In response to the city of Boston’s housing market challenges, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) has adopted an executive order to expedite affordable housing development. The ruling makes it easier for the projects to go through the approval process. Before this order was in place, it could take upwards of 337 days to approve a single affordable housing project. These delays were harmful to the city’s economy and Boston’s residents. The plan involves removing barriers so that the process takes much less time. It will include efforts to expedite the procedures for reviewing a ..read more

There is a lot in the works for Boston’s future. City planners, builders and business owners are looking at the potential for where Boston can be in the next several years. Part of building a better community is the transportation that helps every resident get where they need to go so they can take part in the events in this great city. The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) recently announced the South Boston Transportation Action Plan (SBTAP). Here’s what you should know about the plan and how it will support the Boston community. Imagine Boston 2030 and Go Boston 2030 Both Imagin ..read more

Boston’s ongoing quest to make new construction projects more environmentally friendly recently got a boost with the announcement of the second round of applications and funding for the Mass Timber Grant Program. Here’s a quick review and breakdown: Round One In 2021, the Boston Planning & Development Agency and the Boston Society for Architecture launched the Mass Timber Accelerator Program, intended to promote the use of timber in new buildings in Boston and the region. Round One ran from September 2021 to June 2022. The program included funds and technical assistance to help new project ..read more

Massachusetts and the City of Boston are looking toward the future and seeing that they need to make changes to support a healthier environment. Currently, Boston is part of a pilot program that aims to reduce fossil fuel usage and increase net zero buildings. As more effort goes into this initiative, new construction and major renovations aim to have “net zero” and “net zero ready” buildings ready to meet the requirements of a fossil fuel-free standard. Here’s what you should know about what makes a building “net zero” or “net zero ready” and how it impacts new construction in Boston. What’s ..read more

Mayor Michelle Wu has set several priorities concerning green initiatives. Primarily, she would like to see significant decreases in fossil fuel use. Recently, she announced one piece of intended legislation that could create building standards that would eliminate the use of fossil fuels in new projects and major renovations. While the legislation could be great for the environment, it could create some worries for those looking at future projects. Here’s what you should know about the initiative and how it could impact new construction. A pilot program under recent legislation Mayor Wu’s pla ..read more

The real estate industry sees trends come and go as it adjusts to customers’ shifting needs and tastes. One trend that continues to increase in popularity is mixed-use developments. Whether it is an apartment complex, a planned community or a refitting of an existing building, buyers and renters see a lot to like about living close to amenities and public spaces. It starts with the right plans Due to the high cost, the developer must hammer out the right plan before breaking ground. It includes designs that appeal to consumers but also involve permits, zoning issues, variances, and state or lo ..read more

When purchasing property for a specific purpose, it is important to understand the zoning designation that is applicable to that property. There are different types of zones, and these categories determine what a property owner can do with land or buildings within that area. Zoning restrictions can have a significant impact on land use and construction plans, so it’s worth it for property investors to understand what they are and aren’t allowed to do with the space before making a purchase. Zoning restrictions Zones determine the type of structures permitted, how land can be develope ..read more

If you are opening a business in Boston, one of the many tasks on your checklist is making sure to satisfy all of the permitting requirements imposed by the city government. Here are a few considerations you don’t want to overlook. Is your signage in compliance? If your business is located in a historical building, historical district or Main Street district, your signage must undergo a review before you can permanently raise it for display. Even if your business is not in one of these zones, it may still require review by the Boston Redevelopment Authority. Do you have a plan for site cleanli ..read more

Boston city planning has been an ongoing effort for decades. One of the highlights of living and working in Boston is the beautiful community spaces for people to gather. Boston has a unique blend of public spaces. While some receive public funding through tax dollars, others are owned by private individuals or corporations. Here’s what you should know about privately-owned public spaces and how they support the Boston community. What is the advantage of POPS? An issue with many purely private spaces is maintenance. Although some community members will feel an obligation to care for the area ..read more

Mayor Michelle Wu recently stated that her office is officially taking on the Downtown Municipal Harbor Plan and the East Boston harbor planning process. The goal, according to Mayor Wu, is to help better ensure Boston serves as a role model for “equitable access and climate resiliency” for coastal cities throughout the country. The mayor continues in her statement to explain how Boston is at risk of loosing important housing structures, commercial buildings, and historic sites as a result of the risks that come with rising sea levels due to climate change and nor’easters. Mayor Wu states they ..read more