The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center's main entrance on Congress Street. Photo by James Sanna | Banker & Tradesman Staff / file
A planned commercial development that drew criticism from some South Boston elected officials has been put on hold by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.
Two local development teams responded in December to the offering for the 6.2-acre site on D and E Streets, including plans for life science space and a grocery store.
The authority announced today that it has rejected all proposals but intends to issue an amended RFP in June. Responses to the updated version will be due Sept. 12.
In a statement, the MCCA said it made the decision “based on input received by several constituencies.”
Boston Global Investors, in partnership with RISE Together, Bastion Cos. and Walker Group, had proposed more than 550,000 square feet of development in three buildings including life science space and a grocery store.
Boston-based Cronin Group proposed 1.9 million square feet of office and lab space, a food hall, grocery store and performing arts hall.
The MCCA offered the three parcels at 371 D St., 510 and 520 E St. to developers interested in developing commercial projects that “stimulate corporate and leisure demand critical to the economic survival” of the nearby Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, according to the request for proposals.
But the proposal generated pushback from Boston City Council President Ed Flynn and state Sen. Nick Collins. Collins argued that the land was acquired in 2012 and 2013 for uses that support the convention center, such as hotels.
Responding to the MCCA’s decision, Collins said the Legislature’s Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, of which he co-chairs, will take a second look at the agency’s use of eminent domain powers.
“The Committee will be examining all of these matters this session, particularly as we look at public bidding and public construction,” Collins said in a statement.
Editor’s note: This report has been updated with a statement from the MCCA and state Sen. Nick Collins.
