Closer to the Harp
Can someone give me one, just ONE good reason for choosing the Fleet Center over the brand new convention center in South Boston as the location for the Democratic National Convention this summer? I've been trying to come up with one valid reason for the decision to use this venue, and all I got is...
...it's closer to the BAHZ! (The Harp, Paddy Burke's, The Fours, Grand Canal, Irish Embassy, McGann's, etc.)
It can't be a question of the facility not being ready for operation by the time of the convention. Given the amount of money being spent/wasted/lost in conjunction with the Fleet Center planning, it would be ridiculously simple to accelerate the schedule of any remaining construction activities at the new convention center. The saying goes there isn't any problem that can't be fixed by throwing money at it. While this theory has proven to be less than accurate where our public school system is concerned, it couldn't ring more true in the construction industry.
By choosing the Fleet Center, it seems they're banking on the Big Dig being completed before the Conference Center. Not the smartest wager in town, a 50/50 shot at best.
This article on boston.com today highlights some more proposed security plans, adding insult to injury to what will already be a crippled downtown region.
Commuters put off by the closing of area parking garages and surface parking lots, have no fear. There will be ample parking available in the newly-created parking lot - called Storrow Drive. When that lot fills up, just cross the river (good luck) and park in the new Memorial Drive parking lot.
...it's closer to the BAHZ! (The Harp, Paddy Burke's, The Fours, Grand Canal, Irish Embassy, McGann's, etc.)
It can't be a question of the facility not being ready for operation by the time of the convention. Given the amount of money being spent/wasted/lost in conjunction with the Fleet Center planning, it would be ridiculously simple to accelerate the schedule of any remaining construction activities at the new convention center. The saying goes there isn't any problem that can't be fixed by throwing money at it. While this theory has proven to be less than accurate where our public school system is concerned, it couldn't ring more true in the construction industry.
By choosing the Fleet Center, it seems they're banking on the Big Dig being completed before the Conference Center. Not the smartest wager in town, a 50/50 shot at best.
This article on boston.com today highlights some more proposed security plans, adding insult to injury to what will already be a crippled downtown region.
The motoring public will have no access to surface parking lots anywhere near the FleetCenter during the Democratic National Convention, and parking garages in the area will be sharply restricted, according to draft plans set to be discussed at a special briefing for business leaders this morning.Put this one on the top of the "WTF" file. I wonder if the emergency preparedness planning taking place around the convention includes scenarios involving emergency access and egress at the neighboring Mass. General Hospital. Best of luck to our local EMT's and ambulance drivers.
In addition, all deliveries to businesses and offices in the area will have to be made before 2 p.m. every day during convention week, the last week of July. Delivery truck drivers will have to park outside the area known as Bulfinch Triangle -- bounded by Merrimac, Causeway, and North Washington streets -- and wheel or carry in all supplies.
The proposed restrictions on parking and deliveries, as well as the full closure of Causeway Street, are all being mulled because of security concerns. Officials earlier announced the late-afternoon-through-evening closure of Interstate 93, North Station commuter rail, and the area subway stop, to thwart a possible terrorist attack.
Commuters put off by the closing of area parking garages and surface parking lots, have no fear. There will be ample parking available in the newly-created parking lot - called Storrow Drive. When that lot fills up, just cross the river (good luck) and park in the new Memorial Drive parking lot.
