Not so fast, Charlie!
‘A lot of questions’ greet Baker plan to sell Hynes, expand Exhibition Center
Gov. Charlie Baker wants to sell the Hynes Convention Center and put that money into expanding the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center — but public officials and residents say they want answers first.
The governor announced Monday he plans to file legislation to let the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority sell what the state calls an aging and struggling 56-year-old Hynes in the Back Bay to finance another 200,000 square feet in the busy BCEC in the Seaport, creating “a major global event destination.”
“Boston is a popular convention destination, and there has been market demand for larger, more flexible event space in recent years. This expansion will meet demand, unlock greater economic potential and support the creation of new jobs,” Baker said.
But U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch of South Boston — who as a state legislator decades ago backed the legislation that led to the BCEC — described himself as “persuadable but not persuaded,” especially about the idea that the Hynes should be sold because it’s a drag.
“If you look at the tax revenue and the benefit to the businesses around the Hynes, it might be a different story,” Lynch told the Herald, adding that it’s too early for him to take a position one way or the other. “It’s a big draw, and it provides a lot of energy.”
Martyn Roetter of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay said, “Is this just going to be another bunch of luxury condos and luxury apartments, or are we going to actually get some affordable housing?”
City Councilor Michael Flaherty, a South Boston resident, said, “We are in a global economy, so we need to maintain a competitive edge. That said, I have a lot of questions, and want to make sure that there are no job losses for those currently working at the Hynes.”
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce chief James Rooney — who as former chief of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority had oversight over both the Hynes and the BCEC — said the permanent changes proposed should be “debated vigorously,” and added that “the original plan for expansion was a more ambitious and a bolder plan” than Baker’s current proposal.
Baker’s office touted the ability to “open up a valuable parcel for redevelopment” by selling off the Hynes.
The proposal also would transfer a 12-acre parcel behind the current BCEC from the state to Boston — land Lynch noted was taken by eminent domain from homeowners decades ago, so the city will have to use it for a public purpose.
And Mayor Martin Walsh said, “The state’s proposal presents a new opportunity to expand the Convention Center and bring a significant piece of land back to Boston, benefiting the South Boston Waterfront and city overall.”