The Future of Pier 5 Must Remain Public
To the Editor,
The Pier 5 Association (P5A) presented its rebuttal to Courageous Sailing’s combined Pier 4 and Pier 5 proposal on November 6, 2025, before a full audience at the Charlestown Neighborhood Council. P5A President and CNC member Rosemary Macero introduced Robert O’Leary, Ann Kelleher, and Diane Valle, and read a letter from Sherrie Cutler, speaking on behalf of residents and community organizations who urge the City of Boston and the BPDA to reject the Courageous proposal, which improperly combines Piers 4 and 5—even though the City’s RFP applies solely to Pier 5.
Robert O’Leary noted that P5A submitted a qualified Pier 5 proposal that was rejected, while the Courageous proposal fails to meet the basic terms of the RFP. Courageous Sailing provides excellent youth sailing on Pier 4; however, its proposed $80+ million expansion onto Pier 5 represents a dramatic shift—from community sailing to private-equity-backed commercial development that would restrict public access. The plan includes event facilities, a theater, and a partnership with ASM Global/Legends, the world’s largest entertainment corporation—effectively privatizing a historic public pier, requiring paid admission, and contradicting the RFP’s stated goal of creating open space and civic uses.
With an operating budget of roughly $2.5 million, Courageous provides no transparent financing plan to cover construction, debt service, or long-term maintenance. Without accountability, taxpayers may be forced to subsidize repairs and operations while losing the opportunity to restore Pier 5 as a public park and waterfront access point in a neighborhood already short on green and blue space and facing high asthma and cardiac disease rates.
Ann Kelleher, a retired nurse, noted that Plan Charlestown will add over 100 acres of development and nearly double the population to 36,000—far above Boston’s density norm. Expanding open space at Pier 5 is essential to public health and climate resilience.
I highlighted my experience transforming urban open spaces into beloved community assets—from Monument Square to the Greenway and post-Marathon “Daffodils.” Pier 5 offers a similar, once-in-a-generation opportunity.
P5A’s vision is clear: Pier 5 Public Waterfront Park—a climate-ready, green-and-blue public space with water access, educational partnerships, and no barriers to entry. This fulfills Chapter 91, advances Boston’s climate goals, and honors Charlestown’s role as the birthplace of the American Revolution.
On the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the BPDA should commit to restoring Pier 5—using funds for a Public Park at Pier 5 for the people and for climate resiliency.
Diane Valle