Call to Action from the Development and Transportation Committee

The D&TC Committee has shared concerns about the proposed Master Plan for the Downtown area, which the BPDA put forward at the end of 2024.

The Plan as it currently exists differs greatly from the Master Plan that was adopted in 2023, after 6 years of discussion and negotiation with a large stakeholder group including the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association, the Friends of the Public Garden, and the Preservation Alliance, among others. This group is now strongly opposing the current plan and asking for further discussions. The new plan, unlike the plan that was agreed upon, proposes to allow towers up to 500 feet in height (up from 155 feet) along a large swath of Downtown Boston.

Of particular concern to the Back Bay are the areas adjoining the Boston Common and the Public Garden. While the plan approved by the Working Group in 2023 called for a much lower height limit, the new proposal will allow 500’ towers in several areas. And in the Park Plaza Urban Renewal Area around Park Square, where NABB has worked with the BPDA to develop a reasonable Urban Renewal Plan, 500’ structures will also be allowed.

Please send a letter to our elected officials before the deadline of March 7.

1. OPEN A NEW EMAIL

2. SAMPLE LETTER – copy this into your email *or* write your own:

Dear Mayor Wu and Elected Officials,

I am a resident of Back Bay and a member of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay. I strongly oppose the revised PLAN: Downtown zoning proposal presented on January 15, 2025. This proposal contradicts many aspects of the master plan adopted for the Downtown area in December 2023 after an extensive public process. I urge the City to reopen the discussion with the stakeholders group to develop a new zoning proposal that aligns better with the previously adopted PLAN: Downtown.

In the Back Bay, we are particularly concerned with the effects of the proposed towers on the Public Garden and Common. These open spaces are so essential to city life in our area. NABB has also worked many years with the City to develop plans for the Park Plaza Urban Renewal District. The current plan does not respond to the issues in this area. It actually overwrites or negates important provisions. Moreover, we are concerned about the preservation of the historic Ladder District.

Although we understand the need for additional housing, we do not think that newly built residential towers are the only solution. Retrofitting existing historic structures, as we have done in Back Bay, creates very desirable housing, with less disruption to the character of an area. And creates a more desirable place to live.
The last major planning effort for the Downtown area occurred in 1989 – PLAN: Downtown zoning will impact this neighborhood for decades. Master plans like PLAN: Downtown are meant to bring the community together; preserve the character of the neighborhood; and make things more predictable for all stakeholders, including residents and developers.

The city’s attempt to circumvent a 6+ year planning process and arbitrarily up-zone large corridors of the downtown neighborhood undermines the public’s faith in the planning process. If changes are needed to the plan that was adopted in 2023, I urge you to re-engage with the stakeholders and incorporate their feedback before seeking approval for a new plan. This is the only opportunity to get the plan right. Please take the time to do that.

Sincerely,

[Your Name and Address]

NABB Member

3. COPY THESE EMAIL ADDRESSES INTO THE TO LINE:

andrew.nahmias@boston.gov
PLANdowntown@boston.gov
kairos.shen@boston.gov
mayor@boston.gov
mike.firestone@boston.gov
brianna.millor@boston.gov
mohammed.missouri@boston.gov
ed.flynn@boston.gov
gabriela.coletta@boston.gov
sharon.durkan@boston.gov
erin.murphy@boston.gov
julia.mejia@boston.gov
ruthzee.louijuene@boston.gov
henry.santana@boston.gov
environment@boston.gov
kathy.kottaridis@boston.gov
Ed.Flynn@boston.gov

4. CC THESE EMAIL ADDRESSES:

info@downtownra.org
aaron.michlewitz@mahouse.gov
jay.livingstone@mahouse.gov
lydia.edwards@masenate.gov
info@nabbonline.org

Thank you for contacting our representatives and asking them to reconsider this proposal.