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From YouTube: Piers Park II Groundbreaking Event
Description
Mayor Wu, Senator Lydia Edwards, and Massport officials speak at a groundbreaking event celebrating a new addition to Piers Park in East Boston.
A
My
name
is
Elena
Coppola
and
I
am
so
excited
to
be
here
with
you
all
today
to
celebrate
this
wonderful
Milestone
here
in
East
Boston,
as
the
Director
of
community
relations
and
government
Affairs
for
massport
I
have
had
the
opportunity
to
see
the
vision
and
the
planning
that
went
into
this
process
first
hand,
and
it
is
truly
remarkable
that
we
are
breaking
ground.
Finally,
on
Pierce
Park
too.
A
Today,
symbolizes
many
things
it
symbolizes
commitments
made
by
prior
massport
leadership
and,
ultimately,
commitments
kept
by
current
CEO
Lisa
Wheeland.
It
symbolizes
the
determination
of
neighborhood
leaders,
elected
officials
who
would
not
under
any
circumstance,
accept
the
status
quo
and
really
pushed
massport
to
be
better
neighbors
to
the
surrounding
community.
A
And
many
of
you
are
here
today
because
you
played
an
intricate
role
in
that
process
for
the
wonderful,
beautiful
Park
that
we
stand
in
today,
but
also
played
such
an
intricate
role
in
the
addition
that
we
also
celebrate
today.
As
we
all
know,
Pierce
Park
is
an
East
Boston
Jewel
and
it
has
become
the
gold
standard
of
Waterfront
Parks
across
the
city
of
Boston.
A
I
came
to
this
park
with
my
family
when
it
first
opened
and
throughout
my
childhood,
as
a
young
girl
growing
up
in
East
Boston,
the
view
of
our
city
is
unmatched
and
as
a
young
girl,
it
just
felt
so
big
to
me
to
be
here
to
play
here
to
use
the
splash
pads
and
now
as
a
mom
of
two
young
daughters.
I
am
part
of
the
new
generation
of
families
that
are
using
this
park
and
My
Girls
it'll
feel
even
more
massive
to
my
girls.
A
Once
we
open
up
the
new
edition
of
Pierce
Park
too,
the
past
couple
of
years
have
been
difficult
for
everybody.
Ups
and
downs
uncertainty
challenges
to
say
the
least,
but
through
it
all
our
CEO
Lisa
wheland
never
wavered
in
her
commitment
to
this
community.
She
always
prioritizes
Our,
Community,
Partnerships
and
truly
values,
The
Importance
of
Being,
a
good
neighbor.
Please
join
me
in
welcoming
massport
CEO
Lisa
wheland.
B
Thank
you
Elena,
and
thank
you
all
for
being
determined
and
coming
out
today.
We
are
so
thankful
that
it's
actually
the
sun
is
shining
today.
Earlier
this
morning
we
were
trying
to
decide
to
have
to
cancel.
Do
we
have
to
try
and
move
it
indoors
and
I'm?
So
glad
Elena?
You
said
no.
This
is
the
right
place
to
do
this,
we're
going
to
keep
it
and
look
at
what
it
has
brought.
So
thank
you
all
for
coming
out
today
and
you
know
today
we
celebrate
the
future.
B
We
celebrate
the
community
of
East
Boston
and
we
celebrate
Promises
Kept
Pierce,
Park
2
represents
all
of
these
things
and
so
much
much
more
beginning
in
2017,
which
for
me,
and
probably
like
many
of
you,
I
can't
actually
remember
2017
because
of
the
past
couple
of
years,
but
back
in
2017,
the
design
and
planning
of
the
long-awaited
Pierce
Park
2
began.
A
five-year
design
period
resulted
in
positive
collaboration,
bringing
people
and
ideas
together,
developing
a
truly
unique
open
space
to
be
enjoyed
by
all,
including
future
generations
of
East
bostonians.
B
B
B
B
B
Foreign
part
two
will
be
a
four
and
a
half
acre
complement
to
the
existing
six
and
a
half
acre
Pierce
Park,
and
also
our
future
of
Pierce
Park
3,
which
will
be
led
by
the
trustees
of
the
reservations
and
we're
joined
by
trustees,
president
and
CEO
John
judge,
and
so
before
the
end
of
this
decade.
You
can
actually
stand
in
this
very
spot
and
enjoy
15
Acres
of
Waterfront
open
space.
B
It
is
our
hope
that
these
Parks
will
become
Regional
assets
that
bring
people
together
to
find
peace
and
absorb
the
beauty
of
Nature,
and
also
to
have
some
fun
and
now
we'll
we'll
get
to
our
program
so
representing
Governor
Baker,
our
first
speaker
was
named
Secretary
of
the
Massachusetts
Department
of
Transportation
in
2021
with
a
long
distinguished
career
in
public
service
secretary
Jamie
Tessler
has
brought
great
experience,
energy
and
intellect
to
the
Massachusetts
Port
Authority.
As
a
member
of
our
board
of
directors.
Please
join
me
in
giving
a
warm
welcome
to
secretary
Jamie
Tessler.
C
To
your
team's
leadership
and
your
work
in
collaboration
with
the
community,
to
listen
and
to
take
action
in
the
midst
of
all
the
other
things
that
we
ask
you
to
do
every
single
day,
including
from
from
the
board,
to
see
this
and
see
this
through
when
there
are
so
many
other
challenges
you
were
forced
to
confront
so
I
want
to.
Thank
you.
I
want
to
thank
the
whole
team.
C
I
want
to
just,
as
you
said,
on
behalf
of
the
board,
just
mentioned,
and
and
John
probably
will
cover
this
too.
This
goes
back
some
time
into
November
2019.
So
again,
you
know
right
before
we
Face
the
pandemic,
where
we
approve
the
preliminary
design
for
the
4.5
acre
lot.
We
were
talking
about
today,
and
it's
now
taken
the
next
step
with
a
20
million
dollar
construction
project
to
transform
this
property
into
the
recreational
space.
C
That's
going
to
can
be
conducive
to
all
the
activities
you
see
on
the
pictures
here
and
that
Lisa
touched
on.
The
last
point
is
something
you
touched
on
already
and
I
really
want
to
emphasize
it's
things
like
this.
There
are
so
many
people
over
a
period
of
time,
and
it
takes
your
passion.
It
takes
your
persistence
to
see
these
projects
come
together
on
a
day
like
this,
and
so
you
touched
on
all
on
many
of
them:
I'm,
not
gonna,
I'm
sure
I'll,
miss
some,
but
again.
C
I
really
do
want
to
thank
my
colleagues
on
the
board
of
directors.
I
want
to
thank
the
the
team
at
massport.
I
want
to
thank
the
mayor
in
the
city
for
their
partnership
on
projects
and
in
activities
like
this
I
want
to
thank
our
partners
in
the
legislature
set
in
the
house
for
making
this
possible
and
the
resources
possible
for
all
the
things
we
do
in
mobility
and
the
things
we
do
together.
C
B
Thank
you,
secretary
Tesla,
you've
been
amazing
partner,
and
just
always
that
reminder
that
listening
is
so
important
in
everything
that
we
do.
It
gives
me
great
pleasure
to
introduce
the
mayor
of
Boston
Michelle
Wu,
a
public
servant
who
knows
how
to
get
the
little
things
done
to
add
up
to
big
change.
Mayor
Wu
is
a
staunch
advocate
for
open
space
and
our
climate
last
Friday.
B
She
was
actually
here
in
Pierce
Park,
helping
to
lead
the
celebration
of
the
50th
anniversary
of
the
Clean
Water
Act,
and
earlier
this
week
she
announced
some
exciting
new
ideas
for
Boston
Common
and
we're
fortunate
to
have
her
here
today.
Please
join
me
in
welcoming
Michelle
our
mayor
of
the
city
of
Boston.
D
D
So
it's
been
an
incredible
celebration
of
community
and
the
fruits
of
the
seeds
that
have
been
planted
by
so
many
long
before
us,
so
I'm,
incredibly
grateful
I'm
here
to
say
we
are
going
to
do
everything
we
can
in
our
power
to
take
the
vision
and
the
dream
and
the
hard
work
that
you
all
have
already
put
forward
in
community
and
just
make
sure
we
get
that
last
mile
here
and
then
keep
going.
You
heard
how
many
former
elected
officials
have
been
involved
in
this
project
with
loving
cheers
and
booze
for
some
of
them.
D
And
you
heard
how
many
of
our
staunch
Fierce
Community
leaders
have
put
in
their
time
hundreds
of
hours,
thousands
of
hours,
to
make
sure
that
we
would
get
to
this
point
even
when
it
felt
like
it
was
really
far
away
and
so
I'm
grateful
to
serve
every
day.
Alongside
my
incredible
colleagues,
your
delegation
here,
there's
there's
no
beating
the
the
partnership
and
how
much
they
fight
for
your
community
Senator
Edwards,
rep,
Maduro,
councilor,
Coletta,
councilor
Murphy.
Where
is
councilor
Murphy,
who
was
recognized
earlier
in
all
of
our
at-large
counselors?
D
Thank
you
for
what
you
do
for
this
community
secretary.
There's
a
lot
on
your
plate
so
really
excited
to
see
you
digging
in
on
all
of
all
the
issues
that
are
near
and
dear
and
John.
Thank
you
for
representing
all
of
us
for
for
many
years
on
this
board
and
weaving
together
the
various
interests
so
that
Resident
and
always
have
a
voice
when
we
plant
trees.
D
When
we
put
money
into
Parks,
it's
really
not
for
ourselves,
it's
for
our
kids
and
our
grandkids
and
we
are
going
to
be
able
to
soon
see
some
beautiful
trees
and
open
space
and
kids
and
grandkids
playing
here.
It
is
thanks
to
you
all
and
as
thanks
to
those
who've
come
before
us,
so
I'm
really
really
grateful.
We
have
a
lot
more
to
do
in
the
city
of
Boston.
Thank
you.
B
We
appreciate
your
vision
for
climate
and
for
community
and
look
forward
to
our
continued
partnership.
Our
next
speaker
needs
no
introduction.
I
have
had
the
pleasure
of
working
with
John
Nucci
as
a
member
of
our
board
for
the
past
six
years.
He
is
a
tireless
advocate
for
East
Boston,
a
native
son,
who
always
puts
the
needs
and
concerns
of
his
neighbors
at
the
Forefront
of
every
issue
that
is
brought
to
our
board.
So
please
join
me
in
welcoming
massport
board
member
John
Nucci.
E
E
Something
like
this
as
you've
heard
from
the
prior
speakers
doesn't
just
happen,
and
we
heard
the
elected
officials
noted
here
we're
so
lucky
to
have
who
we
have
as
elected
officials,
both
both
current
with
Senator,
Edwards
and
Council
of
Coletta
and
representative
Maduro,
but
also
the
prior
group
of
elected
officials
that
have
served
us,
of
course,
Senate
President,
Bob,
travolini
and,
of
course,
salamatina.
Who
tells
me
every
day
how
hot
he
worked.
E
F
E
I,
look
out
at
the
crowd,
I,
see
friends
of
mine
who
have
been
my
friend
for
60
70
years
and
I,
see
new
people.
Who've
come
to
East
Boston
as
I
look
at
the
beautiful
park
around
us
and
the
Beautiful
park
that
is
to
be
makes
me
think
that
it
really
doesn't
matter
whether
you
were
born
here
or
whether
you
just
came
here.
It
doesn't
matter
whether
you've
been
here
for
six
months
six
weeks,
six
days,
six
years
doesn't
matter.
This
will
benefit
everybody
and,
more
importantly,
this
is
a
product
of
collaboration.
E
It's
a
product
of
people
sitting
at
tables.
Getting
things
done
sometimes
disagreeing
no
question
about
it,
but
at
the
end,
getting
it
done
and
that's
what
makes
me
very
very
proud
about
this.
It
really
does
I
looked
at
the
park
and
I
looked
at
the
features
that
are
going
to
be
in
the
new
park
and
it's
things
like
water
features,
picnic
areas,
exercise
equipment
for
senior
citizens
just
when
we
were
getting
away
from
exercising.
E
Well,
it
really
wants
my
heart
to
think
that
the
next
generation
is
going
to
have
so
much
better
they're
going
to
have
peers,
Park
and
they're
going
to
enjoy
it.
And,
as
the
mayor
said,
and
let
me
just
say
that
of
the
elected
officials,
I've
got
to
say,
Madam
mayor
that
we
are
just
so
fortunate
to
have
your
leadership
at
City
Hall.
You
get
it.
E
E
So
in
a
few
minutes,
you'll
see
you're
going
to
hear
a
couple
more
speeches
in
a
few
minutes.
You'll
see
us
I'll,
take
pictures,
but
just
keep
in
mind
folks,
those
of
you
who
lived
here
and
worked
on
this.
It's
not
about
us
not
about
us,
it's
not
about
us,
so
we're
taking
the
pictures,
it's
about
you
who
did
the
work.
Thank
you
very
much.
I
appreciate
it.
E
B
B
The
juice
of
State
Senate,
her
passion
to
improve
the
quality
of
life
for
her
constituents
here
in
East
Boston
is
always
front
and
center.
When
we
discuss
projects
or
operations
and
as
an
avid
Runner,
she
is
also
a
frequent
visitor
to
Pierce
Park.
Please
join
me
in
giving
a
very
warm
welcome
to
Senator
Lydia
Edwards.
B
G
Yes,
as
an
avid
Runner,
this
is
actually
my
my
route
here
as
I
was
training
for
the
the
marathon
that
I
ran
this
past
year.
I
ran
the
Boston
Marathon
and
so
much
of
the
ability
to
train
to
be
outside
to
be
welcome
within
Community
had
everything
to
do
with
so
many
of
the
people
who
came
before
me
and
who
also
are
no
longer
with
us
I
just
want
to
add
to
the
incredible
list
of
leaders:
Mary
Ellen
Welsh,
who
was
part
of
helping.
G
You
know
any
green
space,
any
open
space,
any
any
negotiation,
and
you
know,
while
I
I,
remember
talking
and
getting
notes
from
her.
You
know
and
I
think
of
her
advocacy
as
an
inspiration,
I
think
about
what
would
she
do
and
I
have
and
I'm
faced
with
an
issue
and
I'm
sure
you
know
massport,
you
have
a
certain
level
of
PTSD
I
mean
not
PTSD,
but
a
certain
amount
of
remembrance
and
love
for
her
as
well.
G
You
look
to
people
like
former
Senator
president
bobolini,
you
look
to
Lulu,
you
look
to
some
and
you
look
to
Mary
Mary
burning
Joe,
you
look
to
Karen,
you
look
to
so
many
people
who
have
been
able
to
guide
me
to
push
me
to
move
me
and
and
and
correct
quietly
and
Shout
loudly
together
when
we
go
fight
for
our
neighborhood.
So
I
want
to
thank
you
so
much
for
that.
G
This
is
a
beautiful
neighborhood,
a
welcoming
neighborhood
and
yes,
many
generations
had
not
so
much
a
park,
but
they
had
a
park
and
fly
right.
They
had
the
parking
flight
out
of
park,
but
we're
fighting
for
parks
for
generations
to
come,
but
also
maintaining
our
traditions
and
knowing
where
we
came
from
the
amount
of
immigrants
that
came
on
this
Shore
the
amount
of
people
who
became
Americans
here
in
East
Boston.
That
is
worth
remembering.
That
is
worth
that's
what
you
get
to
reflect
on
when
you're
sitting
and
looking
at
this
beautiful,
beautiful
waterfront.
G
G
To
this
park,
I
want
her
to
sit
and
see
where
I
run.
I
want
her
to
sit
and
understand
the
neighborhood,
where
I
have
a
second
family
here,
I
may
be
alone,
but
I
have
so
many
family
members,
and
so
many
people
have
so
many
different
backgrounds.
Who've
invited
me
to
dinner.
Who've
helped
her
daughter
grow
and
become
an
incredible
leader.
That's
East,
Boston!
G
That's
what
we're
celebrating
that
anybody
can
come
here
and
become
anything
never
in
my
wildest
dream
that
I
think
I'd
have
the
honor
to
to
represent
and
serve
this
community,
and
my
dream
is
coming
true
every
single
day.
So
here
we
are
today
to
manifest
the
dream
of
many
people
who
aren't
here
with
us
and
to
say
thank
you
to
them,
but
also
so
welcome
to
new
people.
So
thank
you.
B
B
Our
next
speaker,
representative,
Adrian
mataro,
was
first
elected
to
the
House
of
Representatives
in
2015,
and
since
then,
he's
played
a
major
role
on
important
issues
facing
not
only
his
native
East
Boston,
but
also
the
entire
Commonwealth.
His
work
on
codifying
environmental
justice
policies
into
law
will
ensure
that
communities
like
East
Boston
will
have
further
protections
against
environmental
impacts.
B
I've
had
the
pleasure
of
seeing
the
representative
and
his
growing
family
right
here
in
Pierce
Park,
especially
on
East
you
Pride
day,
I,
actually
hope
that
one
of
the
leaves
up
there
that
Mateo
colored
in
this
was
a
banner
that
we
put
together
with
children
who
came
to
East
Pride
day
they
colored
the
leaves,
and
we
made
this
Banner,
which
is
going
to
be
a
scrim
on
the
fence
for
the
construction
project,
so
I
hope
Mateo's
artwork
is
up
there.
Please
join
me
in
giving
a
warm
welcome
to
representative
Maduro.
F
Thank
you
Lisa
and
listen
if
his
Leaf
isn't
up
there,
we'll
have
to
have
a
conversation
later
I'm
just
kidding,
that
is,
that
is
really
really
special
and
I.
Think
it's
something
that
folks
in
the
community
can
reflect
on
throughout
the
duration
of
the
construction
and
I
appreciate
you
all
doing
that
nice
touch
good
afternoon.
Everyone
wonderful
to
be
all
together
for
this
momentous
occasion.
F
This
really
is
a
long
overdoing,
much
awaited
for
a
moment
for
East
Boston
Pierce
Park,
as
we
all
know,
is
a
beloved
Gem
of
open
space
in
the
community
right
here
on
the
Boston
Waterfront,
with
this
exceptional
view,
the
best
view
of
the
city.
In
my
estimation,
it's
no
question
that
this
is
one
of
the
most
beautiful
parks
in
Boston
and
in
Massachusetts
in
1986,
our
community
fought
hard
to
write
it
to
state
law
that
they
wanted.
F
F
And
there
is
no
doubt
that
it
took
tremendous
work
to
get
where
we
are
now
I
want
to
thank
the
many
Community
activists
and
elected
officials
past
and
present,
many
of
whom
are
with
us
right
here.
Thank
you
all.
So
very
much
for
all
of
the
work
you've
done
to
make
phase
one
phase
two
and
soon
phase
three
possible.
I
also
want
to
thank
the
massport
board
for
supporting
us
through
this
endeavor,
especially
to
East
Boston's
own
John
Nucci,
who
has
always
been
a
stalwart
Champion
for
our
community.
F
We're
breaking
ground
on
today,
we'll
nearly
double
the
amount
of
open
space
at
Pierce
Park.
It
will
include
new
Active
Space
that
will
allow
residents
to
use
Pierce,
Park
and
ways.
We've
never
been
able
to
use
it
before
and
will
include
new
accessible
features,
including
areas
for
seniors
and
play
spaces
for
kids
to
ensure
that
everyone
in
our
community
is
able
to
use
the
new
park
to
its
full
extent,
we'll
also
finally
be
getting
Alex
De
franzo
and
the
Pierce
Park
Sailing
Center,
an
actual
building,
which
is
remarkable
because.
F
A
kid
going
to
Pierce
Park
Sailing
Center,
so
that
is
very,
very
exciting
and
really
is
a
much
needed
to
many
amenity
for
one
of
our
communities,
most
valuable
and
unique
programs,
and
not
long
after
phase
two
we'll
be
adding
to
Pierce
Park,
with
phase
three
helmed
by
our
friends,
John
judge
and
the
trustees.
So
this
is
really
an
exciting
Crossroads
for
the
East
Boston
community.
F
Since
the
original
Pierce
Park
was
created
in
the
90s
transformed
transforming
a
formerly
dilapidated
parent
to
a
gorgeous
Waterfront
Park,
the
community
is
pushed
for
work
to
start
on
phase
two
and
for
too
long.
We've
seen
this
empty
lot
behind
me
sitting
next
to
this
incredibly
gorgeous
Park
dealing
with
delays,
logistical
problems,
budget
and
economic
issues
and
a
pandemic.
It's
a
dream!
That's
been
pushed
back
for
many
years,
but
that
changes
starting
today.
F
Finally,
we're
achieving
the
promises
we
made
to
the
community
all
those
years
ago
with
those
elected
officials
that
were
mentioned
before
me,
who
fought
so
hard
for
this
dream
and
for
a
community
right
on
the
water.
Barely
any
of
our
Waterfront
years
ago,
was
even
accessible
to
us.
It
was
closed
off
by
high
fences
around
empty,
abandoned
lots
and
that's
the
memories.
I
have
John
touched
on
it,
but
I
have
those
memories
too.
F
F
So
this
is
really
an
incredible
Crossroads
for
our
community
and
really
A
lot
has
changed
to
get
to
this
place
and
we
are
now
a
neighborhood
that
is
thriving
with
beautiful
green
spaces
and
growing
Waterfront
access
and
I
know
that
my
children
will
grow
up
having
a
much
different
childhood
than
John
and
I
had
a
better
childhood
one
that
is
greener,
healthier,
more
resilient
and,
frankly,
more
fun
to
be
a
kid
here
in
East
Boston.
So
I
want
to
thank
you
all
for
the
incredible
work
you've
put
in
to
make
this
a
reality.
F
B
B
She
led
the
New
England
aquarium's
efforts
prior
to
being
elected
to
achieve
a
resilient,
accessible
and
inclusive
downtown
Waterfront.
For
all
those
are
goals
we
share
not
only
for
this
park,
but
for
all
of
the
Waterfront
here
in
East
Boston.
Please
give
a
warm
welcome
to
councilor
Gabriella
Coletta.
H
H
Can
everybody
hear
me
great
I'm
short,
but
I
got
heels
on
so
I'm,
so
honored
to
be
here
in
my
capacity
as
Boston
City
councilor
I
used
to
have
my
field
days
on
this
exact
field
when
I
went
to
the
Sam
Adams,
and
so
it
really
is
a
special
moment
for
me
in
a
full
circle
moment
for
me
to
be
here
celebrating
the
groundbreaking
of
Pierce
Park
phase,
two
I
want
to
thank
masport
for
their
continued
partnership
and
bringing
this
to
fruition.
Everybody
that
came
before
us.
H
H
Additionally,
we've
seen
through
the
pandemic,
just
how
vital
open
space
is
for
the
health
and
well-being
of
whole
communities
being
outside.
Relaxing
our
nervous
system
engaging
in
recreational
activities
like
running
Lydia
I'm,
not
at
the
level
you
are,
but
hopefully
one
day
I
will
be
running
a
marathon
girl,
I,
don't
know
you
have
time
this
is
this.
Brings
us
joy
and
Lord
knows
we
need
more
joy
in
our
lives.
H
I
also
want
to
say
just
how
excited
I
am
that
Pierce
Park
Sailing
Center,
an
organization
breaking
down
barriers
to
Waterfront
access,
we'll
finally
be
getting
that
space
that
they
deserve
in
a
brand
new
facility.
So
I
just
wanted
to
give
a
special
shout
out
and
congratulations
to
Alex
Alfonso
again,
you
deserve
all
the
Applause
in
the
world.
H
So,
just
in
closing,
this
definitely
is
a
celebratory
moment,
we'll
be
getting
new
public
restrooms
intergenerational
uses
and
amenities,
necessary,
resiliency
strategies
to
protect
our
Coastline
and
so
much
more.
So
just
congratulations
to
everybody,
especially
the
future
beneficiaries
of
this
incredible
Park
and
all
the
families
in
East
Boston.
Thank
you.
B
Thank
you,
councilor
Coletta,
so
I
just
want
to
thank
all
of
our
guest
speakers
for
being
here
today.
Thank
you
to
Tom
and
our
former
elected
officials.
Obviously
we
would
not
be
here
at
this
important
Milestone
if
it
weren't
for
your
work
to
get
us
going
and
thank
you
to
everyone
in
the
community
who
helped
collaborate.
This
is
a
huge
celebration,
we're
so
excited
and
actually
I'm
already
looking
ahead
to
next
fall
when
we
open
the
park
after
the
construction
period.