Proposed Extensions for Boston's Expiring Urban Renewal Plans

June 2015 – Advisories

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) is considering 10-year extensions for 14 urban renewal plans, originally adopted in the 1960s and early 1970s, that cover approximately 10% of Boston’s land area. If the proposed extensions move forward, then the BRA can continue using urban renewal powers such as land assembly and disposition within the urban renewal areas covered by the plans.

The BRA is holding public workshops throughout the summer for individual plan areas. These workshops will help the Urban Renewal Task Force, an advisory group organized by the BRA and the Mayor’s Office, to determine how urban renewal powers might be used in today’s city, potentially to develop underutilized parcels of land, improve preexisting infrastructure and increase density.

Workshop dates and locations are provided at the BRA’s Urban Renewal website and comments may be submitted through the website’s front page or by comment letters to the BRA, Attn: Corey Zehngebot. The website also provides an interactive map of current urban renewal areas and featured projects. By way of example, recent projects developed pursuant to urban renewal plans include the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, Charlesview Apartments in Allston-Brighton, the Whittier Street Health Center in Roxbury Campus High and the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building that will house Boston Public School’s central offices in Dudley Square.

Goulston & Storrs will continue to follow the BRA’s plan extension efforts in anticipation of the BRA seeking approval of the BRA Board, City Council, the Mayor and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development in the fall of this year. For questions about the information in this advisory, please contact your usual Goulston & Storrs attorney.

Matthew J. Kiefer
(617) 574-6597
[email protected]

David Linhart
(617) 574-4049
[email protected]

This advisory should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own lawyer concerning your situation and any specific legal questions you may have.