Senate committee addresses UMass Building Authority's future plans for Dorchester Bay City

Concerns over the future of the Bayside Expo Center site in Dorchester took center stage during the recent Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight meeting. Stakeholders voiced their frustrations regarding the lack of development and communication from the University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA), which has owned the site since 2010.

Michael Carquin, president of Cochran, Jenison Companies, highlighted the potential impact of a proposed 6 million square feet of new development on local traffic and infrastructure. He criticized UMBA for neglecting the site, pointing out that the only significant activity in recent years has been the collapse of the old Expo Center due to lack of maintenance. "The way they dealt with that sign... is shameful," Carquin stated, emphasizing the need for swift legislative action to protect community interests.

Residents like Richard Fulham and Miles Byrne echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment over UMBA's failure to engage with the community regarding the future of green spaces and local parks. Byrne, who has worked in the area for decades, lamented the loss of trust in UMBA, stating, "Truth is often fungible, but trust is not."

The committee is expected to take up legislation aimed at ensuring community access and involvement in future developments at the site. As discussions continue, local leaders and residents remain hopeful for a favorable outcome that prioritizes their needs and concerns.