News & Updates

BPDA announces 2019 recipients of Harvard-Allston Public Realm Flexible Fund

Jun 21, 2019

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) announced $533,413 in funding to support public realm projects in Allston-Brighton as part of the Harvard-Allston Public Realm Flexible Fund. The funding comes from a $5.35 million fund created by Harvard University in association with Harvard University’s 2013 Institutional Master Plan (IMP) to support projects that create vibrant public spaces and encourage civic and cultural activity. The funding is to be disbursed in full over the term of Harvard University’s IMP, beginning in 2013 and ending in 2023.

At the June 2019 BPDA Board Meeting, the Board approved the recommendation of the Executive Committee to grant up to $533,413 in funding to the following applicants:

  • Boston Housing Authority will receive up to $226,250 for public realm improvements at Faneuil Gardens.
  • Pollinator Pathways will receive $68,360 for pollinator gardens.
  • Friends of the Maureen Arena Memorial Dog Park will receive $20,000 for the design of a dog park on Department of Conservation and Recreation owned land.

Additionally, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture will receive $50,000 for a placemaking study.

"This is a great opportunity to lay the foundation for future creative interventions in the public realm by connecting with the neighborhood's local creative community to understand where we can have the most impact," said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston.

In order to be considered, projects had to be located in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood with particular emphasis on the North Allston/North Brighton area. In addition, they had to be on public property or on property with public access. Grant applications are reviewed by an Executive Committee composed of neighborhood residents, representatives of various City of Boston Agencies, and Harvard University.

Since 2016, the BPDA Board has granted 20 projects with funding from the Harvard-Allston Public Realm Flexible Fund. Seven projects were awarded funding in both 2016 and 2017.
 

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