In December 2000, the Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs issued a Decision on the South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan which conditioned approval of the Fort Point Historic South and Fort Point Industrial Sub-districts upon the completion of a master plan for the area. To address this directive the BRA initiated a planning effort in coordination with the Gillette Company as well as other landowners and stakeholders in the area. The resulting 100 Acres Master Plan furthers the planning objectives outlined in the 2000 South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan for this portion of the Fort Point Channel.
The South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan Amendment addresses the portion of the 100 Acres adjacent to the Fort Point Channel and subject to the state’s Waterways Regulations (Chapter 91). The MHP Amendment prioritizes new opens space resources such as parks, plazas and expansion of HARBORWALK and the South Bay Harbor Trail System. Accommodations for new public docking facilities and waterside infrastructure and programming envisioned in the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan are referenced as well. New building height and urban design metrics are also specified within the MHP Amendment to enhance open space access, avoid privatization of the shoreline, and minimize adverse effects of wind and shadow. The MHP Amendment and 100 Acres Master Plan now serve to guide new development and public realm improvements along the southern reach of the Fort Point Channel.