Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan - MAPC...Nov 28, 2018 · City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 3. Article

utiledesign.comCity of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan 1Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018

Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor PlanVision, Policies, and Implementation Strategies


Outline

1. Regulatory Framework – MHP/DPA Plan Process2. Community and Stakeholder Feedback3. Overall Themes for MHP4. Policy Areas and Recommendations


Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution

“The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic qualities of their environment”

I. Regulatory Framework


MassachusettsConstitution

US FederalStatutes

MassachusettsGeneral Laws

MassachusettsState Agencies

Code of MassachusettsRegulations

I. Regulatory Framework TreeArticle 97: “The people shall have the right to clean air and

water, freedom from excessive noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; …”

Department of Environmental Protection

Executive Office of Energyand Environmental Affairs

16 USC 1451 et seq – The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972

Colonial Ordinances of 1641 - 1647

Ch. 91 – The Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act (1866)

Ch. 21A (2006) Ch. 21A § 4A (1979)

Waterways Division

Office of Coastal Zone Management

310 CMR 9 –Waterways

301 CMR 20 –Coastal Zone

Management Program

301 CMR 23 –Review and Approval of Municipal Harbor Plans

301 CMR 25 –Designation of Port

Areas


A document stating the community’s goals, standards, and policies to guide public and private land use along harbors.

If approved by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the plan will help guide and coordinate local, state and federal actions along the Chelsea Creek waterfront.

I. Regulatory Framework: What is a Municipal Harbor Plan?


Chapter 91, the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act :• Set jurisdictional lines to provide public access

to waterways

• Preserves and protect the rights of the public

• Establishes priority for water-dependent uses

• Guarantees that private uses of tidelands and waterways serve a proper public purpose.

• Codifies the Public Trust Doctrine of 1641-47

I. Regulatory Framework: What is Chapter 91?

Chelsea

Boston

East BostonCharlestown

South BostonFilled Tidelands /

Ch 91 Jurisdiction

Historic Shoreline


I. Regulatory Framework: What is Chapter 91?

Chapter 91 Jurisdiction

Chelsea Creek

Chelsea

East Boston

Where is Chapter 91 jurisdiction along Chelsea Creek?

It includes filled tidelands extending up to the first public ROW. It is bound by the yellow boundary and the area seaward of it.


I. Regulatory Framework: What is a Designated Port Area?

• An area regulated to allow specific working port industrial uses that need to use the watersheet to operate.

• Land use is limited to Water-Dependent Industrial (WDI) uses.

• In a DPA Master Plan, a municipality may request flexibility for certain use standards, but must balance that flexibility with strategic elements that ensure that DPA interests are still protected.

Chelsea Creek DPA

East Boston DPA

Mystic River DPA

Chelsea

Boston

East BostonCharlestown

South Boston DPA

South Boston


Areas that are open aren't the most

comfortable for pedestrians

(e.g. harbor walk.)

II. Feedback from public engagementWhat do you like about Chelsea Creek and the planning process?• An active interest in changing the character

of the creek• Opportunities to participate and actually be

heard• Seeing evidence of change over time • Balance of industry and public access

What frustrates you most about the Chelsea Creek?• No access to the water • Unfriendly pedestrian environment with

abandoned buildings along Marginal St.

Advocacy for change can work here.

PORT Park wasn't here 10 years ago!

Clean up wooden piles between PORT

Park and Greenroots.


Public access: • Existing public access provided through temporary

licenses is of poor quality. • Permanent public access is not permissible within the

DPA with the exception of point access. Regulations: • Many temporary licenses are coming up for renewal.• This is an opportunity for re-negotiating terms of public

access.Jobs: • Some businesses owners are interested in expanding

industrial/warehousing operations which would add more jobs along the Creek.

II. Stakeholder feedback: Property and business owners

Flex open space, Eastern Salt, Marginal St.

Potential for a light industrial uses buffer upland of Marginal St.


Public access: • Require a linear harbor-walk on any parcel

decommissioned from the DPA.• Require that new development within the DPA provide

point access.Regulations: • Align local zoning with statewide regulations and

economic development vision for Chelsea Creek.• Suggest substitutions or amplifications to existing

Ch91/DPA regulations.• Alter use allocation and rules around points of public

access.Jobs: • Interest in maintaining industry which provides living wage

jobs in Chelsea, especially a higher concentration of jobs, i.e. processing vs warehousing & distribution.

II. Stakeholder feedback: City of Chelsea

Connected and continuous harbor walk

Potential harbor walk between 295 and Forbes site

Presenter

Presentation Notes

City would support passive industrial uses north of the bridge.


Public access: • Take a point access approach towards public waterfront

use in DPA (similar to PORT Park.)• Limit lateral access (waterfront path) to parcels with

temporary licenses or those out of the DPA. • Lateral access should be removed when a WDIU is

recruited.Regulations / Industrial Character: • Analyze the existing land use allocations and rebalance

the distribution of water-dependent and supporting uses.

II. Stakeholder feedback: DEP / CZM

PORT Park provided as point access on Eastern Salt parcels

Temporary harbor walk, 257 Marginal St.


III. Overall Themes and Community Vision

Public accessProvide public access based on preferences of the community and alignment with state regulations.

JobsProvide living wage jobs for local residents and businesses/operators that aim for a higher job

density where possible.

RegulationsReduce number of temporary licenses and regulate the waterfront for uses that serve the needs of the

local economy; the public’s enjoyment of the waterfront; ongoing operations; and economic

health of a working port.

Industrial EconomyMaintain the Chelsea Creek as a resource for water dependent and other appropriate industrial uses that

support the tax base and regional economy.


III. Overall Themes and Community Vision• Build upon the area’s considerable history as a

driver of the local and regional economy• Address the need to reclaim strategic locations for

recreational and cultural uses by residents in nearby neighborhoods

1. Enhance public access2. Increase density of living-wage jobs for

Chelsea residents3. Preserve the industrial and commercial

character of the waterfront and adjacent upland area

4. Encourage water-dependent industrial uses and opportunities that contribute to the local tax base Municipal Harbor Plan public meeting in PORT Park


IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution

Public Access, Programming, and Streetscape Improvements

Point Access

Linear Access

Transitional Areas

Long-term Industrial Uses

Light-industrial / Commercial Buffer

Future Development


IV. Policy Areas

1. Public Access 2. Public Programming3. Economic Development4. City Zoning Ordinance5. Transportation6. Infrastructure Improvements7. Climate Change8. Pollution


Better seating, Water-related Public Seasonallighting, signage activities art activities

Takeaways:• Strong preference for public

access at Kalick Piers• Better seating and lighting along

existing harbor walk• Desire for public art near the

Chelsea St. bridge

Public Access: LocationWhat features and activities would make these points of public access attractive to you?

Feedback exercise on public features and activities for the waterfront


Areas that are open aren't the most

comfortable for pedestrians

(e.g. harbor walk.)

Nothing for bikers!

Public Access: Streetscape conditionsEastern Ave. • Poorly maintained sidewalk is unsafe for pedestrians

• Longer pedestrian signals needed. 10 seconds isn't enough to cross near the Chelsea St. bridge

Marginal St. • Unsafe for pedestrians all along Marginal St.

• Larger crosswalks, lights, street trees needed

• Murals, art can activate blank facades along the eastern stretch

PORT park is a lovely space but there is no access for neighbors

without traffic signals, crosswalks, etc.

Eastern Ave (TOP) and Marginal St (BOTTOM) street conditions


Strategy

1. Standardized signage requirements

2. Robust point access at Chelsea St Bridge

3. Point access at every property boundary

4. Complete lateral access at all non-DPA parcels

5. Chelsea Creek Improvement Fund

6. Align permit language between City and State

7. Allow boardwalks over tidelands in watersheet

8. Responsible use by small craft

Public AccessPolicy: Create and maintain physical and visual public access within the harbor planning area that promotes recreation, relaxation, engagement with the waterfront, and economic development.

239235229227

15

249

245

257

Require future point access for

DPA parcels

Bike/ped improvements along street to connect

to point access

Public access strategies


IV. Policy Areas



Public Programming: Features and ActivitiesBetter seating, lighting, signage, materials

Water-related activities

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Public art

Seasonal activities

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Public Programming: Art and Seasonal Activities


Strategy1. Use point access at Chelsea St Bridge for public

art and seasonal, temporary retail2. Signage highlighting history and existing uses3. Promote public art and programmable open

space with all redevelopment4. Where appropriate, licenses and City permits

should require payments to support public programming

Public ProgrammingPolicy: Develop, support, and maintain public programming that creates economic and cultural opportunities for the community.


IV. Policy Areas



Economic Development: Jobs / Compatible Uses Feedback

Marine researchUrban manufacturing

Housing

6

8

6

2

6

5

5

2

2

3

3

2

2

Open spaceMarine research

Urban manufacturing

Open spaceUrban manufacturing

Boat repair

Marine researchBoat repair

Dry bulk storageOpen space

Marginal St. Upland

Marginal St. Waterfront

Chelsea St. Bridge (TOD)

Eastern Ave. Waterfront

Areas for waterfront economy


Economic Development: Preferred future uses for Chelsea CreekJobs: Working Port

Jobs: Urban manufacturingDry bulk storage Boat repair Marine research Seafood processing


Study area boundary

Chelsea Creek DPA

Potential for change

Upper Creek – Provide lateral waterfront access

between parcels

Mid-Creek: Gulf Oil – No change

Mid-Creek: InterPARK –Address future development

through zoning

Lower-Creek: Parking Lots –Consider future WDI use and

public access

Lower-Creek: Kalick Parcels –Likely unsuitable for a future

WDIU

Lower-Creek: Eastern Salt – No change

Economic Development: Focus Areas


Strategy1. Favor redevelopment that increases job density,

especially for blue-collar, living-wage jobs2. Allow reallocation of supporting use percentages3. Flexible building typologies for wide variety of

industrial uses, including water-dependent4. Explore marine technology cluster5. Align end dates of licenses on adjacent parcels6. Promote temporary/seasonal structures and

activities to create new economic opportunities

Economic DevelopmentPolicy: Encourage uses in the harbor planning area that will create living-wage local jobs and support the local economy.

New Boston Seafood Center


Area

Land area within the DPA 97.40 ac

Land area within Ch 91 jurisdiction 41.11 ac

Supporting use allowance (25% of area within Ch91 jurisdiction) 10.28 ac

Parcel boundaries

Ch91 jurisdiction

DPA boundary

Mean high water lineNote: Refer to the attached spreadsheet for the area breakdown by parcel

Economic DevelopmentPolicy: Encourage uses in the harbor planning area that will create living-wage local jobs and support the local economy.

Strategy1. Favor redevelopment that increases job density,

especially for blue-collar, living-wage jobs2. Allow reallocation of supporting use percentages3. Flexible building typologies for wide variety of

industrial uses, including water-dependent4. Explore marine technology cluster5. Align end dates of licenses on adjacent parcels6. Promote temporary/seasonal structures and

activities to create new economic opportunities


IV. Policy Areas



1. New district replacing WIOD and prohibiting residential

2. Revise use table to allow water-dependent uses3. New zoning on upland side of Marginal from

Pearl to Highland allowing most uses but not residential

4. Revise Lot Area to exclude land under water5. Require consideration of sea level rise and

storm surges in development proposals

City Zoning OrdinancePolicy: Ensure the city's land use regulations promote the policies of this plan, buffer residential neighborhoods from industrial areas, and align with the relevant policies of MGL Ch. 91, the Public Waterfront Act.

Waterfront District

Future upland zoning

Waterfront IndustrialOverlay District

Waterfront District

Industrial

Residential 1

Shopping Center

Residential 2

Existing Zoning Map


IV. Policy Areas



Strategy1. Widen sidewalks and provide signalized crossings,

explore traffic calming, and develop bike lanes2. Work with US Coast Guard and all relevant parties

to reduce the impact of bridge openings3. Discourage uses north of Chelsea St Bridge that

would significantly increase openings4. Explore potential for ferry/water taxi service5. Allow for a new bridge crossing at the mouth of

Mill Creek

TransportationPolicy: Increase opportunities for users of all modes and all abilities for improved transportation to, from, and through the Chelsea Creek waterfront.


Chelsea Street Bridge

Analyzed data from 27 August to 5 October, 40 days• 5.4 openings per day• 18 minutes average open time• 30% of openings during rush hours (6:30-9:30 AM, 3:30-6:30 PM)


IV. Policy Areas



Infrastructure Improvements

Strategy1. Require waterside infrastructure assessment

for each parcel/property that goes for license renewal or for redevelopment projects.

2. Recommend setting baseline expectations for waterside improvements depending on the use of the waterfront property.

3. Integrate flood prevention/mitigation measures into redesign or improvements for waterside infrastructure.

Policy: Ensure that waterfront infrastructure is safe and adequate to accommodate existing and anticipated uses, and that improvements address predicted sea level rise and storm surge scenarios.

Harbor Walk slope and capInterpark sheet pile wall

Kalick parcels – derelict pile fieldEnterprise Lot - sloped pavement


IV. Policy Areas



Climate Change

Strategy1. Comprehensive planning to address climate change

risks using best available science2. Identify economic impacts during and after storms3. Explore innovative approaches to protect against,

retreat from, and/or accommodate flooding4. Protect against the spread of contamination5. Ensure that all Ch. 91 licenses consider projected

climate change impacts6. Mitigate inundation pathways

Policy: Minimize economic, social, and environmental impacts of climate-change-related flooding.


IV. Policy Areas



Pollution

Strategy1. Require on-site remediation as part of

redevelopment projects2. Identify and eliminate sources of contamination

into the Creek, including CSOs3. Improve monitoring and transparency regarding

ongoing impacts of releases into the Creek

Policy: Encourage waterfront uses consistent with all environmental regulations, promote the remediation of contaminated sites, and realize the promise of the Clean Water Act of swimmable and fishable waters.


Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Process

Notice to Proceed Development of MHP Submission of

MHP to EEAPublic comment and consultation

Final decision by the EEA Secretary

April - June June - December January 30 days

Three public meetings:

June 11August 18

November 28

Public hearing:

February 2018



Documents

Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan - MAPC...Nov 28, 2018 · City of Chelsea: Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Plan Public Meeting 3 November 28th, 2018 utiledesign.com 3. Article