Back Bay nominee pledges to preserve neighborhood while addressing accessibility

Lisa Tharpe, a Back Bay resident and business owner, appeared June 10 before the Boston City Council Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation for a confirmation hearing on her nomination to the Back Bay Architectural District Commission.

Chair Councilor Durkin introduced Tharpe and said the Back Bay commission is a long-standing steward of the neighborhood’s architectural character. Tharpe said she is seeking the commission position to “give back, to a community that I've I've come to love,” and described her interest in preserving historic fabric while addressing accessibility and modernization challenges.

Tharpe told the committee she wants to balance restoration and preservation with practical needs such as accessibility and modern infrastructure: "…how do we make it more accessible or how do we bring in electric charging stations for cars and and how do we accommodate bike lanes…" She said some solutions may require flexibility, particularly on secondary or alley elevations, and that each case should be considered individually.

Councilor Ed Flynn expressed support for Tharpe and asked how she would ensure neighborhoods are accessible to persons with disabilities; Tharpe cited hidden-elevator and stair-lift technologies and said the commission might need to be "more flexible on the alley side of some of these structures in order to accommodate accessibility for all." Joseph Cornish, director of design review for the Boston Landmarks Commission and staff to the Back Bay Architectural Commission, spoke from the waiting room in support of Tharpe and noted she would be taking the seat held for decades by the late John Christiansen.

No committee vote was recorded during the hearing. Chair Durkin said he expects to move Tharpe’s nomination forward to the full City Council for a confirmation vote at a future meeting.

Why it matters: The Back Bay Architectural District Commission issues design review and guidance that shape alterations, signage and streetscape changes in one of Boston’s most recognized historic neighborhoods. The commission’s decisions affect preservation outcomes and accessibility improvements for residents and businesses.

The committee hearing was held virtually and recorded; members of the public were invited to submit written comments or sign up to testify by contacting the committee liaison.