Mayor Menino Distributes Community Benefit Funds
Sep 24, 2012
Eleven neighborhood nonprofits receive $210,949 from development at 77 Exeter Street
Today Mayor Thomas M. Menino and BRA Director Peter Meade celebrated the distribution of community benefit funds resulting from development at the Prudential Center complex. Eleven neighborhood non-profits received a total of $210,949 from construction of Avalon Exeter at 77 Exeter Street in the Back Bay. Since 1990 close to $1.4M has been distributed to 22 area non-profits largely concentrated in the Back Bay and South End as the result of development at the Prudential Center. “I am delighted that these developments will expand the missions of these vital non-profit organizations,” said Mayor Menino. “The commitment these groups have to our neighborhoods makes the city of Boston stronger every day.” The 11 non-profits were chosen through a competitive RFP process managed by the Prudential Project Advisory Committee (PruPAC). PruPAC is a city-appointed citizens' advisory group for development at the Prudential Center. Avalon Exeter community benefit fund recipients: •Boston Natural Areas Network (BNAN) for the restoration of the Berkeley Community Gardens •Ellis Memorial and Eldridge House for the Children's Early Learning Center •The Esplanade Association for the Children in the Park program •The Emerald Necklace Conservancy for the docent and guide program •The Friends of Copley Square for the Copley Square Fountain Restoration •The Friends of the South End Library for the installation of a handicapped accessible automated door •The Friends of Symphony Park (Boston Parks) for capital improvements to Symphony Park •Kit Clark Senior Service for the Fit-4-Life on-site wellness program for Prudential residents •Project Place for air Sweepers for the Clean Corners…Bright Hopes Program •United South End Settlements for retaining wall restoration at the Children's Art Center •The Women’s Lunch Place for daily meals for homeless women Avalon Exeter is being developed by Avalon Bay Communities. The $100 million project will generate $725,000 in new taxes and creates 300 new construction jobs and 15 permanent jobs. The building will have 187 rental units, consisting of studios, one, two, and three bedrooms. Avalon Exeter will cap off the residential component of the Prudential Center development plan.