Fenway Infill and Small Developments

In terms of urbanism, East Fenway is a really wonderful corner of Boston. . . and I think it's a real problem that's it's basically all owned by Northeastern or otherwise dominated by NU students. Students are a vital part of the urban life of any city, but when you cede an entire neighborhood over to them, you effectively create a hole in the urban fabric. There's pretty much no reason at all for anyone who isn't a student to enter the area bordersed by Huntington, the MFA, the Fens, and Mass Ave.
 
BronsonShore said:
In terms of urbanism, East Fenway is a really wonderful corner of Boston. . . and I think it's a real problem that's it's basically all owned by Northeastern or otherwise dominated by NU students. Students are a vital part of the urban life of any city, but when you cede an entire neighborhood over to them, you effectively create a hole in the urban fabric. There's pretty much no reason at all for anyone who isn't a student to enter the area bordersed by Huntington, the MFA, the Fens, and Mass Ave.
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Both East Fenway and Allston are very, very, VERY student-dense, but both have plenty of young professionals and actual families, too.
 
142-146 St. Mary’s Street
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“The Proponent proposes to construct an approximately six-story residential building that will contain approximately 91,000 gross square feet, 90 residential units, and parking.”

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/142-146-st-marys-street
 
chrisbrat said:
Both East Fenway and Allston are very, very, VERY student-dense, but both have plenty of young professionals and actual families, too.
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Allston does, but does East Fenway? Damn near every building in the neighborhood is owned by NU or landlords who rent poorly maintained apartments to NU students.
 
You could well be correct about "East Fenway" -- it's such a small neighborhood, in total, that I guess I didn't get that micro with my assessment. To me that's like conceding that there are families and young professionals in Allston, but not many/any on Glenville Ave.
The main stretch on Boylston in East Fenway, particularly all the newer stuff, is almost exclusively young professionals and grad students (and, I'd wager, a few young families). No broke-ass Berklee or BU students are living in those joints.
 
BronsonShore said:
In terms of urbanism, East Fenway is a really wonderful corner of Boston. . . and I think it's a real problem that's it's basically all owned by Northeastern or otherwise dominated by NU students. Students are a vital part of the urban life of any city, but when you cede an entire neighborhood over to them, you effectively create a hole in the urban fabric. There's pretty much no reason at all for anyone who isn't a student to enter the area bordersed by Huntington, the MFA, the Fens, and Mass Ave.
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Who cares? They're residents too!
 
stick n move said:
142-146 St. Mary’s Street
ea9f3573-ee7e-4ffc-b2c4-247cdaa44826

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“The Proponent proposes to construct an approximately six-story residential building that will contain approximately 91,000 gross square feet, 90 residential units, and parking.”

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/142-146-st-marys-street
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Huh, I had no idea that parcel was technically in Boston--I thought everything on that side of the GL tracks was Brookline (and was impressed for a moment that such a large MF building was being proposed)!
 

112-114 Queensberry Street​

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“Fenway CDC plans to develop the 112-114 Queensberry site, located in the western section of Boston’s Fenway neighborhood, into 24 units of affordable housing. Fenway CDC proposes to construct a building with six stories above grade and one story partially below grade. 100% of the units will be affordable in perpetuity. The units will be affordable to individuals and households at or below 30% and 60% of area median income. The building will include a mix of studios and one-bedrooms to provide housing for single people, couples, and small families. No parking will be provided onsite.”

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/112-114-queensberry-street












https://bpda.app.box.com/s/cgkxwkmpwlljbnsv073qm0bmwmut44mv
 
Note that the lack of parking does not require zoning relief since this is 100% affordable. Relief is still needed for FAR, setbacks, and open space, but this is a great example of the new parking regs in practice. Replacing a vacant laundromat with 24 deed-restricted affordable housing units? Build it!
 
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Justbuildit said:
Note that the lack of parking does not require zoning relief since this is 100% affordable. Relief is still needed for FAR, setbacks, and open space, but this is a great example of the new parking regs in practice. Replacing a vacant laundromat with 24 deed-restricted housing units? Build it!
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Is there new/changed regulations within the city? Could someone point me to possibly a discussion on the board or possibly an article about this? Thanks in advance!
 
Here you go, new as of a few years ago. Additional coverage below:

Mayor Wu eliminates parking minimums for affordable housing developments | Boston Planning & Development Agency

See upcoming meetings, task forces, business development trainings, public meetings, and more.
www.bostonplans.org www.bostonplans.org

"The amendment will remove parking minimums for residential developments where at least 60 percent of the units are income-restricted at 100 percent Area Median Income (AMI) or below."



www.bostonglobe.com

City gives final OK to dropping parking requirements for affordable housing - The Boston Globe

The move is aimed at making it easier to build lower-cost apartments in Boston. The measure now heads to Mayor Wu’s desk for her approval.
www.bostonglobe.com www.bostonglobe.com
 
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