Planning Initiatives

In order to proceed with implementation of the East Boston Master Plan, the BRA submitted a Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) for the East Boston waterfront to the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs'(EOEA) Office of Coastal Zone Management on March 12, 2002.

The MHP is a land use plan prepared by the City under the Commonwealth's statewide licensing regulations for waterfront projects. This document details a harbor plan tailored to the characteristics of the East Boston waterfront and reflects the planning goals of the community.

To assist in preparing the plan, the BRA convened an Advisory Committee that included a broad range of individuals with interest in and knowledge about waterfront issues in East Boston and the City as a whole. The BRA also coordinated the planning process with state agencies, property owners, developers, and interested community residents. By organizing walking tours and public meetings in the neighborhood, the plan aims to integrate the community’s thoughts into a coherent vision reflected in the final MHP.

On July 15, 2002, the Secretary of EOEA issued a decision on the Plan. The BRA will soon undertake a Designated Port Area (DPA) Master Plan that will deal with those portions of the East Boston waterfront mandated by state regulations to be for water-dependent industrial activity. The purpose of the DPA Master Plan is to preserve land for water dependant industrial uses and to plan for compatibility of uses to ensure their continuation. The outcome of the boundary review will be available Spring 2003.

1. East Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan