In 2006, the Massachusetts Legislature established the Metropolitan Beaches Commission to examine the current conditions of the reigon's beaches and identify, and recommend, the best management practices and actions that would bring our beaches to their fullest potential. The Commission's goals are to help realize the beachfront's significant recreational and economic resources, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents and visitors, and strengthening our capital city and the region.

Click here to download a copy of the Metropolitan Beaches Commission Report

Click here for the Save the Harbor Better Beaches blog

WHO IS ON THE COMMISSION

The Commission consists of elected officials and community, civic, non-profit and business leaders from across the region:

Senator Jack Hart, Co-Chairman
Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein, Co-Chairman
Kip Becker, Boston University
Mark Cullinan, Nahant Town Manager
Secretary Daniel O’Connell, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
Rosanne Foley, DotWell
Paul Grogan, The Boston Foundation
Douglas Gutro, Quincy City Council President
Carol Haney, Revere Beach Partnership
Senator Robert Hedlund
Representative Bradford Hill
Salvatore LaMattina, Boston City Councilor
Anthony Lozzi, City of Lynn
Senator Thomas McGee
Joan Meschino, Hull Board of Selectmen
Joseph Orfant, Department of Conservation and Recreation
Senator Anthony Petruccelli
Richard White, Winthrop Town Manager


The Commission asked Save the Harbor/Save the Bay to serve as the lead project consultant and manage the Commission’s inquiry.

PUBLIC PROCESS

Throughout the summer of 2006 the Commission hosted a series of public hearings in each of the “Beach Communities” of Lynn, Nahant, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull. These hearings gave the public an opportunity to help the Commission get an accurate picture of the situation on each beach, to share their dreams and aspirations for their beaches, and to help identify opportunities and obstacles on the beaches.

COMMISSION GOALS

As a result of this inquiry, the Commission released the "Beaches We Can Be Proud Of" report, a blueprint that lays out a series of short, medium and long term goals for the region’s beaches, and a strategy for securing and managing the resources needed to do the job right.