by Patriot-Bridge Staff • July 22, 2021 • 1 Comment

By Christopher Nicodemus

The Pier 5 Association (www.pier5.org) continues to advocate for a public use for the future of Pier 5 in the Navy

Yard. We have more than 2,000 signatures in support of our position. The community voice strongly prefers to

see the Head of Boston Harbor remain open for all to appreciate. Curiously, there is sentiment voice being

promoted from some corners suggesting that the most equitable disposition of the pier by the City of Boston

should be to convert this location into residential living space and assure a significant fraction of built out units are

affordable. Advocates for this position claim that they are supporters of social justice and the needs of our

community. In their efforts toward this noble goal, they should not ignore the reality of climate change and the

principles of responsible waterfront utilization that prevail throughout the world. As both affordable housing and

open space have become rallying cries around social justice for all residents of the city of Boston, these two

objectives should not be viewed as mutually exclusive.

Construction of a low rise three story structure along the pier as some advocate would adversely impact the

views of perhaps 15 out of 200 units (less than 10%) at Flagship Wharf Condominium, but would obliterate the

view corridors from the shore side of the Harborwalk when moving in either direction between Pier 4 and Pier 7

for 100% of users. The infrastructure impact associated with providing access, deliveries, and adequate public

safety services out to Pier 5 would be significant. 8th Street exceeds capacity already on a regular basis. An

additional 100 plus residential units and possibly businesses out on Pier 5 will negatively impact all aspects of 8th

Street and its residential and commercial residents including Pier 6, Parris Landing, and the Courageous Sailing

Center. Likewise, all 60 units at Constellation would be negatively impacted as well.

Pier 5 is an historic location of significance that is an asset of value to all residents of Charlestown that has been

neglected for too long. The City seems prepared to shun its stewardship responsibility for this property and turn

the asset over for private development, thus monetizing a unique asset to finance the Planning and

Redevelopment Authority at the expense of the community. With infrastructure dollars being authorized at the

federal level the opportunity to attend to this neglected infrastructure in a creative way is before us, today. With

growing attention and public support, additional philanthropic resources should be able to further enhance the

importance and quality of what the future of Pier 5 might be.

5/23/22, 2:03 PM Guest Op-Ed: Pier 5 and Community

https://charlestownbridge.com/2021/07/22/guest-op-ed-pier-5-and-community/ 2/9

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The Big Sky impression of the Harborwalk, some will argue, is preserved if the “structure on Pier 5” includes a

water edge promenade serving to extend the current harbor walk. It requires that the individual user meander

around the edge of the pier which many would not do, be it due to disability, inconvenience, or time. Any long

structure on the pier would obliterate that Big Sky impression currently evident from Pier 7 to Pier 4 from the

shore and negatively impact the eastern views from Pier 3.

This view corridor is not just a skyline view, but rather a unique aesthetic perspective that incorporates a level

foreground, a distant perspective, and an expansive radius of backdropping sky. One can track the sun, the

moon, and the stars across the ecliptic from such a location. This is an aesthetic feature of this waterfront unique

to the junction of the Mystic and Charles River estuaries at the Head of the Harbor. This location is unique but

vulnerable. It is an asset to all residents of Charlestown, Boston, and our visitors. The value of such a public

asset is priceless. This space is not a tired building lot needing renovation but is neglected and orphaned open

space that was further expanded in the war effort of World War II. The Navy indeed encroached on the

communal water sheet to enhance ship repair and construction capacity in the war. The residents of

Charlestown heroically rallied to that cause. Further encroachment on the water sheet and the view corridors

especially in a time of rising sea levels and intensifying coastal storms must not be allowed.

The space is fragile, in harm’s way, vulnerable to the forces of climate change. It is also neglected infrastructure

that belongs to the people of Boston. As an attractive destination to the people of Charlestown and our visitors it

can provide an aesthetic and rejuvenating experience to its visitors. An experience long appreciated by Olmsted

as essential for residents confined to dense urban residential environments. Charlestown has only pocket parks.

We are the most densely settled neighborhood in Boston and are home to the largest public housing complex in

New England. Many additional subsidized and market rate housing units are planned for imminent construction

in Charlestown a short distance away. Density should be put where it makes the most sense, not in a location

susceptible to rising tides and storm surges and allow for ALL residents to access the Boston Harbor and its

environs by protecting Pier 5 for open space and public programming. Pier 5 should stand as an example of

smart public planning and urban renewal, allowing access for all to the waterfront and the environment it

provides. Pier 5 at the head of Boston Harbor, small as it may be, is a keystone to the community waterfront and

should be improved to enhance the public aesthetic and educational experience for all.

Many ideas for uses of the pier and its historical and scientific importance are described in the chapters of my

blog on the http://www.pier5.org web site. I encourage readers to check them out and share their ideas at pier5.org.

For readers unfamiliar with Pier 5, I encourage you to visit the Navy Yard and if downtown, take the water shuttle

from Long Wharf and walk the Harborwalk between the USS Constitution and the Spaulding Rehabilitation

Hospital. It is an experience you will genuinely enjoy. It should be more accessible and more inviting for

everyone and a feature of the Imagine Boston 2030 reality.

Christopher Nicodemus is a founding member Pier 5 Association.