Natsios Leaves Big Dig, Shares Surface Artery Vision

BOSTON-In one of his last days in office as Big Dig chief here, Andrew Natsios presented his vision of what the Surface Artery–the 30-acre parcel of land in the heart of the city here that will be exposed once the highway goes underground –should look like. Natsios is leaving his position as head of the Massachusetts Turnpike authority to oversee the United States Agency for International Development in the Bush administration.

“It was something that was an important part of his mission when he was here and I think it was appropriate for him to leave us with his vision going forward,” Ed Pignone, vice president of communication at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, tells GlobeSt.com. Natsios made his remarks in a speech to the Chamber of Commerce.

Reportedly, Natsios met with members of the Greek-American community here to ask them to help fund an ampitheater here with as many as 600 seats, an archway, a restaurant and an open area. Natsios also recommended a large water fountain for the site and said planners are looking at various fountain designers. The fountain could be funded by the Surface Artery budget, which is $30 million for large projects and $35 million for smaller ticket items.