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Final Plans to revitalize East Boston's Waterfront Outlined; Massport releases RFQs to attract highly qualified developers

Design plans for East Bostons waterfront moved another step forward last week when final Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) were released by the Massachusetts Port Authority. The East Boston Waterfront Development Advisory Committee have helped to define the guidelines now contained in three separate RFQs for the development of three parcels of land along Marginal Street.

The RFQs seek highly qualified candidates to develop: Pier 1, the Marina/Pier 5 and the Shipyard. Final responses to the RFQs are due to Massport by January 27, 1999.

Massport has arranged for two briefing sessions whereby prospective developers may visit the waterfront sites. Pre-submittal presentations and tours will take place at the sites and are open to the public for observation.

Site tours and presentations will take place on Thursday, December 16 beginning at 9:00 a.m. for the Marina, Pier 5 and the Shipyard, and at 2:00 p.m. for the Pier 1 site.

"This is an exciting time in the waterfronts resurgence" said Massport Executive Director and CEO, Virginia Buckingham, "With the award winning Piers Park located in the center of these parcels, East Boston families will have even more direct access to one of the best waterfronts in the city."

Massport, with extensive community input, embarked on a process last year to protect and maintain these parcels by making them more viable through new development. The result will be a beautification and enhancement to prime waterfront land which in turn will contribute to the economic vitality of the area.

In continued communication with the East Boston community, Massport will be meeting monthly with the Advisory Committee throughout the RFQ process. The environmental review process will include additional public meetings once specific proposals have been selected.

The preliminary development plans as contained in the RFQs are as follows:

Pier 1 and its back lands are slated for mixed-use development including residential housing and will provide public waterfront access linked to surrounding entities including the Greenway, Lewis Mall and Piers Park.
A new operator for the Marina may implement improvements in waterside accessibility to the fueling station and maintain public access to and from Pier 1. Pier 5 may be redeveloped to provide additional marina slips.
The Shipyard will be developed and operated in accordance with chapter 91 regulations to preserve and protect this water-dependent industrial site. Appropriate marine related uses will enhance the shipyard and maintain its role as an economic catalyst for East Boston.

"As we hear from potential developers," added Buckingham, "a primary concern will be adhering to the communitys goals and objectives as articulated during our year-long strategic planning process for our East Boston waterfront properties."

Copies of RFQs are available by calling Christy Merullo at Massports office of Planning and Development at (617) 946-4470, or may be picked up at the East Boston branches of the Boston Public Library.