The Fort Pointer
@FortPointer
Followers
7,819
Following
1
Media
10,542
Statuses
101,002
Tweets and opinions regarding Fort Point, Boston. Lover of all things creative, worldly and aspirational. Otherwise bristly.
Fort Point, #fortpoint, Boston
Joined November 2011
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
#IanxSB19xTerry
• 272964 Tweets
#MOONLIGHT_MVTeaser
• 136185 Tweets
Rio Grande do Sul
• 116309 Tweets
Boeing
• 101794 Tweets
Suho
• 86184 Tweets
RPWP CONCEPT PHOTO 2
• 57854 Tweets
プロフェッショナル
• 56611 Tweets
joongdunk love workpoint
• 39527 Tweets
青山先生
• 29967 Tweets
عدنان البرش
• 26208 Tweets
#無責任でええじゃないかLOVE
• 25413 Tweets
Indonesia vs Irak
• 19379 Tweets
YOUNG K
• 16054 Tweets
VACHSS
• 14783 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
BREAKING:
@BostonPlans
Dir. Jemison has sent Millennium a letter of non-compliance, requiring "The Connector" to be open 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year. Dir. Jemison also signed a Management & Operations Agreement.
Stay tuned. I'll be publishing + analyzing.
The “Martin J. Walsh Great Hall” at Winthrop Center remains closed weekends despite a commitment to revitalize civic and cultural life downtown, every day.
See
#6
below.
Those in positions of responsibility didn’t give a damn about commitments, or the erosion of public trust.
4
10
41
16
22
115
Rode my e-bike across Boston to a doctor’s appointment today. It’s 86 degrees out and it was a seriously enjoyable ride.
I’m 59 years old, not in the most amazing shape physically. The e-bike has made the impossible possible.
A revolution in cycling is coming, wait for it.
15
53
758
Just caught
@BostonBikeParty
moving through Seaport. Easily in the 1000s of cyclists, the volume shown in this video continued unabated for at least another five minutes. Absolutely wonderful! 🔥❤️💯 cc
@universalhub
23
42
318
A culture off the rails.
Wayfair founders worth $2.14 billion laid off 350 employees in Boston, after receiving a $31M tax break from the Commonwealth in 2018.
$2.14 billion is $2,140 million dollars.
That's enough to pay 42,100 people $50,000 each.
2018: "At Wayfair's currently market valuation of $6 billion, that means each founder is worth about $1.07 billion."
But company founders (one a CEO) sought a $31 million tax break from the Commonwealth in 2018.
And they couldn't find funds to keep 350 employees at work today.
2
14
54
26
169
295
Below, Seaport's first, free, public civic space, described to BCDC last week as an "amphitheater."
It's an alcove in a corporate lobby at Parcel L4.
A $20 million public subsidy of Amazon's lease at L4 was misrepresented by Gov. Baker as an investment in transit projects.
15
24
233
Want to honor history? Build a pedestrian/cycle bridge with just enough width to allow for emergency vehicles. Restore the central portion of the Old Northern Ave Bridge. BOOM — I saved you $80 million.
@MayorWu
6
18
177
Herald has a new target, see the pattern?
This time, a widely-supported, extraordinarily qualified MassDOT Secretary is degraded. Why? For considering a toll entering MA on I-93. Last I checked, we pay to enter New Hampshire. What a shameless rag.
41
16
177
Spoke to a few Boston-based professionals in the development sector this weekend, each of whom live on the South Shore.
They drive to Boston for work. I asked why they don't take
@MBTA_CR
.
They told me the roundtrip commute by train is $27.00 (including $3 for parking). WTF
15
21
165
At what point to we Bostonians begin shaping our own trajectory, rather than responding to proposals that drop from the sky (Amazon HQ2, Boston2024, etc.), gifting public land to private developers without master planning, and allowing developers to draft their own zoning? 🤔
10
36
163
Roundtrip Boston <—> NYC fare via AMTRAK
on Thanksgiving is currently $62.00 (total).
8
5
158
New knitted installation on A Street by Fort Point resident/artist Kristen Alexandra.
@universalhub
4
21
158
Have to appreciate this tweet. 👇🏼
Too often, urbanists are unable to separate disdain for Big Dig from the successes of the Greenway. See the angry replies.
There’s so much for cities to learn from the Greenway that gets overlooked, including the Conservancy’s stellar work.
5
14
153
I'm at a loss why it costs $25 to visit Spectacle or Georges Islands, both public parks. And why the Islands are also hosting very costly ticketed events.
Are occasional free or low-cost trips via patronage (creating a host/guest relationship) replacing affordable public access?
18
18
135
One really has to wonder what the mindset was that went into planning and building the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. That level of civic aspiration could never be repeated today. Not even a fraction of that civic aspiration is being considered in new districts.
5
7
133
As I said, photographing tides breaching a seawall is akin to standing on your roof watching a fire in the basement. Bostonians are not having a responsible public dialog about climate change. BPDA’s liberal use of neon green markers on coastal “plans” won’t change that. 🔥
6
20
113
Amazon received a $20M rent subsidy from MA.
Not one public official went on record to admit it. Not one.
Gov. Baker stated that $20M was for transit projects, while BPDA quietly relieved a Seaport master developer of $20M in preexisting obligations.
3
63
107
Wish I had a photo...
Esplanade was insane yesterday. While walking, it was impossible to maintain any distance whatsoever from those passing. Vast numbers of people were out without masks.
Traffic was light. Why not close Storrow Dr and dedicate it to cyclists and runners?
14
15
110
MBTA is now $24.5b short, following decades of disinvestment, while Boston biz sector does nothing but complain every day about how taxes and traffic congestion make it impossible to do business in Boston. What a train wreck, no pun intended.
5
14
110
We learn today, from Globe reporting, that permits were indeed issued. The
@bostonherald
apparently did no research, misinforming readers with this headline.
Will the Herald print a retraction for multiple days of outrage over a positive event that
@bostonpolice
was OK with?
13
25
107
Mayor Wu can’t even host a party for electeds of color without getting the outrage machine all wound up.
How pathetic. Nevermind the fact that these celebrations have been held since 2012.
52
10
105
Fort Point Channel water breaching the seawall during today’s high tide. Let me repeat: This isn’t a coastal problem, combined impacts are going to be consequential citywide.
@CLF
10
31
106
E-bike PSA
Weeks ago, my bro. in-law gave me his 3-yr old e-bike. I had been using an old hybrid (not e-bike).
Pedal assist tech is revolutionary. Trips to distant pts citywide and farther are finally within reach. No noise. Can we get affordable rentals in Bos? Me: 58yo 🚴♂️
14
10
102
Thrilled to see iconic artist/musician David Byrne (
@DBtodomundo
) in Fort Point today, working with artists of
@AFHBoston
in a collaboration spearheaded by Tishman Speyer, together painting a mural across the new public passageway at 105 West 1st Street. Stay tuned!
@universalhub
3
19
99
For cyclists, the Summer Street cycle lanes are heaven sent. This lane replaced an unexpected merge, forcing cyclists to steer directly, without warning, into a vehicular travel lane. And more. Thank you
@BostonBTD
@BostonPWD
for saving lives and preventing injuries.
5
11
98
Had the pleasure of catching another bike party passing through Downtown Crossing just now (4 PM Saturday). Mostly teens, maybe 100 strong, having a blast while riding on Washington Street. 🔥❤️💯 cc
@universalhub
@BostonBikeParty
4
9
94
Loving the new Summer Street cycle lane. ❤️ This is exactly where the cycle lane used to merge directly into vehicular traffic. Thank you
@BostonBTD
@BostonPWD
@BostonPlans
@MassDOT
. 🙏🏼
14
7
95
Tip of the iceberg in terms of what Boston will be facing in decades ahead, as volumes exceeds below-grade capacity.
Devs building in flood zones should’ve been contributing to a fund to help pay for future district-scale solutions.
And held to much higher capture standards.
5
25
96
This past week, the City of Boston made outdoor dining permanent in approximately 99% of the City's 48.4 square miles.
Headlines:
5
9
93
Inbox: This hearing wouldn't have happened without the data tools developed by
@TransitMatters
. The Slow Zone Tracker and the Data Dashboard have made MBTA data available to all, and have facilitated media coverage, political coverage, and real accountability for the MBTA. 🔥
3
15
92
CONFIRMED: Related Beal has agreed to develop and build Fort Point Park area shown (per 100 Acres), then transfer a deed for areas shown (bounded by red dash) to
@BostonParksDept
. Maintenance will continue to be funded by 100 Acres landowners.
This is a long-sought, massive win.
9
12
92
Patty is an absolute treasure at North Station, all year round. I asked her where and how she trained her voice.
She has a Bachelor’s degree from Juilliard School of Music (NYC). Her decision not to pursue a career in opera was based on the politics of the profession. A gem. ❤️
4
13
86
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is under-appreciated IMHO.
I’m not debating whether or not vehicular infrastructure should’ve been moved below grade or not.
I’m simply in awe of the Conservancy’s work, just as I am FOPG. We are fortunate. ❤️
5
7
86
A decade ago, imposition of these Orwellian technologies on our public realm were a concern. But drivers are increasingly aggressive in crosswalks, cycle & bus lanes. It's time for Boston to adopt automated traffic enforcement IMHO. Args welcome.
@jfh
7
6
85
.
@BostonHerald
editors thought it was prudent to publish/print a lengthy Letter to the Editor that politicizes cycling and casts derision on cyclists.
The same paper regularly attempts to take the moral high ground with respect to how people treat each other in civic life.
32
10
82
My Acceptable Minimum Expectation:
1) Fares to Harbor Islands should be pegged to
@MBTA
ferry, guaranteed at or lower than Boston-Hingham fares.
2) Restore FREE inter-island boat service (Peddocks and Lovells).
3) Run a 👉🏼post-sunset👈🏼 return daily from Spectacle, not 5 PM. 🌅
I'm at a loss why it costs $25 to visit Spectacle or Georges Islands, both public parks. And why the Islands are also hosting very costly ticketed events.
Are occasional free or low-cost trips via patronage (creating a host/guest relationship) replacing affordable public access?
18
18
135
7
17
81
Can anyone explain why the Harborwalk at InterContinental is being used for parking? Note that parked cars extend well past the end of the alley, and the alley itself (Pearl St Ext) hosted a line of parked cars. Photos taken Monday (4/8).
8
17
79
When you pedal bicycles in Downtown Crossing, they play music. 🎵🎵🎵
This cycle was playing “I’m Shipping up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys at a surprisingly decent volume!
Very popular on this frigid day in DTX. ❄️
H/T
@DTownBostonBID
cc
@universalhub
5
22
78
Are the proverbial chickens coming home to roost?
"Inundation District," a documentary about the development of Boston's Seaport District by filmmakers
@davabel
and
@ted_blanco
, premieres 10/29 at
@GlobeDocs
festival
@BrattleTheatre
. See you there. 🔥
8
20
76
1
3
75
Skating on City Hall Plaza for a family of four: $78.00.
50% off for Berkshire Bank customers.
When we were kids in the 70's, public spaces were free of logos, advertising or sales. Public spaces were places where every kid was an equal to peers. It had a powerful meaning.
6
36
74
Proudly cast my vote for
@wutrain
today, a mayoral candidate with vision, leading *since taking office* on climate change, equitable access to opportunity, BPDA reform (🙏🏼), schools, budget reform, transit/transpo, arts & culture, parks & recreation, and more. 🔥💯❤️
1
8
71
Apparently no one at the Herald looked at other Councilors in the video as some appear to skip, mumble or mangle words. Why didn’t the Herald call them out?
Daily manufactured outrage, often so petty, clearly reflects the desperation of dinosaurs coming to terms with a new age.
37
12
72
Water is lapping over the newly reconstructed Harborwalk directly in front of 15 Necco under construction (former GE HQ). A few yards south, the Harborwalk is completely inundated.
9
19
69
Sign requiring the general public to ask a host for permission before being seated at public tables on Fan Pier — a demand that I understand clearly violates the Chapter 91 license, remains in place ONE MONTH after notification to
@MassDEP
.
6
10
70
Trivia: Radio Shack was founded in Boston in 1921 at 46 Brattle Street (1694-1962), where City Hall Plaza exists today.
4
12
69
Seawalls breached and water bubbled up from from drains today.
With sea level rise, stormwater will be unable to drain *in neighborhoods citywide* unless we develop solutions for water management and storage, along with associated land use planning. Talk is cheap.
5
17
68
5
4
65
“Big empty park?” 🤔 Greenway parks are *jammed* in warmer months. Even Dewey Square has activity into evening hours where before was a dead zone.
Urbanists have odd tendency to deride parks. Most urban residents don’t have private yards, decks, patios and vacation destinations.
It's great the Big Dig removed an elevated highway through the heart of Boston's downtown, but a big empty park doesn't actually do much to reconnect the build environment.
If building on top of covered highways is infeasible, maybe urban highways just need to be fully removed.
26
37
460
11
4
65
RT
@Johnlerner
@mastodon
.social:
@universalhub
Fresh seafood at the Chart House today.
#HighTide
#Boston
8
13
64
Thanks to
@BostonPlans
turning lemons into lemonade, the “Martin J. Walsh Great Hall” is open today.
It’s darker than these photos suggest and the canned music is bizarre, but it’s a start. Some declutterring has occurred, a positive move. Stay tuned.
2
10
65
Pyramid in Fort Point Channel broke off its mooring today. We boated over and tied a line to one corner. Sculptor Don Eyles (in photo) secured the pyramid to the bridge between Gillette and USPS. Temporary solution, more to come.
7
10
63
Just got word... Pho Pasteur opens for takeout tomorrow. Rooting for Chinatown all the way. ❤️
@MarcHurBoston
@TheDrewStarr
5
10
64
Tonight's fireworks were absolutely incredible. I thought it was the finale for 20 minutes and then the finale happened. Boston has to rank among top cities worldwide for fireworks. Even Boston's unannounced random fireworks are incredible. Great work
@BostonHarborNow
& sponsors.
4
10
62
BREAKING NEWS: Seaport is getting a second new bookstore, “East End Books Boston Seaport,” in a retail space at 300 Pier 4! ❤️🔥💯 Original bookstore is in P-Town. Read the fine print linked here for details.
@universalhub
@JanelleNanos
h/t
@Gabri_Sch
3
8
63
Width of Harborwalk at Liberty Wharf (Legal Seafood, Del Frisco's), required to be at least 12 feet, is reportedly down to as little as 8.5 feet.
A resident raised concerns and, after waiting a few weeks, took (and reported) measurements this week.
@MassDEP
10
15
64
Private events on
@InterConBOS
public space continue. Here I’m stopped and informed at a check-in that it’s a private event.
@MassDEP
@CLF
10
16
60
Each joint, limb foot, wing... exquisite! Thanks for organizing,
@peabodyessex
@HelloGreenway
!
#strandbeest
http://t.co/71aJIR4MdK
1
36
61
This Seaport Boulevard driver pulled over into the bike lane and backed up to idle alongside a flex post.
11
3
62
Grateful to hear that Fort Point can play a role when needed. Count me among those ready to welcome these families with open arms. Let's work through concerns with a sense of grace for those in need.
22
6
60
Hard-hitting editorial but after years of highlighting how City Hall and BPDA funnel subsidies and benefits to insiders, routinely favoring clientelism and cronyism over equitable access, it’s probably no surprise I agree with
@wutrain
...
1
12
59
@cdempc
You’re a real treasure, someone I was very much looking forward to being our Auditor. Please consider another run for public office. Thanks for all you brought to the campaign. 🙏🏼
3
4
60
Registers installed and dry goods already being stocked on shelves at Trader Joe's. What a tremendous win for the neighborhood.
7
4
57
Boston should’ve already done this at least a decade ago, if not earlier. I’m not clear why Cambridge is leading.
Cambridge looks at eliminating parking minimums for new residential buildings
6
15
119
0
12
58
2018: "At Wayfair's currently market valuation of $6 billion, that means each founder is worth about $1.07 billion."
But company founders (one a CEO) sought a $31 million tax break from the Commonwealth in 2018.
And they couldn't find funds to keep 350 employees at work today.
2
14
54
Just a thought.
One of the most wonderful things about "Martin's Park" is the name. Not only as a memorial, but because kids visiting the park will inevitably ask "Who is Martin?"
And from there a conversation begins, reflecting on the fragility of life.
2
4
56
Hate to say it, but when ice skating on City Hall Plaza is $78 for a family of four, and the secondary attraction is a shopping village, it's fair to say we're not all on the same page in terms of understanding the meaning of public space to all citizens, not some citizens.
5
13
56
“I love Michelle because she is a fighter” — Senator
@ewarren
rallying a terrific crowd.
Love seeing Councilor
@LydiaMEdwards
here too!
Go
@wutrain
!
0
5
56
Troubling comments regarding the future of
@MBTA
Commuter Rail from
@JimAloisi
. Have not heard *any* public dialog or debate about this bill. cc
@MBTA_CR
8
11
56
21st century Boston, abutting a new MBTA station. Streets on 4-sides of each new building. It's nothing short of disgusting.
6
7
54
Double rainbow over Fort Point / Seaport, taken by
@249AStreet
resident moments ago.
@universalhub
4
6
55
Pregame party at Faneuil Hall tonight. ☘️ Great job
@MayorWu
and team, not only nailing down rights on short notice, but for thinking about everyone sharing in the joy of these events, in a civic way. Appreciated.
2
8
52
So…
@highstreetplace
gets an *easy* 10 out of 10 rating. Outstanding array of unique restaurants, beautiful space, top notch ambient lighting, great music + acoustics, and plenty of comfy seating. Umbrella alcohol license was very smart. That’s chef
@tiffanifaison
in pic
#2
! 💯
7
7
54
No edits at all... the Channel is near-glass tonight. Clouds on half the sky.
6
7
56
Beating a dead horse, but remember when Gov. Baker announced $20m for Seaport transit improvements?
His admin had secretly directed the $20m to Amazon for a rent subsidy. Confirmed via Public Records Request.
Not one official would go on record about this flim-flam. Not one.
4
13
56
Boston Herald Cover Story:
City Councilor quits Twitter.
Don’t @ me about the oath. We’ve been reading about it for nearly a week now, including multiple front page and full page stories in the Herald. As if there’s nothing else in the news? Manufactured outrage, served daily.
16
4
53
Fake but very realistic snow is lining both sides of Devonshire St for Christmas film with Will Ferrell.
@universalhub
4
10
53
Hopefully we see leadership on this incredible opportunity to provide efficient transit choices, instead of the unrelenting resistance to bus mobility we’ve seen in Southie, increasingly immobilizing 02127 and effectively requiring car ownership by new residents.
City moves ahead with center-running bus lane plan for Blue Hill Avenue.
16
18
107
9
5
53
Please understand why Boston has a housing crisis. Please understand that Seaport housing was seen by world renown professionals as *necessary* to ease pressure on Seaport traffic and transit. Please understand the value of walk-to-work housing.
#planning
BPDA is now rezoning Seaport Square Parcel N from housing to office use, with no tenant identified, despite the fact that multiple *vacant* lots are permitted for office use including Parcel D (below) and L5.
Where will arriving Amazon (L4) and Foundation Med (P) employees live?
2
7
4
6
10
50
In Boston, parked cars regularly block buses. Other cities show: it doesn’t have to be this way.
@taydolven
3
6
51
Great to hear the City of Boston has upgraded its choice of materials in procurement of tactile ramps, from composite to cast iron. Thanks for your testimony today
@jfh
, always impressive.
@KenzieBok
@EdforBoston
2
4
51