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Mayor Thomas M. Menino said he hopes the sites attract unique concessions. |
City asks state to OK plans for cafes, shops to replace restrooms
The city’s parks commissioner urged state lawmakers yesterday to approve a plan to replace long-shuttered bathrooms on Boston Common and in the Back Bay Fens with outdoor cafes, bicycle rental companies, or other businesses.
At a hearing before the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, Antonia M. Pollak, commissioner of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, sought legislative support so the city can begin soliciting bids on what would be a multimillion-dollar restoration of two landmarks.
She also asked the Legislature to grant the city the right to lease the properties for up to 25 years. The city is restricted from leasing such properties for more than three years.
“In these difficult economic times, parks agencies are trying to find models that will ensure our parks will be clean, green, and safe in the future,’’ she told lawmakers in her prepared remarks.
“Positive uses like park-related vending can assist with this goal.’’
After the hearing yesterday, Representative Paul Donato, a Medford Democrat who chairs the committee, said he expects lawmakers will approve the project. He said the House could vote within the next few weeks.
It will then have to be approved by the Senate and the governor.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to is excited about the opportunity to turn these buildings into new venues to bring more activity and vitality to the parks,’’ he said.
If approved, the project would allow entrepreneurs to develop the 90-year-old, octagon-shaped Pink Palace near Tremont and Boylston streets on the Boston Common and the 113-year-old stone Duck House on Agassiz Road in the Fens.
The proposal has received support from city officials, but would need approval from city and state landmark authorities once the final plans are approved, Pollak said.
In a statement earlier this year, Mayor Thomas M. Menino said he hopes the proposal “will attract local chefs and organizations to lease the buildings on the landmark Emerald Necklace and Boston Common to provide new, unique concessions for Boston’s residents and visitors alike.’’
Both structures are small and would not accommodate large restaurants.
The Pink Palace, which traces its name to the color in its masonry, is just 660 square feet.
The Duck House, which was designed by Alexander M. Longfellow, a nephew of the poet, is only 535 square feet.
David Abel can be reached at dabel@globe.com. 
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