Boston Building Emissions Review Board Approves YMCA’s Net-Zero Goal and Tackles Compliance Challenges

Overview: In a recent online meeting, the Boston Building Emissions Review Board unanimously approved a flexibility measure application from the YMCA of Greater Boston, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2050 across its facilities. The board also closely examined the compliance challenges of the Building Emissions Reduction Target Ordinance (Berto), highlighting the disparities between larger and smaller buildings in meeting emissions limits.

Boston City Council Grapples with Elevator Issues in Public Housing Amidst Funding Challenges

Overview: The Boston City Council meeting centered on the urgent and ongoing challenges with elevator reliability in Boston Housing Authority (BHA) properties, particularly affecting seniors and individuals with disabilities. Councilors and residents voiced concerns about the malfunctioning elevators, emphasizing the dire implications on residents’ quality of life and civil rights. The council meeting revealed the mounting frustration over the lack of progress in addressing these infrastructure issues, with a focus on the severe impact on vulnerable populations.

Boston Licensing Board Approves New Licensing Changes Amidst Upcoming Quota Decisions

Overview: The Boston Licensing Board convened to address a range of requests, notably approving a license transfer for Swinger’s, a new entertainment venue, while deferring decisions on new licenses that would affect the city’s quota. The meeting also saw several managerial changes at various establishments across the city.

Boston City Council Tackles Pool Repairs, Funding, and Community Access

Overview: The Boston City Council convened on November 21, 2024, to address issues surrounding the operational challenges of the city’s public swimming pools, particularly focusing on necessary repairs and funding for the Condon, Hennigan, and Draper pools. Discussions also highlighted community access concerns and disparities among neighborhoods.

Boston Moves Forward with Land Conveyance for Urban Edge Open Space in Roxbury

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Boston Public Facilities Commission, the conveyance of a vacant land parcel in Roxbury to Urban Edge Housing Corporation was approved. The commission also discussed tentative developer designations for additional community use projects in Dorchester and a 12-month extension for a housing development in Jamaica Plain.