Community Notes, Events, Updates & Public Comment Request November 27-December 3, 2023
Anthony D'Isidoro
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Events
Square + Streets Zoning Office Hours for Design Professionals
Boston Planning and Development Agency
Monday, November 27, 2023, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Please join the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and members of the BPDA Zoning Reform team at our virtual
office hours for design professionals in the Boston area! This will be a space for design professionals who work with the built environment (architects, urban designers, etc.) to ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss the analysis and drafting work for
citywide zoning districts in neighborhood centers and along main streets as part of the BPDA's
Squares
+ Streets initiative.
There will be recurring afternoon sessions for these office hours.
These Office Hours will be an opportunity to drop in to chat, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the analysis and drafting work for new zoning district regulations that will allow for housing growth, active streets, and a mix of building types and land
uses in main street areas.
There are no formal presentations or planned agenda items at these office hours, so we ask that you review the information and materials available on the
Squares
+ Streets Zoning Districts page and come prepared with any
thoughts, comments, or questions that you’d like to bring to our attention!
Office hours are held on a sign-up basis – if there are no sign-ups for an office hour session six (6) hours before the start of that session then it will be canceled for the day.
Register
in advance
Join
the Zoom meeting here
Meeting ID: 160 808 5968
Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864
Email Contact: abdul-raza...@boston.gov
Brighton Center Tree Lighting (Flyer Attached)
287 Western Avenue Impact Advisory Group Meeting
Boston Planning and Development Agency
Monday, November 27, 2023, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The BPDA will be hosting a virtual Impact Advisory Group (IAG) meeting in connection with the Project Notification Form (PNF) associated with the 287 Western Avenue project received by the Boston Planning & Development Agency on October 12, 2023.
*Please note this new date. The meeting has been rescheduled from 11/13/23.*
Please note that the purpose of this meeting is different than that of a traditional community meeting. As part of the development review process, IAG members work closely with BPDA staff to identify the impacts of a project and recommend appropriate community benefits to offset those impacts. IAG meetings prioritize discussion between the project proponent (i.e. the developer) and IAG members.
Please register in advance for this meeting through the following link:
Meeting ID: 160 911 7784
Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864
Email Contact: Quinn.W...@Boston.gov
Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing
Inspectional Services Department
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
The November 28, 2023, hearing will be held virtually via video teleconference and telephone via the Zoom webinar event platform.
Interested persons can participate in the hearing REMOTELY by going to https://bit.ly/ZBA2023Hearings. You may also participate by phone by calling into the Zoom Webinar at (301) 715-8592 and entering the Webinar ID: 821 8044 0527 followed by # when prompted.
If you wish to offer testimony on an appeal, please click https://bit.ly/November28Comment to sign up. Please provide your name, address, the address and/or BOA number of the appeal on which you wish to speak, and if you wish to speak in support of or opposition to the project.
Hearings: 9:30 am
Case: BOA-1533539 Address: 37 Dighton Street Ward 22 Applicant: DND Homes-ARTICLE 80
Article(s): Article 51, Section 9 Bldg Height Excessive (Stories) Article 51, Section 9 Bldg Height Excessive (Feet) Article 51, Section 9 Usable Open Space Insufficient Article 51, Section 9 Floor Area Ratio Excessive Article 51, Section 8 Use: Forbidden Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking & Loading Req
Purpose: To combine three parcels, raze existing structures, and erect a new residential building with 44 units and 28 parking spaces
Hearings: 11:00 am
Case: BOA-1536404 Address: 21 Wallingford Road Ward 21 Applicant: Frank Williams
Article(s): Article 51, Section 9 Dimensional Regulations - Lot Area size insufficient. Article 51, Section 9 Add'l Lot Area Insufficient - Addi' lot area insufficient. Article 51, Section 56 Off Street Parking Insufficient - Parking space insufficient.
Purpose: Changing Occupancy from a Two Family into a Three Family. The work Cost reflected on SF1412690
Re-Discussions: 11:30 am
Case: BOA-1242680 Address: 171 Corey Road Ward 21 Applicant: Cameron Merrill
Article(s): Article 51 Section 16 Use Regulations - Multi family dwelling unit use is a conditional use Article 51 Section 17 Floor area ratio requirements is excessive Article 51 Section 17 Height requirement is excessive Article 51 Section 17 Usable open space requirements is insufficient Art. 51 Sec. 23^ Off street parking requirement - Off street parking requirements is insufficient Aft. 51 Sec. 16 Forbidden Use - Artist's mixed use
Purpose: Demolition of Existing garage/studio (under SF:#) and erection of a 5 story mixed use building with originally 9 residential units and on 10/10/23 Reduced to 6 residential units with two ground floor commercial and other educational, Artists' and community space, also on 10/10/23: Proposing 2 garaged parking spaces.
Case: BOA- 1199457 Address: 29 Sutherland Road Ward 21 Applicant: 27-29 Sutherland Road, LLC
Article(s): Art. 51 Sec. 08Use Regulations - Multi family dwelling unit (7 units) is a forbidden use Art. 51 Sec. 09 Lot area for the add'l units is insufficient Art. 51 Sec. 09 Floor area ratio is excessive Art. 51 Sec. 09 Usable open space is insufficient Art. 51 Sec. 09Front yard setback requirement is insufficient Art. 51 Sec. 09 Rear yard setback requirement is insufficient Art. 51 Sec. 40 5(a)Off street parking design - Off street parking design (access drive and maneuverability)
Purpose: Change occupancy from 4 family [under CO5789] to 7 residential dwelling units with construction of new 3- unit addition; accessory parking for 7 vehicles as shown on plans. Reason for Prior Deferral: Revised plans to be submitted and re-advertised
Email Contact: Stephani...@Boston.Gov
The hearing can also be viewed via live-stream on the City’s website. Closed captioning is available.
Square + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours (Afternoon)
Boston Planning and Development Agency
Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Please join the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and members of the BPDA Zoning Reform team at our virtual
office hours! This will be a space to ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss the analysis and drafting work for citywide zoning districts in neighborhood centers and along main streets as part of the BPDA's
Squares
+ Streets initiative.
There will be recurring afternoon and evening sessions to accommodate differing schedules.
These Office Hours will be an opportunity to drop in to chat, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the analysis and drafting work for new zoning district regulations that will allow for housing growth, active streets, and a mix of building types and land
uses in main street areas.
There are no formal presentations or planned agenda items at these office hours, so we ask that you review the information and materials available on the
Squares
+ Streets Zoning Districts page and come prepared with any
thoughts, comments, or questions that you’d like to bring to our attention!
Office hours are held on a sign-up basis – if there are no sign-ups for an office hour session six (6) hours before the start of that session then it will be cancelled for the day.
Register
in advance for a session
Join
the Zoom meeting here
Meeting ID: 160 808 5968
Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864
Email Contact: abdul-raza...@boston.gov
Square + Streets Zoning Community Office Hours (Evening)
Boston Planning and Development Agency
Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Please join the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and members of the BPDA Zoning Reform team at our virtual
office hours! This will be a space to ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss the analysis and drafting work for citywide zoning districts in neighborhood centers and along main streets as part of the BPDA's
Squares
+ Streets initiative.
There will be recurring afternoon and evening sessions to accommodate differing schedules.
These Office Hours will be an opportunity to drop in to chat, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the analysis and drafting work for new zoning district regulations that will allow for housing growth, active streets, and a mix of building types and land
uses in main street areas.
There are no formal presentations or planned agenda items at these office hours, so we ask that you review the information and materials available on the
Squares
+ Streets Zoning Districts page and come prepared with any
thoughts, comments, or questions that you’d like to bring to our attention!
Office hours are held on a sign-up basis – if there are no sign-ups for an office hour session six (6) hours before the start of that session then it will be cancelled for the day.
Register
in advance for a session
Join
the Zoom meeting here
Meeting ID: 160 808 5968
Toll-free call-in number: 833 568 8864
Email Contact: abdul-raza...@boston.gov
180 Western Avenue Public/Task Force Meeting
Boston Planning and Development Agency
Thursday, November 30, 2023, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The BPDA is hosting a joint Public and Task Force Meeting for the 180 Western Avenue project located in Allston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Draft Project Impact Report (DPIR) and Planned Development Area (PDA). The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from task force members and the public.
The Proponent proposes to demolish the existing buildings on the Project Site and to construct a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use building containing approximately 200,000 square feet of GFA, including residential space (up to 280 units), ground-floor retail, restaurant, services, and accessory spaces, shared amenity space, and approximately 10,000 square feet of outdoor amenity spaces located on various roof terraces, served by an at-grade structured parking garage.
Register in advance:
Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864
Meeting ID: 160 419 7470
Email Contact: Camill...@Boston.gov
Public Meeting on Zoning Code Amendment to 80B-5.2: Affordable Housing Waiver
Boston Planning and Development Agency
Thursday, November 30, 2023, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting to discuss the minor amendment change to Article 80B-5.2, which allows the Agency to waive Article 80 of the zoning code. The BPDA is proposing to strike the below line from the code and get feedback from members of the public.
Waiver of Large Project Review Requirements for Certain Projects to Preserve or Create Affordable Housing. The purpose of this subsection 80B-2.5 is to allow the Boston Redevelopment Authority to waive the requirements of Large Project Review for certain Proposed Projects to rehabilitate or construct Affordable Housing units if the Authority has determined that such waiver will increase the availability or quality of Affordable Housing in the City and that such Proposed Project will not generate significant adverse impacts outside the Lot. The criteria for waiver of such review requirements pursuant to this Section 80B-2.5 are as follows:
-
such Proposed Project is for the rehabilitation, replacement, extension, or creation of Affordable Housing units that are or will be subject to review by the Authority
pursuant to Section 3-1A.a (Planned Development Areas), Section 3-1A.b (Urban Renewal Areas), or M.G.L. Chapter 121A; and -
the Authority determines that, with respect to those impacts that may be addressed pursuant to Section 80B-3 (Scope of Large Project Review), the Proposed Project will not have significant adverse impacts outside the Lot; and
-
the Authority determines that the Proposed Project will increase the availability or quality of Affordable Housing in the City.
Toll-free call-in number: 833.568.8864
Meeting ID: 160 282 0390
Email Contact: caitlin....@boston.gov
ONS Field Fridays Allston-Brighton
Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
Friday, December 1, 2023, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from February 10, 2023, until December 29, 2023
Stop by to ask a question or share a concern with Allston-Brighton Liaison, Frank Mendoza.
Twin Donuts
501 Cambridge St, Allston
Email Contact: francis.men...@boston.gov
Boston Landing Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Take a trip down Candy Cane Lane with us! From pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus to carolers & hot cocoa, Boston Landing will be the setting of a true traditional winter wonderland! Shop for your loved ones from our local retailers & pop-up vendors and enjoy a multicultural celebration! Who knows, there may even be snow on the ground… which means snow ball fights & snowman building contests are a possibility!
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Location: Boston Landing Campus
ABFB Holiday Market
Allston Brighton Food Pantry
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
In need of holiday gifts and looking to support local artists? Look no further! Join us on December 2nd for our holiday market benefitting the Allston Brighton Food Pantry! We will be featuring a number of artists and creators selling their wares as we start the holiday season, so this is your opportunity to find the perfect handmade gift for your loved ones. If shopping is not on your to do list, you can still support the pantry by purchasing food (including hot cocoa), selecting an ornament from our donation tree, or taking a photo with the big man in red (yes, Santa is planning to make a special appearance - more details on exact timing to come). Come celebrate the season and support your community!
Artisans Asylum’s Winter Makers Market (Flyer Attached)
Mayor Michelle Wu’s Enchanted Trolley Tour and Tree Lighting (Flyer Attached)
Bird Walk at Chestnut Hill Reservoir
Allston-Brighton Birders
Sunday, December 3, 2023 @ 10:00 am
We’ll meet at the eastern side of the reservoir, at Gate A (the parking lot on Beacon St) at 9am and wait until 9:10 to begin the walk. Bring binoculars, cameras, and/or field guides if you have them! Otherwise myself and other attendees can share binoculars and guides. If anyone has a spotting scope to bring, that would be incredible and much appreciated.
Check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly - the southern side of the reservoir gets quite windy.
Accessible by the Chestnut Hill Ave stop on the B line, Cleveland Circle on the C line, and Reservoir on the D line.) and the 86 bus. There is parking.
Sarah Iwany
Beacon Park Yard Regional Framework Plan Community Walk
Boston Planning and Development Agency
Sunday, December 3, 2023, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join us for a community walk through the neighborhood as part of the Beacon Park Yard Regional Framework Plan (BPY Plan).
We want to know how you move around the BPY Plan Area and what is important to you!
The BPY Plan will establish a regional, community vision for dense urban development that provides the City capacity, landowner value, and community benefits to realize a transformational infrastructure and development project at the site shown in the map. Our vision is inclusive and equitable infrastructure and development projects at Beacon Park Yard.
Email Contact: Christine...@Boston.gov
Updates
None
Public Comments
Article 80 Modernization Community Survey (Comment Due by November 30, 2023)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/improving-development-review-process-article-80
103 North Beacon Street (Supplemental Filing Comment Due by December 18, 2023)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/103-north-beacon-street
287 Western Avenue (PNF Comment Due by December 22, 2023)
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/287-western-avenue
Squares + Streets (Phase 1 Survey)
https://www.bostonplans.org/planning/planning-initiatives/squares-streets
Boston Design Vision (Survey)
