The Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association (JPNA) announced two opportunities for the currently vacant lot at 294 Sumner St and is working in partnership with the community and the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) to create a proposal process that will benefit residents of the community.
JPNA has set a timeline and several deadlines as the process moves forward.
First on August 1, 2015 Request for Ideas will be due. This request is a submission for a permanent use for the site.
“We are asking for a “pre-proposal” so that the community can be paramount in selecting 3 submissions that will then be specifically targeted when drafting the formal Request for Proposals for the site, required through the Department of Neighborhood Development,” said JPNA’s Meg Hammond. “This is a unique opportunity for residents, business owners, and developers to work in partnership to outline what the Jeffries Point Community envisions in an inclusionary and transparent process.”
According to JPNA, the group intentionally have left the parameters open as to not limit the ideas.
“Submissions are due August 1, 2015, and will be presented at the September Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association meeting,” said Hammond. “The top three submissions- voted on by the JPNA voting body, will be submitted to the Department of Neighborhood Development. From there the JPNA Board, in partnership with the DND will draft the formal Request for Proposal based on the preferred uses; outlined by the community.”
The regular DND process, zoning, and Boston Redevelopment Authority involvement will then proceed as usual.
“As such, we recognize this will be a longer process, and have created a temporary program to engage the site in the interim,” said Hammond.
The JPNA will seek Request for Temporary Use License Proposals on June 10, 2015, September 10, 2015 and November 10, 2015.
“The Request for Temporary Use Licenses will be granted in (three) 4 month periods–June 15-October 1, 2015; October 15-February 1, 2016; February 15- June 1, 2016,” said Hammond. “The purpose of the licenses will be to activate the now underutilized site, and allow for community involvement, on a temporary basis.”
Hammond said uses must conform to city guidelines and all installations must be removable, and property returned to original condition. The site does not have any utilities, and use must not require lighting, electrical or plumbing. The licensee will be responsible for obtaining liability insurance for duration of license, upkeep of sidewalks, and site, and securing of property.
“No activity is permitted dawn to dusk on the site submissions will be reviewed and selected by the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association Board in partnership with abutters and Department of Neighborhood Development,” said Hammond.
Licenses may be suspended if there are complaints or any terms have been violated.
“We are hoping this will be an opportunity for local residents, with less formal funding can activate the space through art, gardens, or other creative uses,” said Hammond. “We are looking forward to seeing the submissions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.”