly- works best with a healthy system of keep the neighborhood beautiful! Cleaning burly. This is a valuable characteristic Although neighborhood groups checks and balances. If neighborhood graffiti quickly takes all the excitement out of which deserves to be protected. are asking hard questions, they are cer- advocates didn’t exist, they would tagging and keeps the taggers away! But Boston’s intimacy is a function tainly not controlling the development have to be invented. of its unusual geography. Its residents agenda. On the contrary—the new Reprinted by permission are keenly aware that over-develop- developer-friendly Article 80 of the from the Winter 1999 issue of ment , hastily approved to catch the Boston Zoning Code has speeded up ArchitectureBoston.

Page 2 SUMMER 2008 NABB NEWS Alley Rally Brings Out The Best

Many thanks to all the volunteers who turned out on April 26 for a super successful Alley Rally. Burger King, Bostone Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Shaw’s Supermarkets generously donated the food and beverages for this popular neighborhood event, headquartered as usual at the Clarendon Street Playground. The City of Boston provided Historian David McCullough, Pulitzer-Prize-winning author equipment as part of Mayor of ‘Truman’ and ‘John Menino’s citywide cleanup, Adams,’ pauses on Arlington- Street to salute NABB volun “Boston Shines.” teers sweeping Alley 424. Alley Rally chairs (left to right) Ellen Rooney, Chris Kevin Hughes serves thirsty workers Mitchell, and Roseann Colot MIT’s fraternities lend many hands.

Photo: jackie yessian

Will Onuoha, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, spreads the word about “Boston Shines.”

All Photos by patti quinn, except as noted Nancy Devereaux and Marjorie Smith

Copley Tower, continued from page 1 the impacts on these already very actively opley Square, named for artist used resources need to be studied. Rather than John Singleton Copley, is a The Museum of Fine Arts stood overloading this site by creating a single tower with prominent, centrally located, 1870 where the Copley Plaza Hotel stands significant negative impacts on its surroundings, the today. City would do well to identify all potential sites for public gathering place in the CBack Bay. The Square is surrounded Construction of New Old South transit-oriented development and divide planned Church completed. retail and housing development among them. by three National Historic Landmark 1875 buildings: Trinity Church, Old South Trinity Church opens its doors. BRA REView process This project is moving through the BRA review Church, and the Boston Public Library. 1877 Copley’s statue, sculpted by process as if it were the only building Name changes from Art Square to that will impact our area. However, the Copley Lewis Cohen, presides. Residents Copley Square. term,” high spine development corri- of the Back Bay and nearby 1883 Construction of the Boston Public dor”—a term first used in the early 1960s Square neighborhoods and visitors Library completes the architectural to denote a column of high-rise buildings Milestones from around the country and 1895 separating the Back Bay from the South framework surrounding the square. End—is used frequently in public meet- the world know and appreciate the sun-washed space. Two The City proposes closing off the first ings by the BRA and individual develop- 1966 block of to join ers. In this context, the Hancock Garage, days a week from June through the existing triangles into a “square.” The result is which provides a flat space even closer November, local farmers ring a sunken park, which would be less noisy and offer to the Hancock Tower, has already been the lawn with cheerful tents to seclusion from busy street life. mentioned as an inviting location for yet sell fresh seasonal produce and another tower that would introduce even After residents and businesses

Pho t o: M a rk Y essi an flowers. At holiday time, the more shadow, wind, traffic, and other 1983 form the Copley Square Centennial detrimental environmental impacts. Any developer square hosts a festive tree. The Committee, the City launches public workshops to with an eye on the area will be watching the Copley Boston Marathon, celebrated by Nancy establish guidelines for a new park. tower carefully for indications of how high the City Schon’s Tortoise and Hare sculpture, A national competition results in is willing to go. finishes just outside the square. 1989 the current design, dedicated in this The public needs to participate in monitoring In June, the Parks Department began year. and scrutinizing these ever-burgeoning development proposals. It is important that replacing the 20-year-old great lawn and The Friends of Copley Square is residents and business owners weigh in on every its drainage and sprinkler system. New 1992 founded as the successor to the issue affecting our neighborhood and the health of bluegrass sod will be installed and perennial CSCC, whose work of redesign and reconstruction the City. We need to ensure that the environmental rye grass will be seeded into it. Protective had been accomplished by 1991. impacts of proposed projects are carefully studied fencing will remain in place until Marathon The funds raised by the Friends of and mitigated as much as possible. At the same Monday, April 20, 2009. Other grass areas Copley Square continue to be used time we need to strongly encourage the City to 2008 will also be replaced. Fortunately, the work to maintain the fountain and provide other routine create a more transparent planning function maintenance of the Square. reporting to the citizens, rather than to leave will not displace the Farmers’ Market. The planning decisions in the hands of individual Parks Department also has plans to repair Milestones provided by the Friends of Copley developers and the BRA. the masonry in the Square. Square. The Friends’ mission is to preserve and For more information go to www. This is all good news, as Copley Square enhance the park as a recreational resource for bostonredevelopmentauthority.org or call NABB at is one of the most beloved and heavily used residents, workers and visitors. 617-247-3961. parks in the City.

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ver 350 guests at NABB’s 13th Annual Taste of the Back Bay were truly fortunate to sample some of the finest food Oand drink available anywhere. Spectacular views from the Prudential Skywalk and live cabaret music added to the wonderful, internationally-themed ambience. A portion of the proceeds for the taste benefited the Snowden International School’s study abroad program. Thanks to all who attended, served, sponsored, and planned— especially the Taste 2008 Committee (see photo), Richard Tominsky of Prudential Skywalk, Brenda Adams of Adams Design, Rebecca McGrotty of Quality Graphics and Kevin Luey and the musicians from the Boston Association of Cabaret Artists. Lucky #13 Left, Cyndi Smith and Jamie Schneider of 33 Restaurant & Lounge. Below, left to right: Rodrigo Caus and Danny LeVesque of Bouchée. Pho t o: P att i q ui nn Pho t o: P att i q ui nn The Taste Committee: (above, left to right) Jody Carlson, Bill Gehan, Diane Stiles, Jack Gregg, Sue Baker, Barbara Papesch, Manya Chylinski, and Monte Agro. Pho t o: Lise S . B e an Pho t o: Ka re n Zuri ta

NABB Contacts http://www.nabbonline.com Protect your street trees…beautify our neighborhood! 337 Newbury Street, Boston 02115 he Garden Club of the Back Bay is now taking orders for 617-247-3961 beautiful new tree-pit fences like this one. For a $950 [email protected] Tcontribution, the Garden Club will evaluate the site, deal To reach nabb News with the fabricator, and supervise the installation. Streamlining [email protected] the process for you even further, this fence design already has Editor—Patti Quinn the approval of NABB’s Architecture Committee and the Back Bay Architectural Commission! As part of this program, the GC Design—Steve Wolf Studio will also be donating fences for street trees near not-for-profit Pho t o: patt i q ui nn neighborhood institutions such as Hale House and the Clarendon Street Playground. For additional information, contact Margaret Pokorny at [email protected]. Jackie Blombach’s fence and flowers at 316 Beacon Street.

Page 4 SUMMER 2008 NABB NEWS