1:20:01The most prominent agenda item was the board’s approval of the 90 Allandale Street project in West Roxbury. This development will replace an existing single-family home with four two-and-a-half story townhouses, each containing two single-family dwelling units, resulting in a total of eight ownership condominiums. The project is designed to preserve the site’s environmental integrity, with a deed restriction protecting the southern portion of the lot from future development. Additionally, the design minimizes impervious surfaces and preserves existing trees, aligning with the goals of the Open Space and Recreation Plan.

Community feedback played a role in shaping the 90 Allandale Street project. The development team reduced the number of housing units from an initial proposal of 21 to eight, in response to concerns about traffic and wildlife impact. The board acknowledged the thoughtful engagement with community stakeholders and the modifications made to address these concerns. One board member praised the project, stating, “I think the team deserves enormous credit for the deed restriction for the reduction of units.”

42:04Another major topic was the extension of the tentative designation status for a joint venture between the Asian Community Development Corporation and The Community Builders. This venture involves the redevelopment of parcel P2C in Chinatown into a 12-story structure featuring 132 income-restricted residential units and ground-level commercial space. The board unanimously approved the motion, highlighting the project’s alignment with Boston’s broader housing affordability goals.

2:49:06The board also discussed the Boston University Institutional Master Plan (IMP) for 2024-2026, which includes three major projects: the renovation of Warren Towers, the construction of a new academic building, and improvements to the Mugar Memorial Library. The Warren Towers renovation aims to upgrade building systems and enhance accessibility for its 1,800 undergraduate residents. The new academic building, planned as a mass timber structure, will reduce the carbon footprint associated with its construction. The board heard various community concerns, particularly about the height of the new building adjacent to Bay State Road, but ultimately approved the IMP, emphasizing its alignment with sustainability goals and community benefits.

42:04Another approval was the request for a proposal to issue a request for professional engineering services for the rehabilitation of the seawall on the northern face of Long Wharf. This project, budgeted at $550,000 for design and an estimated $3 million for construction, is critical for future climate resilience improvements. The board approved the motion.

3:29:21The meeting also included the approval of a new residential building on West First Street in South Boston. This project will provide 236 rental units, including 36 affordable units, and features significant public realm improvements such as wider sidewalks and upgraded street intersections. The board members raised questions about the unit mix, particularly the proportion of studio units among the affordable housing offerings. After clarifications, the project received approval, with board members commending its contribution to Boston’s affordable housing stock.

1:38:41In the realm of institutional planning, the board approved the renewal of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) Institutional Master Plan for a two-year period. MCPHS emphasized its community impact through various programs, including clinical rotations and outreach efforts serving thousands of Massachusetts residents. The board acknowledged the institution’s contributions to local healthcare and education, approving the renewal without dissent.

4:10:47Additionally, the board approved funding allocations for several community benefit projects. Notably, $130,000 was allocated to nine community organizations in the Fenway neighborhood, sourced from contributions by the Boston Red Sox and other projects. Another $2,540,115 was allocated to five community organizations in the Allston-Brighton area from the Harvard Allston Public Realm Flex Fund. These funds aim to enhance public parks, neighborhood beautification, and public art installations.

4:31:28The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of Director Arthur Jemson, whose tenure is ending. Jemson was praised for reinstituting planning as a core governmental function, completing five neighborhood plans, and spearheading citywide zoning modernization efforts. His leadership facilitated the approval of over 170 projects, resulting in approximately 11,000 new housing units, with a portion being income-restricted. Board members expressed deep respect for Jemson’s consensus-building approach and commitment to community engagement.