Charlestown Can Lead with a Truly Public Vision for Pier 5
Dear Editor,
Courageous Sailing is a valued part of our community, and I was proud to join their working group to explore ideas for Pier 5 in the Navy Yard. When the City issued a request for proposals (RFP) to determine the future of that site — one of the last open piers on Boston Harbor — I hoped we could create something bold, inclusive, and truly public.
But over time, the vision changed. What’s now proposed is a 44,000-square-foot commercial building with a 400-person event hall, a for-profit immersive theater, and office space — all funded by $80 million in public money. If it fails, taxpayers take the hit. If it succeeds, profits stay private. Meanwhile, the public loses access to the waterfront.
Courageous already has more space on Pier 4 than all other youth sailing groups in Boston combined. That’s where their growth belongs — and where the City has already invested $10 million to support them.
Boston deserves a better outcome at Pier 5. Imagine a floating harbor pool, open to all of Boston’s kids and families, all the time. Summer swimming. Winter saunas. Water shuttles from every neighborhood. No massive structure. No blocked views. Just joy, equity, and access.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Let’s not use it to build a private venue for the few. Let’s use it to create a public treasure for everyone.
Let’s keep Pier 5 100% public.
Jules Pieri
THANK YOU
Dear Editor,
Dear Members of the Old Charlestown Schoolboy’s Association,
Thank you for awarding me the Fr. Daniel Mahoney and Jonathan Greatorex Scholarships. I’m grateful for your support as I begin my college journey at Boston College, where I plan to major in economics.
This generous scholarship helps ease the financial burden and encourages me to continue working hard toward my goals. Thank you again for this recognition.
Sincerely,