BPDA board approves seven development projects at October 20 meeting
Oct 21, 2016
The Boston Planning & Development Agency’s board of directors approved seven development projects at last night’s meeting. In total, the projects represent a combined investment of over $75 million and will generate over 150 construction jobs.
In addition to the approval of these development projects, the South Boston Rezoning Initiative was greenlighted by the board to move forward in being presented to the Zoning Commission. The South Boston Rezoning Initiative commenced in 2014 at the request of Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Boston City Councilors Bill Linehan and Michael Flaherty, and the South Boston community. Since that time, the main desire identified was a need for zoning that provides predictable, appropriate development without the constant need for zoning variances. The zoning proposed by the South Boston Rezoning Initiative includes regulations concerning use, height, density and parking ratios in order to achieve predictability in a way that the current zoning does not.
Below are summaries of the newly approved projects. The full board agenda and archived video stream can be found here.
Increase in units approved for Westminster House project in Roxbury
.jpg?width=600&height=347)
The previously approved 3012 Washington Street project, also known as the Westminster House project, was modified at last night’s board meeting by way of a Notice of Project Change. The updated project, which is receiving funding from the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development (DND), proposes to increase the number of residential rental units from 30 to 36. Of the 36 rental units, nine will be designated for homeless or formerly homeless families. Under the authority of DND and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, all units will be income restricted. The increase in units will not require additional changes to the current building size.
Board approves updates to Fenway Center project; includes contribution to city’s Neighborhood Jobs Trust
Updates to the Fenway Center project were approved by way of the project’s second Notice of Project Change. These changes include: approximately $600 million in construction and public benefits, consisting of housing and on-site affordable housing, as well as commercial and retail use to enliven the streetscape and neighborhoods. In addition, as part of Phase 1, a signaled intersection at Maitland Street and Beacon Street will be created, along with the creation of a new, or contribution to an existing community, public amenity, or affordable commercial space in the area. It is expected that approximately 1,800 construction jobs and 126 permanent jobs will be created as a result of this project.
The changes to the project constitute it as a Development Impact Project (DIP). Based on the present plans, creation of the project will yield contributions to the Neighborhood Housing Trust and the Neighborhood Jobs Trust.
South Boston’s 545 East Third Street to move forward with creation of condos
Total Cost: $5,500,000
Total SF: 33,436
Total Construction Jobs: 25
The 545 East Third Street project will combine two parcels one block north of East Broadway to develop 18 condominium units, including 16 market rate units and two Inclusionary Development Policy units. The project will consist of seven one-bedroom units, eight two-bedroom units and three three-bedroom units. The site will have bicycle storage and 22 garage parking spaces with access by way of East Third Street, in addition to access to multiple Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus lines.
Board approval to bring mixed-use development to 482 West Broadway
Total Cost: $8,400,000
Total SF: 48,692
Total Construction Jobs: 36
This South Boston project proposes the consolidation of three lots on West Broadway, yielding a new lot with over 9,000 square feet of land, to create a five story mixed-use building at 482 West Broadway. The project will have 4,190 square feet of ground floor commercial space, 23 garage parking spaces, and 18 residential units on floors two through five, two of these units will be created as IDP homeownership units. The residential units will be a mix of six one-bedroom units and 12 two-bedroom units.
Twelve residential units approved for 171 Tremont
Total Cost: $40,000,000
Total SF: 44,380
Total Construction Jobs: 43
The site of the proposed 171 Tremont project is located in the Downtown Boston area, well-served by public transportation. This project will include the construction of a 13-story building with 12 residential units, a welcoming lobby, and a public pocket park in the Mason Place pedestrian walkway.
The developer, 171 Tremont, LLC., will make a $50,000 contribution to the City of Boston's Parks and Recreation Department to be used for the maintenance of Boston Common, in addition to a contribution of $100,000 to the IDP Special Revenue Fund managed by DND.
Energy efficient residential development given okay for West Roxbury’s 400 Belgrade Avenue
Total Cost: $9,000,000
Total SF: 31,000
Total Construction Jobs: 23
The proposed development at West Roxbury’s
400 Belgrade Avenue will create an energy efficient four story residential building, consisting of 18 residential rental units, two of which are affordable units, and 33 parking spaces. Each unit will have two bedrooms and access to the below-grade parking will be created by way of Beech Street.
Six story residential building slated for Dorchester
.png?width=500&height=310)
Total Cost: $12,500,000
Total SF: 42,656
Total Construction Jobs: 32
The project proposed for Dorchester’s
1258-1272 Massachusetts Avenue will include the construction of a six story, mixed-use building with 40 residential rental units, including five affordable units. The project will also include 37 off-street parking spaces and ground floor retail space. As currently proposed, the 40 residential units will consist of 10 studio units, 15 one-bedroom units, and 15 two-bedroom units. This project will also provide a number of public benefits, such as new pedestrian and commercial activity along Mass Ave., reconstructed sidewalks along the project site to meet
Complete Streets guidelines, and a $10,000 contribution for maintenance and improvements to Clifford Playground in Dorchester.
Located within a brief walk from the MBTA Red Line (JFK/UMass and Andrew Station) and MBTA Commuter Rail service (Newmarket Station), the project site will provide residents with direct access to Downtown and the Greater Boston area.