Goodwin Procter’s impending move from State Street to the Seaport District is a big win for Boston’s burgeoning waterfront. But the white-shoe law firm’s decision to jump across Fort Point Channel to a custom-built tower at Fan Pier also clarifies an important truth: The innovation economy will not single-handedly transform the Seaport’s acres of parking lots into a sparkling new neighborhood.
After numerous false starts, the Seaport’s promise is starting to be realized. Buildings are rising, enabling the construction of new city blocks that have languished on the drawing boards for years.
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This is the area that all of business and family related visitors love to see. I really wish other areas of Boston, such as Logan Airport's fringe area, looked like this. The Seaport is a must see or is that "must sea!"
It's not even city-building. It's just city re-arranging. Mega-developer and Friend-of-Tom Joe Fallon (like Bob Beal and others of the ilk) has received huge tax breaks and other public subsidies, which give him an advantage in competing for tenants by offering nifty rent deals. But there's no growth involved; it's a zero-sum game, and these full seaport buildings simply mean empty buildings elsewhere. Property owners should be up in arms at this race to the bottom, funded by public tax money that should be going toward making better public infrastructure and services that would serve everyone. The Innovation District is just a feather in the Emperor's New Hat. For all the much-vaunted construction activity, there result is that there's still no there there, and a lot less here here.
The secret is out and somehow Mr. McMorrow has not heard. Under Mayor Menino’s leadership, the Innovation District is emerging as a vibrant community of innovators who are reinventing America. Young tech companies are relocating to the Innovation District because its first and foremost affordable - rents are on par with the suburbs and a fraction of Kendall Square. Beyond its affordability, the Innovation District is attracting young companies because these smart companies know their employee base prefer to be urban. Also the Innovation District enjoys both very good public transportation and convenient highway access. One of many examples of this new economic Innovation District vibrancy is Drydock Center. A short few years ago this large building was under utilized - a too common theme of urban America. But today Drydock Center is the hub of entrepreneurs who have created hundreds of jobs, Boston jobs, “new economy” jobs. The Innovation District’s success is getting both national and international recognition. In just the last three weeks, I’ve toured delegations from China, Netherlands and officials from around the USA. Everyone is rampant, “want to come do it for us” is the common acclaim. Thankfully Boston’s Innovation District is just one shinning example of how America is reinventing itself. But its an important example and a pleasure to be a part of. Perhaps Mr. McMorrow and other skeptics will climb in board. Jeff Wallace Manager, Drydock Center www.drydockcenter.com
This project is a powerful statement on the health of our city but who is filling the space left behind in the Back Bay and the Financial District when tenants move to Fort Port Channel? As a city resident, I am concerned there is not more public discussion about granting tax incentives to developers. These incentives dilute the overall financial benefit to the city. Who is paying the true cost for city services into that area? A homeowner in Brighton or the developer in Fort Point? Tax incentives/credits have a muddled track record. What may be good for Belmont's Joe Fallon may not be good for the owner/occupant of a triple-decker in Roxbury. The question is would Fallon build without the incentive? If not, that says a lot about the viability of the area and the merits of overall plan for it.