Public Airs Concerns On Christian Science Plaza Revitalization

Questions about height, and who would lease building space, were top concerns for residents during the Boston Redevelopment Authority’s public hearing Thursday on plans to revitalize the iconic Christian Science Plaza.

Although many at the meeting supported the plan’s aim to create more open space for public use, some said that the overall revitalization would detract from the neighborhood.

Joanna McKenna, a member of the Fenway Community Development Corporation, said her organization, as well as the Fenway Civic Association and the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay, submitted a joint letter protesting the plan.

“The scale – 950,000 square feet – and the fact that the development is really driven as much or more by real estate and the Church’s financial concerns,” McKenna said, describing some of her concerns.

The current plan, which officials stressed is not set and is still subject to change, will involve approximately 950,000 square feet of development.  The Church plans on constructing a 291-foot-tall tower on the Huntington Avenue site next to the Sunday School building that will most likely contain residential properties.  The other site, located at the intersection of Belvidere and Dalton Streets, will consist of two high-rise towers that will be about 20 and 40-stories high each.

The Church believes the proposal – which includes the construction of three new towers, shortening the world-famous reflecting pool and creating more green space  - will ultimately benefit both their organization and the city by creating new sources of affordable housing, increased tax revenues and more open space for the public’s year-round use, among other ways. However, some believe the renovation will impede on the historical significance and architectural design of the Plaza.

The Plaza was recently named a Boston Landmark and attracts thousands of tourists each year. The original church was built in 1894 and serves as the world headquarters of the Christian Science Church.

Barbara Burley, the senior manger of real estate planning and operations for the Church, said the revitalization will allow the organization to become more self-sustaining by creating additional real estate revenue to cover church expenses. Burley said the Church would not be funding the development itself, but instead will make it open to developers for ground leases, although the Church will have input on the kind of businesses chosen to occupy the new buildings.

“It will enable the church to maintain the plaza and do so in a way that is sensitive, covers revenue sources and assures it will be a wonderful place for the Church and public,” she said.

The massive reflecting pool will also get a makeover, said Robert Herlinger, the chief architect and strategist for the Church. Plans include shortening the pool by about 18 feet to create more walking space in the Plaza. In addition, it will also be shallower in an effort to conserve water. Currently, the pool holds around 1 million gallons of water, and goes through about 3 million gallons in a season.

Although many at the meeting supported the plan’s aim to create more open space for public use, some said that the overall revitalization plan would detract from the neighborhood, while others said the scale of the project was concerning.

Joyce Dibona, who has lived minutes away from the site for 30 years, said she questions the height of some of the buildings, which could be overwhelming in a block that already boasts the Hilton and Sheraton hotel high-rises.

Mina Garfinkel, who has lived near the Plaza for 26 years, said she was curious about what the city and Church had in mind for the Plaza, a site that she said holds a special place in her heart.

“ I get such joy when I walk through the Plaza,” she said. “It’s like my Central Park.”

City residents who have any concerns regarding the revitalization plan can submit their comments in writing to Boston Redevelopment Authority project manager Kristin Kara at Kristin.kara.bra@cityofboston.gov. until July 1.