Boston Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting – July 16, 2026

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) board met in a hybrid format on July 16, 2026, to consider a range of development projects, infrastructure contracts, zoning clarifications, and certificates of completion. Chair Priscilla Rojas presided. The meeting lasted approximately three hours and included votes on 24 agenda items, all of which passed unanimously. Key outcomes include approval of seven new development projects totaling 530,000 square feet, 501 residential units (82 income-restricted), and an estimated $150 million in investment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes of the June 18, 2026 meeting.
• Certificates of Completion: Issued for the Old Colony Phase VI project (Old Colony 6th Bonds Limited Partnership) and the Belvedere Street Student Housing project (39 Dalton Street, Back Bay), both confirming successful completion per cooperation agreements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councillor Ben Weber (District 6): Spoke in support of items #20 (3326 Washington Street) and #24 (3841 Washington Street), emphasizing the need for housing and affordable units. On item #22 (85 Parker Hill Avenue), he did not oppose but read a letter from the developer committing to avoid undergraduate student tenants and to market to medical professionals, seniors, and families.
• Councillor Erin Durkin (District 3): Provided comments on item #22, noting she took a position of non-opposition after securing commitments for eight three-bedroom affordable homeownership units, a raised crosswalk, $20,000 for Mission Hill Link, and $25,000 for affordable housing development. She raised concerns about stalled approved projects and gentrification.
• Representative from Councillor Santana’s office (Anna Calderon): Read a statement expressing concerns about the small project review process for item #22 (85 Parker Hill Avenue), noting that at 226 square feet below the large project threshold, residents felt a more comprehensive review was warranted.
• Representative from Councillor Murphy’s office (Andrew Galvin): Stated Councillor Murphy’s opposition to item #22 due to community concerns about student housing and traffic.

Discussion Items

• Item #2: RFQ for Fire Pump Replacement at 12 Channel Street (Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park). Staff requested authorization to issue an RFQ for design services to replace an undersized and corroded fire pump and controller. The existing pump is from the 1941 building; funding ($150,000) is in FY27 capital budget.
• Item #3: Contract with HDR Engineering for Drain Assessment at Fid Kennedy Avenue. A design contract for assessment and engineering of the 72-inch storm drain (originally built in the 1930s) was authorized at $291,751 plus 15% contingency ($335,513 total). Three firms bid; HDR was selected as most advantageous.
• Item #4: IFB for Streetscape Improvements in Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park. Authorization to issue an IFB for sidewalk reconstruction, roadway reconfiguration, and pedestrian safety improvements at Terminal Street, Dry Dock Avenue, Dolphin Way, and Black Falcon Avenue. The project budget is approximately $5 million (remaining from FY25 capital budget).
• Item #5: RFP for HVAC Training Services (Power Corps Boston). The Office of Workforce Development requested authorization to issue an RFP for HVAC training for young adults ages 18-30. Board members praised the program for addressing climate and workforce goals.
• Item #6 (EDIC): Personnel contract in the director’s office. Approved.
• Item #7: IFB for Snow Removal Services Citywide (BRA properties). A three-year contract (with two one-year renewal options) was authorized, annual not-to-exceed $235,000. Board members discussed the 3% inflation factor and provisions for snow removal during heavy accumulation.
• Item #8: IFB for Shipyard Park Waterfront Repairs (Charlestown Navy Yard). Authorization to issue an IFB for repairs to steel bulkheads, masonry seawalls, and marine fendering at Piers 4 and 5. Estimated cost $850,000; funded in FY27 capital budget.
• Item #9: RFQ for Condensing Water Replacement at China Trade Center (2 Boylston Street). Authorization to advertise an RFQ for design services to replace the 30+ year old condensing water piping system. The building is a historic landmark (1882). Funding $750,000 in FY27 capital budget.
• Item #10: IFB for Long Wharf North Boardwalk Repairs. Authorization to issue an IFB for deck replacement and structural framing repairs. Estimated cost $600,000; funded in FY27 capital budget. Work will address ADA compliance and structural integrity.
• Item #11: RFP for Sale and Redevelopment of 36 Hammond Street (Roxbury). Authorization to issue an RFP for a 1,886 sq. ft. vacant lot. Asking price $500,000 (lower if affordability is delivered). Development objectives include residential with affordability or homeownership, no displacement, community benefits, and DEI.
• Item #12: Zoning Code Text Amendments to Resolve Clerical Errors. Staff presented six clarifications across five articles to fix referencing errors and add clarity (e.g., including concessions in entertainment events, correcting symbology in Article 42F, updating section references). No new regulations; approved.
• Item #15: 1200 Soldiers Field Road (Allston). Large project review waived; scoping determination issued. Proposal: 58 rental units (10 IZ), 37 parking spaces, 70 bike spaces. Six-story building, all-electric, PV-ready. The project includes a $25,000 contribution for off-site park improvements, a new crosswalk across Soldiers Field Road (with DCR), and improved pedestrian connectivity. Board members expressed support, noting the project’s design and sustainability features.
• Item #16: 34-36 Pratt Street (Allston). Small project review approved for 39 rental units (7 IZ), 12 parking spaces, 40 bike spaces. The six-story building preserves two mature oak trees and incorporates stepped massing to transition from higher-density development to existing residential fabric. The building is all-electric.
• Item #17: 36 Colborne Road (Brighton). Affordable housing agreement approved changing one unit from condo to rental under IDP. The developer switched to rental during construction; the board terminated the prior agreement and authorized a new one.
• Item #18: 269-275 East Cottage Street (Dorchester). Small project review approved for a six-story, 42-key extended-stay hotel with ground-floor retail/restaurant and rooftop cafe. The building is all-electric, net zero carbon compliant. Community benefits include widened sidewalks, new street trees, a $3,258 blue bike contribution, and preservation of the adjacent Dorchester Market. Board members noted the hotel addresses Boston’s room shortage and provides a managed alternative to Airbnb.
• Item #19: 9 Chelsea Street (East Boston). Large project review waived; scoping determination issued for a six-story mixed-use building with 120 rental units (22 IZ), 5,492 sq. ft. ground-floor retail, and 150 bike parking spaces. No on-site car parking; the project is near Maverick Square MBTA station. Developer DND Homes committed $100,000 to the Maverick Square Transportation Action Plan and additional contributions to East Boston Main Streets and Tree East Team. Board members discussed parking and furthering fair housing requirements.
• Item #20: 3326 Washington Street (Jamaica Plain). Small project change approved, increasing units from 43 to 46, with 9 IDP units (down from 10 originally). Design changes simplified the facade to reduce costs. The proponent worked with the Mayor’s Office of Housing to maintain affordability levels. Board members appreciated the retention of affordability despite challenges.
• Item #21: 8 Burney Street (Mission Hill). Affordable housing agreement approved for one rental unit under IDP. The developer voluntarily restricted a unit.
• Item #22: 85 Parker Hill Avenue (Mission Hill). Small project review approved for adaptive reuse of a former nursing home into 103 rental units (8 IZ, including three-bedroom affordable homeownership units). The project includes 11 parking spaces and 127 bike spaces. Community concerns about student housing were addressed by the developer’s commitment to market to medical professionals and families; the board noted legal and practical challenges to codifying such restrictions. Councillor Weber and Councillor Durkin spoke; Councillor Murphy opposed. Funds committed: $20,000 to Mission Hill Link, $25,000 to affordable housing development, and pedestrian safety improvements.
• Item #23: 4301 Washington Street (Roslindale). Small project review approved for 16 homeownership units (2 IZ), 7 parking spaces, 20 bike spaces. The four-story building is net zero carbon compliant, with passive house strategies. The site is near the Roslindale Village commuter rail. The project contributes $15,000 to blue bike network and includes permeable paving and new street trees.
• Item #24: 3841 Washington Street (Roslindale). Large project review waived; scoping determination issued for a seven-story mixed-use building with 165 rental units (28 IZ plus 5 voucher units), 5,652 sq. ft. ground-floor retail, 33 parking spaces, and 201 bike spaces. The all-electric building targets LEED Gold and incorporates a public bus shelter canopy integrated into the building. The project relocates an MBTA bus stop, contributes $49,000 to blue bikes, and creates 128 construction jobs. Board members praised the bus stop design.

Key Outcomes

• All listed items received unanimous approval (motions carried with “ayes have it”). No recorded dissenting votes.
• Director’s Report: Director Shen summarized the meeting’s approvals: 7 new development projects delivering 530,000 square feet, 501 residential units (82 income-restricted), $150 million investment, 475 construction jobs, and 46 direct permanent jobs. He also noted the successful completion of the Belvedere Street Student Housing Project (certificate of completion), and highlighted BPDA support for Sail Boston 2026 (tall ships docking at Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park and Charlestown Navy Yard). He announced the retirement of longtime planning staff member Tayming Chen, who created the city’s first 3D digital model, and paid tribute to late colleague Louisa Gag, a transportation planner who led the Bluebikes program.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM.