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BPDA Launches Question Campaign to Engage Residents in Plan: Dorchester, Glover’s Corner

Jan 26, 2017

The Boston Planning and Development Agency today announced the launch of the PLAN: Dorchester, Glover’s Corner Question Campaign to solicit feedback from the public for the first phase of the community planning process. The Question Campaign is designed to encourage residents and other stakeholders to submit questions to help planners prepare for the first round of public workshops and meetings.  

Residents, business owners and other stakeholders are now able submit questions in the categories of: transportation & mobility, jobs & business, environment & climate change, housing & affordability, neighborhood character and parks & public space. Questions can be submitted online now. 

“Boston is experiencing an unprecedented amount of growth, and while this growth holds tremendous promise, change can also be difficult if it is not well planned and coordinated,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “That’s why we embarked on a new approach to neighborhood planning that relies on robust community engagement and collaboration.  I look forward to working alongside community members in Glover’s Corner in the coming months as we create a shared vision for the future of this neighborhood.” 

The PLAN: Dorchester, Glover’s Corner planning initiative is a comprehensive effort in partnership with the community, and staffed by a planning team consisting of an interdepartmental working group from across City departments and state transportation agencies. Mayor Martin J. Walsh called for the planning effort in 2016 because of the need to shape growth as a community and create a holistic vision for the changing area.

Through the three lenses of “preserve, enhance, and grow,” the planning study will explore opportunities around Freeport Street and Dorchester Avenue near the Savin Hill Red Line station. Community discussions will focus on guidelines for future development and open space, as well as strategies to enhance existing businesses and residential communities.

The primary goals of this process include:
  • A proactive approach to shaping change in an area that will likely face increasing development pressure.
  • Engagement of community residents, businesses, property owners, non-profits, civic groups, advocates, and various stakeholders through a range of workshops, site visits, and events.
  • Adaptability to the risks associated with climate change.
  • A defined vision that will allow the City and the community to support existing residents and businesses, while improving the planning area.
  • Establishment of new development guidelines to facilitate predictable and appropriate development and community benefits.
  • Creation of an area plan document that will form the basis for new zoning and public investments to guide future growth in a manner that is consistent with the community's vision.
The question campaign is modeled after the successful “Go Boston 2030”  Question Campaign which collected over 5,000 questions within two months that are shaping policies and projects to improve transportation in Boston.

The first public gathering for PLAN: Dorchester, Glover’s Corner will be in February and details will be announced in the coming weeks.

In December, the BPDA approved the PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue guidelines, which will guide the BPDA and the community on future development and public realm improvements within the South Boston Dorchester Avenue Study Area. Planning efforts are ongoing in Dudley Square and the PLAN: Jamaica Plain/Roxbury Study Area.

Along with several neighborhood planning efforts, Mayor Walsh has launched Imagine Boston 2030, the first city-wide planning effort in 50 years, an initiative that will create a framework to guide the preservation, enhancement, and responsible growth of Boston between now and 2030. The draft plan was released in the fall and identified investments and strategies to provide quality of life and increase affordability, drive inclusive economic growth, promote a healthy environment and adapt to climate change and invest in infrastructure, open space and culture. For more information and to provide feedback on the draft, please visit Imagine.Boston.gov.

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