Boston planning officials gave their OK to a major rezoning of Charlestown’s industrial areas Thursday night, the penultimate step in paving the way for major commercial and residential growth around the neighborhood’s subway stops.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu delivered a trainload of good news to the real estate industry at Back Bay’s Plaza Hotel last week in the form of policies that look like true win-wins for industry and everyday Bostonians, alike.
Boston’s mayor is finally keeping her pledge to rezone the city for more growth. But she’s up against forces her three predecessors couldn’t tame and some of her helpers may lack local knowledge.
Neighborhood business districts and transit hubs across Boston would be positioned for higher-density development and fast-track approvals under a zoning reform plan announced today by Mayor Michelle Wu.
Rivera Consulting is pivoting to deploy its data-driven, deep democracy approach, developed for the world of politics, to urban planning and community development across Massachusetts.
Commercial and nonprofit affordable housing developers say the biggest effects of BPDA reform won’t be felt until a comprehensive rezoning plan is completed.
Mayor Michelle Wu’s priorities are largely aligned with those of the business community: better schools, faster transportation and less expensive housing. But delivering on those priorities requires significant change.
Mayor Michelle Wu laid out specifics about the advent of a new Boston Planning and Development Agency, including goals of accelerating approvals while emphasizing affordability, coastal resilience and equity.
Some ideas Mayor Michelle Wu pitched in her State of the City speech could help make up for planned hikes in development fees. But her proposals will take time to implement, something Boston doesn’t have. It’s time the mayor invites industry into the affordability conversation to help find immediate solutions.
