By Samuel Lauf

News Correspondent

Boston’s Back Bay was named one of the Great Neighborhoods by the American Planning Association (APA) Oct. 13. The success of the neighborhood comes from its connection to its roots combined with a young, lively business class and excellent shopping, locals of the area said.
To some residents of the Back Bay, this is simply recognition of something they have known for quite a long time.
“I think people locally here have known that, but to have it quantified by the American Planning Association is significant,” said Meg Mainzer-Coen, president and executive director of the Back Bay Association (BBA), which represents and advocates for local businesses and quality of life in the neighborhood. “Many people think that this is one of the nicest, greatest neighborhoods around.”
The APA is an independent, non-profit organization that helps to lead in the development and success of important American communities. Every year, the APA selects 10 neighborhoods, streets and public spaces that it sees as the greatest in America. According to the APA’s website, the three major points for choosing a great neighborhood are “form and composition, character and personality and environment and sustainable practices.”
The value and beauty of the Back Bay comes from its connection to history as well as its focus on the present and the future, said Randi Lathrop, deputy director of community planning at the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA).
“I think this award really just celebrates that indeed the Back Bay is such a jewel for the city,”  Lathrop said. “It’s a neighborhood that has incredible transit; it has a wonderful residential community, it has a great commercial area, it has incredible parks, beautiful boulevards.”
Lathrop said the award is simply recognition of the great job the city of Boston, BRA and the people of the Back Bay have done in keeping the neighborhood’s historic aspects while still improving it and keeping it modern.
Mainzer-Coen said the BBA has “advocated for new development that will work in the neighborhood” and ensured new commercial space or housing is incorporated in a way that keeps with the neighborhood’s historic roots.
While it is rooted in its history, the Back Bay is a thriving area for business and for young successful Bostonians to live, said Joseph Baglio, a real estate broker and owner of Back Bay Residential Properties, a company that sells high-end apartments in the Back Bay area.
“A job propels professionals coming here,” Baglio said. “These young professionals have a tendency to end up in the Back Bay or the South End or the Fenway area,” Baglio said.
Even with the economic downturn, the Back Bay is persevering. There might not be as many companies hiring, but the Back Bay is still a very successful and thriving neighborhood, he added.
“Considering all the conditions that have been thrust upon us, really I can’t complain,” Baglio said. “We’re doing pretty well.”