point cover jan 13 - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
The Point, Boston
Conformity with Public Benefits Criteria
Section 66-30 provides that the BRA may approve a Development Plan for the project as meeting the
requirements of Section 80C-4 (Standards for Planned Development Area Review Approval) for consistency
with the applicable planning and development criteria of Article 66 if the Development Plan provides for
public benefits, including one of the following: (a) diversification and expansion of the Fenway’s economy
and job opportunities through economic activity, such as private investment in manufacturing, commercial
uses, or research and development; (b) creation of new job opportunities and establishment of educational
facilities, career counseling , or technical assistance providing instruction or technical assistance in fields
related to such jobs; (c) improvements to the urban design characteristics and aesthetic character for the
development site and its surroundings, and the enhancement of existing open space or the creation of new
open space; or (d) improvements to transportation systems.
The Project, in satisfaction of the foregoing requirements of Section 66-30, will provide a range of public
benefits to the Fenway Neighborhood. The creation of new residential dwelling units will provide a
significant new source of community housing opportunities while enhancing the economy within the Fenway
by providing a new source of customers for local retail and service establishments. The proposed housing,
retail, and other commercial uses are compatible with the surrounding Fenway residential community and
will preserve and expand the economy and job opportunities within the Fenway. The proposed project
design, carefully developed to meet the unique needs of this gateway area of the Fenway Neighborhood will
complement the urban design characteristics of the surrounding area, as discussed in the Urban Design
section of this PNF, will significantly improve the aesthetic character of the development site, which currently
consists of a collection of single-story commercial uses with surface parking and inadequate public sidewalks.
Based on the foregoing, the Project satisfies the public benefit requirements applicable to Planned
Development Area Development Plans under Sections 66-30 and 80C-4 of the Code.
Impact Advisory Group
In October 2000, Mayor Thomas M. Menino outlined the Impact Advisory Group (IAG) process in “An Order
Relative to the Provision of Mitigation by Development Projects in Boston.” The Mayor further amended the
process in April 2001, in “An Order Further Regulating the Provision of Mitigation by Development Projects
in Boston” in order to increase the representation of local elected officials. These Orders, adopted by the BRA
Board, create a comprehensive framework to clarify the role of the BRA, the City, the developer, and the
community in the determination and mitigation of the impacts of development.
The IAG may contain up to fifteen (15) members, two (2) each nominated by the state senator, state
representative, and district city councilor, and the remainder by appointment of the Mayor on the
recommendation of residents, businesses, and community organizations as well as at-large city councilors.
The IAG advises the BRA on impact and mitigation. IAGs offer BRA staff the chance to work closely with
diverse members of the community to understand local concerns, needs, and opportunities. IAG members are
invited to take part in the public agency scoping sessions called for in Article 80 of the Boston Zoning Code.
The IAG is also encouraged to take part in community meetings that allow for public review and discussion
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ed_PNF\01_GenInfo_RegContext_FINAL.doc 1-7 General Information and Regulatory Context