Download TCC 2010-11-18 Minutes
Thursday, November 18th, 2010
9:30 AM, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, 4th Floor
Attendance: Barbara Rubel, Bill Linehan, Bill Moy, Chin-Wen Lee, Chutze Chou, David Sokoler, Enoch Liao, Helen Chin Schlichte, James Chan, Jianghe Niu, Kenny Wong, Kye Liang, Ming Lin, Nancy Eng, Norman Eng, Sherry Dong, Sue Kim
I. Refreshments, Welcome, and Introductions
II. Introduction – New Program Coordinator, Kye Liang
-funded by a grant for one year by the Chinatown Trust Fund
III. BRA Update, Sue Kim
-No significant new projects since 2008. Several dormant projects coming back online.
1. 120 Kingston “Dainty Dot” went from about 147 units to 200 units by reducing unit size and shifting from condos to apartments. Construction may start in spring.
2. Kensington near China Trade Center. Started in 2003, still going through public notice of chnge. Moved from mix of units to all rental, reduced parking spaces, increased # units. Doing off-site contribution to Hong Lok House instead of on-site affordability.
3. Hong Lok House – still involved in issues around design review.
4. Oxford Ping On project, tied to 120 Kingston. Increased mix to more 2-bedrooms, fewer units.
5. Parcel 24 – working on notice of project change, going from market rate condos to mostly all rentals. Still have affordable condos. Switching architects.
6. 275 Albany Street, the Normandy Group, has been approved. Looking to add 408 hotel rooms. BRA thinks good for access to Convention Center, Hospitals, etc.
7. Harrison-Albany Corridor Strategic Plan – hope by January to come up with urban design framework (including limits on height, massing) and transportation design.
8. Mary Soo Hoo Park – delayed on start of construction this past fall to modify design after Lee family parcel no longer part of design. Present modified design to public after re-design.
IV. Chinatown Weatherization, Alice Leung, Chinese Progressive Association
-Chinatown is one of 4 pilot sites to partner with state and utilities. 3 pieces to pilot:
1. Outreach to local site
2. Gap funding to cover up to $3500 for weatherization costs
3. Trainees into this field
-Goals of project:
1. Effectively addressing climate change
2. Stabilize the community through decreasing expenses and creating jobs
-Target is 60-120% state median income. Most would get all weatherization work subsidized.
-Below 60% SMI already have ABCD network program.
-Those above 120% SMI pay only 25% for Boston City residents.
-Program includes:
* A no-cost Home Energy Assessment to identify the energy-saving improvements that are right for you
* Free compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) to help start saving energy immediately
* Up to $2,000 for approved energy-saving measures from NSTAR or National Grid and up to an additional $1,500 from Renew Boston for eligible customers
* 0% interest loans for qualifying energy-efficient equipment
-English speaking customers call 617-635-7283 and mention Chinese Progressive Association
-Chinese speaking customers call 617-357-4499
-http://renewboston.org/
V. City Councilor Bill Linehan
-Apologize for not coming sooner, but TTC meeting coincides with meeting for elected officials of South Boston. Finally just suspended that meeting for one week to make it here. Please let Dennis Lui know that I’m here because he’s been inviting me for 10 months!
-Grateful for James Chan on my staff to represent Chinatown.
-Been chair for Committee on Economic Development since elected. Have 25 years of experience in city government. Naïve to and avoided the development game because land issues can be so controversial. But as City Councilor for this district, have to be immersed and informed. District 2 has 60-70% of all development projects in city for next 10 years. One of most economically viable, profitable districts.
-Also vice-chair on housing. Also serve on several other committees – rules, neighborhood safety, and others.
-The committee action is that generally the chair and vice chair do most of the work with central staff, since all councilors are on multiple committees.
-Ran on platform of moving things forward for residents.
-Regarding Chinatown – learning new things all the time. Would like to see Chinatown continue to expand, as it is an epicenter for Chinese activity, commerce. Concerned about expensive costs in Chinatown, advocate for that and affordable housing.
-Regarding parking in Chinatown, just filed order with city clerk to look into that very issue. Having a hearing on parking.
-Advocate for mitigation in development projects.
-Regarding Greenway, James appointed to Greenway Leadership Project.
-Aware and understand issue of encroachment and different views on where Chinatown extends to. And when we develop NY streets area, Chinatown will definitely have a place at the table.
-Hoping to collaborate together in Chinatown for a Storefront Library with resources from BPL, universities, and even wealthy residents. We have some of the richest residents, and most of the poorest residents in the city.
VI. Announcements, Updates, and Kaffeeklatsch
-BRA Notice of Project Change Meeting, Kensington Place, Tuesday, November 30, 6:00-7:30PM, Metropolitan Community Room
-BRA Update Meeting, Mary Soo Hoo (Chinatown Gateway) Park, Thursday, December 2, 6:00-8:00PM, 90 Tyler Street
-Helen Chin-Schlichte, announced the proposed Boston Chinese Immersion Charter School. For more information please see www.bostonchineseimmerson.org.
Next Meeting: Thursday, December 9th, 9:30 AM @ BCNC 4th floor Conference Room