Folks, Massport has requested to demolish the house on l8 Neptune
Road, the last remaining home in that neighborhood that is now
boarded up having bought it from a family that owned it up until
2007.
The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) has informed
Massport that 18 Neptune Road meets Criterion C for listing in the
National Register of Historic Places and that the demolition will
have an adverse effect on the property. However, MHC, it appears,
will allow the demolition if Massport agrees to ensure that the
following measures are carried out:
l. Documentation: meaning that they will take photographs of
exterior elevations, major interior spaces and significant
features..windows, entrances, and architectural details...etc.
Unless otherwise agreed to by the MHC, Massport will ensure that documentaion
is completed and accepted by the MHC prior to the commencement of
demolition activities..etc.
2. Salvage of Architectural Elements: In consultation with
Massport's historic preservation consultant shall review the
significant architectural elements of 18 Neptune Road to determine
the appropriateness and feasibility of preserving selected
elements. As feasible and appropriate, Massport shall salvage and
make available such elements to interested parties for educational
display or reuse.
Before going ahead with entering into some Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) with MHC, Massport said it will include public notice and
take into account public comment prior to finalizing the MOA. AS
A FOOTNOTE, Massport's notice was submitted to the Environment
Monitor which lists environmental review projects, but little of
this type of request. Massport did not publicize this directly to
the community until it was brought to the attention of our
legislative delegation who then requested that Massport schedule a
public meeting in the community.
Hence, a public meeting is slated for MONDAY, JUNE 2nd, at the
Salesians Boys & Girls Club (Savio Hall) which Massport lists for
its address as l50 Bennington Street. (PLEASE NOTE: I believe
someone misspoke and it should be l50 BYRON ST.) The meeting will
begin at 6 P.M.
I would personally appreciate a response if you can attend, and if
not, that you send comments to Massachusetts Historical
Commission at the Secretary of State's Office. The reviewer for
MHC is Ed Bell. The DEADLINE for comments is June 12, 2008.
There are quite a number of people in this community who believe
that this house is truly historic and that it can be rehabbed and
put to use for the community in a number of ways. For example, it
will sit in the middle of the proposed East Boston Greenway. It
can be an information center for newcomers to East Boston (at the
bottom of the Neptune Road exit off Rte. l-A.) It can also be a
public space that can be used by non-profit groups in East
Boston. Museums are already being created for neighborhoods
within the City of Boston. (Why not East Boston?) Wood Island
Park, one park within the former 100+ year old Metropolitan Park
System, designed by the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted who also
designed Central Park in New York City, was at the other end of
Neptune Road which Massport took over to enlarge the airport, such
as it is today.
This house built in l910 sits as a landmark for East Boston's
history, both joyful and otherwise sad.
Please attend this important meeting which may have an impact on a
piece of history that just might be worth saving.
Gail Miller
