Joint EDIC and BRA Board Meeting - June 18, 2026

The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) and Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) held a joint board meeting on June 18, 2026, chaired by Priscilla Rojas. The meeting covered a wide range of items including approvals of contracts, budgets, development projects, and a public hearing for a major mixed-use project at 776 Summer Street. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• EDIC Minutes (May 14, 2026): Approved.
• BRA Minutes (May 14, 2026): Approved.
• Payment of Bills: Approved (Item 24).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councillor Flynn (EDIC items 5 & 6): Expressed support for the Fid Kennedy realignment and arbor services contracts, noting that the Marine Industrial Park Association approved the bid and that a hearing order on tree canopy has been refiled.
• Councillor Flynn (BRA item 22): On behalf of Congressman Lynch, Senator Collins, and Representative Beale, expressed strong support for the 776 Summer Street Phase 2 project, citing its transformation of a vacant industrial site, creation of housing (including affordable and middle-income units), union jobs under a PLA, and public waterfront access. He asked the board to vote favorably.
• Public Hearing for 776 Summer Street (Phase 2): Multiple speakers testified in support, including representatives from Iron Workers Local 7, IBEW Local 103, Carpenters Local 327, United Here Local 26, South Boston residents, and Congressman Stephen Lynch. One IAG member (Eileen Smith) expressed continued concerns about the availability of free parking for South Boston residents and future affordability commitments, but noted overall support. The board confirmed that any changes to the affordable housing plan would require future board approval.

Discussion Items

• EDIC Item 2 – MOA for Municipal Protective Services (MPS): Authorized a one-year agreement with the City of Boston for security at EDIC properties (Raymond Alflyn Marine Park, 43 Hawkins Street) with three one-year renewal options, cost not to exceed $950,000 for FY27. Approved.
• EDIC Item 3 – MOA for Fleet Maintenance Services: Authorized a one-year agreement with the City’s Department of Public Works for fuel and vehicle services for BPDA fleet (21 vehicles), cost not to exceed $250,000 (historical annual spend ~$50,000). Approved.
• EDIC Item 4 – Extension of Tentative Designation for Parcel U (7 Channel Street): Extended negotiations with Lincoln Property Company/Quaker Lane Capital for a six-month period until December 31, 2026, for a proposed 240,000 sq ft, nine-story office/lab building with a two-floor firehouse. Approved.
• EDIC Item 5 – Fid Kennedy Avenue Realignment Contract: Awarded a construction contract to McKay Construction Services for $3,758,680 (lowest eligible bid) with a 20% contingency ($4,520,416 total). Funded through FY26 capital budget and City capital plan. Approved.
• EDIC Item 6 – Arbor Services Contract (EDIC): Awarded to Northeastern Tree Services Inc. for a three-year term (two one-year renewal options), total not to exceed $296,900. Lowest bid of $178,140 for initial term. Approved.
• EDIC Item 7 – Building Pathways Contract for Climate Jobs Training: Authorized a two-year contract ($388,000 total) with a one-year renewal option for a training program supporting the Boston Climate Ready Workforce Action Plan. The program targets career readiness and union apprenticeship placement. Approved.
• EDIC Item 8 – FY27 Operating and Capital Budget: Approved EDIC operating expenses of $55,803,603 and capital expenditures of $7,025,000. Also approved interagency fund transfers and related actions. Michelle Goldberg (Director of Finance) presented, noting modest revenue increases, stable parking revenue (~$15M), and integration of equity-focused investments into the city planning department budget (winding down the separate equity fund). Board members discussed parking pricing and financial overview. Approved.
• EDIC Item 9 – Personnel Contracts: Approved six contracts for personnel in real estate, administration, Director’s Office, and Office of General Counsel. Approved.
• BRA Item 2 – License for Merchandise Kiosk at Long Wharf: Approved a nine-month license (July 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027) with Richard and Tali (TNTs) for a 64 sq ft kiosk. Approved.
• BRA Item 3 – License for AT&T Cell on Wheels (COW): Approved a two-month license (July 1 – August 30, 2026) for a portable cellular base station at Sergeant’s Wharf to support emergency management during FIFA and Sail 250 events. Fee $14,400 ($7,200/month). Approved.
• BRA Item 4 – License for Chart House Outdoor Seating: Approved a one-year license (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) with two one-year renewal options for 5,375 sq ft of patio space. Fee consistent with City outdoor dining fees ($399/month if alcohol served). Approved.
• BRA Item 5 – Deployable Flood Wall Demonstration Project (Main Street, Charlestown): Authorized a demonstration project under M.G.L. c.121B §46F, acquisition of an 852 sq ft easement, and construction of an interim deployable flood wall (through November 30, 2026). The project addresses near-term coastal flooding before permanent solutions. Approved.
• BRA Item 6 – Lease with St. Francis House at 2 Boylston Street: Approved a five-year lease (with one five-year renewal option) for Suites 109/110 (2,783 sq ft) at $27/sq ft, increasing by $1/sq ft/year. Six months free rent for tenant improvements; use restricted to administration and HR. Board praised the arrangement. Approved.
• BRA Item 7 – MOA for MPS Services (BRA Properties): Approved a one-year agreement (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) for security at China Trade Center, cost not to exceed $468,864. Approved.
• BRA Item 8 – Final Designation for Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association (Parcel S-12C, 48 Townsend Street, Roxbury): Awarded final designation for redevelopment of a 17,000 sq ft parcel into a community garden with raised beds, seating, pathways. Approved.
• BRA Item 9 – Arbor Services Contract (BRA): Same as EDIC item but for BRA citywide properties, same amount ($296,900 max). Approved.
• BRA Item 10 – Chainforge (Building 105) Envelope Preservation – Amendment with Weston & Sampson: Increased contract by $387,345 plus 20% contingency ($77,468) for a total amended amount of $464,813 (aggregate $778,253) to advance schematic design through construction documents. Approved.
• BRA Item 11 – Chainforge Brownfields Remediation – New Contract with Weston & Sampson: Awarded a contract for environmental engineering design services for the Chainforge (Building 105) brownfields cleanup. Amount $893,122.30 plus 15% contingency ($133,968.35) for total $1,027,090.65. Funded by $4M EPA grant and BPDA capital. Project is critical for future redevelopment. Approved.
• BRA Item 12 – Little Mystic Channel Harbor Walk Extension – RFP for Construction Management: Authorized issuance of an RFP for construction management services for the harborwalk extension project. Approved.
• BRA Item 13 – China Trade Center Security System Contract: Awarded to Northern Contracting Corp for $1,014,100 plus 10% contingency ($101,410) total $1,115,510. Includes access control, cameras, perimeter surveillance. Approved.
• BRA Item 14 – Transfer of Five Parcels to Parks & Recreation Department: Transferred parcels in South End (Peters Park), South Cove (Elliott Norton Park), and Mission Hill (McLaughlin Playground) to formalize public open space. Approved.
• BRA Item 15 – ZBA Recommendation Report & East Boston Zoning Update: Presented by Tarika Lakinwasum and Jesus Mendoza Gonzalez. Reported on ZBA cases from Oct 2025 – Mar 2026: 321 cases, 274 decisions, 72% agreement rate between Planning and ZBA. Top zoning violations: FAR excessive, side/rear yard insufficient, parking insufficient, lot area insufficient. East Boston rezoning (adopted April 2024) showed 81 as-of-right filings in two years, including 26 residential expansions, 21 new constructions, 21 commercial use changes, 13 exterior/accessibility improvements. Issued permits included daycare, coffee shops, triple-deckers, and a 170-unit mixed-use project. Informational, no vote.
• BRA Item 16 – Sail Boston Chapter 91 License Notification: Approved signing of notification form for temporary pile-held floats at Moakley Courthouse and Wharf 8 during Sail 250 (July 10-16, 2026). Approved.
• BRA Item 17 – Certificate of Completion – Allston Lab Works (250-280 Western Ave): Issued certificate of completion for a project that delivered 17,000 sq ft open space, protected bike lane, new MBTA bus station, and Nexus Learning Lab. Approved.
• BRA Item 18 – Small Project – 170-172 Western Avenue (Allston): Approved construction of an eight-story, 20-unit mixed-use building (mass timber) with ground-floor retail (dry cleaner and nail salon). Includes 3 IZ units, no off-street parking, $500 BTD contribution. Variances needed for height and FAR but deemed appropriate. Approved.
• BRA Item 19 – Small Project – 24 Mount Everett Street (Dorchester): Approved addition and renovation to existing three-story building, creating 16 residential rental units (10 new units, 2 IZ units), 16 parking spaces, bicycle parking. Project preserves existing facade and mature trees. Approved.
• BRA Item 20 – Office-to-Residential Conversion – 11 Avenue de Lafayette (Downtown): Approved conversion of a five-story office building into 70 residential units (mostly studios, some one- and two-bedrooms, 11 IZ units). Part of Mayor Wu’s Downtown Residential Conversion Pilot. Building will retain ground-floor retail on Essex Street. Due to unique elevations, a variance may be needed for ground-floor residential units. Pilot agreement included for tax abatement. Board noted Boston leads per capita in office-to-residential conversions. Approved.
• BRA Item 21 – Small Project – 662-666 East Broadway (South Boston): Approved demolition and construction of a four-story mixed-use building with 21 residential rental units (4 IZ units), ground-floor retail (expanded liquor store), 15 off-street parking spaces, bicycle parking. Design includes street trees, curb extensions. Zoning relief appropriate for context. Approved.
• BRA Item 22 – Public Hearing – 776 Summer Street Phase 2 (South Boston): Approved first amendment to the PDA master plan and development plan for Phase 2 of the former Edison Power Plant redevelopment. Phase 2 includes four buildings: two residential (636 units, 16% affordable/workforce), one hotel (connected to preserved 1898 turbine hall), and one commercial (330,000 sq ft). Total 1.5 million sq ft. Benefits: $74M in environmental remediation, 100 affordable units, $8.9M housing linkage, 2 acres of open space, waterfront harbor walk, scholarship fund, job-training for veterans and high school students, PLA with unions. The affordable housing commitment is currently compliant with IDP; any future changes will require additional board approval. Approved unanimously.
• BRA Item 23 – FY27 Operating and Capital Budget (BRA): Approved BRA operating expenses of $26,545,000 and capital expenditures of $5,800,000. Also approved interagency fund transfers. No presentation, seeking vote only. Approved.
• BRA Item 25 – Director’s Remarks: Director Shen summarized the meeting’s approvals: five new development projects totaling 1.5 million sq ft, 763 new residential units (104 income-restricted), ~$1 billion total investment, creating 1,250 trades jobs and 1,193 direct jobs. Highlighted the 776 Summer Street project and the Garrison Trotter community garden. Also noted the graduation of the first cohort of the Planning Academy (22 participants), which will run again in fall.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items approved.
• All discussion items approved as presented, with the following specific votes:
  • EDIC FY27 budget approved (Item 8).
  • BRA FY27 budget approved (Item 23).
  • 776 Summer Street Phase 2 PDA amendment and development plan approved (Item 22).
  • Multiple contracts and licenses approved as detailed above.
• The board noted that any future change to the affordable housing component of 776 Summer Street would require additional community process and board approval.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.