Boston – The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) board of directors recently approved four new development projects and one renovation of a current building. The board also approved the Net Zero Carbon Zoning initiative, and authorized initiatives focused on resilience and assessing land uses across the city.
The project at 539-551 Centre Street will include the renovation of a longtime multi-family affordable housing building with 147 residential units. The existing Forbes Building will be rehabilitated with a new facade and mechanical systems to bring the existing building performance in-line with the city’s Article 37 sustainable development requirements. The project also aims to 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.
The 22-24 Pratt Street project in Allston will build a new 16-story, 318-unit multi-family housing development on what is currently an industrial site. Of the 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 Assessment also identified the need for more publicly accessible open space which this project will also contribute.
The project at 157 Humboldt Avenue and 76 Waumbeck Street 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% 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.
The 257 Washington Street 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 4-story building will also include a fitness center and ground-floor retail space.
The 9 Geneva Street project will combine seven parcels in East Boston to create a new 5-story, 28-unit apartment building. Five of the units will be income-restricted. This project aligns with PLAN: East Boston and the Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District resilient design standards. It is a transit-oriented development, and will add a sidewalk connection to Maverick Street and street trees along the new sidewalk for shade and pedestrian comfort.
The BPDA board also 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. NZC Zoning introduces a net zero emissions standard for new project filings after July 1, 2025 with 15 units or more, a minimum of 20,000sf, or additions of a minimum of 50,000sf or more to existing buildings. The amendment will now need approval by the Zoning Commission.
Additionally, the board authorized a contract with Arcadis US, Inc. for a flood resilience planning, feasibility, and design study in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which will analyze site conditions and develop implementable design options to contribute to the protection of portions of it 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 board also authorized the release of an RFP for a City-Wide Land Use Needs Assessment. The 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.
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In addition to these projects, the board approved:
- The disbursement of $205,000 from the South End Article 80 Project Community Benefits Fund to benefit 17 community organizations serving the South End neighborhood.
- A grant agreement with the Builders of Color Coalition for the disbursement of $45,000 from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in support of the Building a Career in Boston Real Estate and CRE Boston Youth Summit programs.
- A grant agreement with Boston Architectural College for the disbursement of $40,000 from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in support of the 2024 Urban Design & Planning Fellows Pre-College Program.
