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There is no way a major performance/cultural center should be established on the East Boston waterfront without the enthusiastic support of the neighborhood’s residents, but before you determine your final position on whether to endorse the idea, please consider the following:
The structure need not be taller than the blighted warehouse currently sitting on Pier 1.
The structure would be backed away from the waterfront to ensure public access, allowing for the continuance of the harbor walkway from the Harborside Hyatt all the way up Chelsea Creek.
A performance center/grand dance room/Boston jazz museum would give the world an impression that East Boston is not just an airport. The caliber of performances would rival those of Symphony Hall, Jordan Hall and any other first-class venue.
Resident memberships could enable all East Bostonians and their children enjoy the entertainment and educational benefits of the center.
Traditionally, those attending jazz concerts and historic presentations are highly educated and have relatively high incomes. (See chart, which was culled from a Library of Congress publication).
A great many of the tourists, conventioneers, etc. visiting the center could come via the MBTA or water shuttle rather than by car. There could be price incentives to encourage them to use public transportation.
Unlike a hotel, a performance center would not be a self-enclosed economic machine. There is no doubt that there would be thousands of new visitors to explore the neighborhood’s restaurants and shops. There could be dinner/visit or dinner/performance packages tied in with our neighborhood eateries.
Proximity to Logan Airport and waterfront entities such as New England Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, the Constitution marina in Charlestown, the new Boston Convention Center and a half dozen new hotels would ensure a continuing flow of conventioneers, tourists and visitors year-round.
This proposal is not designed to profit those advocating it or any politically favored developer. The intention is to enhance the quality of life and business opportunities in East Boston and bring recognition to hundreds of very dedicated New England jazz artists.
Sincerely yours in East Boston,
Brent Banulis and Rose Marie White
Send comments to: webmaster@nejazz.org
Last modified: February 01, 2005, 15:46 EDT