Boston City Councilor Liz
Breadon to Introduce Order for an
Allston-Brighton Master Plan
and Zoning Initiative
At
the Boston City Council meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, District 9 City
Councilor Liz Breadon will introduce an Order for a public hearing on
an Allston-Brighton Master Plan, in response to
the significant impact of development on Boston’s Allston and Brighton
neighborhoods.
The
hearing is intended to be the initial step in the creation of the first-ever
comprehensive and holistic master plan for the respective neighborhoods of
Allston and Brighton.
Over
the past 10 years, Allston and Brighton have experienced an exponential
increase in real estate development. Over 13 million square feet of new
construction have been approved by the Boston Planning & Development
Agency, including 7,000 new housing units approved for construction in
alignment with the City’s goal to build 53,000 housing units by the year 2030.
“Residents
of Allston and Brighton have been frustrated by the absence of a cohesive
vision for the community, and often feel helpless when variance-driven
development projects pop up in our neighborhoods,” said Breadon. “From a
planning perspective, we must ensure housing that is affordable for a greater
range of Allston and Brighton residents, including working families, young
professionals, students, and artists and creators.”
“As
we move toward more transit-oriented development, the growing populations of
Allston and Brighton need a thorough and comprehensive plan which addresses the
urgent needs of the community. These include supporting small businesses as
well as creating and sustaining pedestrian-friendly business districts where
residents can access services, amenities, and food stores within a fifteen
minute walk from home,” said Breadon.
This
will be the first master plan that will be informed by the amended zoning code
to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing. It is hoped that the master plan will
address the need for city planning that promotes racial and economic equity and
inclusion, and the pro-active development of vibrant, resilient, and inclusive
communities that are welcoming to all regardless of age, family structure, and
economic status.
“Now
is the time for Allston and Brighton residents, civic groups, and city planners
to collectively and strategically plan the future of our neighborhoods,” said
Breadon. “I’m very excited for a public hearing that will include testimony
from residents, local civic leaders, city planners, and the public to discuss
and craft our collective strategic vision of economic development,
transportation, and housing by and for the people of our communities.”
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Elected officials, advocates, and community leaders have spoken
out in support of the order for an Allston-Brighton Master Plan:
Representative Kevin Honan, 17th Suffolk District:
"Allston-Brighton is
one of the most desirable communities in the Commonwealth to call home. In
order to keep our vibrant neighborhood accessible to all, we must have a clear
vision for the future. Through a comprehensive master plan, we can become a
statewide model for inclusive housing opportunities, transit-oriented
development, and smart growth. This public hearing is a timely first step in
ensuring everyone has a seat at the table to discuss the future of our
neighborhood. As State Representative, I thank Councilor Breadon and I look
forward to working with all our local leaders and civic groups to develop a
roadmap for strategic future development in Allston-Brighton.”
Representative Mike Moran, 18th Suffolk District:
“Given that Allston-Brighton
has never undergone a major Master Plan or Zoning Initiative, I commend
Councilor Breadon for introducing this amendment. Due to the size and scope of
projects in the pipeline, this is a great step to identify our transportation
needs and ensure the neighborhood’s long-term sustainability.”
Galen Mook, Executive Director, Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition:
"With development both
immediate and long-term, Allston and Brighton need a comprehensive plan to best
steer impacts and benefits that the increase of residents, businesses, and
institutions bring. Allston and Brighton historically grew from the expansion
of the streetcar, which depended on robust public transit combined with the
ability to walk and bike from homes to parks to businesses and workplaces – not
on automobile-dependent households. This is coupled with the fact that we are
hemmed in by the borders of the Charles River, Mass Pike, and lower-density
zoning of Brookline and Newton, and many residents cannot afford individual car
ownership. In order to equitably develop into the next decade and century, we
need to truly comprehend the looming growth, and approach even small
developments in the context of how residents will still live, work, and play in
Allston and Brighton today, tomorrow, and ongoing.”
Anna Leslie, MPH. Director, Allston Brighton Health Collaborative:
“Understanding community health
needs and assets must begin with a resident-engaged and resident-driven
process. A neighborhood-wide process will allow us to further understand the
growing health inequities in the neighborhood, the assets we have to achieve
greater equity, and puts resident voices and priorities at the center of
planning.”
Jason Desrosier, Manager
of Community Building & Engagement, Allston Brighton CDC:
“Allston-Brighton is on the
precipice of major transformation and we need to take this opportunity to be
proactive, rather than reactive, and plan for the future we want. With the
Western Ave Study and Rezoning process, Harvard Enterprise Research Campus,
Allston-Brighton Mobility Study, I-90 realignment and opening of Beacon Park
Yards for development, and wave of development projects both approved and under
review by the BPDA, this is the opportunity to pause and give thought to
intentional, comprehensive planning. A plan for Allston-Brighton would ensure
goals laid out in the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing zoning amendment
add to the vitality of the community – so that Allston Brighton remains a safe,
stable, equitable, and healthy neighborhood for all.”
