Planning Initiatives

Chapter 91 of the M.G.L. and 310 CMR 9.00, the Waterways Regulations, protect the public's rights on private and Commonwealth tidelands. Municipal harbor planning allows municipalities certain flexibility with the Waterways Regulations. The Commonwealth recognizes that each harbor within the Commonwealth is unique and encourages municipalities to develop long-term, comprehensive plans that are tailored to its own harbor but also consistent with state waterways and tidelands policies. The MHP, along with the City’s zoning power and the Article 80 review process, is a powerful tool that the City has at its disposal to implement its harbor vision.

In March 2006, the BRA submitted a Municipal Harbor Plan Amendment for Lovejoy Wharf to the Secretary of Environmental Affairs. The MHP Amendment was approved by the Secretary of Environmental Affairs on October 12, 2006. The MHP Amendment will further the City’s goals for the waterfront in this area by expanding Harborwalk, increasing the amount of open space, creating new pedestrian connections to the waterfront, and providing various public waterfront amenities.

1. Power Point Presentation from Municipal Harbor Plan Advisory Committee meeting on December 14, 2005
   
2. Power Point Presentation from Municipal Harbor Plan Advisory Committee meeting on January 4, 2006
   
3. Decision on the City of Boston's North Station Amendment to the Boston Municipal Harbor Plan
   
4. Powerpoint Presentation from Municipal Harbor Plan Advisory Committee meeting on February 1, 2006
   
5. 1999 MHP Limited Geographic Amendment
   
6. Draft Municipal Harbor Plan Amendment
   
7. Final Municipal Harbor Plan Amendment