47:05A notable agenda item involved Verizon’s extensive plan to refurbish a site for telecommunications use, addressing both parking and environmental issues. The proposal included infrastructure for 35 electric vehicles and future plans for a fully electric fleet, along with landscaping improvements and a new stormwater management system. Verizon representatives emphasized that the project would incorporate noise mitigation measures and align with complete streets guidelines by providing new sidewalks and reducing curb cuts. The community engagement process was extensive, with the Fort Point and St. Vincent’s neighborhood associations offering support but expressing concerns about traffic impacts. Ultimately, a planning department suggestion led to a compromise, limiting the conditional use permit to Verizon itself rather than imposing a sunset clause.

02:47:25In Highland Park, a development proposed by the Planning Office for Urban Affairs and Roxbury Stonehouse focused on affordable housing. The project aimed to construct a three-story building with 13 units, including apartments, emergency shelters, and transitional housing. Public testimony highlighted concerns about the density of halfway houses in the area, but the project received support for its design and community benefits. The board approved the project with a condition for a housing agreement before issuing permits, recognizing its potential to provide essential housing services in a rapidly changing neighborhood.

01:31:13The meeting also addressed a proposal to transform a two-family dwelling in Roxbury into a four-family unit, a plan that drew attention. Concerns arose about the single egress point and increased density, with some residents feeling uninformed about the project. Supporters argued that the design was attractive and necessary to address housing needs. The board ultimately decided to defer the decision, calling for further community engagement to address lingering concerns about density and neighborhood character.

Additionally, the board approved a project at One Waverly Street, which plans to replace an existing structure with a five-story building offering 52 affordable residential units and retail space. The design shifted from elderly housing to family-oriented units based on community feedback. The board praised the project’s alignment with community equity goals and its potential positive impact, leading to unanimous approval.