Planning Department advances new affordable homeownership projects in Dorchester and West Roxbury
Aug 15, 2024
The Planning Department this month recommended the tentative designation of a team to redevelop public land in Dorchester, and recommended approval of three new development projects to the BPDA Board. All were approved. These projects represent approximately 131,481 square feet (SF) of development. The new projects will create 45 residential units, including seven units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 102 construction jobs and 161 permanent jobs. These actions will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city.
Real Estate
The Planning Department recommended tentative designation to a development team for the redevelopment of 21–29 Fernboro Street. The redevelopment potential of this site was enhanced by the BPDA’s acquisition of a vacant private parcel that separated two BPDA plots from two MOH plots. The new five parcel site allowed the City and community to envision a more significant affordable homeownership project. This type of City-led acquisition allows us to deliver public land for public good, a priority of the Planning Department.
Tentative designation was awarded to a team of 3 minority-led businesses and minority-led non-profits including the Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC) team, Escazu Development, and Caribbean Integration Community Development. Their proposal includes 12 homeownership units, a portion of which will be income-restricted, as well as bike storage and outdoor green space. Like all BPDA-owned parcels in the City of Boston, the development team will be required to meet Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process.
Pier 5, Charlestown
The Planning Department requested authorization to release a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to redevelop Pier 5 in Charlestown. There has been an effort to try to redevelop Pier 5 for many years. With past engagement in mind, staff held additional public meetings this year to ensure there was consensus among the community before releasing another RFP. Currently, the pier is in “serious” condition due to advanced deterioration. The BPDA may also contribute between $7 and $8 million toward the rehabilitation or demolition of Pier 5. Redevelopment of this property will need to be consistent with PLAN: Charlestown. Community feedback has shaped the development and design guidelines of the RFP, which focus on public open space, waterfront access and education, and coastal resilience. Staff will review proposals that are consistent with the goals laid out in the RFP, but will not accept a residential proposal. Like all BPDA-owned parcels in the City of Boston, the selected development team will be required to meet Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process.
Development Projects
55–57 Belgrade Avenue project will bring 15 homeownership units to Roslindale
Housing: 15 homeownership units, two income-restricted units
Jobs: Approximately 17 construction jobs
Community: Significant public realm improvements for Belgrade Avenue
Sustainability: Close proximity to public transportation, EV parking
This project will create 15 new two-bedroom homes in Roslindale, two of which will be income-restricted. This will be a transit oriented development as it is in close proximity to the Roslindale Village Commuter Rail Station and is directly served by three MBTA bus routes on Belgrade Avenue. It will also offer bike parking on site. The project will make improvements to the public realm, as well as contribute $4,125 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system.
151 Rivermoor Street project will convert vacant land to new warehouse, manufacturing facility
Jobs: Approximately 47 construction jobs, 125 permanent jobs
Community: Improve sidewalk access along Rivermoor Street, add greenspace
Sustainability: EV Parking
Located in an industrial area of West Roxbury, this project will build a new warehouse and manufacturing facility on what is currently vacant land. As part of its community benefits commitment, the project will contribute $6,200 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system. In addition, this project will make public realm improvements by widening the sidewalks in the vicinity and planting new trees to shade the sidewalks.
231–245 Grove Street project will bring 30 homeownership units, retail space to West Roxbury
Housing: 30 homeownership units, five income-restricted units
Jobs: Approximately 38 construction jobs, more than 6,000 square feet of retail space
Community: Close to MBTA bus and commuter rail routes
Sustainability: All-electric, LEED Silver
Located in West Roxbury, this project will create 30 new homes, including five that are income-restricted. There will also be retail space on the ground floor. The mix of active ground floor uses and residential units aligns with the built environment of the intersection. This transit oriented development will be close to multiple MBTA bus routes and the West Roxbury Commuter Rail Station. Residents have 46 bicycle parking spaces available on the ground floor. Much-needed sidewalk and streetscape improvements will be made to Grove Street and Washington Street. Four new street trees will be planted on the site. The project will support the City’s bikeshare system with a $10,521.80 contribution to the Boston Transportation Department.
In addition to these projects, the board approved:
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An update to a previously approved project at 249 Corey Road to convert rental units to homeownership units.
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An update to the previously approved Olmsted Village project to increase the amount of units.
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An update to a previously approved project at 575 Albany Street to reduce the overall amount of units and also add artist live/work units on the ground floor by reducing the originally intended amount of retail space.
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An update to a previously approved project at 392-398 Cambridge Street to convert homeownership units to rental units.
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The renewal and extension of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Institutional Master Plan.