Charlotte Golar Richie, Director
Department of Neighborhood Development
City of Boston
26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108
January 26, 2000
Dear Director Richie:
We understand that the Department of Neighborhood Development is working to finalize its Interim Policy on Community Participation in City Property Disposition. To assure that the disposition process addresses all issues of importance to the neighborhoods, the ABN asks for a wider and more systematic dissemination of the draft Policy for comment. A policy so important to the welfare of all Boston neighborhoods requires more broadly based community input before final implementation.
Although you have been receiving some public comments, many of our members have been unaware until recently that the City policy is being revised. Community leaders feel changes in some policy elements are important before closure, and need more information and a structured opportunity to contribute revisions critical to their neighborhood interests. A formally noticed public hearing on this matter is appropriate and necessary.
We understand that the City of Boston plans to form a city-wide committee to discuss finalization of its Property Disposition Process. The Alliance of Boston Neighborhoods, organized to address public process issues, should be included in that discussion, and formally requests representation on the city-wide committee.
We are supportive of your efforts to improve the DND property disposition process, and we hope your work will provide leadership for a similar process for disposition of Boston Redevelopment Authority property.
Sincerely,
Shirley Kressel
President
Alliance of Boston Neighborhoods
Cc: Barbara Salfity, DND