Bill > S1678

This bill establishes a special commission of thirteen members to explore creating a tribute in Boston to Nelson Mandela, commemorating his 1990 visit and speech. The commission will work with state and city agencies, like the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and involve the public in considering a designed space or facility, potentially on the Esplanade or elsewhere in Boston, to reflect Mandela's message. It will also look into forming a design selection process, identifying funding options, and will consist of appointees from the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Mayor of Boston, and various organizations including the Esplanade Association, Boston Society of Architects, South Africa Partners, the Black Ministerial Alliance, and the Mandela Memorial Committee. The commission is tasked with soliciting ideas, reviewing designs from other cities, and submitting a final report with recommendations within eighteen months of the bill's enactment, after which it will dissolve.