point cover jan 13 - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Introduction
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
The Point, Boston
\\MABOS\projects\11381.00\reports\Article80\Ex
panded_PNF\00d_ProjDescription_FINAL.doc S-1 Project Description
Project Description
This expanded Project Notification Form (PNF) is submitted pursuant to the Article 80 - Large Project Review
process under the Boston Zoning Code and Enabling Act. This expanded PNF presents details about The
Point project proposed at the juncture of Boylston Street and Brookline Avenue in Boston’s Fenway
neighborhood (the “Project”). This PNF provides an analysis of traffic/transportation, potential
environmental impacts, infrastructure needs, as well as urban design and other aspects of the Project, in order
to inform state and city agencies, and neighborhood residents about the Project, its potential impacts, and the
mitigation measures proposed to address those potential impacts.
Samuels & Associates, through its subsidiary, Fenway Ventures Point Properties LLC (the “Proponent”), proposes
the redevelopment of an approximately 0.6-acre triangular site at the juncture of Boylston Street and Brookline
Avenue in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood (the “Project Site”). Redevelopment of the Project Site consists of
construction of a new residential building, with retail on the first and second floors, and residential amenities,
mechanical space, and other accessory uses and facilities.
The Project will expand on the recent mixed use developments in the Fenway and the transformation from
industrial uses to neighborhood uses along Boylston Street with a compelling and iconic building design featured
at the gateway to the Fenway area. Overall, the Project will enhance the architectural character, urban design, retail
vitality, and pedestrian experience with new street level activity at this key entrance to the community. The Project
will also generate numerous positive neighborhood benefits, including increased housing, additional shopping
opportunities, upgrading of the urban fabric, and significantly improved pedestrian walkways and streetscape.
The City and the region as a whole will benefit from job creation, housing, and additional city and state tax
revenues associated with the Project.
Sustainability is integrated throughout the Project as it aims to use land efficiently through the revitalization of an
underutilized site in a dense urban setting, promote the use of alternative modes of transportation, encourage
pedestrian activity and improve water quality. Due to the location of the Project Site in a dense established urban
neighborhood with access to public transportation and available services in close proximity, many of the residents
and their guests, as well as retail employees and customers, will use alternative means of transportation to/from
the Project. Additionally, in accordance with Article 37 – Green Buildings of the Boston Zoning Code, the
Proponent intends to incorporate state-of-the-art sustainable features into the design of the Project, where feasible
and reasonable, so that the building could achieve the minimum certification level (“Certified”) under the U.S.
Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED®) Green Building
Rating System, or “LEED certifiable.” 1
1 LEED “certifiable” indicates that a building meets the energy reduction requirements under the most appropriate
LEED building rating system, but has not officially registered with the USGBC to become certified.