Ross Report on the Boston Common

Hi. My name is Reuben, and I am Boston City Councilor Mike Ross's Chief of Staff.

Mike and I have read with interest the writings regarding the Boston Common on these pages. We are energized to see so many people who are as interested in the future of the Common as we are.

At Boston Daily, Mike has posted his Ross Report on the topic. We are excited about a number of the proposals that we'll have in this report, and wanted to clear up a few misconceptions.

Mike's post gives a preview to the report that the Special Committee on the Boston Common is in the process of writing. We'll have something ready on this in the next couple of weeks, but wanted to give you an opportunity to see some of the most important recommendations of that Committee prior to the final report being released.

Here's a preview from the Ross Report.

Our major premise is that the Common will benefit as more positive activity is generated in the park.

The proposal that I’m most excited about is the establishment of a restaurant on the park. Our vision is a popular eatery that entices a diverse and vibrant crowd. When our Committee visited New York City, we saw two sites that were intriguing models for the Common: The Shake Shack at Madison Park, which serves $7 hamburgers and draws huge lines; and the Boathouse at Central Park, which provides a cafeteria, indoor and outdoor bar, and moderately priced restaurant, all with a great view.

There are several ideal locations for this establishment that will be presented in the report. We see great opportunity in this effort for improvements in the park, the neighborhood, and the city as a whole. A restaurant provides benefits by increasing year-round, late-evening traffic on the Common, which has a positive impact on crime in the area, and helps reinvigorate the neighborhood.

Please give us feedback on this, let us know your thoughts, and be involved. We'll let you know when we plan on having our next public working session on the topic.

Many thanks.

Reuben Kantor
Chief of Staff
Boston City Councilor Mike Ross