At a Glance

Founded in 1629, Charlestown is the City’s oldest neighborhood. Situated just across the harbor and to the north of Downtown, Charlestown is home to the Bunker Hill Monument and historical Charlestown Navy Yard. 

Today Charlestown is an attractive residential neighborhood composed of brick and wood row houses and public housing. In recent years, waterfront condominiums and apartments have been added to the housing mix. The Charlestown Navy Yard, now a popular national park, forms the southern edge of the neighborhood. Both residents and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Boston skyline from the Navy Yard's green spaces and piers.

In Charlestown, contemporary restaurants and shops thrive alongside the oldest tavern in Massachusetts (Warren Tavern) giving this area a unique flavor. Charlestown boasts two marinas, Constitution Marina and Shipyard Quarters Marina, which keep the waterfront busy. The Charlestown Chamber of Commerce supports local business owners. Major tenants of the area include Bunker Hill Community College, Spauling Rehabilitation Hospital, and a branch of Massachusetts General Hospital.  

Community Engagement Managers

The Community Engagement Managers (CEM) of the BPDA are responsible for assisting staff members with the coordination of all outreach in regards to planning initiatives and proposed development in Boston’s neighborhoods. CEMs work to ensure each BPDA external process actively reflects the community’s goals, in addition to being the point of contact for constituent questions. Have questions about a certain project in your neighborhood? Feel free to reach out them:

For information about planning context, zoning, or BPDA review processes, please contact [email protected].