Background on Fenway IPOD Planning Task Force members

Some of the task force members not associated with FAC have publicly questioned the fairness of the current task force composition. It is believed that Ms. Barbara Burnham resigned her position as the BRA's Fenway Planning Coordinator in protest to the Mayor's task force choices.

Fenway Action Coalition

A group of residents that have united to demand well-planned development in the Fenway that benefits everyone --- not just friends of the Red Sox. FAC is a candidate for membership on a legitimate, community based IPOD Task Force. FAC, however, refuses to participate in the Menino's hand selected operation. Peter Catalano is a resident of the East Fens, and a founding member of FAC.

Fenway Community Development Corp. (FCDC)

The FCDC receives contributions from MASCO and the Red Sox in support of programs such as the Walk to Work initiative. They are a member of the Neighborhood Alliance on Fenway Development (NAFD), an umbrella group with statement of principles does not oppose a new stadium in the Fenway. FCDC President Lisa Soli & Executive Board Member Arlene Ash were virtually the only proponents of the IPOD at the last NAFD meeting. The FCDC accepted the current task force proposal after receiving the right to develop Parcel 6. Mr. Roscoe Sandlin is “proud of his participation in the secret meetings at the BRA” (Aug. 25th IPOD meeting). A Fenway Civic Association comment on the "FCDC"

Fenway Civic Association (FCA)

FCA is on record in support of a new stadium in the Fenway. Mr. Joe Barton lives in the South End and is a member of the Fenway Victory Gardens Society. The FCA has repudiated our efforts to stop the public land takings for the Megaplex saying, "a new stadium could be the start of a bright new future for the Fenway."

Fenway Studios

According to a Red Sox flyer distributed at the June 28th meeting, the Fenway Studios have received financial support from the Red Sox in the past year. They are a member of NAFD. Mr. George Hagerty is on record in support of a new stadium.

Symphony United Neighbors

Closely linked with FCA, Ms. Joyce Starner spoke on behalf of new stadium at the June 28th BAC meeting with the Red Sox.

West Fenway Business Assoc.

Represents The Copley Group, (slumlord Norman Levenson is the President of WFBA) and some of the bars / restaurants in the West Fens. Mr. Ed Burke is a former FCA officer.

Fenway Alliance

The Fenway Alliance represents the cultural and educational institutions that make their home in the Fenway, including the Museum of Fine Arts, The Forsyth Dental Institute, NU, Wentworth, Weelock, BSO, Gardner Museum, New England Conservatory, Mass. College of Art, Emmanuel College, and Simmons College. Mr. Paul Mentag lives on Hemenway St.

MASCO

Based in Longwood Medical Area --- outside the IPOD area. Primary operations in the Fenway are satellite-parking facilities. Presumably, MASCO would like high rise garages associated with the Red Sox Megaplex for daytime satellite parking use. Mr. David Eppstein lives in Brookline and strongly supports the stadium.

Audubon Circle Neighborhood Assoc.

Ms. Delores Boogdanian resides in Audubon Circle, which is outside the IPOD area. ACNA is a member of NAFD.

Society for Preservation of Audubon Circle

Located outside the IPOD area. Regarded by many as front for Boston University. Mr. Darryl Gately lives in Winchester.

Kenmore Residents Assoc.

Resides outside of IPOD area, Ms. Terry North displayed contempt towards Fenway residents at last IPOD meeting.

Kenmore Business Assoc.

Resides outside of IPOD area and many consider as a front for BU. Ms. Pam Beale owns a bar in Kenmore Square and lives in Swampscott. Participated in Red Sox field trip to Camden Yards, Baltimore and is on record, both in the Red Sox ballpark flyer and on their website, stating her delight with the new stadium.

Bay State Road Neighborhood Assoc.

BSRNA is outside of the IPOD area. Position on the proposed Stadium/Megaplex has never been publicly articulated but according to Rep. Paul Demakis he has not heard opposition from any of his constituents or organizations in his district.

Office of Sen. Stephen Lynch

Ms. Caroline Powers lives in Dorchester

Office of Sen. Diane Wilkerson

Supports NAFD position. Received campaign contributions from the Red Sox lobbyist John Sasso and staff was promoting it in August of 1998, months before the formal announcement. Sen. Wilkerson attended Sox sponsored field trip to Camden Yards, Baltimore. Mr. Don Hill is the Vice-President of the FCDC and lives on Park Drive.

Office of Rep. Paul Demakis

State Representative's District does not include IPOD area. Ms. Sarah Kittredge refused to give her address, "I don't feel it is relevant", at the Aug. 25th IPOD meeting and presumably does not live anywhere near the Fenway.

Rep. Gloria Fox
Rep. Byron Rushing
City Councilor Gareth Saunders

A portion of the1 elective districts for each of these representatives reside within the Fenway IPOD area. They have each actively pushed for a more democratic Task Force selection process. The fact that they have chosen to personally sit on such a task force panel, as opposed to sending an appointee, is testament to the level of concern they carry for the neighborhood.

Office of Councilor Thomas Keane

Boston City Councilor for District 8, which includes the Fenway. On record as pro-stadium. He has commented in private conversations that the new stadium is "going to happen" and that the purpose of the IPOD is to "mitigate traffic and parking" issues.

Office of Mayor Thomas Menino

Mayor Menino enthusiastically supports the current Red Sox stadium proposal, and hand picked the IPOD task force members.