May 10, 2012- Tour of Deer Island

Due to popular demand, MetroFuture Walks & Talks hosted another tour of Deer Island.  The group had the chance to learn the details of MWRA wastewater treatment and see the process in action. We had a chance to visit the restored 19th century pumping station and see the primary and secondary treatment facilities. We walked among the 12 140-foot egg-shaped digesters that begin the process of recycling sewage sludge into fertilizer and we learned about the Thermal Power Plant.  Along the way, we learned about the history of the island and the science and technology involved in the water treatment process.  To see photos and the handout from the tour, click here.

April 18, 2012- Building an Equitable Metro Boston: Moving from Equity Indicators to the Policies for Change

A lively group showed up to discuss the MetroFuture vision for an equitable region.  At the event, we learned about how the region is doing in achieving this vision, and we discussed potential policy “levers” to move the region in the direction we all want it to go.  MAPC Policy Analyst Jessie Grogan presented the findings of MAPC’s first regional indicators report, the State of Equity and MAPC Research Analyst, Jamila Henderson, lead participants through a discussion of potential policy, funding, and programmatic changes that could be made at the state or local level to help us achieve a more equitable region.  This was one of a number of workshops MAPC is planning to ensure that our policy recommendations reflect the diverse perspectives of the many residents of Metro Boston. Click here for photos and the presentation from the event.

April 12, 2012- Boston Under: After Hours Screening

Friends of MetroFuture visited the Capitol Theatre in Arlington for a screening of Boston Under: After Hours: a documentary film that provides a rare look at what goes on overnight in the MBTA's tunnels when most people are asleep. Filmmakers follow MBTA employees who perform critical maintenance and repair work to showcase all that is involved in keeping the T functional and making sure that people can get to their destination.  After the show, we got a chance to hear from the filmmakers and the stars of the show and participants had a change to ask question.  Click here for photos and the event handout.

March 3, 2012- Somerville Maple Syrup Boil Down

Chris Mancini, Executive Director at Groundwork Somerville, lead Friends of MetroFuture on an interesting and delicious tour where we learned about local food production in Somerville.  Every year Groundwork Somerville and the Somerville Community Growing Center host a Maple Syrup Boil Down to celebrate the culmination of their efforts to collect syrup from local Somerville maple trees and this year we were lucky to get an exclusive tour as part of it.  At the event, we learned how syrup gets from the tree to your plate, the logistics of managing an urban sugar bush, and how to tap a tree with experienced city syrupers from Groundwork Somerville. We got to sample the syrup as well, comparing Somerville, New Hampshire, and Corn-based Maple products.  Some of us even took a stab at boiling the sap from local trees into pure maple syrup over a warm, wood fire.  Click here for photos and the handout from this event.

February 21, 2012 - Making Your Home More Energy Efficient with Next Step Living

Travis Estes and the staff at Next Step Living gave us a great overview of their work, the Mass Save program, and ways to make your home more energy efficient.  The presentation included a segment on energy efficient windows and a discussion of solar panels.  Attendees got a chance to sign up for a home energy assessment at the event and to view samples of energy efficient windows and insulation.  Attendees also got a chance to look at the roof of their home on online software called Pictometry that can quickly assess the potential of a solar installation at that location.  The software looks at the direction the roof is facing, as well as shadows and trees in the area.  Next Step Living (NSL) believes that it should be easy for Massachusetts residents to save energy and money while making their home more comfortable.  NSL has worked with nearly 20,000 Massachusetts residents to lower their energy cost, increase comfort, and improve the environment through the Mass Save Home Energy Services Program.  By partnering with municipalities, nonprofits and businesses that share our commitment to the environment and communities we live and work in, we are able to help residents understand the value of energy efficiency and how to take advantage of available services to improve their homes. View the presentation and photos from the event here.

December 13, 2011 - All Things Not Being Equal: The State of Equity in Metro Boston

The Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School partnered with MAPC to release MAPC's first regional indicators report, The State of Equity in Metro Boston.  After a presentation of the report's findings, participants heard from members of government, advocates, and service providers who led them in a discussion of inequities in the region and potential solutions to these inequities.  There was lively discussion on how to address these issues and how to secure a healthy, secure, and prosperous future for the region as described in the MetroFuture regional plan. To learn more or to contribute ideas for policies that can make the region more equitable, click here.

November 16, 2011 - The State of MBTA Finances with Stephanie Pollack

Stephanie Pollack, the Associate Director of the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University joined us at the MAPC offices to discuss MBTA finances and the upcoming fare hike.  The MBTA, after struggling for years to close operating deficits, has run out of options and will soon be proposing both fare increases and service cuts that will take effect July 1, 2012.  Ms. Pollack started the talk by laying out the financial structure of the T and explaining how the T ended up in a deep financial hole.  She then compared the T to other transit systems throughout the country.  Ms. Pollack also shared some of the demographic information of those people riding the T and looked at how the impending fare increases might affect these riders.  She also reviewed what options were available to address the MBTA’s chronic financial problems. View the presentation along with photos of the event here.

September 17, 2011- MassBike Spin Series & MetroFuture Neponset Greenway Bike Ride

With the help of MassBike & DotBike of Dorchester, participants embarked on the first ever MetroFuture Walks & Talks Bike Ride!  The bike ride spanned about 12 miles along the coast, with some on road travel.  Along the way we heard about the work that the Metropolitan Area Planning Council does regarding bicycle planning, including more about the new Hubway Bike Share.  We also learned about MassBike and DotBike and their advocacy to close the gap in the Dorchester Coast Trail.  We saw firsthand where the planned trail extension would go and enjoyed a pleasant coastal bike ride. Click here to see photos and learn more about the ride. 

August 19, 2011 - Tour of Deer Island

MetroFuture Walks & Talks got a rare opportunity to visit Deer Island and to tour the facilities. We learned about wastewater treatment and saw the process in action. Along the tour, we visited the restored 19th century pumping station and saw the primary and secondary treatment facilities. We wandered among the 12 140-foot egg-shaped digesters that begin the process of recycling sewage sludge into fertilizer and learned about the Thermal Power Plant.  We also heard about the rich history of the island and saw firsthand the science and technology involved in the water treatment process.   See photos of the tour here.

 

July 12, 2011 - The Medford Wind Turbine: Presentation & Tour

Friends of MetroFuture gathered at the McGlynn School in Medford to learn about clean energy and to hear the story of the Medford Wind Turbine on site.  The turbine project was coordinated by the City of Medford and the Medford Clean Energy Committee and provides around 10% of the power for the McGlynn School.  Mayor Michael McGlynn welcomed the group with a brief introduction regarding the installation of the turbine in January 2009 and talked about the many benefits that the city has already derived.  Alicia Hunt, Energy Efficiency Coordinator for the City of Medford, and Bob Paine, a member of the Medford Energy Committee, then presented on the installation of the turbine including the efforts that were put forth to reach out to the community.  After the presentation, we got a chance to see the turbine up close and walked right up to the base of it. See photos of the tour here.

June 11, 2011 - Emerald Necklace: Guided walk through the Back Bay Fens 

MetroFuture joined the Emerald Necklace Conservancy for a tour of the Back Bay Fens.  The Emerald Necklace wraps around Boston and Brookline, encompasses 1000 acres, and includes 6 individual parks.  We learned about Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision in creating the parks and saw the changes that have occured since his original work.  We also visited the beautiful Kelleher Rose Garden and walked through the oldest World War II Victory Gardens in America. To see photos from the tour, click here.

May 7, 2011 - Youth-Led Tour of Chinatown with MetroFuture and A-VOYCE

  With a history of over 130 years, Boston's Chinatown is one of the oldest residential Chinatowns in the nation.  We learned about the origins of the neighborhood, heard stories of community struggle and activism, and discovered the continuing legacy of immigrants in the neighborhood.  We explored this lively neighborhood with members of Asian Voices of Organized Youth for Community Empowerment (A-VOYCE), the Asian Community Development Corporation’s dynamic youth development program.  At the conclusion of the tour, we also enjoyed traditional Chinese fare at the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center.  Check out the Globe's photographic recap here.

April 12, 2011 - Bridging the Demographic Divide: Myths and Realities with Dowell Myers

Urban planning is unique in its focus on the future and its (more recent) emphasis on promoting outcomes that emerge from cooperative decision-making. Yet, one of the greatest challenges to cooperative decision-making is the reality of demographic change over time. This change creates tensions in the public sphere that play out in local politics and impact planning and funding priorities. In his talk, Dowell Myers highlighted some important current and future demographic shifts, the emerging issues that have arisen or will arise from these changes, and their implications for housing, community development, and other facets of planning. Myers also discussed how planners’ strategic use of data and messaging can help them better “frame the future” when working with heterogeneous communities.  He proposed the goal of facilitating intergenerational and intercultural connections that advance the idea of a shared stake in the future and shared destiny.  This event was co-sponsored by the Tufts Intercultural Planning Group. To see photos from this event, click here.

March 23, 2011 - Tour of Artists for Humanity EpiCenter

A group of around 15 people gathered for a tour of the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter, the first LEED Platinum Certified Building in Boston.  We saw a range of environmentally sustainable arhictectural and energy features in addition to watching the kids at work.  The Artists for Humanity was founded in 1991 in order to provide underserved youth with an opportunity for paid employment in the arts.  Working on economic, racial, and, social divisions, they are trying to create sustainable futures for young people.  A permanent exhibit within the space includes educational displays on reclaimed materials, and a tour of computerized programs that measure the facility’s energy efficiency.  To see photos from the tour, click here.

March 2, 2011 - Transportation for Massachusetts Forum

At the T4MA forum in Natick, we had a great discussion of how transportation impacts communities throughout the MAPC region.  Participants brought great ideas and talked about opportunities for transportation improvements.  Participants also were not afraid to address some of the significant challenges around transportation, in particular funding and how we can raise the revenues needed to make positive changes.  The mission of T4MA is to double, by 2020, the percentage of Massachusetts residents who live in diverse, vibrant, and walkable communities served by a sustainable and sustainably funded transportation system.  Keep an eye out for further T4MA forums that will continue to foster a dialogue for change and stay in touch with us regarding your concerns and ideas.  Click here for more information.

February 9, 2011 - Immigrant Communities in the Inner Core

MAPC's Inner Core Committee hosted a compelling forum as part of the MetroFuture Speaker Series called "Immigrant Communities in the Inner Core." We heard about best practices of ICC municipalities that work with local nonprofit organizations who coordinate services for new immigrants in their communities. Marcia Drew Hohn, the Director of Public Education from the Immigrant Learning Center (ILC), presented policy recommendations from a previous ILC conference, specifically dealing with immigrant entrepreneurship. Gladys Vega, the Executive Director of the Chelsea Collaborative, spoke about how to engage immigrant communities and to make positive changes.  Danny LeBlanc, the Chief Executive Officer of the Somerville Community Corporation, and Maria Landaverde, the Youth Program Organizer at The Welcome Project, discussed how their respective organizations are working together to address issues facing immigrant communities in the City of Somerville that are relevant for municipalities.  We then broke into small discussion groups where we got a chance to talk over our concerns and ask individual questions.  For more information and presentation materials, click here.

December 2, 2010 - Universal Design with Valerie Fletcher

An excited group gathered to hear Valerie Fletcher, the Executive Director of the Institute for Human Centered Design, discuss universal design and the intersection with green design. Ms. Fletcher has overseen work on many projects that implement the concept of universal design in public transit, mixed use development, and residential spaces. She showed us many examples of universal design work that has gone on or is currently underway throughout the world.  Her lecture reminded us that universal design makes life easier for everyone and that these issues need to be more adequately addressed, especially here in the United States.  The event took place at the Institute for Human Centered Design where attendees were able to explore the interesting space that has been crafted with people of every age and ability in mind.  A series of uniquely designed and adaptive chairs and a kitchen facility adapted for ease of use were among the highlights.

 

November 17, 2010 - Sustainable Communities and the MetroBoston Consortium

A large crowd gathered to participate in a lively discussion regarding the recent federal Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant.  The grant was awarded to the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities by a federal partnership led by HUD and will directly support our regional plan, MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region.  Currently, the consortium includes 55 municipalities (representing 71% of the region’s residents), state agencies, community based organizations, advocacy groups, academic institutions, business interests, foundations, public housing authorities, and other partners.  The conversation was led by Director of Regional Plan Implementation, Amy Cotter, and MAPC Policy Analyst, Jessie Grogan, who gave some background on the grant and answered questions on how different organizations can get involved in the Consortium.  To see photos from the event, click here.

October 23, 2010 - Union Square Tour: Revitalizing an Urban Neighborhood 

Mimi Graney, Executive Director of Union Square Main Streets, led an interested group on a tour through Somerville's Union Square.  Graney discussed how Union Square was once a booming urban business district served by trolley cars, but how the square has since suffered decades of decline.  The tour group saw examples of the area's legacy of brownfields and underutilized parcels and discussed the roles of some unhelpful zoning codes in the area.  Graney pointed out how the neighborhood is now revitalizing with a focus on improved public transit, a vision for pedestrian oriented design, and an economic development strategy centered on art and design.  She also spoke of the role of small scale, independent, food-oriented businesses in this revitalization.  The group saw how this neighborhood change is occuring and how its progress demonstrated a pattern of sustainable smart growth.

October 13, 2010 - Transportation for America with James Corless 

A large group gathered to listen intently as James Corless, Director of Transportation for America (T4A), enthusiastically discussed transit oriented development, environmental justice, and how transportation demand can be reduced through smart growth strategies. He also described how Transportation for America, a coalition of over 400 organizations, is promoting a new, transformative federal transportation policy that is smarter, safer, cleaner, and provides more choice. 

 October 6, 2010 - Shared Streets with Ben Hamilton-Baillie

The room was bursting at the seams with people interested in streets that cars, trolleys, cyclists and pedestrians all share; in traffic, transportation modes, and what makes an enjoyable street or square.  Ben Hamilton-Baillie, a Harvard University Loeb Fellow Alumnus and principal of Hamilton-Baillie Associates in England, led participants through exploration of risk, safety, and design solutions that may seem counterintuitive but which are yielding impressive results.  The lively and provocative talk was co-sponsored by the MA Smart Growth Alliance.

 September 16, 2010 - Boat Tour of the Lower Mystic River

Over 20 interested residents joined us for a boat tour of the Lower Mystic River on September 16th. The Lower Mystic is an urban river with a history of abuse and neglect, but we learned some of the river's many success stories and about the concerted effort to continue to improve water quality and recreational access.  We explored new developments and budding parks on old brownfields, as well as what is in store for the future that will make the Lower Mystic a resource for Boston area residents to cherish.  To see photos from the event, click here.

July 29, 2010 - Environmental Sustainability Along Boston Harbor

Vivien Li of the Boston Harbor Association led MetroFuture’s first walking tour along the Fort Point Channel and South Boston's waterfront to look at urban environmental sustainability.  We toured the LEED Gold Children's Museum and the Atlantic Wharf project, and visited other sites along the waterfront including the Moakley Courthouse, the Institute for Contemporary Art, and Fish Pier.  Photos from the tour can be seen here.

June 15, 2010 - "Unnatural Causes...Is Inequality Making Us Sick?": A Film and Discussion

PBS recently broadcast an acclaimed documentary film series exploring the underlying causes of health disparities.  In June, MAPC hosted a viewing of episode five of this series.  Peter Lee, Mass Partnership for Healthy Communities, Health Resources in Action; and Lea Susan Ojamaa, Division of Prevention and Wellness, Massachusetts Department of Public Health facilitated an interactive discussion following the screening.  For more information, click here. 

April 21, 2010 - Jane Jacobs vs. Robert Moses: Parallels in Metro Boston

In planning and urban design, the principles established by Jane Jacobs nearly a half-century ago are uniformly embraced today, including the importance of citizen participation. Yet Robert Moses had an understanding of the central role of infrastructure, and a vision for urban redevelopment, that is equally relevant in 2010. In April, Anthony Flint, author of Wrestling with Moses: How Jane Jacobs Took on New York's Master Builder and Transformed the American City, addressed how this remarkable story holds lessons for the 21st century city.

March 23, 2010 - Bicycles in Boston and the Public Health Connection

Dr. Anne Lusk came to MAPC to speak about the connection between bicycle use and public health in Greater Boston.  Dr. Lusk is a Research Fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health with a Ph.D. in Architecture, and a 28-year history of working on bicycle environments for all populations.  She addressed how Boston's bicycling infrastructure could be changed to increase bicycling and improve health.  For more information, click here. 

February 17, 2010 - In Search of Municipal Savings? Look in Your Trash!

MAPC hosted a panel discussion on how municipalities could achieve savings, revenue, and sustainability through Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) programs and other waste reduction initiatives.  Panelists, including Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk, Natick Selectman Joshua Ostroff, Salem Business Manager Julie Rose, and MA DEP Recycling Program Branch Chief Brooke Nash shared their experiences and discussed their successful waste reduction initiatives. For more information, click here. 

February 11, 2010 - Planning for the Unplanned: Recovering from Crises in Megacities - Lessons for Metro Boston

How do cities plan for the unplanned, coping with limited resources, uncertainty, and change?  Dr. Aseem Inam, urban designer and planner at Tufts University, addressed this question in his February talk at MAPC.  Dr. Inam shared findings from his book, Planning for the Unplanned, which compared successful disaster recovery programs in Los Angeles and Mexico City. He concluded his talk with observations about the types of practices and policies that can emerge from well-crafted comparative analyses, and discussed lessons for the Boston metropolitan region.