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Boston Neighborhood May Soon Be Recognized As A Cultural District

The Fenway, one of Boston's more notable areas, may soon be holding the title of the state's first Cultural District.

If given the support at today's November 14th, City council hearing, the Fenway Cultural Districy (FCD) will be able to apply for the designation; which is given to areas rich in cultural institutions. The idea of Cultural districts were introduced during a state legislature vote last year as part of an economic development bill. Due to the newness of the program, the Massachusetts Cultural Commission (MCC) has not deemed any other Boston areas as "Cultural Districts."

The hope is that marketing the Fenway neighborhood as a cultural district will bring about increased tourism, public improvement projects, and higher property values. Which in turn has promise to help boost the local economy by helping to keep businesses afloat and appearances up to par.

Unfortunately, funds have not yet been set aside by the state to help this program get on its feet. So for at least a year most of the funding will be done by local organizations and fundraising. "It's in a dream phase...We'll hopefully see see a lot of concrete things come out of this (hearing)," said Kelly Brilliant, executive director of the Fenway Alliance. "We would really like to think of this as enhancing the entire neighborhood."

If supported by the local elected leaders, the application will hopefully be filed with the MCC by the end of the month, says Brilliant.

Click here to browse Fenway-area condos for sale.

Posted at 11/14/2011 10:06 AM by Admin