Differing Visions Materialize for 30-Acre Surface Artery

BOSTON-As the Surface Artery Commission nears the end of its work, three different visions–by state, city and legislative leaders–emerge on how best to develop the 30 acres of space that will be created Downtown here when the Big Dig is done. By demolishing the old Central Artery, 260 acres will be opened up here, but because of its central location, the 30-acre tract is the most closely scrutinized piece of land. The rest of the land is spread throughout East Boston, Fort Point Channel and along the Charles River.

The three factions of the 12-member panel do agree on a number of basic points. Mainly that a non-profit group should be created to deal with maintenance and potential projects on the 75% of the 30 acres that will be left as open space. The remaining 25% of that land will be set aside for commercial uses. Comprising this new group will be representatives from interested groups as well as from the state and city.