The Boston Planning & Development Agency’s overseers are questioning Mayor Michelle Wu’s steps to make real estate development in Boston more predictable and transparent.

Directors tabled Wu’s recent executive order that seeks to reform and streamline the agency and its development reviews.

“It seems the changes are happening very quickly, and as a board member, I would appreciate a slower process and more of an engagement. I’m not sure what I’m voting for,” BPDA board member Brian MIller said.

In January, Wu unveiled a restructuring plan for the agency, which she has criticized as putting developer-driven projects ahead of cohesive neighborhood and city-wide planning.

The executive order aims to streamline the Article 80 review for developments, while placing more emphasis on projects that improve equity, affordability and resiliency.

But board member Ted Landsmark objected to approving the executive order “before having the evidence and data specifically what the reforms are. I think that’s what we’re entitled to as a board.”

Earlier in the board’s monthly meeting Thursday, Landsmark also questioned whether Wu’s goals of amplifying community representation and accelerating development reviews are contradictory. He noted that the agency sponsors hundreds of meetings annually on specific development proposals and planning studies.

Devin Quirk, the BPDA’s deputy chief for development and transformation, said the goal is to streamline the review process. And BPDA Chief Arthur Jemison noted that many projects’ approvals are held up by a handful of key issues, and impact advisory groups could narrow their focus to accelerate reviews.

“That would make the life of the developers and citizens a lot simpler,” Jemison said.

BPDA leadership has reassured employees that they will receive “approximately the same salaries and benefits” if Wu’s reorganization is approved, Jemison said.

Wu also recently announced plans to appoint a new team of BPDA employees to simplify and update the citywide zoning code, and recommend amendments.

The board did approve plans to hire consultants for a pair of studies tied to agency reform.

One study, at an estimated cost of $800,000 to $1.2 million, will focus on reforms to the Article 80 review process. The timeline calls for its recommendations to be adopted in spring 2024.

The other, estimated to cost $350,000 to $550,000, focuses on changes to the community engagement process.

An advisory committee comprised of community groups and real estate and housing executives is simultaneously advising the administration on the changes.

BPDA Reform Gets Turbulent Reception from Board

by Steve Adams time to read: 2 min
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