III Background - Meeting Minutes - Boston Redevelopment Authority

MEETING #1 cont.
46
I I I B a c k g r o u n d - M e e t i n g M i n u t e s
Discussion
The discussion began with a question from the Planning Group regarding the ability to be
visionary in these discussions of the West End Area with the many preconceptions of the
Area. A member of the Planning Group commented that it was the Urban Renewal Plan
that allowed for the urban density and open space which was why she chose to live in the
West End. Parking concerns were also expressed. Bob Kroin responded that open space
needs to be maintained, but the Area need not be all open space—it can be a mix of highrise
and low-rise buildings.
Questions regarding the planned development projects for the Area and the possibility/
plans for a supermarket were asked. Rebecca Barnes responded that the development
projects that will be presented at future meetings are the projects that the community is
already familiar with, as those are the projects the City is familiar with as well.
Numerous requests for more information on the West End Urban Renewal Plan were made.
A suggestion was also made for having members of the Zoning Board of Appeal, BTD and
the Police Department attend future meetings.
Many Planning Group members expressed their belief that the West End Area was the best
community to live in and noted that Charles River Park was an award-winning concept. A
suggestion was made to create a list of resident’s likes and dislikes of the area to be used as
a starting point for discussion.
Rebecca Barnes then opened the discussion to everyone at the meeting:
A resident commented that they felt that the presentation was unfair in that it compared the
best snapshots of Boston to the worst of the West End Area. It was suggested that planning
should come first, then zoning and then development. Rebecca Barnes responded that in
an ideal world, this could happen, but we live in a place with previously established legal
and physical constraints. Equity Residential was asked to shelve their plans for Emerson
Place until the end of the planning process.
When a moratorium on development was requested, it was explained that the BRA has no
legal right to stop a developer from filing and that stopping development may or may not
be possible. Rebecca Barnes stated that the City is hoping to convene all interests in these
meetings.
A resident commented that they felt that the presentation was biased to promote density.
Rebecca Barnes responded that the City is not promoting any proposals in these meetings.
Other comments from the community and Planning Group members included traffic
concerns during Fleet Center events, the lack of theaters and art galleries in the area,
housing affordability, maintaining the existing open space and the creation of more open
space. Residents stated that they moved to the West End Area for the open space and that
it should be preserved. A second request for a list of likes/dislikes (pros/cons) of the area
was made. Rebecca Barnes agreed to the list.