Boston PIC Approves Copley Square Reconstruction, Seaport Discontinuances in One-Hour Session

BOSTON -- September 21, 2023, Boston's Public Improvement Commission cleared eight infrastructure petitions at its September 21 meeting, including approvals for the full reconstruction of Copley Square Park, two street discontinuances tied to the Seaport Square Block G development, and an earth retention license for a 63-unit affordable senior housing project in Hyde Park. Parks and Recreation project manager B.E. Chatfield told commissioners construction on the Copley Square overhaul, covering the fountain, paving, planting, lighting, and drainage, began in July and is expected to wrap in fall 2024. Attorney Jody Sanchez said the Seaport G Title Holder discontinuances, involving parcels of 179 and 57 square feet at the Pier 4 Boulevard intersection, conclude land exchange agreements dating to the Central Artery Tunnel project, with the BPDA board having voted to convey both parcels just days before the hearing. On the Melcher-Necco intersection project in South Boston, commissioners directed petitioners to coordinate with Street Lighting Division head Mike Donaghey on a possible underground conduit repair while the sidewalk is open. Vicinity Energy's Brookline Avenue steam main petition was continued to October 5; a vertical discontinuance at 88 North Washington Street was continued to December 21.