A primary focus of the meeting was the detailed update on accessibility initiatives in Franklin Park. Lauren Bryant, a senior project manager from the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, presented an overview of several projects aimed at improving access and safety in the park. Among the key projects discussed was the revitalization of the historic bear dens, which had fallen into disrepair. Bryant explained that the city had recently regained control of the area and was prioritizing safety improvements. She emphasized the need to secure the site to prevent harm from issues such as homelessness and drug use, with plans to complete this phase by 2025.

Attention was also given to Circuit Drive, where fast-moving traffic has raised concerns about pedestrian safety. Bryant outlined the need for traffic studies and the possibility of adding accessible parking spaces to enhance safety and accessibility. This project is in the design phase, with construction slated to begin later in the year. Additionally, Bryant touched on plans for new dog parks and the significance of making these spaces accessible to all individuals.

Throughout the presentation, the overarching themes of accessibility and community involvement were evident, with board members engaging in discussions about the implications of these projects for individuals with disabilities. Bryant stressed the importance of community input in shaping the future of the Overlook ruins, a historical site designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and how accessibility factors into its revitalization.

The board’s discussion then shifted to the controversy surrounding HearView AI’s augmented reality smart glasses. Concerns were raised about the company’s pricing strategy, which marks up the cost of the glasses compared to similar products on the market. While HearView’s glasses are priced between $1,399 and $1,999, comparable glasses by another brand cost around $300. The board examined whether HearView’s aggressive marketing tactics, including partnerships with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and promotions through popular deaf influencers, could be seen as exploiting the community’s needs.

This issue of pricing also touched on the emerging competition in the smart glasses market, with other companies, such as Meta AI in partnership with Ray-Ban, developing similar technologies. The potential for this technology to be covered by health insurance plans was noted as a positive development, though the pricing models remain a point of contention.

The meeting further addressed healthcare equity, emphasizing the need to address discrepancies in healthcare access for individuals with disabilities. The board discussed the work of a subcommittee focused on healthcare equity, which aims to tackle these disparities alongside other issues such as employment and the shortage of healthcare providers.

In addition to these discussions, the board considered upcoming elections for new officers. The proposed slate included Jerry Boyd for chair, Olivia Richard for vice chair, Paul Kuran for secretary, and Tara Sou for treasurer. Each nominee expressed their willingness to serve, and the voting process was scheduled for the following month.

The condition of City Hall Plaza was also reviewed, with a presentation highlighting the satisfactory state of the brickwork and other materials. Concerns about parking accessibility near City Hall were addressed, with six accessible parking spaces reinstated on Studbury Street to facilitate easier access for individuals with disabilities.

Olivia Richard raised concerns regarding the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and its challenges with elevator accessibility in public housing. She highlighted a news report that emphasized the poor maintenance of elevators and the financial constraints faced by the BHA. Despite a contract with a chair car company to assist tenants during elevator outages, Richard stressed the need for increased federal funding to address these issues comprehensively.