Your parks need your voice!

The BRA will be making a crucial decision about the proposed residential development at 171-172 Tremont Street.

This project, as it is currently proposed, will exceed  existing zoning laws protecting Boston Common from excessive shadow and wind.

Parks greatly improve the quality of city life and build community. The time is now to share your voice on their behalf.

The time is now to share your voice on their behalf.

The BRA will be making a crucial decision about the proposed residential development at 171-172 Tremont Street. As it is currently proposed, the project will exceed current protective zoning and set a harmful precedent by opening the door for more development exceeding the height limit in the mid-town area bordering Boston Common and the Public Garden.

From the 1970’s, the Friends of the Public Garden has continuously advocated for protecting the Common from excessive shadow and wind resulting from development projects that would have a damaging impact on this vital and heavily used historic urban park.

We advocate for compliance with both the 1990 Shadow Law and Boston’s zoning code’s provisions protecting the Common as well as the Public Garden.

Will you take 5 minutes this week to send an email to BRA Director Brian Golden?

Sample email message:

Dear Mr. Golden,

I am asking that the BRA comply with the existing laws, the 1990 Shadow Law and Boston’s zoning code’s provision protecting Boston Common and the Public Garden that limits the height of buildings in the Midtown Cultural Zone to 155′ and not approve the 171 Tremont St. project as presently proposed. (INCLUDE A SENTENCE ABOUT WHY BOSTON COMMON AND THE PUBLIC GARDEN ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU.)

Boston Common is the most heavily used greenspace in the entire city. It has served the city at-large for 382 years as a gathering place for celebrations, special events and demonstrations, but also as the neighborhood park for over 35,000 residents. I urge the BRA not to approve the additional new shadow on Boston Common the 171-172 Tremont project will incur.  A harmful precedent will be set for more buildings to exceed the height limit. Shadows negatively impact the health of the park’s trees and grass, and also significantly affect my, and other people’s enjoyment of the park.

Please let me know that you will not approve the project until it complies with existing laws protecting Boston Common.

Thank you for your consideration.

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