At an upbeat public meeting last week, members of the Bayswater Street neighborhood gathered to hear Massachusetts Port Authority officials outline final details in the proposed plans for the beautification of the Bayswater embankment area. A presentation by Massport drew applause as excited community residents learned of final plans including a timely schedule for construction.

Massport was joined by representatives of Marion Pressley Associates, the highly acclaimed landscape architect who designed Piers Park and the Bayswater Street embankment, and Fiore Construction Co., the contractor selected to complete this project.

"Massport's investments in protecting and beautifying the Bayswater embankment are second to none," said Massport Executive Director and CEO, Virginia Buckingham. AWhen complete, this beautifully preserved area of East Boston will feature a high quality irrigation system, top grade flowers and shrubbery, and a series of first-class street lights."

Using photographs and street renderings, Massport outlined the details of the project to an enthusiastic crowd. Residents were especially pleased at the announcement that construction will begin in the third week of July, and is expected to be completed by the end of November.

"Massport has done a fine job of working with the community on this project," said Bayswater resident Fran Carbone. "They have cooperated in every aspect and have fulfilled a lot of our wishes. We are especially pleased by the announcement to install an irrigation system."

Also of great interest was the news that Massport has appointed a resident engineer to be stationed on site during construction to ensure a smooth transition and to be available for community assistance. Residents are invited to visit Mary Gwaltney at the corner of Annavoy and Bayswater Streets where a Massport project trailer will be located. Her phone number will be provided to neighboring residents when a telephone line is installed shortly.

Massport will provide regular notices to residents on project schedules and progress as well as advance notice to homeowners when laying utility lines underground will involve private property.

The preliminary construction schedule is as follows:

Rehabilitation of the catch basins at the end of Bayswater Street including a new drain system which has received approval from environmental regulators and which offers special sanitation and safety features.
Four areas along the shoreline which will be replaced with sturdy rip-rap, a series of stones separating the ocean from the land which prevents erosion and acts as an important component in the protection of the natural ecosystems which exist here.
Trenching along Bayswater Street for manholes and conduit to place all utility wiring underground which requires cooperative efforts of residents, Massport, City of Boston and utility companies.
Installation of a high grade irrigation system which will be regularly maintained by Massport contract specializing in such systems.
Installation of special monument and plaque to honor fallen airline pilot Lt. Conway who died at this site.
Installation of historic and elegant street lights.
Repaving of street at conclusion of all other project construction work.

Construction will take place Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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