The BPDA Board of Directors approved a petition to the Zoning Commission to amend the zoning code to include Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Zoning. This new zoning will introduce sustainability requirements for development projects that support the City’s goals of being carbon-neutral by 2050. Buildings account for nearly 71 percent of our community’s carbon emissions, and can be designed to minimize emissions and climate impact by reducing energy use, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing electrification, and using renewable energy sources. NZC Zoning introduces a net zero emissions standard for new project filings after July 1, 2025 with 15 units or more, a minimum of 20,000 square feet, or additions of a minimum of 50,000 square feet or more to existing buildings. Moving forward, projects will demonstrate compliance with this standard during Article 80 Review. In addition, Small and Large Projects, as defined in Article 80, will be required to report on embodied carbon. Large Projects will also be required to conduct an embodied CO2e emissions life cycle assessment analysis. These amendments build upon and better reflect updated state building codes and city ordinances, including the Specialized Stretch Energy Code and Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), respectively. This amendment will now need approval by the Zoning Commission.
Real Estate
Board approves Flood Resilience Planning, Feasibility, and Design Study for the Charlestown Navy Yard
The BPDA Board of Directors authorized a contract with Arcadis US, Inc. for a flood resilience planning, feasibility, and design study in the Charlestown Navy Yard. The project will build off of the climate vulnerability analysis and resilient strategies developed through Climate Ready Boston (2016) and Coastal Resilient Solutions for East Boston and Charlestown (Phase II) (2022). The study will analyze site conditions and develop implementable design options to contribute to the protection of portions of the Charlestown Navy Yard from future sea level rise and coastal storm events. The project will plan and develop the next flood resilient design solutions for the many properties at risk as well as the adjacent neighborhood. The project includes the area between Pier 3 and Barry Playground and the Little Mystic Channel. The BPDA Coastal Resilience Infrastructure Delivery Team will be liaisons with the City’s Environment Department, property owners, and all state and federal agencies during this work.
Board authorizes Request for Proposals to prepare a City-Wide Land Use Needs Assessment
The BPDA Board of Directors authorized the release of an RFP for a City-Wide Land Use Needs Assessment. This Assessment is meant to encourage the City’s goals of development that supports housing, vibrant business districts, and a strong regional economy, as well as a shift from reactive to proactive planning with the newly established Planning Department. The goals for this assessment are to analyze land use needs, economic and demographic trends, and recommend strategies for equitable growth. The Assessment will act as an important tool for future planning efforts all across the City. A consultant to conduct this assessment will be selected in the next few months.
Development Projects
Project at 539-551 Centre Street, also known as the Forbes Building, will fully renovate affordable housing apartment building
Live: The renovation of 147 income-restricted units
Work: Approximately 129 construction jobs
Connect: 32 indoor bicycle parking spots
Sustain: LEED Gold
A longtime multi-family affordable housing building with 147 residential units will be fully renovated. The existing Forbes Building will be rehabilitated with a new façade and mechanical systems to bring the existing building performance in-line with the City’s Article 37 sustainable development requirements. The building’s footprint will not change. The parking on site will also be reduced and some spaces will be made EV ready. There will also be parking for 32 bicycles, as well as a bikeshare dock on site. In support of public transportation, this project will also install a new bus shelter at the nearby MBTA bus stop. The project will improve the public realm with better sidewalks and new streetscape, and will support City open space goals by adding green space, gardens, and new trees.
22-24 Pratt Street project to bring new multi-family housing to Allston
Live: 318 residential units, 54 income-restricted units
Work: Approximately 378 construction jobs
Connect: Open space, public realm improvements, potentially connecting adjacent developments
Sustain: 100% electric systems, LEED Gold, Passive House, EV parking on site
This project in Allston will build a new 16-story, 318-unit multi-family housing development on what is currently an underutilized industrial site. Of the 318 units, 54 will be income-restricted. This project is responsive to the recently approved Allston-Brighton Needs Assessment by increasing housing that is accessible, affordable, and transit-oriented. The project is in close proximity to public transportation, including the MBTA Green Line and Commuter Rail, and multiple bus routes. In addition, this project will include a Bluebikes station on site, and contribute $87,450 to the Boston Transportation Department to support the bikeshare system. The Assessment also identified the need for more publicly accessible open space which this project will also contribute. A key urban design consideration of staff during the review of the project was the design of the landscaped open space. The project team will continue to work with BPDA Urban Design staff to address any future wind concerns. This project will also contribute to the overall walkability and transit-oriented development described in the Allston-Brighton Mobility Study.
Project at 157 Humboldt Avenue and 76 Waumbeck Street will build 100 percent income restricted new homes
Live: 26 income-restricted units
Work: Approximately 30 construction jobs, 2 facilities jobs
Connect: Community event space
Sustain: LEED Gold
This project will revitalize what is currently a vacant building that has not been used in more than 30 years, and the adjacent vacant land into 100 percent income-restricted family housing for the community. This will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. These new buildings will be energy efficient and also include community space.
257 Washington Street project to bring new housing to Dorchester
Live: 48 residential units, 10 income restricted
Work: Ground floor retail, approximately 40 construction jobs
Connect: 76 walk score
Sustain: EV parking, 70 bicycle parking spaces
This project will convert an auto body shop and junkyard in Dorchester into 48 residential units, including ten income-restricted units. Its location on Washington Street was identified in the Fairmount Indigo Planning Initiative Four Corners/Geneva Station Area Plan as an opportunity to “leverage vacant and underused lots.” The four-story building will have a bike room with 70 bicycle parking spaces, a common roof deck, and a fitness center for residents. There will be three studio units, 27 one-bedroom units, 13 two-bedroom units, and five three-bedroom units to allow for a variety of household sizes. Ground-floor retail space will also promote active streets in the neighborhood.