Harbor Park Pier 5

“The BPDA ignored pleas to stop approving projects during the bloated bio lab bubble.”

“The BPDA are drunk on approvals, with no planning, no restraint, no accountability. Who is the BPDa building for? Phantom Boston residents who do not exist?”

“The waterfront should be accessible by all”

“JUSTICE FOR WE THE PEOPLE. PIER 5 BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE. IT IS A PUBLIC HISTORIC SITE”

“We need to honor the important role that the Navy-yard played in US history and provide the public with a public park that commensurates that history.”

“The waterfront belongs to the public. This is a unique historic spot overlooking the entire harbor, islands and the city. 50,000 women and men worked here night and day to build and repair Navy ships during WW2 and for 170 years it was a major Navy Shipyard. Now it need to be open to the public benefit, children, sailing education and so much more.”

“We are not opposed to but rather welcome creative improvements to our historic Navy yard but we are opposed to privatization and loss of public access.”

“Because I love my country and don’t agree with privatizing that navy yard”

“I signed this petition because it is a historic place and needs to stay for the public. Mor-Li Hartman”

“Margaret Markovic Not being a resident of the area, I am signing this petition in memory of my father who was on a troop transport, The US Wakefield, during WWII bringing troops from the piers of Boston to all parts of Europe and Asia. Many of the soldiers had that memory of the area as they went to fight for our freedom. Instead of development, why not make it a memorial park for the thousands of sailors and soldiers that left the Navy Yard and gave their life to project our land.”

“The waterfront belongs to the public. This is a unique historic spot overlooking the entire harbor, islands and the city. 50,000 women and men worked here night and day to build and repair Navy ships during WW2 and for 170 years it was a major Navy Shipyard. Now it need to be open to the public benefit, children, sailing education and so much more.”

“Because I love my country and don’t agree with privatizing that navy yard”

“Boston Globe today 2/22/21: costs of floods will soar – plans for retreat from state’s coast. Wrong place for housing”

“The Courageous Sailing program is a significant asset to Charlestown and Boston. The programs serve youth, adults and advanced sailing members.The docking area is already restricted and further restrictions will negatively impact the program.Boston has few green spaces and Pier 5 can be developed into park.”

“Developers continue to remove tree canopy there should be mandate to prove open air green space with trees”

“I live in Charlestown and I am very concerned about climate change and rising water levels. I also am an advocate of more public parks and this would be ideal.”

“I’m signing because we don’t need another development at the Navy Yard. It would be better to turn it into a green recreational space”

“Pier 5 should have a much different use than all of the proposals submitted. It should have significant community benefit, have some water-specific value use for the community, should have dedicated space for Courageous Sailing, and any development should not take away any of the water sheet that is so critical to Courageous’ ability to run its youth development programs that are so critical to our community.”

“Pier 5 is the last remaining open pier in the Boston Harbor. None of the development proposals address its unique character, location and place in history. It should remain open for the entire community to enjoy.”

“Sarah BoardmanThis idea is in keeping with The Trustees of Reservations plan to make a waterfront park for everyone to use.”

“We take enough public spaces away, leave this for all to use.”

“The closing off of the waterfront and loss of public amenities for the profit of a few has to stop.”

“This should stay public space and not private. Community sail operates off of this Pier. We love walking to the edge as a family to look across to thr north end. It should be a park for everyone to enjoy. The last thing we should be doing in Charlestown is allowing public land to change uses. We have enough buildings and future buildings in the pipeline we are running out of space for our kids to play and walk our dogs.”

“The Charlestown Navy Yard should not be privatized. It is a public space that should be designed for public enjoyment.”

“This is a terrible idea. The Boston waterfront should be public greenspace for all to enjoy, not a privatized development that will be easily flooded or destroyed due to storms. This is NOT the right place for housing – the Navy Yard has enough, and should have more public park land for all to enjoy.”

“This wrong on so many levels. How muck kick back are you getting Walsh.You’re a disgrace to the city of Boston. You need to go back to drinking maybe you’d make better decisions. By the way, your new boss demented Biden sucks, so do you!”

“The Pier 5 should not be privatized. It is a public space that should be designed for public green space”

“The views from harbor walk along the water will be seriously diminished and the scale of a development on the water does not coincide with what scientists are saying about rising sea levels and climate change. There have been many meetings at Spaulding where this issue has been discussed.”

“The use of pier 5 as residential space is unnecessary. This space should be open public space continuing Bostons tradition of outdoor parks.”

“There is no space for current proprosals on pier 5 except for foot traffic. Any proposal to develope here must not increase unsafe vehicular traffic and delivery. The pier should be used for public pedestrian foot traffic to the waterfront as intended by the law and previous agreements. Dr. Curtis”

“NO privatization of ANY kind for any reason as it is just another knife in OUR backs.”

“Agree that any further development of the piers and waterfront must be green and have substantial 02129 support.”

“The waterfront must be protected!!”

“As a lifelong resident of Charlestown, I am strongly opposed to Per 5 being privatized.”

“For so many reasons, this pier should NOT be turned into a housing development! It would be much better for the community if it was turned into a park. And if that can’t happen, then leave it be or have it demolished so we can all enjoy more open ocean. That would be best for the environment and most respectful to all current residents of the Navy Yard.”

“For so many reasons, this pier should NOT be turned into a housing development! It would be best for the public, residents, and environment as a park and/or open space. If it can’t be a park, then just leave it be!”

“The ZBA and the BPDA seem to have forgotten how the little people feel trampled on with the developments, both imposingly small and large. I do embrace Councilor Wu’s ideas and would definitely like to see reform.I urge everyone to please share this petition!”

“I’m signing because we do not need any more outsiders coming down here to the navy yard. We like how we have it right now.”

“The BPDA should build us a park for all Flagship Wharf residents”

“maintaining public access to the water helps keep people and places happier and healthier”

“My family loves the pier”

“Green recreational areas are very important to the wellbeing of urban communities. The Charlestown waterfront could especially benefit from more green instead of grey concrete and stone.”

“I have lived in the Navy Yard for just about 32 years! It was empty and vacant! I have lost the waterfront view sunrise and I am in the SHADE! I am surrounded by a 14 story building! We do not need any more buildings in the yard! People living in the yard need to be able to walk along the waterfront and admire the glycerin blue Harbor!”

“Preserve the Navy Yard as a park and destination. Last chance to develop an environment similar to Piers Park. Do not allow developers to run the city. Now is the time for the city to step forward and be creative to further enhance this wonderful and one of the last waterfront properties for public use and enjoyment. Thank you”

“This space must become a place for ALL to enjoy. The construction in the city is filled with so many condo’s 1/2 if not more are empty. This space should be public access for families to enjoy. Especially now that we have Covid and it is going to be quite a number of years before we are back to “normal” that outdoor space is much needed in the city for the children and adults. Boston history is being eliminated throughout the city and to stick a building on this spot is ridiculous. Boston needs some beauty put back into the heart of the city. For you to approve another apartment building with so many landlords struggling is wrong in so many ways. Please do the right thing and pave the way as a mayor to remind the billionaire that we in the City of Boston cannot be bought! We choose beautiful and outdoor space for all. Thank you!”

“Should be open space for all to use, freely”

“This is a great program that offers sailing to many, many people. It would be a huge loss to the community to lose this! Thanks lease save this.”

“Please save remaining public space on the historic Boston Harbor. Thousands of Bostonians and visitors enjoy it and learn of our history and aquatic work.”

“The city of Boston does not need another apartment or condo complex blocking a portion of the beautiful view from Charlestown across Boston Harbor.”

“Boston needs to take advantage of its waterfront for all of its citizens! Not close it off to a private residence.”

“Judge’s ruling could have ramifications for coastal development in Mass.https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/02/business/judge-nixes-downtown-harbor-plan-sending-don-chiofaro-back-square-one/?et_rid=1083567190&s_campaign=todaysheadlines:newsletter This demonstrates the power of the people and the Conservation Law Foundation against the authorities, elected and paid by the taxpayers, promoting private developers against the tax payers and public interest. And this is just the beginning…”

“Pier 5 is a unique in all aspects, important to the nation including, its history and the protection of its ship of state (from the environment and beyond), and a priceless natural resource, habitat and location that must continue to belong to us all, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The City of Boston, The Public. The material, adverse, and irreversible effects of ANY privatization of the Pier 5 Gateway (Pier 5 and surrounds both water, landfill, land) will be suffered in perpetuity by the Public, long after the developers leave. The maximum allotted privatization of the Pier 5 Gateway has already occurred e.g., Buildings 197, 42, 103, Pier 7. The history and context of the late 1980’s decoupling of Pier 5 from Bldg 197 still applies and further, entirely negates all BPDA/Developer indications (past, present, future) that the Municipal Harbor Plan (such as it is, was and has and will be renewed or modified) trumps MGLChapter 91 including, and its mandatory strict standards (per the EOEA, as advised by”

“We need to preserve open areas whether they are on land or in the water.”

“Stop the the building on our water front no more condos!! Enough already”

“Charlestown needs more green space.”

“We need to keep some green!!!”

“We need more green space”

“Keep open space in Charlestown! There’s plenty of housing AND CARS already!!”

“Boston is lacking green space and we need to ensure all residents have the space to enjoy.”

“We need a beautiful green space for us and our kids to enjoy for years to come. Please, no more condo or businesses!”
“I sign because I have a house in Charlestown and I want the quality of life to come back there”

“Let’s keep Pier 5 as a public space, dedicated to the men and women who served and passed through the Navy Yard during the 170+ years it served our country as a navy yard. Do the repairs needed to make it safe, create green and open space, and have memorials to the sailors, marines, and workers who served here.”

“I understand from a business perspective the potential financial gain that would come from this project, however landmark gems are important to keep within the community. The more construction/ buildings and less nature space to think and recharge the more depression rates go up …. suicides etc. Besides respect is important, especially to those in the residing city that work and are apart of the economic flow. By destroying a piece of their home is a huge slap in the face if the city is allowing such demolishing.”

“The waterfront belongs to all of us…..”

“Keep it public not private. Rich developers building all over the waterfront views no where for those not so well of to enjoy the views.”

“This development will cause that much more pollution, and if recent Fla highrise is not warning enough to stop this insanity, rising ocean level saught to do it.sound like somebody’s bread was buttered.”

Pier 5 comments submitted via website form March 6, 2024

Date submitted: 2/3/2024 “Re: Historic Head of Boston Harbor Pier 5 Park as a public open space with maritime recreation and education (Courageous Sailing Center) To Boston Planning and Development Agency, Att.: BPDA Natalie Deduck, “Report of Findings Pier 5 Waterfront Facilities-Inspection and Assessment Jan 4, 2024” The Pier 5 Association remains committed to retaining an historic Head of Boston Harbor Pier 5 Park as a public open space with maritime recreation and education (Courageous Sailing Center) for the people of the Boston Community. The Historic Head of the Harbor at Pier 5 is a site that belongs to the public: This historic, climate resilient, geographically and structurally significant location must be elevated to the status it requires and deserves. Perhaps Pier 5 Association could host a community meeting with BPDA to bring our historic knowledge, expertise and vision to the table so that 50 years of neglect will be cured with a thoughtful and public progress which restores Pier 5 for the public to enjoy with maritime recreation and education at this critical site of Boston’s history––Pier 5 Park and Courageous Sailing Center.

The “”Report of Findings Pier 5 Waterfront Facilities- Inspection and Assessment Phase was presented on On Jan 4,2024. Please listen to the people as the BPDA and Foth Engineers proceed with the next phases of this Contract. Community Participation / Design Criteria / Schematic Design / Selection Criteria: Community Participation is essential in the setting of the Design Criteria and should precede Schematic Design Development for the three Design Options outlined by the BPDA in the Foth contract.

We need to know how the process for this next Phase will be structured; the community should not have to comment in a vacuum or into nebulous “Word Clouds”, as opposed to fully considered thoughts concerning the Design Criteria. Schematic Design Phase: (per Foth Contract) 1.) Safe public access. (Basic Design Criteria for all options) 2.) Public Park and Open Space with Sailing Center. (Assumed to be a primary program option) 3.) Demolition and complete removal of the pier to create an open water sheet for future development. (This does not include a program. As it is totally non-specific, it is too open ended to provide schematic design.)

Design Criteria:

1. dictates water dependent use only on piers over open water. Water dependent uses are inclusive of public open space for viewing and safe public water access, sailing and boating, 1maritime instruction / education, maritime history, swimming, fishing, marine botany / biology such as oyster up-wells, botanical floating pods, floating facility plug-ins, etc.

2. Pier 5 and the Historic Head of the Harbor should not be privatized. This historic site belongs to the people; therefore privatization would rule out marinas, in addition to condos and hotels which are not water dependent uses per .

3. The early MA Historic Commission submissions proposed that the U.S. Navy Transfer Documents state that the Pier configuration be maintained. Design Criteria: The Historic Outline of Pier 5 should be memorialized in a responsible design for any of the three options.

4. To memorialize the Historic Outline would require the preservation of the end of Pier 5 projecting the public into the Boston Harbor. This is also important to any park or pedestrian type of use.

5. Respect for the Harborwalk, the security of the sea wall, potential sea level rise proposals and pedestrian access to the pier and safe access to the water would dictate maintaining a spacious unobstructed pier base section connecting to the Harborwalk. Pier 5 has limited access for utilities and no access for vehicles. The Harborwalk area at Pier 5 has experienced sinkholes and was the site of historic cannon batteries and storage pits.

6. The “”Vista Easements of 1976” preserving views and vistas from the Head of the Harbor at Pier 5 up the Harbor and across to the City should be maintained as a primary Design Criteria (See: Boston Harbor Walk- Pier 5 “”1976 Visual Easements” Impact Images).

7. A Connection between the Head-of-the-Harbor pier’s harbor end and the pier’s land base would also be required for defining and memorializing the historic pier outline. Connection by the WWll sections to either side or by the older center section is a question determined based on the specific design option’s Schematic Design…especially in providing for the Sailing Center activities.

8. A resulting C or T shape, also proposed in the Foth Report, would provide an infrastructure design format for any of the three design options. However, the C shape should face toward Pier 4 and existing Courageous Sailing Center facilities to give a wider water sheet and a more maneuverable basin for the CSC boats. The East side of Pier 5 as the preserved spine would also provide City and Harbor views and vistas from the public access park walk. (C shape should not face towards Pier 6, implying a privatizing marina use and sole source control of harbor frontage by a single entity.)

9. The Charlestown community voices are consistently in support of a Pier 5 Park to celebrate this magnificent waterfront vista from an important historic panoramic vantage point to see the Boston Harbor where British war ships lobbed cannons on Bunker Hill, The Old North Church where Paul Revere saw “One if by land; two if by sea lanterns, and the first monument in our country, the Bunker Hill Monument. The Battle of Bunker Hill Battle will be celebrated in 2025, and the 400th Anniversary will be in 2030. There is perhaps no American Revolution site with more prominence and meaning.

10. Pier 5 has been in the past and should be restored to be a “”public gathering space”” with maritime recreational activities such as the Courageous Sailing Center and other public recreation would offer. Prior to being allowed to become blighted, Pier 5 served all of Boston 2as a public open space with beautiful vistas down the harbor. Many festivals, Sail Boston, Chowderfests were held at Pier 5, attracting tourists and residents, in 2026, Sail Boston returns. On numerous occasions the need for this type of public openspace has been the community’s concern, especially with the expanding Charlestown population.

11. The fourth largest public housing development in the country, Bunker Hill Housing, is currently being demolished and expanded. The population there, a mere few blocks from Pier 5, will increase from 2500 residents with 15 acres of green open space to only 2.7 acres of green open space available for 6200 residents. The need for public open space at Pier 5 is necessary for the public welfare and social equity. These two acres at Pier 5 are critical for increasing the low resident to open space ratio in Charlestown.

12. All relevant Building Codes, ADA, Coastal Zone Management and Flood Plain Management Regulations, Police, Fire Codes, Homeland Security (re LNG tankers 300’ off Pier) advisories, Environmental Impact Statements, etc. are Design Criteria. Pier 5 Association requests a meeting with the BPDA and Foth LLC to discuss how the Community input gathered by Pier 5 Association and our predecessors of over 25 years should inform the Schematic Design phase of this study. The broader community stakeholders need to be at the table. This is critical for meaningful community engagement, setting Design Criteria, establishing transparency, and providing a democratic process for the public realm improvement for both now and for future Boston-Charlestown residents and tourists who visit Charlestown, the birthplace of the American Revolution. Pier 5 Association remains committed to retaining an historic Head of Boston Harbor Pier 5 Park as a public open space with maritime education and recreation (Courageous Sailing Center) for the people of the Boston Community.”

Date submitted: 2/3/2024 “Pier 5 should be retained as an historic Head of Boston Harbor Pier 5 Park, a public open space with maritime education and recreation (Courageous Sailing Center) for the people of the community. The vast majority of interested people believe that Pier Five should be developed into a park and a memorial to its history and location. This use is also the most practical because of the age and condition of the pier. The continuing rise in the size of the population of the area also speak to the need for open space, especially a space like this at the Head of the Harbor.”

Date submitted: 1/24/2024 “Please send me the notes, reports and other materials on a regular basis. It in reviewing the presentation above I do not understand how you can move forward without completely repairing Pier5! It has more “sever and major” issues than not! Please keep us posted Thank you!”

Date submitted: 1/22/2024 3″It appears the majority of residents would like a park, including educational and historical aspects. If the cost is prohibitive, the pier needs to be taken down ASAP. It is a safety hazard. Such a shame the pier has been left to deteriorate for so many years. It should be the gem of the Boston Harbor, instead it is a safety hazard and an embarrassment.”

Date submitted: 1/22/2024 “Having read the engineering report and having participated in the Jan. 4th zoom meeting, it is clearly well past time for the BPDA to invest funds in the repair and maintenance of Pier 5. The report demonstrates that the BPDA has been derelict in its obligations to maintain its assets, Pier 5 included. The BPDA has received millions from the Navy Yard as a result of the 2%transfer fees, leases, and other endeavors. The pier should be repaired to support pedestrian traffic, including parks (interactive educational and historic ideas welcome; perhaps a partnership with courageous sailing). I assume the BPDA will want to monetize this asset- if the marina operators are interested, perhaps they would partner with courageous sailing. Do not waste this opportunity to create a creative, climate resilient use for this Pier.”

Date submitted: 1/18/2024 “Deciding the future of Pier 5 is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We will not get another chance to do the right thing-now is the time. This beautiful waterfront asset is a true jewel. It must be transformed into a park, cultural and educational space that is accessible to as many people as possible, including residents of the Navy Yard and visitors. Utilizing the rare waterfront property to be as accessible to all ages and abilities is crucial. Whether boat rentals, swim lessons, oceanographic displays, outdoor theatre and music venue and walking paths, benches and picnic tables- these are what should be considered and included. Please have public in-person meetings so we can see our neighbors and discuss the development ideas for this waterfront jewel.”

Date submitted: 1/5/2024 “Thank you for the meeting about Pier 5. It’s great that you are asking for neighborhood input. I would have liked to see the presentation peior to the meeting so I could submit questions priot to the meeting. I would like to know more about destroying the pier, and replacing it with watersheet and minimal floating dock. The idea of expanding Courageous is a good one. They are a great organziation and their mission is relly important. But, it would be nice to use moorings rather than fully developed marina configuration. There is nothing wrong with NOT developing every inch of space. We can leave the harbor natural and not intrude on it so much. Please no more buildings. Thank you!”