The Fort Pointer
@fortpointer.bsky.social
Tweets and opinions mostly regarding Fort Point, Boston. Lover of all things creative, worldly and aspirational. Otherwise bristly.
fortpointer.com Also: fortpoint.org fortpointpier.com
fortpointer.com Also: fortpoint.org fortpointpier.com
While Boston developers makes a case in the Globe for public bailouts to protect from sea level rise, most of them will fund campaigns of blowhards like those being fielded by the GOP.
They overwhelmingly backed Josh Kraft, a guy who said climate Job #1 was “retrofitting appliances.”
They overwhelmingly backed Josh Kraft, a guy who said climate Job #1 was “retrofitting appliances.”
November 29, 2025 at 3:01 PM
While Boston developers makes a case in the Globe for public bailouts to protect from sea level rise, most of them will fund campaigns of blowhards like those being fielded by the GOP.
They overwhelmingly backed Josh Kraft, a guy who said climate Job #1 was “retrofitting appliances.”
They overwhelmingly backed Josh Kraft, a guy who said climate Job #1 was “retrofitting appliances.”
Everyone’s free to love this BS. Go post photos.
That this crap was seen as an acceptable investment in meaningful public art accompanying a $700 million Lilly Genome Center speaks volumes.
FTR, this is the tip of the iceberg regarding nickel and diming at the 15 Necco site. Wait for summer 2026.
That this crap was seen as an acceptable investment in meaningful public art accompanying a $700 million Lilly Genome Center speaks volumes.
FTR, this is the tip of the iceberg regarding nickel and diming at the 15 Necco site. Wait for summer 2026.
New Instagram-friendly, colorful plop art has been installed, just in time for the Onboard award.
November 29, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Everyone’s free to love this BS. Go post photos.
That this crap was seen as an acceptable investment in meaningful public art accompanying a $700 million Lilly Genome Center speaks volumes.
FTR, this is the tip of the iceberg regarding nickel and diming at the 15 Necco site. Wait for summer 2026.
That this crap was seen as an acceptable investment in meaningful public art accompanying a $700 million Lilly Genome Center speaks volumes.
FTR, this is the tip of the iceberg regarding nickel and diming at the 15 Necco site. Wait for summer 2026.
Seaport is an embodiment of a system in which markets are the ONLY determinant of outcomes. Parks? Dumbed down to serve Fan Pier condo owners and Seaport Square shoppers. Civic/community life? Near-zero, not profitable. Culture? Hollow outside ICA.
And the long term? Unsustainable without bailouts.
And the long term? Unsustainable without bailouts.
The quote below says it all, capturing the ethos of Walsh‘s BPDA, 100% aligned with the development sector:
Walsh’s BPDA (paraphrased): “We’re fortunate because developers already want to do what’s necessary.”
Developers: “Our aspirations are dictated to us by financiers and insurers.”
Walsh’s BPDA (paraphrased): “We’re fortunate because developers already want to do what’s necessary.”
Developers: “Our aspirations are dictated to us by financiers and insurers.”
November 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Seaport is an embodiment of a system in which markets are the ONLY determinant of outcomes. Parks? Dumbed down to serve Fan Pier condo owners and Seaport Square shoppers. Civic/community life? Near-zero, not profitable. Culture? Hollow outside ICA.
And the long term? Unsustainable without bailouts.
And the long term? Unsustainable without bailouts.
Gillette Stadium among possible US stadiums for 2031 Women’s World Cup bid… www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/28/s...
Gillette Stadium among possible US stadiums for 2031 Women’s World Cup bid - The Boston Globe
Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium missed the cut among the 14 stadiums specified in the proposal, but was among the additional possible hosts listed for consideration by US Soccer.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Gillette Stadium among possible US stadiums for 2031 Women’s World Cup bid… www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/28/s...
The quote below says it all, capturing the ethos of Walsh‘s BPDA, 100% aligned with the development sector:
Walsh’s BPDA (paraphrased): “We’re fortunate because developers already want to do what’s necessary.”
Developers: “Our aspirations are dictated to us by financiers and insurers.”
Walsh’s BPDA (paraphrased): “We’re fortunate because developers already want to do what’s necessary.”
Developers: “Our aspirations are dictated to us by financiers and insurers.”
November 29, 2025 at 2:11 PM
The quote below says it all, capturing the ethos of Walsh‘s BPDA, 100% aligned with the development sector:
Walsh’s BPDA (paraphrased): “We’re fortunate because developers already want to do what’s necessary.”
Developers: “Our aspirations are dictated to us by financiers and insurers.”
Walsh’s BPDA (paraphrased): “We’re fortunate because developers already want to do what’s necessary.”
Developers: “Our aspirations are dictated to us by financiers and insurers.”
Opinion: Boston needs a plan to [bail out developers that failed to invest in sustainability, including scores permitted by Marty Walsh’s BPDA, a planning authority that slow-walked mandatory resiliency guidelines until 2021 — after Walsh left office]. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/28/o...
Boston needs a plan to pay for flood protection - The Boston Globe
Boston can look to other cities to learn how they developed investment strategies.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 29, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Opinion: Boston needs a plan to [bail out developers that failed to invest in sustainability, including scores permitted by Marty Walsh’s BPDA, a planning authority that slow-walked mandatory resiliency guidelines until 2021 — after Walsh left office]. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/28/o...
As an aside to my Fare Gate Mystery dialog: As shown, there’s a weird, clunky concrete structure along the new public access path to S. Station, behind 245 Summer. This structure may have some purpose, but it could be intended to narrow the public access path to a minimum to protect private rights.
November 29, 2025 at 1:09 AM
As an aside to my Fare Gate Mystery dialog: As shown, there’s a weird, clunky concrete structure along the new public access path to S. Station, behind 245 Summer. This structure may have some purpose, but it could be intended to narrow the public access path to a minimum to protect private rights.
Reposted by The Fort Pointer
Officials beginning to think about congestion pricing again; should people in the western suburbs be particularly worried?
www.universalhub.com/2025/officia...
#Boston
www.universalhub.com/2025/officia...
#Boston
November 28, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Officials beginning to think about congestion pricing again; should people in the western suburbs be particularly worried?
www.universalhub.com/2025/officia...
#Boston
www.universalhub.com/2025/officia...
#Boston
Fare Gate Mystery: Clues
Looks like the public pathway along USPS will be preserved by shifting it north, alongside the rear of 245 Summer. Here’s a pic of that path, looking to the Channel (east).
Need to get @massdep.bsky.social license (and amendment). Details re. public access matter.
Looks like the public pathway along USPS will be preserved by shifting it north, alongside the rear of 245 Summer. Here’s a pic of that path, looking to the Channel (east).
Need to get @massdep.bsky.social license (and amendment). Details re. public access matter.
November 28, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Fare Gate Mystery: Clues
Looks like the public pathway along USPS will be preserved by shifting it north, alongside the rear of 245 Summer. Here’s a pic of that path, looking to the Channel (east).
Need to get @massdep.bsky.social license (and amendment). Details re. public access matter.
Looks like the public pathway along USPS will be preserved by shifting it north, alongside the rear of 245 Summer. Here’s a pic of that path, looking to the Channel (east).
Need to get @massdep.bsky.social license (and amendment). Details re. public access matter.
Extremely sensitive windspeed indicator.
November 27, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Extremely sensitive windspeed indicator.
Fare Gate Mystery #2
The passageway running along USPS and into the South Station concourse appears to be a DEP-licensed Chapter 91 path, requiring public access 24/7.
That passageway opens directly into the track access area, bypassing the fare gates! No observable solution is under way. 🤔
The passageway running along USPS and into the South Station concourse appears to be a DEP-licensed Chapter 91 path, requiring public access 24/7.
That passageway opens directly into the track access area, bypassing the fare gates! No observable solution is under way. 🤔
November 27, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Fare Gate Mystery #2
The passageway running along USPS and into the South Station concourse appears to be a DEP-licensed Chapter 91 path, requiring public access 24/7.
That passageway opens directly into the track access area, bypassing the fare gates! No observable solution is under way. 🤔
The passageway running along USPS and into the South Station concourse appears to be a DEP-licensed Chapter 91 path, requiring public access 24/7.
That passageway opens directly into the track access area, bypassing the fare gates! No observable solution is under way. 🤔
A bit of short fiction for Contrarian Boston readers taking time off today from the daily grind, by novelist Catherine Carlock.
cc @scottvv.bsky.social
cc @scottvv.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 12:45 PM
A bit of short fiction for Contrarian Boston readers taking time off today from the daily grind, by novelist Catherine Carlock.
cc @scottvv.bsky.social
cc @scottvv.bsky.social
My guess? Based on:
Bizarre revisionism following the below-market purchase by New Atlantic in 2014;
Grandiose claims by a cohort in Midway re. expertise in artist housing;
$230k paid to board member in 2024 w/o knowledge of residents or full board:
👉 They're driving Midway under to take it over.
Bizarre revisionism following the below-market purchase by New Atlantic in 2014;
Grandiose claims by a cohort in Midway re. expertise in artist housing;
$230k paid to board member in 2024 w/o knowledge of residents or full board:
👉 They're driving Midway under to take it over.
BREAKING: Plaintiffs in lawsuit against Midway Studios, having been DENIED their initial complaint; then DENIED their Motion for Reconsideration of that earlier denial; yesterday filed an Amended Notice of Appeal. WTF
Uninsured legal costs were already reportedly in the 6 figures. The motivation? 🤔
Uninsured legal costs were already reportedly in the 6 figures. The motivation? 🤔
BREAKING: Strong turnout at Midway Studios elections last night, and strong support for Midway's new leadership team.
ONGOING: Lawsuit by prior board members ("Plaintiffs") has revealed unsettling allegations regarding prior board activities.
See: Motions (# 28, 54) Orders (# 43, 62)
ONGOING: Lawsuit by prior board members ("Plaintiffs") has revealed unsettling allegations regarding prior board activities.
See: Motions (# 28, 54) Orders (# 43, 62)
November 26, 2025 at 8:20 PM
My guess? Based on:
Bizarre revisionism following the below-market purchase by New Atlantic in 2014;
Grandiose claims by a cohort in Midway re. expertise in artist housing;
$230k paid to board member in 2024 w/o knowledge of residents or full board:
👉 They're driving Midway under to take it over.
Bizarre revisionism following the below-market purchase by New Atlantic in 2014;
Grandiose claims by a cohort in Midway re. expertise in artist housing;
$230k paid to board member in 2024 w/o knowledge of residents or full board:
👉 They're driving Midway under to take it over.
BREAKING: Plaintiffs in lawsuit against Midway Studios, having been DENIED their initial complaint; then DENIED their Motion for Reconsideration of that earlier denial; yesterday filed an Amended Notice of Appeal. WTF
Uninsured legal costs were already reportedly in the 6 figures. The motivation? 🤔
Uninsured legal costs were already reportedly in the 6 figures. The motivation? 🤔
BREAKING: Strong turnout at Midway Studios elections last night, and strong support for Midway's new leadership team.
ONGOING: Lawsuit by prior board members ("Plaintiffs") has revealed unsettling allegations regarding prior board activities.
See: Motions (# 28, 54) Orders (# 43, 62)
ONGOING: Lawsuit by prior board members ("Plaintiffs") has revealed unsettling allegations regarding prior board activities.
See: Motions (# 28, 54) Orders (# 43, 62)
BREAKING: Today, in a major victory for Midway Studios Board (Defendants) and residents alike, Judge Hornstine of Suffolk Superior Court denied the Plaintiff's Motion for Reconsideration.
OPINION: Allegations in docs dated 10/20/25 are an absolute disgrace.
Docket #2584CV01325
OPINION: Allegations in docs dated 10/20/25 are an absolute disgrace.
Docket #2584CV01325
November 26, 2025 at 6:31 PM
BREAKING: Plaintiffs in lawsuit against Midway Studios, having been DENIED their initial complaint; then DENIED their Motion for Reconsideration of that earlier denial; yesterday filed an Amended Notice of Appeal. WTF
Uninsured legal costs were already reportedly in the 6 figures. The motivation? 🤔
Uninsured legal costs were already reportedly in the 6 figures. The motivation? 🤔
Reposted by The Fort Pointer
We wish all our neighbors and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
Take a peek at the #FortPoint neighborhood blog to stay abreast of upcoming activities
fortpointboston.com
Take a peek at the #FortPoint neighborhood blog to stay abreast of upcoming activities
fortpointboston.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:58 PM
We wish all our neighbors and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
Take a peek at the #FortPoint neighborhood blog to stay abreast of upcoming activities
fortpointboston.com
Take a peek at the #FortPoint neighborhood blog to stay abreast of upcoming activities
fortpointboston.com
The Midtown Hotel was dead. Long live the Midtown Hotel. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/26/b... @bycathcarlock.bsky.social
The Midtown Hotel was dead. Long live the Midtown Hotel. - The Boston Globe
National Development has reopened the mid-century motor lodge on Huntington Ave. after plans for an apartment building there fell through.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:57 PM
The Midtown Hotel was dead. Long live the Midtown Hotel. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/26/b... @bycathcarlock.bsky.social
Reposted by The Fort Pointer
There was stuff about accessibiliy and luggage in the last thing I saw about it. www.boston.com/news/transpo...
South Station fare gates are scheduled to go live in December. Here's what to know.
Commuter rail riders at South Station will need a ticket to get in and out of the station starting next month, according to the MBTA.
www.boston.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:29 PM
There was stuff about accessibiliy and luggage in the last thing I saw about it. www.boston.com/news/transpo...
Could be wrong; looking forward to confirming at South Station:
The cloaked fare gates (pic #1) appeared to be installed at random distances apart from each other. Was my mind playing tricks?
The fare gates (#2) appeared to be set apart at different distances, but in a repeating pattern.
The cloaked fare gates (pic #1) appeared to be installed at random distances apart from each other. Was my mind playing tricks?
The fare gates (#2) appeared to be set apart at different distances, but in a repeating pattern.
November 26, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Could be wrong; looking forward to confirming at South Station:
The cloaked fare gates (pic #1) appeared to be installed at random distances apart from each other. Was my mind playing tricks?
The fare gates (#2) appeared to be set apart at different distances, but in a repeating pattern.
The cloaked fare gates (pic #1) appeared to be installed at random distances apart from each other. Was my mind playing tricks?
The fare gates (#2) appeared to be set apart at different distances, but in a repeating pattern.
Reposted by The Fort Pointer
Landmark move: New York City's comptroller @bradlander.bsky.social, with hundreds of billions under his control, recommends dropping investment giant Blackrock because they won't reckon with climate change.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
NYC’s Lander Recommends Dropping $42 Billion BlackRock Mandate
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is urging three of the city’s pension funds to drop BlackRock Inc. because of “inadequate” climate plans, the latest move to penalize investment firms for failing...
www.bloomberg.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Landmark move: New York City's comptroller @bradlander.bsky.social, with hundreds of billions under his control, recommends dropping investment giant Blackrock because they won't reckon with climate change.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Would be terrific if Boston found a good faith partner in Everett, entering arbitration with Kraft.
From MASSterlist Sunday rundown: ON THE RECORD: 11 a.m., WCVB. The guest is Everett Mayor-elect Robert Van Campen.
From MASSterlist Sunday rundown: ON THE RECORD: 11 a.m., WCVB. The guest is Everett Mayor-elect Robert Van Campen.
November 26, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Would be terrific if Boston found a good faith partner in Everett, entering arbitration with Kraft.
From MASSterlist Sunday rundown: ON THE RECORD: 11 a.m., WCVB. The guest is Everett Mayor-elect Robert Van Campen.
From MASSterlist Sunday rundown: ON THE RECORD: 11 a.m., WCVB. The guest is Everett Mayor-elect Robert Van Campen.
ICYMI: This piece includes a reasonably accurate account of Seaport history.
Robert Kuttner: Progressive Mayors vs. Developers... prospect.org/2025/11/25/p...
Progressive Mayors vs. Developers - The American Prospect
In New York, one of the toughest challenges that Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani faces will be preserving and increasing the supply of affordable housing. Same story in Boston, where progressive Mayor Mich...
prospect.org
November 25, 2025 at 11:33 PM
ICYMI: This piece includes a reasonably accurate account of Seaport history.
The Downtown Crossing tree has just been installed.
It’s a whole tree, not the half-tree that used to be mounted over Macy*s covered walkway.
It’s a heathy, beautiful tree. The base is sturdy, modest and quite complimentary. Thanks to all who made this possible. 🌲 cc @downtownboston.bsky.social
It’s a whole tree, not the half-tree that used to be mounted over Macy*s covered walkway.
It’s a heathy, beautiful tree. The base is sturdy, modest and quite complimentary. Thanks to all who made this possible. 🌲 cc @downtownboston.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 9:17 PM
The Downtown Crossing tree has just been installed.
It’s a whole tree, not the half-tree that used to be mounted over Macy*s covered walkway.
It’s a heathy, beautiful tree. The base is sturdy, modest and quite complimentary. Thanks to all who made this possible. 🌲 cc @downtownboston.bsky.social
It’s a whole tree, not the half-tree that used to be mounted over Macy*s covered walkway.
It’s a heathy, beautiful tree. The base is sturdy, modest and quite complimentary. Thanks to all who made this possible. 🌲 cc @downtownboston.bsky.social
Now open at 11 West Broadway (formerly Purple Shell) 🔥
November 25, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Now open at 11 West Broadway (formerly Purple Shell) 🔥
Robert Kuttner: Progressive Mayors vs. Developers... prospect.org/2025/11/25/p...
Progressive Mayors vs. Developers - The American Prospect
In New York, one of the toughest challenges that Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani faces will be preserving and increasing the supply of affordable housing. Same story in Boston, where progressive Mayor Mich...
prospect.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Robert Kuttner: Progressive Mayors vs. Developers... prospect.org/2025/11/25/p...
Reposted by The Fort Pointer
Boston's Downtown, North End and Wharf District are extremely vulnerable to coastal flooding. Learn more about the mitigation plans being proposed to protect our people and infrastructure at an upcoming meeting. Visit Boston.gov/usace-study/ for more info and to register.
November 25, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Boston's Downtown, North End and Wharf District are extremely vulnerable to coastal flooding. Learn more about the mitigation plans being proposed to protect our people and infrastructure at an upcoming meeting. Visit Boston.gov/usace-study/ for more info and to register.