Massport Dedicates South Boston Park in Memory of Tom Butler

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Massport is dedicating a new freight corridor and public park in South Boston in honor of the late Tommy Butler, a local legend known for his community activism, volunteerism, and leadership as a government official.

The Thomas J. Butler Freight Corridor and Memorial Park on East First Street in South Boston represents a significant improvement to the neighborhood by redirecting trucks along a new haul road and away from neighborhood streets, while also improving shipping operations at the busy Conley Terminal, which handles nearly 1.5 million metric tons of cargo each year.

In addition, the project features a public park along East First Street, with amenities that include a walking path, new trees, a bike rack, water fountain and a memorial dedicated to Butler.

Butler worked for Massport for 25 years as its community relations director, and worked closely with the communities affected by Logan International Airport.  He was also an early advocate for expanding international tourism and helped build the city's cruise ship trade that has become an  important component of the tourism industry.

A lifelong resident of South Boston, Butler was a leader in the community, with a special interest in American and Boston Irish history.  He helped organize the Revolutionary War activities around Evacuation Day each year, and also the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  He was a member of the South Boston Irish-American Society, the Castle Island Association and the South Boston Boys and Girls Club.

The groundbreaking for the Thomas J. Butler Freight Corridor and Memorial Park is taking place on Friday, June 13, 2014.


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