"It's been a great time here," McCann, who joined the BRA in 1958 as one of 18 employees hired to work on the city's urban renewal projects, tells GlobeSt.com. During his tenure, McCann has seen the skyline of Boston evolve from low-rise brownstones to today's skyscrapers. In fact, when he first joined the agency, the only high rise in the city was the Boston Custom House, a 30-story tower overlooking the waterfront.
Faneuil Hall and Quincy market didn't exist and the Prudential Center was still years away from being constructed. Over the years, McCann has worked under mayors from John B. Hynes to Thomas M. Menino. He occasionally served as acting BRA director during his tenure but said he never wanted the top job. That position has been filled by 10 BRA administrators during his years on the job.
McCann, who heralds the BRA's accomplishments as the driving force behind the "New Boston," won't be leaving entirely. He will still be working part time under a contract position with the agency. "Until I get to my 50th year," he says.
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