Keep Pier 5 public for all of Charlestown
To the Editor:
A recent letter to the editor regarding the future of Pier 5 was spot on. How the Boston Planning and Development Agency and our elected officials could choose to approve and advance the issue of turning over the Pier to a private entity represents an egregious affront to this community.
As the writer pointed out, years of community advocacy to keep Pier 5 a public waterfront space for the over 20,000 residents and millions of annual visitors to the former Navy Yard site seems to have little input in their decision-making. It’s past time for our decision-makers to do some “critical thinking.” This involves looking beyond a glitzy and glossy description of this private venue and getting the facts straight.
Charlestown is surrounded by three bodies of water. It lies in a severe flood zone and is built on wetlands, with low tree canopy, and is in the throes of climate change. Factoring in the pollution from the many highways and roadways, all of this creates a toxic environment.
The BPDA has plans to add more than 40 buildings/towers to increase the density to more than 40,000 residents in one square mile, making our community a virtual heat island and an undesirable place to live.
What must be the most crucial factor is the state of our health care system, which is in crisis. Hospital staff are leaving the health care system, hospitals and nursing home facilities are closing, and health benefits are being eliminated.
When a community has none or few outlets such as green and blue waterfront space to catch a breath of fresh air, to enjoy outside space to socialize, and to take in our natural surroundings, our physical and mental health are compromised.
Pier 5 needs to be relooked at with serious “critical thinking.” The community of Charlestown needs to advocate not only for the present, but also for future generations.
Pier 5 is iconic. It is at the head of the harbor, has historical significance, and is a community asset to bring us all together. Do we really need yet another building, or a private equity firm to take over Pier 5.
Our health and quality of life depend on our efforts to save Pier 5 and create a destination for all of Charlestown. Can you be counted on to stand up and stand out for keeping Pier 5 public?
Ann Kelleher