The developer of a proposed apartment complex in Jamaica Plain has increased the number of large units to make the project more family-friendly, but is still under the mark neighbors want to see for affordability.
The proposal from Beacon Hill-based lobbying firm the Brennan Group and Braintree’s real estate developer John M. Corcoran Co. would construct a 300,733-square-foot residential and retail complex at 3593-3615 Washington St., just north of the Forest Hills public transit station.
If approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the project would include "280 or so units," said John Brennan, Brennan group president. The former plan for the project, which would be called "The Commons at Forest Hills," called for 10 three-bedroom units. But after public input encouraged an increase, that number is now 16 units.
However, the development team has not yet budged on the number of affordable apartments the project will house. The plan the team brought to a community meeting at the English High School last night still showed 37 affordable units, but, Brennan said, "I know we’ll be able to do more than the 37 units we have now."
Construction would also include the creation of a public walkway leading through the new buildings to the rear of the property, where the MBTA owns a quarter-mile strip of green space along the Orange Line train tracks. Representatives of the Stonybrook Neighborhood Association have encouraged the MBTA to transfer the land to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation to be incorporated into the Southwest Corridor Park along the tracks. The project developer, in turn, has committed to opening the rear of the property so the public can access the abandoned green space if it becomes parkland. There is currently a retaining wall along the back of the property.
Other concerns raised at the meeting included fears over neighborhood parking spaces being taken up by new residents that may not want to rent parking spaces the developer is planning to build, which could rent for $125 to $150 a month, Brennan offered.
Carol Kemp, a nearby resident, said she was concerned more people would park their cars on her street and leave them while they take the T to work, occupying precious local parking spaces.
