The Massachusetts Port Authority has announced a short list of eligible candidates for development of its three waterfront parcels along Marginal Street. The names of the candidates were shared with the East Boston Waterfront Development Advisory Committee at a March meeting following Massport’s selection committee’s vote to narrow the field.

The selections were made based on specific criteria and adherence to guidelines outlined in the Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) issued last November. The RFQs were formed with input from the entire East Boston Community after a number of community meetings to develop Massport’s strategic plan for waterfront property and later through the formation of the East Boston Waterfront Development Advisory Committee.

From the list of twelve Requests for Qualifications submitted to Massport in January, between two and five potential developers per site were chosen as candidates worthy of further review.

This short list of contenders must now respond to a list of questions and provide additional information for their specific proposals. They have 60 days to respond to the requests and submit second proposals.

The East Boston Waterfront Development Advisory Committee regularly meets with Massport and gathered at the Logan Office Center on March 29 to learn about the short list. Massport’s Chief Development Officer Lowell Richards brought them up to date and briefed them on the ongoing process to find the best qualified developer /operator to manage the East Boston waterfront parcels.

"From here we prepare to evaluate the proposals submitted, making sure each submission responds to our questions and specifically addresses criteria defined by the community and Massport,” said Richards.

Specific criteria include a detailed market analysis, a community sensitive transportation plan, lease submittals, financial projections and regulatory strategies. Final decisions are expected in the fall and are subject to Massport Board approval at that time.

Representing larger community interests, some members of the East Boston Waterfront Development Advisory Committee expressed concerns about various matters including housing, zoning regulations and public and private financing.

At this stage in the process, candidates are being measured against each other. Opportunities for public input will be plentiful when the official public process begins later this year.

The four final candidates for development of Pier One are: Roseland Property Company/Seachain of New Jersey, Winn Development of Boston and The Related Companies of New York, Edward A. Fish Associates, Inc. of East Boston and Modern Continental Companies Inc. /The Raymond Property Company/Harbor East LLC of Cambridge.

The four final candidates for development/operation of The East Boston Marina are: Constitution Marina of Boston, Roseland Property Company /Seachain of Nnew Jersey, Edward A. Fish Associates Inc./East Boston CDC of Boston and Modern Continental Inc./Modern Continental Marine Co. of Cambridge.

The two final candidates for development/operation of The East Boston Shipyard: Roseland Property Company/Seachain and Modern Continental Companies, Inc/ Modern Continental Marine Co.

Massport will continue to regularly meet with the East Boston Waterfront Development Advisory Committee throughout this process.

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