News & Updates

Mayor Walsh appoints six new members to the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee

Apr 05, 2019

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) this week announced six new appointments to the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee. The appointments represent a wide range of stakeholders in the Roxbury neighborhood.

“I am grateful for all of those who stepped forward to serve their community and participate in the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee,” said Mayor Walsh. “As we continue to move forward with PLAN: Dudley, the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee will help us ensure that new development on public land in Roxbury serves the goals of the community and will benefit the residents of Roxbury for generations to come.”  

The Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee (RSMPOC) was developed to oversee projects that fall under the 2004 Roxbury Strategic Master Plan. Since the 2016 launch of PLAN: Dudley Square, an ongoing initiative to create a streamlined implementation plan for publicly-owned and vacant privately-owned parcels in Dudley Square, RSMPOC meetings have also included progress reports and discussions of this initiative. The RSMPOC is made-up of fifteen volunteer members.

The BPDA launched a robust public engagement process in September 2018 for the six open seats. Roxbury elected officials, as well as community stakeholders submitted nominations. In total, the BPDA received 33 nominations and after a thorough review process, the following nominees have been appointed to serve on the Committee:

Catherine Hardaway: Chair, City of Boston Neighborhood Trust; Former Co-Chair, Dudley Vision Committee.   

Nefertiti Lawrence: Mathematics teacher at the John D. O’ Bryant School for Mathematics and Science in Roxbury; Education Chair, Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association.

Marisa Luse: Member, Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association; Campus Engagement and Collaborations Manager, Northeastern Crossing; Former Director, Discover Roxbury; Roxbury Family Network, Vital Village Network, Roxbury Historical Society, and Roxbury Unity Parade Planning Committee.

Kimberly Napoli: Roxbury Business Owner, The Hempest; Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board.

Lorraine Payne Wheeler: President, Roxbury Path Forward Neighborhood Association; Chair, Business Connections Breakfast at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury and member of the Yawkey Club Advisory Board; Chair, Committee for a Civil Rights Public Art Tribute, in Gertrude Howes Park; Member, Abbotsford Committee, Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Roxbury.

Steven Godfrey: President and CEO of Quincy Geneva Housing Corporation/New Vision CDC; Board of Director, Massachusetts Association Community Development Corporations; President, Four Corners Community Development Corporation; Lifetime member of Boston NAACP.

“I am really excited about some of the changes happening in Roxbury, but am concerned that local residents are not always benefiting from the opportunities development brings,” said Lorraine Payne Wheeler. “RSMPOC members play a vital role in ensuring that economic development benefits Roxbury residents in hiring local companies, employment of Boston residents and affordable housing.”  

“It is important for the city to have the input and expertise of the people who thrive, live and have lived in Roxbury for many years,” said Nefertiti Lawrence. “After two decades in Roxbury it is evident that change is inevitable both good and bad. I would like to be a part of the change and to continue to make a positive impact on the decisions that are being made in my community.”

The new RSMPOC members join existing members: Norman Stembridge, Sue Sullivan, Dorothea Jones, Fred Fairfield, Frank Williams, Valeda Britton, Tru-See Allah, Charlotte Nelson, and Jorge Martinez.

In addition, State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, State Representatives Liz Miranda and Chyna Tyler, and City Councilor Kim Janey serve as Ex-Officio members. All RSMPOC meetings are open to the public and Roxbury residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
 

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