BRA Supports Summer Programming at the Navy Yard

The mayor and the Boston Redevelopment Authority Board voted last week to disburse $8,500 to support summer programming at the Charlestown Navy Yard. 

The following events and programs will receive funding, according to a press release from the BRA. 

• $3,500 will support a sailing day for special needs children: For the past two summers, the Charlestown Waterfront Coalition, Spaulding Rehab Hospital, Courageous Sailing Center located on Pier 4 in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and the Piers Park Sailing Center located in East Boston have run programs to involve special needs children and youths in their sailing programs. Approximately 100 people participated in each of these events. The first event took place on June 19; the second will is set for Sept. 11.
• $5,000 will support Friends of the Charlestown Navy Yard’s Summer Programming: Building on their successes of past years, the FCNY has developed a list of activities to attract people to the waterfront. Events include a summer solstice party, youth and family events in Shipyard Park, and a free community sailing day through the Courageous Sailing Center.

The BRA funding is made possible through mitigation funds received from the Carlyle Group as part of the community benefits associated with the group’s purchase of Building 42 in the Navy Yard. The BRA’s Plan for the Navy Yard, according to its press release, is to attract residents and visitors to the waterfront with a network of special destinations and public programming. 

While the long-term plan will include establishing a trust with permanent funding, the BRA has collected $50,000 in funds committed by the Carlyle Group as part of its community benefits package. To date, the BRA has reimbursed community organizations approximately $39,000 to fund over a dozen summer programs attracting, on average, 200 to 300 people each.