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BPDA Board advances residential projects in Mission Hill, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, approves next steps for ongoing planning initiatives

May 16, 2019

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors approved development projects in neighborhoods across the City of Boston which will result in new market-rate and income-restricted residential units, economic development, and jobs. Overall, the development projects approved this month will create an additional 73 residential units, including 10 income-restricted units and 290 construction jobs, 32 direct jobs and 155 indirect and induced jobs.

The residential projects moving forward make progress towards Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s goal of increasing affordable housing to support a strong middle-class. Mayor Walsh’s 2019 legislative agenda aims to support the creation of new affordable housing, increase access to home ownership opportunities, and prevent displacement of residents.

In addition to approving development projects, the BPDA Board identified consultants for two of the City’s ongoing planning initiatives. Gamble Associates, LLC was authorized as a consultant for the PLAN: East Boston Land Use, Urban Design & Market Analysis Study while Toole Design Group was authorized as a consultant for the Plan’s Multimodal Transportation Study. Launched last summer, PLAN: East Boston is a community-driven, neighborhood-wide planning initiative. Once complete, the initiative will produce a framework to predictably shape the future of the East Boston neighborhood by identifying opportunities to preserve, enhance and grow.  

The BPDA Board also voted to authorize Sasaki Associates as a consultant on the Fort Point District 100 Acres plan. Using Imagine Boston 2030 as a foundation, community planning initiatives are underway in several neighborhoods across Boston to ensure new growth is well-coordinated and prioritizes both equity and inclusivity.

Development Projects

9-11 Burney Street will bring 24 rental units, including 3 income-restricted units to Mission Hill
Live: 24 rental units, 3 income-restricted units
Work: Creates a laneway that provides open space and potential seating for abutting businesses on Tremont Street
Connect: Design of building remains consistent with the City of Boston’s recently adopted Compact Living Policy Pilot

Located in Mission Hill, within walking distance of the MBTA’s Orange and Green lines, 9-11 Burney Street will consist of 24 rental units, of which three are income-restricted. There will be a mix of unit types including studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units. The approximately 1,625 square feet of ground-floor space will serve as a shared amenity area for residents.

The four story building was designed under the City of Boston's recently adopted Compact Living Policy Pilot. This program helps create more affordable homes that are well-designed and well-located, allowing residents to live, work and play in their immediate neighborhoods.

9-11 Burney Street is expected to provide many community benefits for surrounding businesses and neighborhood residents. The project will create a laneway between the building and the rear of the existing buildings on Tremont Street, providing open space and potential seating for Tremont Street businesses. The project will also make significant investments in youth programming at the Tobin Community Center and maintenance work at the McLaughlin Playground.

28-30 Geneva Street advances consistent with the priorities outlined in ongoing PLAN: East Boston initiative
Live: 26 home ownership units, 3 income-restricted
Work: Creation of 23 construction jobs
Connect: Transit oriented development with 19 off-street parking spaces, at least 26 on-site bicycle storage spaces

The newly approved 28-30 Geneva Street, located in East Boston, will construct a five-story residential building with 26 home ownership units, including three income-restricted units.

This transit oriented development is located within a half mile of the MBTA subway and bus service, providing residents with access throughout the City of Boston and greater Boston area. The project will include 19 off-street parking spaces, and at least 26 on-site bicycle storage spaces.

The project is expected to bring a number of public benefits to the East Boston neighborhood, including investments in roadway infrastructure and public realm improvements. Additionally, 28-30 Geneva Street is consistent with the planning and development guidelines identified in the BPDA’s ongoing PLAN: East Boston study.

Consistent with PLAN: Jamaica Plain/Roxbury, 121 Brookside Avenue is approved with 23 condominium units, including 2 artist live/work units and 2 income restricted units
Live: 23 home ownership units, 2 income restricted units
Work: 2 artist live/work income restricted units
Connect: Compliant with goals outlined in PLAN: Jamaica Plain/Roxbury

121 Brookside Avenue will construct a new, four story residential loft-style building in Jamaica Plain. The building will contain 23 home ownership units, including two Artist Live/Work units and two income-restricted units. The project will also have 11 at-grade parking spaces available for residents.

The project is compliant with the affordable housing, urban design, green building and open space recommendations outlined in PLAN: Jamaica Plain/Roxbury which was approved by the BPDA Board in March 2017.

Additionally, 121 Brookside is expected to contribute $10,000 in community benefits for the improvement and maintenance at Johnson Playground in Jamaica Plain.

Neighborhood House Charter School Expansion Project includes 21,000 square foot addition, 12 classrooms and a middle school gymnasium to existing school in Dorchester
Educate: 21,000 ground square feet addition to existing Neighborhood House Charter School
Connect: Increased parking on-site to improve neighborhood vehicular circulation

Located in Dorchester, the Neighborhood House Charter School Expansion Project will improve the school’s existing structure located at 21 Queen Street by creating a  21,000 square foot addition, 12 additional classrooms, and a middle school gymnasium and support spaces.

The expansion project will also reconfigure the school’s existing parking area by increasing on-site parking to at least 70 spaces. This addition will help mitigate traffic flow around and through the campus to bring cars off the road and allow them to queue on site in efforts to improve traffic conditions, especially during drop-off and pick-up times.

This expansion will increase educational opportunities for neighborhood residents, as well as the City as a whole.

The Board also approved significant renovations to the Taj Hotel, located at 15 Arlington Street, including the relocation of the main entrance of the Taj Hotel from the current location on Arlington Street to Newbury Street. Other improvements include permanently enclosing the existing seasonal rooftop restaurant for year-round access, updating the existing 195 rooms, and adding 16 new hotel rooms for a total of 211 hotel rooms. The project will also contribute more than $110,000 to help fund the Boston Marathon Memorial.

Additionally, the Board approved a Notice of Project Change (NPC) for 15-19 Congress Street authorizing a change in use from residential to hotel. The recently approved NPC is expected to create approximately 116 hotel rooms in Boston’s Financial District.

About the Boston Planning & Development Agency
As the City of Boston’s urban planning and economic development agency, the BPDA works in partnership with the community to plan Boston's future while respecting its past. The agency’s passionate and knowledgeable staff guides physical, social, and economic change in Boston’s neighborhoods and its downtown to shape a more prosperous, resilient, and vibrant city for all. The BPDA also prepares residents for new opportunities through employment training, human services and job creation. Learn more at www.bostonplans.org, and follow us on Twitter @BostonPlans.

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