city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last updated:

Dartmouth Street (Back Bay) Virtual Public Meeting

We invite you to join City of Boston Streets Cabinet staff for a virtual public meeting about the Dartmouth Street Safety and Mobility Project.

September 11, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm
  • Zoom Virtual Meeting
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Infrastructure and Design Team
  • send an email
  • 617-635-4680
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Back Bay
  • Event Type:
    Civic Engagement
  • Posted:
2024-09-11T18:30:00 - 2024-09-11T20:00:00
we will share:
  • Our preferred design for Dartmouth Street and listening to your feedback.
  • Information about the construction timeline. We aim to begin work this fall, with additional work next spring and summer.

Register for the meeting

On Dartmouth Street, we are planning to:

  • Rebuild curb ramps
  • Repave Dartmouth Street
  • Create a low-stress bike connection between Copley Square and the Esplanade via Dartmouth Street
  • Make quick-build safety improvements at the Dartmouth Street/Stuart Street intersection

We prioritized this work based on community feedback about the Berkeley Street Better Bike Lane project in 2023.

View the project web page

September 11, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm
  • Zoom Virtual Meeting
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Infrastructure and Design Team
  • send an email
  • 617-635-4680
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Back Bay
  • Event Type:
    Civic Engagement
  • Posted:
2024-09-11T18:30:00 - 2024-09-11T20:00:00
Last updated:

Black Lives, Black Stories, Our History: The African Diaspora and New England

The second in a series of public conversations on democracy and justice hosted by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture in collaboration with The Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University.

August 21, 2024
2024-08-21T17:30:00 - 2024-08-21T20:00:00

Join us for an electrifying public conversation at Boston Common, where Tufts University historians Kerri Greenidge and Kendra T. Field will delve into the untold histories of the African Diaspora in New England. Moderated by Kyera Singleton, the dynamic director of the Royall House and Slave Quarters, this event titled “Black Lives, Black Stories, Our History: The African Diaspora and New England” promises to illuminate the rich and often overlooked narratives that have shaped the region.

Greenidge and Fields, both renowned for their pathbreaking work on abolitionism, the early civil rights movement, family history, popular memory, and the profound impact of slavery in New England, will introduce innovative public scholarship that challenges and expands our understanding of the past. This engaging panel will spark dialogue and offer fresh perspectives on the enduring legacy of Black history in New England. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with groundbreaking historians who are redefining our understanding of the region’s history.

"Black Lives, Black Stories, Our History" flyer

August 21, 2024
2024-08-21T17:30:00 - 2024-08-21T20:00:00
Last updated:

Cummins Highway and Regis Road Applicant Presentations Part II

he Mayor's Office of Housing is looking for feedback from the community. Join us to see the proposed plans and share your thoughts.

September 24, 2024
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • 820 Cummins Highway,ttapan
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Tiera Satchebell
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Posted:
  • Languages:
    Haitian Creole, Spanish
    Project:
    Cummins Highway and Regis Road
2024-09-24T18:00:00 - 2024-09-24T20:00:00

The Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) would like to invite you to the Applicant Presentations for Cummins Highway and Regis Road RFP. This is part II of Applicant Presentations.

September 24, 2024
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • 820 Cummins Highway,ttapan
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Tiera Satchebell
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Posted:
  • Languages:
    Haitian Creole, Spanish
    Project:
    Cummins Highway and Regis Road
2024-09-24T18:00:00 - 2024-09-24T20:00:00
Last updated:

Cummins Highway and Regis Road Applicant Presentations Part I

The Mayor's Office of Housing is looking for feedback from the community. Join us to see the proposed plans and share your thoughts.

September 19, 2024
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • 820 Cummins Highway,ttapan
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Tiera Satchebell
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Posted:
  • Languages:
    Haitian Creole, Spanish
    Project:
    Cummins Highway and Regis Road
2024-09-19T18:00:00 - 2024-09-19T20:00:00

The Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) would like to invite you to the Applicant Presentations for the Cummins Highway and Regis Road. This will be part one of the Applicant Presentations and the second part will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

September 19, 2024
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • 820 Cummins Highway,ttapan
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Tiera Satchebell
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Posted:
  • Languages:
    Haitian Creole, Spanish
    Project:
    Cummins Highway and Regis Road
2024-09-19T18:00:00 - 2024-09-19T20:00:00
Last updated:

Higginson Lewis Parking Changes Public Meeting

August 19, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm
  • 131 Walnut Ave.
    Higginson Lewis Elementary
    Boston , MA 02119
  • Contact:
    Safe Routes to School
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
    Civic Engagement
    Other
  • Posted:
2024-08-19T18:30:00 - 2024-08-19T20:00:00

The City of Boston is planning changes to the parking on Walnut Ave between Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Humboldt Ave to improve safety for students at the Higginson Lewis School. We will be moving parking from the south side of the street to the north side of the street, so that students do not have to cross the street to reach their caregiver’s vehicle during school arrival and dismissal. In addition, we will be installing two speed humps, per the image above.  

Please join us in a meeting to discuss the upcoming changes and to provide input on the parking regulations. The Meeting will be held at the Higginson-Lewis School (131 Walnut Ave. Boston, MA 02119) on August 19, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

To find out more about Safe Routes to School and other projects in this neighborhood, please email us at SRTS@boston.gov. 

August 19, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm
  • 131 Walnut Ave.
    Higginson Lewis Elementary
    Boston , MA 02119
  • Contact:
    Safe Routes to School
  • send an email
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
    Civic Engagement
    Other
  • Posted:
2024-08-19T18:30:00 - 2024-08-19T20:00:00
Last updated:

5 Wheelock Ave / 13 Bird St Abutters Meeting

House is being brought into violation due to subdivision: 5 Wheelock Ave with lot id: 1301747000 and 3,362 sqft is reducing to 2,281 sqft. and 13 Bird St. with lot id: 1301753000 and 1,444 sqft is increasing to 2,571 sqft. Plans filed in conjunction with ERT1602038 - 13 Bird St. Demolition of 1 story building under SF# /// Ground up construction of a new 3 family building.

August 20, 2024
2024-08-20T19:00:23 - 2024-08-20T20:00:00

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 831 4300 4091

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s).

 

August 20, 2024
2024-08-20T19:00:23 - 2024-08-20T20:00:00
Last updated:

933 E Broadway Abutters Meeting

To finish existing basement as a dwelling unit in an existing detached three-story three-family dwelling. Expand front common stair to previously unfinished basement area. Basement floor will be lowered for additional headroom clearance, and new window wells will be constructed for EERO's and additional light and ventilation requirements. The basement unit will sprinklered per NFPA 13R, the existing upper units to remain unsprinklered.

August 20, 2024
2024-08-20T19:00:42 - 2024-08-20T20:00:00

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 827 2909 7233

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s).

 

August 20, 2024
2024-08-20T19:00:42 - 2024-08-20T20:00:00
Last updated:

1090 Commonwealth Ave Abutters Meeting

Commonwealth Market, current holder of malt beverages retail license seeking change to all alcohol/package store license, alcohol sales to cease at 11 p.m. daily.

August 19, 2024
2024-08-19T19:00:29 - 2024-08-19T20:00:00

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 899 5876 1501

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s). 

 

August 19, 2024
2024-08-19T19:00:29 - 2024-08-19T20:00:00
Last updated:

440 E Eighth St Abutters Meeting

Convert 2nd-floor storage areas into two residential units for a total of six residential units. Install walls, doors, kitchens, and baths as per plans. No changes to the exterior of the building.

August 19, 2024
2024-08-19T18:00:37 - 2024-08-19T19:00:00

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 828 2945 4249

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s). 

 

 

August 19, 2024
2024-08-19T18:00:37 - 2024-08-19T19:00:00
Last updated:

Deployables Day

A citywide training exercise on temporary flood protection.

Toggle
Page Sections
September 27, 2024
2024-09-27T10:00:00 - 2024-09-27T15:00:00

Join us for the first annual Deployables Day, a citywide training exercise on temporary flood protection

Boston is among the most vulnerable cities in the country to flooding. As sea levels rise, damaging floods will shift from a rare occurrence to a common reality.

September 27, 2024 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Experience deployable flood barriers at City Hall Plaza. 

Learn about the City’s flood protection measures, ways to stay safe during a flood, and whether a deployable is right for you at Faneuil Hall. 

Visit deployable flood barriers across the city.

Explore how the City is being protected from flooding and what you can do to stay safe.

September 27, 2024
2024-09-27T10:00:00 - 2024-09-27T15:00:00
Join the Walking Tour
/
Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett and Chris Osgood, Director of Climate Resilience, will be leading a Downtown walking tour of deployable flood barriers. This walking tour will begin at 12 pm outside of the Congress St entrance of City Hall

Maps and Wayfinding

Contact: Environment

Deployables Day Event Map

Explore resources of Vendors, City Departments and Partners

Deployables Demonstration Map

Experience a Flood Deployable Demonstration

What is a deployable flood barrier?

A deployable is a flood barrier system that is put into place before or during a flood, and then taken down after the flood has passed. Deployable flood barriers can be more effective than traditional temporary barrier methods, such as sandbags, and can be quickly deployed with minimal setup time. 

What does a deployable look like?

A deployable flood barrier is constructed from textile-based materials and metal posts that reside in a small container and are manually deployed. The supporting wall can belong to surrounding buildings or short to close-off doorways. The design is scalable to accommodate a range of water heights and layouts

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How do I apply for a permit to install a deployable flood barrier?

Retrofitting your building with a deployable flood barrier will require an ALT Permit with the Inspectional Services Department.

If your proposed flood barrier is not completely contained within your privately-owned land parcel, you will need to apply for a Specific Repairs license from the City’s Public Improvement Commission. This requires several steps:

  1. Reach out to the Office of Emergency Management at OEM@BOSTON.GOV for input on how to incorporate your proposed flood barrier into existing emergency planning efforts in your area.
  2. Engage a building engineer to create engineered plans for your proposed barrier based on an existing conditions report which establishes property lines, building edges and sidewalk composition.)
  3. Reach out to the  Public Improvement Commission at PIC@BOSTON.GOV to notify the Commission of your interest in applying for license
  4. With PIC’s approval, submit your request for a Public Hearing on your proposed project.

How do I know when to put up my deployable flood barrier?

  1. For liability reasons, the City does not provide specific guidance on when to deploy privately-owned barriers. You can reference the Coastal Flood Resilience Design Guidelines and  Zoning Viewer for new construction and building retrofits to understand more about flood risk at your specific building’s elevation. 
  2. Best practice is to maintain a regularly-updated standard operating procedure (SOP) for when and how to deploy your flood barrier. Some factors to consider when creating an SOP include how long it takes to install, accessibility of entrances and exits when the barrier is deployed, and systems of notification for the building’s occupants
FAQ- For Building Owners

My building has a deployable flood barrier, how can I make sure it’s in compliance with City requirements and regulations?

Once installed, deployable flood barriers must be registered with the Office of Emergency Management via the Deployable Flood Barrier Registration Form. Building owners are responsible for keeping their registration information up to date

My building does not have a deployable flood barrier, how can I learn more about whether one is needed?

If you're a private building owner in Boston looking to assess whether a deployable flood barrier is suitable for your property, the City’s Coastal Flood Resilience Design Guidelines can provide valuable insights. Here’s a step-by-step approach to using these guidelines effectively:

  1. Assess your flood risk: The Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District (CFROD) includes areas of the City of Boston anticipated to be flooded with a 1% chance storm event in 2070 with 40-inches of sea level rise. You can determine whether or not your building is in the CFROD by consulting the Zoning Viewer.
  2. Evaluate Building Vulnerabilities: Identify the specific vulnerabilities of your building. This includes the potential entry points for floodwaters (such as doors, windows, and garage openings) and the critical areas that need protection.
  3. Review Recommended Protection Measures: The City’s guidelines outline various floodproofing strategies based on different flood scenarios and building floor elevations.
  4. Consult with Experts: Engage with an architect or building engineer who can help assess your building’s specific needs based on the guidelines. They can offer recommendations on the most effective deployable barrier systems and ensure that the chosen solution aligns with both the guidelines and your building’s requirements.
  5. Review Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the deployable barriers you consider meet local regulations and standards for flood protection. (See: How do I apply for a permit to install a deployable flood barrier? below)
  6. Plan for Integration: If deployable barriers are suitable, plan how they will be integrated into your building's flood preparedness strategy. This includes training for staff or occupants on deployment procedures and ensuring that the barriers are readily accessible when needed.

What types of deployable flood barriers exist?

 

Deployable flood barriers come in various types, each designed for different scenarios and levels of flood risk. Here’s a rundown of some common types:

  1. Inflatable Barriers: These are quick to deploy and typically consist of large, inflatable tubes that can be rapidly filled with air or water to form a barrier. They are often used in temporary or emergency situations.
  2. Modular Barriers: These systems consist of interlocking units that can be assembled to create a barrier of the desired length and height. They can be made from materials like plastic, metal, or composite materials and are useful for both temporary and semi-permanent installations.
  3. Hydraulic Barriers: These barriers use water pressure to create a seal. They typically consist of a flexible membrane supported by water-filled bladders or other hydraulic mechanisms. They can be effective for longer-term solutions and can adapt to various flood depths.
  4. Barrier Walls: These are often made from materials like concrete, metal, or reinforced plastic and can be erected or dismantled as needed. They can be either permanent or deployable.
  5. Sandbags and Water-filled Barriers: Traditional sandbags are still commonly used, though they are labor-intensive to deploy. Water-filled barriers are similar but use water instead of sand, offering quicker setup and removal.
  6. Rolling Barriers: These are large, roll-up barriers that can be unrolled and placed across an area to form a flood barrier. They are typically made from durable materials like heavy-duty fabrics or polymers and are often used for large-scale protection.
  7. Fabric and Composite Barriers: These barriers use advanced fabrics or composite materials to create a deployable barrier. They are often lightweight and designed for quick deployment and storage.
  8. Gates and Shields: These barriers can be deployed across doorways, driveways, or other openings. They are often used in combination with other types of barriers for added protection.

How do I talk to my building owner or super about deployable flood barriers?

If you are a tenant in a flood-prone building and aren't sure if your building manager or owner knows about flood deployables, share this page with them! It features a FAQ for property managers and owners to help them assess if a deployable flood barrier is right for their property.

 

 

  •  

How can I stay safe during a flood?

  1. Check out the Office of Emergency Management’s Tips for Dealing with a Flood. 
  2. Sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston.
  3. Know your zone! Know your hurricane evacuation zone and route and be prepared to evacuate if directed by public officials.
  4. Find out how vulnerable your home is to flooding and, if your home is in a flood-prone area, contact the National Flood Insurance program to learn what mitigation measures you can take in advance.
  5. If you live in a flood-prone area, keep these materials on hand: sandbags, plywood, lumber, plastic sheeting, trash bags, shovels, work boots, and gloves.
  6. Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, copies of critical information, and non-perishable food items.

 

Emergency Preparedness Resources

Climate Resilience in Boston

Boston is taking action to adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change

Tips for dealing with a flood

We coordinate Emergency Management, Emergency Preparedness, and Homeland Security Planning for the City of Boston

Alert Boston

Sign up for emergency alerts
Have Questions?
/
email us at environment@boston.gov
Subscribe to Civic Engagement
Back to top