Peter Meade, a native son from Dorchester and former executive at Blue Cross Blue Shield, has been appointed the new director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) this morning.
The former healthcare executive was chosen because of his deep knowledge of the city, its institutions and his role as a civic leader, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said at a press conference today.
"I wanted someone who knows and loves our city, a person who can hit the ground running," and knows the important sectors that drive the local economy, Menino added.
Meade is a well-known city leader, having spent time as the president of the recently created Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, and chair of both the Greenway Conservancy, and the Emerson College Board of Trustees.
Menino said Meade can bring important "new ideas" and will be adept at managing the BRA’s "talented staff." Residents should look for Meade as he works closely "in the neighborhoods" with startup businesses and established businesses as well as civic groups, the mayor added.
Meade said he had spoken with outgoing BRA Director John Palmieri and will continue a conversation with him about the agency, although he did not elaborate on that point. Palmieri commandeered the BRA during the worst recession in generations and laid the groundwork for a development projects that could change the face of Boston’s downtown indefinitely. He also oversaw a handful of historic Boston development disasters.
Under Palmieri’s watch, planning and permitting was started on a number of important initiatives. One Marina Park Drive and Atlantic Wharf gave hope to the stalled Seaport District. But he also reigned during the creation of a blight in the city’s center – the gaping maw where Filene’s was once located.
"We’re a people … that cherish what we have in this city," Meade said. "I hope to be able to pick up the pieces and move forward."
One 10-year veteran in the Boston development world said Meade’s first and foremost duty at the BRA will be managing a highly knowledgeable and dedicated staff of professionals.
"He clearly has that capacity," the source told Banker & Tradesman. "Development in the city is a complex business and requires a strong understanding about the variety of stakeholders in that process. Peter’s broad perspectives will serve him well in guiding the redevelopment in the city as the economy rebounds."
