Minutes for TCC Meeting from November 12, 2015

BCNC, 4th Floor. 9:30-11am

Attendees: Sherry Dong, Elizabeth Likovich, Chris Hill, Alexandra Ong, Maureen White, Shifu Wang, David Dower, Courtney Ho, Bet Har Wong-Chan, Annie Chin-Louie, Debbie Chen, Enoch Liao, Helen Chin-Schlichte, Lev McCarthy, Christopher Blackler, Kate Chang, Mark Liu, Kun Chang.

 

Minutes for TCC Meeting on November 12, 2015

I. “Graybar Project” Update. 345 Harrison Ave. – Elizabeth Likovich, UDR Associate

- Development at former Graybar site

- 577 units

  • 25% studios
  • 50% 1 bedroom
  • 22% 2 bedroom
  • 3% 3 bedroom

- 20% affordable – 10% on-site, 10% off-site

  • Will be distributed evenly throughout the building

- 270 parking spaces – added parking to address South End resident concerns

- About 150 feet in height

- Public courtyard

- 33,500 sq feet of retail

  • 5% of retail space will be affordable and there will be an application process for that space

- Retail ideas:

  • Pharmacy
  • Coffee store
  • Doggie daycare
  • Bank

- Has demolished old Graybar building. Will start construction in the spring.

II. ArtsEmerson Vision – David Dower, Artistic Director

- 4 performance spaces in the neighborhood

- Want ArtsEmerson to reflect the diversity of Boston

- Host Boston Asian American Arts Festival

- Have three other upcoming Asian American performances planned

- Community Engagement Tools

  • Ambassador Club
    • Take cohorts to watch arts throughout the year and learn about their experiences
  • Playreading Book Club
    • Meet artists, cast and read play
  • Cast parties

- Want to include both amateur and professional in these spaces

- Have community residency curators – community people curate based on their own relationships

- Artists by contract need to do three community engagement activities

- 20% of seat tickets are available for community engagement partners at large venues

- David Dower reachable at david_dower@emerson.edu

III. Adult Education Update, Boston Chinese Evangelical Church - Enoch Liao, Pastor

- BCEC background

  • Founded in 1961
  • Over 1200 in weekly attendance currently
  • Space in Newton and Chinese

- Objectives for Community English Classes: Survival English, prepare citizenship interview, friendship and support, share love of God

- 2 semesters a year and summer phonics class

- 140+ students, 11 ESL classes, 2 citizenship classes

- Bilingual classes in Cantonese and Mandarin. One higher level English only class

- Applications throughout the semester

- Cost: $25/semester

- Once a week, Saturday 9AM-12PM, 14 weeks

- Students are promoted with the teachers every semester

IV. Announcements

- Go Boston 2030 – Maureen White

  • Boston Transportation Planning Initiative
  • Saturday, November 14 12-2:30PM – Chinatown
    • Josiah Quincy Elementary School
    • Dialogue across neighborhoods
    • Childcare and translation available
  • Saturday, November 19 – Roslindale

- Calling for Letters of Support for Chinatown Library

- December 6 – Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour

  • Mayor and Santa Claus meet and greet

- Ribbon Cutting for One Greenway (66 Hudson St) on Tuesday November 17 @ 1:45 PM. Please RSVP to Christine Nguyen at christine.nguyen@asiancdc.org, preferably by Friday, November 13, 2015. You will be able to view common areas but not any of the units.