Intervention #4Improve community commenting infrastructure
The problem
At present, there are limited mechanisms for residents to submit input about a development project under review by the BPDA. While there are public meetings for residents to discuss concerns and give input, these comments are not systematically recorded for public viewing. The only way a resident can ensure that their comment is recorded publicly is to submit it via the project page on the BPDA website. Otherwise, community feedback is captured and shared at the discretion of Project Managers. This is a flawed system for its reliance on a single mechanism of recorded public comment and for its reliance on individual memory and discretion. Many improvements can be made to eliminate barriers to participation and to recording all input for public viewing.
“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.”
- Leo Olson, East Boston organizer
What can be done
IDEA 1Provide low-tech options for learning about and providing input
Low-tech options for learning and providing input on development 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.
IDEA 2Accommodate 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. People should also be given the tools needed to learn how to access digital meetings.
SEE GETTING CONNECTED GUIDE
IDEA 3Have 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, whether give verbally at a meeting, through the phone, email, or on the website. Themes should be highlighted so that developers and neighbors can easily understand common feedback shared.