Boston PIC Continues Charlestown Pedestrian-Safety Intersection Project to September 26

BOSTON — September 12, 2024 — Boston's Public Improvement Commission continued a Charlestown pedestrian-safety overhaul and accepted two new street-improvement filings at its September 12 hearing. Chair Yasha Franklin-Hodge postponed a decision on the Chelsea Street and Terminal Street intersection redesign — a joint petition by the Public Works and Transportation departments that would add an exclusive pedestrian crossing tied to the Harbor Walk Extension and a new AutoPort driveway to accommodate wind-turbine-blade transport — until September 26 to allow AutoPort tenants time to review the fourth design submission. In new business, Watermark Development and Youth Enrichment Services filed for specific repairs and a roughly 1,454-square-foot pedestrian easement at 265-267 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain, where a three-story YES nonprofit headquarters and a seven-unit condo building are planned; Franklin-Hodge conditioned acceptance of a split easement filing on a firm proponent commitment to return promptly once MBTA and DCR legal issues are resolved. Northeastern University also filed for Benton Street improvements adjacent to its 716 Columbus Avenue mail-services building, including a raised crossing and seven new street lights, with a public hearing set for September 26.