To the Editor,
Charlestown, a community of 20,000 residents is surrounded by water, and located in a severe flood zone. It has the second lowest tree canopy in Greater Boston. The Boston Planning and Development Agency plans to add over 40 buildings with a target of adding 20,000 more residents. Does Charlestown yet need another building in instead of greenspace?
Pier 5-A For-Profit Trojan Horse
What’s proposed: Turn pier 5 over to a for-profit operator of ticketed events, a 400-seat parties and corporate venues, and dock leases.
The reality: Over half the revenue comes from renting a 44,000sq.ft. commercial building. Less than 25% from actual community sailing. This is not public access-it’s pay -to-play.
The deal: All capitol costs primarily paid by tax- payers; net profits go to Courageous and its for-profit partner, ASM Global. This is not a public-private partnership—it’s public for private gain in perpetuity.
Pier 4—A Stealth Takeover
What’s proposed: Bundle Pier 4 into the same plan as Pier 5, avoiding a separate review. The Reality: Pier 4 has already been upgraded with $10M in public funds to support a two-story building: plans for an 11,000 sq. ft modern facility are in place; and a long- term lease is reportedly within reach. Courageous does NOT need Pier 5 to support an expanded program.
The concern: Pier 5 will forever be a private domain, and a public park will never happen.
BPDA should reject this proposal for Pier 5.
BPDA should launch a new RFP for non-commercial Pier 5 that delivers maximum public benefit and is financially self-sustaining.
Call To Action
Please visit https://harborpark.org/survey. Take this survey to make your voice heard in shaping the future of conservation and equitable public access to the waterfront.
Raise Your Voice: tell BPDA to reject this public giveaway.
https://www.bostonplans.org/planning-zoning/planning-initiatives/pier5
If the City is to give away Pier 5 forever, Give It To The People—Not To Profit