Separation of Planning Powers Begins in Boston
Today’s start of the new fiscal year brings a planning department formally under city control to Boston City Hall for the first time in 70 years.
Council Still Not Ready to Move on Wu’s Tax Shift Proposal
With the window for the necessary state legislative action quickly closing, Boston city councilors still have many questions about a proposed tax-shift plan that has drawn the ire of some influential real estate industry leaders.
Biz Leaders: Wu’s Tax Plan Makes Suburbs Winners
Business leaders warned Wednesday morning that increases to Boston’s commercial property tax rate would further diminish downtown as an economic center and drive businesses to Cambridge and suburban communities.
Report Predicts $2.6B Drop in CRE Values from Tax Shift
A temporary shift in Boston’s tax structure would hike commercial properties’ tax bills by 17 percent in fiscal 2025 while reducing their cumulative value by $2.6 billion, according to an analysis of future real estate conditions.
Boston Plans Big Renovation of Development Reviews
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration is trying to cut through the murky process that forces real estate projects to shell out millions in unpredictable community benefits payments.
Housing Slump Deserves a Deeper Look
With all due respect a bunch of academics, however distinguished, need to hear from developers in the trenches to get to the bottom of why Boston’s suffering a plunge in housing starts.
BPDA Hits Winthrop Center Over Public Access Promises
The Boston Planning & Development Agency ordered developer MP Boston to open the centerpiece public amenity of its $1.3 billion Winthrop Center skyscraper on weekends to comply with an agreement with the city.
In Speech, Wu Defends Downtown Strategies, Tax Rate Plan
Speaking to the Boston Municipal Research Bureau’s annual meeting Thursday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said her plans to increase troubled office towers’ share of the city’s tax burden were vital to “avoid making our housing crisis worse.”
Amid CRE Tax Rate Hike, Should Boston Be Tightening Its Belt?
Only days after announcing a plan to seek state approval to raise property tax rates on commercial property owners, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu filed a $4.6 billion budget plan for 2025 that would hike city spending by 8 percent, or $344 million.
BPDA Backs Wu’s Neighborhood Rezoning Push
Boston Planning & Development Agency directors gave cautious support for Mayor Michelle Wu’s rezoning plan designed to encourage mid-rise housing construction near transit stops in 18 neighborhoods.
Be Careful What You Wish For, Madam Mayor
Don’t like the Boston Planning & Development Agency? Think it’s too close to developers and business interests and should be abolished? Just amp up the fractious Boston City Council’s influence on what gets built.
Wu Files Ordinance to Replace BPDA with Planning Department
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu took another step forward in her plan to bring the city’s planning and development arm more firmly under the control of elected officials.
Wu Says No New Incentives for Housing Developers
The city of Boston won’t offer incentives for housing developers unable to obtain financing for approved projects, although it may reconsider the issue if interest rates drop later this year.
How Can Boston Build Nearly 3K New Public Housing Units?
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has pledged to dramatically grow the city’s stock of public housing units. But the effort will hinge on public officials and private developers collaborating quickly this year.
Wu Drops Proposed Ban on Gas Hookups
Boston won’t pursue a ban on fossil fuel-burning building systems in new developments, a key element of Mayor Michelle Wu’s environmental sustainability platform.
Wu Seeks Designs for Eastie Flood Barrier
A flood barrier designed to protect waterfront properties including a K-8 school and shopping center is the first stage of a planned East Boston resiliency project.
Council Backs Wu on Affordability Increase
Boston City Councilors backed an increase in income-restricted units in multifamily developments, a move that real estate industry groups predict will further discourage housing production.
Raffles Back Bay Aspires to Be a Global Magnet
Back Bay’s newest luxury hotel delivers European flair while retaining a Boston accent reflected in its interior designs and dining offerings, its developers said at a grand opening ceremony earlier this week.
Treat Wu’s Rezoning Pledge with Skepticism
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.
Developers Pitch Up to 757 Housing Units in Charlestown
Two development teams will deliver pitches this month to build up to 757 apartments and condominiums on a Charlestown parcel spotlighted in Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s push to create affordable housing on city-owned properties.
