Boston PIC Approves Harvard Theater Streetscape, Defers Convention Center Bollard Plan

BOSTON -- January 25, 2024, Boston PIC approves Harvard theater streetscape in Allston, flags BCEC bollard plan as incompatible with bike access goals. The Public Improvement Commission unanimously approved a 1,446-square-foot pedestrian easement and extensive public way improvements along North Harvard Street for Harvard University's new American Repertory Theater at 175 North Harvard Street, including a floating MBTA bus stop, protected bike lane, six new street trees, and raised crosswalks, with Harvard assuming maintenance responsibility under a lifecycle maintenance instrument. The commission sharply questioned a separate petition by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to install crash-rated security bollards and planters 8.86 feet from the Summer Street curb, with the chair citing the city's Go Boston 2030 commitment to protected bicycle infrastructure on that corridor: "I am very reluctant to approve a design that locks in a permanent change to the sidewalk here that is incompatible with the city's stated objectives." Structural engineer Matt Sherman of Simpson Gumpertz and Hager confirmed the bollards cannot be moved further from the curb due to constraints of the elevated bridge deck on which the BCEC sits. The commission deferred the BCEC item to February 29 and directed the authority to explore a modular curb extension and a potential constructed furnishing zone within the current travel lane.