Opinion

Letter: Redevelopment of the Shattuck Campus Urgently Needed

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We are a group of concerned Boston residents and housing, homeless, public health, climate justice, faith-based leaders and activists writing to urge you to support the Commonwealth’s Preliminary Project Proposal for the redevelopment of the Shattuck Campus as presented in April 2021. When the state conducted a comprehensive planning process in 2019, stakeholders from the surrounding neighborhoods, community groups, greenspace advocates, housing, and health care groups came to consensus on a Vision Plan. The Vision Plan includes behavioral health services, the shelter, and 75-100 units of supportive housing. The Plan also includes integrating the campus with Franklin Park and including components that will be accessible to the community, such as a public restroom, community garden or a child care center. In the six months since the Shattuck Campus Redevelopment was approved by the state, the city’s desperate need for supportive housing has only become more dire.

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From the Community

Outdoor Class: Introduction to Animal Tracking in Franklin Park on Oct. 23

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Wonder what marks and signs are left behind by wild animals in the Emerald Necklace? What animals live in the parks we share with? Now you'll learn how to track them! On Saturday, October 23 from 10 am to noon, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy presents an "Introduction to Animal Tracking" class. In this fun guided walk through Franklin Park, we will look at animal tracks, scat and other signs they leave behind, and learn how to identify which animal left them.

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Emerald Necklace Conservancy

Forest Bathing Walk

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Experience the healing benefits of The Emerald Necklace on a “Forest Bathing Walk” through Franklin Park. Immerse yourself in the “Wilderness” of Franklin Park with Tam Willey, a forest therapy guide. Listen to the migrating birds and explore the textures of the puddingstone in this urban woodland as we slow down and awaken our senses. Forest Bathing, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, is a restorative sensory exploration that supports health and healing for all beings. From increased cerebral blood flow to stronger immune defences, come discover for yourself what happens when we unplug, slow down and open our senses to notice more of our natural surroundings.

From the Community

Emerald Necklace Conservancy Planted Trees in Franklin Park in Honor of Arbor Day

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In honor of Arbor Day the Emerald Necklace Conservancy planted 10 trees in Franklin Park. Arbor Day is the last Friday of April, and the Conservancy got ahead and planted the trees one day earlier. Joining Erica Holm, Field Operations Coordinator at the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, was Boston's Tree Warden Max Ford-Diamond, Andy Balon from Bartlett Tree Experts, and Mango, their furry helper! A total of 10 trees in the under-treed area between White Stadium and the Overlook Ruins in Franklin Park were planted: a Princeton elm, two black tupelo, two red maple, two eastern hophornbeam, two swamp white oak, and a tuliptree. Please visit emeraldnecklace.org/ylp-plants-trees for more information.

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Opinion

Governors, Emerald Necklace Conservancy & More Support Using Arborway Bus Yard Instead of Redeveloping Shattuck Campus for Supportive Housing

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The state has proposed redeveloping the 13 acres of the Shattuck Hospital campus site into an integrated health care, behavioral health and supportive housing. A virtual meeting was held on Tuesday night in which numerous people testified, including former Governor William Weld and former Governor Michael Dukakis. Both preferred the MBTA Arborway Yard Bus Facility site on Washington Street for the services instead of redeveloping the Shattuck Hospital campus. Click here to review the proposed Shattuck Hospital campus redevelopment. The following statement is from Karen Mauney-Brodek is the President of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy
The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) hosted a virtual public hearing yesterday evening to present the draft request for proposals for the aging Shattuck Hospital site at Franklin Park. Approximately half of the members of public who spoke at the hearing felt that the proposed alternative 18-acre MBTA Arborway Yard Bus Facility site nearby would be the best location for the supportive housing and services needed, whereas many others agreed it would be great, but they didn’t think the Commonwealth was capable of working in the community’s best interest.

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