4. Improve community commenting infrastructure

What did we hear about this…

Getting information and leaving feedback about a development happening right next door should be as easy as picking up the phone or sending a WhatsApp message. We need to meet communities where they are at, with the communication tools they already use.

- East Boston organizer

  • Provide low-tech options for learning about and providing input on development projects

    Low-tech options for learning and providing input on projects is essential to removing barriers to engagement. BPDA should establish a multi-lingual phone line that allows people to call in, select language, and select development projects by neighborhood/address, and then leave a voicemail requesting more information or leaving a comment.

  • Accommodate analog + digital

    In this new hybrid analog/digital world, it is essential to provide both means of access to meetings and mechanisms for providing input to development/planning projects.

  • Have a centralized place for capturing and displaying all community comments

    Community comments on development projects should be captured in a centralized, visible, and accessible place. Themes should be highlighted so that developers and neighbors can easily understand common feedback shared.