0:00The most significant highlight of the meeting was the approval of the 2024-2034 Institutional Master Plan for Wentworth Institute of Technology. The plan, which received unanimous support from the commissioners, aims to modernize the campus over the next decade, aligning with citywide goals such as creating 16,000 new dormitory beds by 2030. The proposal includes six major projects: two new academic buildings, three residential buildings, and enhancements to the campus entrance, with a notable addition of approximately 1,800 new on-campus housing beds to accommodate all incoming freshmen.

Alana Hayes, the project planner, emphasized the plan’s compliance with existing zoning regulations and its alignment with previous plans. She highlighted the university’s long-standing community engagement, particularly its partnership with the Boston Public Schools Strive Program. The plan also envisions transforming existing surface parking lots into green spaces.

The presentation was supplemented by Goam Sundram from Perkins and Will, who discussed the strategic goals of the master plan, focusing on urban design and integration with surrounding neighborhoods. The design aims to create a pedestrian-friendly, environmentally sustainable urban space, connecting the Southwest Corridor to the campus through tree-lined streetscapes and bike lanes. The commission members engaged with the presentation, recognizing the plan’s potential to contribute positively to both the university and the broader community.

1:28:48One aspect of the meeting was the detailed review of the Franciscan Children’s Hospital’s proposal for a new clinical building. This project seeks to expand the hospital’s capacity, improve family and visitor spaces, and consolidate clinical services currently spread across multiple outdated buildings. Joe Mitchell, president and CEO of the hospital, underscored the institution’s important role in providing complex pediatric care and its collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital to enhance access to behavioral health services and modernize the hospital’s infrastructure.

The architectural vision for the new facility, presented by Martin Bat, aims to create a therapeutic environment that reflects Franciscan’s care philosophy. The design includes public spaces, rain gardens, and expanded accessibility along Warren Street, fostering community engagement. Public testimony strongly supported the project, with community members acknowledging its potential long-term benefits for children’s health services in the area.

1:45:56The meeting also addressed the proposed redevelopment of Boston Water and Sewer Commission parking lots in Roxbury. The plan is part of a larger master strategy to create affordable housing and improve urban connectivity. The development team, comprising Dream Development and Related Beal, presented their vision for transforming the site into a 402-unit mixed-income, mixed-use complex. Phase one focuses on a 45-unit homeownership building, with subsequent phases planned to further expand residential opportunities.

2:24:34Despite the project’s goals to honor Roxbury’s legacy and facilitate economic growth, community feedback revealed significant opposition, particularly concerning zoning changes for parcel 35. Residents raised concerns about the potential introduction of a homeless housing component in later phases, the adequacy of community engagement, and the impact on neighborhood safety and security. The commission acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and addressing community issues in future development phases.

In response to community objections, the development team clarified that the current phase targets homeownership, not supportive housing. The zoning amendment for parcel 35 was eventually approved, with commissioners recognizing the importance of development in challenging areas as a means to drive positive change.