The most notable development was a joint petition by the Boston Transportation Department and the Public Works Department for specific repairs on Albany Street. The project was initiated in response to a serious accident involving a mother and her daughter crossing Albany Street at a location devoid of an existing crosswalk. The aim is to establish a compliant and safe crosswalk at the intersection with Wearham Street. A Public Works Department representative outlined the project’s key elements, which include the construction of curb ramps that began the previous year, sidewalk widening, and the installation of a new pedestrian ramp. New street drainage, street lights, and infrastructure modifications to improve accessibility were also highlighted. The proposal seeks to create a sidewalk compliant with ADA standards, addressing potential tripping hazards by introducing a concrete curb to reconcile differences in sidewalk levels. The commission planned to revisit the item in the following meeting set for March 12, allowing time for additional considerations.

In another significant agenda item, Verizon New England Incorporated sought approval for two petitions related to telecommunication infrastructure enhancements. The first involved the rental of City Shadow to install new telecommunication fiber within an existing conduit on the North Washington Street Bridge, also known as the Bill Russell Bridge. A representative from Verizon explained that the project was necessary to place fiber back in conduits replaced during a Mass DOT bridge initiative. The commission waived the cost for this rental, given Verizon’s facilitation of the installation. The petition was approved without opposition.

Verizon’s second petition requested a grant of location with lead company status to install new telecommunication conduit on Orleans Street and Porter Street in East Boston. The installation would extend from the existing main hall at the corner of Porter and Orleans to a specific address on Orleans Street. The commission approved this petition unanimously, with no objections or additional questions from the members.

A notable discussion took place regarding a sidewalk café license for Fox Rock 176 Federal Realty LLC on Federal Street. The petitioner presented plans for a seasonal café accommodating approximately 25 seats, to be located in a pedestrian area at the corner of Purchase and Federal Streets. The café’s design would allow for easy assembly and disassembly, with circular cement planters being replaced by square ones to ensure access to city infrastructure like light posts and bollards. The seating area and decking would be entirely removed during the offseason, as confirmed by the petitioner. The commission unanimously approved the license following this assurance.

The commission also addressed new business involving repairs and pedestrian easements at Ruggle Street, linked to the Wentworth Institute of Technology. Representatives from Wentworth presented a project involving the construction of a 202,000 square foot building to house 972 student beds and dining facilities. The project had received approvals from the Boston Planning and Development Agency and was scheduled to commence in spring. The site, described as landlocked, required specific repairs and a pedestrian easement to improve accessibility. Proposed modifications included narrowing the existing driveway entrance and replacing existing ramps and crosswalks to enhance safety. The commission scheduled further discussions for this project at their March 12 meeting.