Bostonist Flickr pool member derequito posted a number of excellent shots of ceremonial groundbreaking at the Ferdinand Building, and also wrote about the issue on his blog. We're glad he brought this event to our attention, because it's a great reminder of the Dudley Square Vision Project, which will be discussed tomorrow from 4-6 in Roxbury. This meeting is (conveniently?) not listed on the City of Boston event calendar.

The Dudley Square Vision involves real estate renovations, including a new police station, and is expected to bring new jobs to the area. The vision also involves increased support for retail presence and improved transportation. "Visions" are always nice in the abstract; the problems only come when it's time to realize them. Will locals be as involved in the restoration as they'd like to be? Will the promised jobs really come--and will they be offered to local residents, or lure people from out of the area?

The city is actually holding a contest to design an environmentally friendly renovation of the Ferdinand that will stay in keeping with the Dudley Square Vision's priorities. Mayor Menino wants the Ferdinand to become the ultimate in green office buildings--like the Macallen Building for workers?

We're excited about the potential of this project, but hope that residents' concerns are taken seriously. If you live in Roxbury or are personally invested in the project, attend tomorrow's task force meeting if you can, and make sure your voice is heard.

Photo of the Ferdinand Building before groundbreaking by Paul Keleher