South Boston - Abutter - BPDA - ZBA Events
ABUTTERS MEETINGS
Please note that abutter's meeting information can also be found here
To request a copy of plans or ISD letter for the proposals below, please email: sigurgeir.jonson@boston.gov
658 E Fifth StreetProposal: Change of Occupancy from 1-FAM to 2-FAM. A rear deck will be added with a spiral stair for a second egress for unit twoDate & Time: Mon, Dec 1 ⋅6:00pmJoin Zoom Meeting: LinkMeeting ID: 848 0060 2530
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+13017158592,,84800602530# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,84800602530# US
567 E Sixth StreetProposal: Demolish existing 1-story garage on separate permit and erect a new 4-story, 6-unit residential building w/balconies and off-street parking as per plans submittedDate & Time: Mon, Dec 1 ⋅7:00pmJoin Zoom Meeting: LinkMeeting ID: 812 0658 4812
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+13017158592,,81206584812# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,81206584812# US
582 Dorchester Ave / Red Line PizzaProposal: Establishment seeking hours amendment, to open for delivery only between 11PM and 2AMDate & Time: Tues, Dec 2 ⋅6:00pmJoin Zoom Meeting: LinkMeeting ID: 822 2850 9801
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+13126266799,,82228509801# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,82228509801# US (New York)
BOSTON PLANNING DEPT. EVENTS
City of Boston Planning Department Calendar
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REVISED SIX-STORY COMMERCIAL PROJECT AT 460 WEST BROADWAY FACES STRONG COMMUNITY OPPOSITION AT BOSTON PLANNING MEETINGThe City of Boston Planning Department, facilitated by Project Manager Nick Carter, held a virtual public meeting on November 5, 2025, to review the significantly revised 460 West Broadway development proposal in South Boston. The proponent, Cedarwood Development LLC, represented by David Winick and David Matteo, along with zoning attorney George Morancy and project architect Shane Losi, presented the updated plan to an audience of residents, civic leaders, and District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn.The development team confirmed major changes since filing their small project review application, most notably the complete removal of the residential component in favor of a 100% commercial and court-related use. The proposal now entails the adaptive re-use of the vacant former South Boston Savings Bank building, preserving its neoclassical façade, with a new six-story addition constructed behind it. The facility will house a courtroom, offices, and support space for the Trial Court of the Commonwealth, with a dedicated 10-year lease and extensions.District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn spoke first, strongly supporting the project and emphasizing the critical need for a neighborhood courthouse, particularly for justice and recovery programs. He stated, "I support it 100%. I think it's critically needed."Next up: project architect Shane Losi presented the new design, which retains the neoclassical facade of the existing bank building while adding a six-story addition behind it. Floors one through five will be dedicated entirely to court usage, programs and offices, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office and the Office of Community Corrections. The sixth floor is currently proposed as private office space. Losi noted that the team had made efforts to shrink the building's mass, increase setbacks (to a minimal five to seven feet), and reduce the parking to 15 "as of right" spaces, resulting in the elimination of several previous zoning violations.Furthermore, the plan includes significant public realm improvements, such as increasing sidewalk widths along Athens Street and providing a substantial amount of new landscaping and street trees along West Broadway. Logistically, the secure sally port for prisoner transport and delivery is located off Athens Street, utilizing two parking spots and a secure, closed-door system for access to a holding area in the basement.During the extensive public comment period, a chorus of residents, including Jim K, Shane M, Michael P, Tom P, and Derek S, along with City Point Neighborhood Association President - Luanne O'Connor, & Gate of Heaven Neighborhood Association President - Kevin Lally expressed strong opposition, citing three primary concerns, centered on building height, traffic impact, and design integrity.The most contentious issue was the proposed height. Kevin Lally strongly opposed the proposed six-story height, regardless of the elimination of other zoning violations. Lally stated that the proposed height of sixty-nine feet is double the allowed thirty-five feet and argued that the unrequested sixth floor is purely driven by profit, which drives up property values and makes the neighborhood unaffordable. Luanne O'Connor noted that the height is "totally out of character" for the Perkins Square area, where heights are intended to drop down to 45 feet. O'Connor emphatically argued that the unrequested sixth floor must be removed and the overall building height must be reduced to align with the neighborhood's existing 45-to-55-foot standards for that part of West Broadway.Traffic & parking was the most frequently raised issue. Residents Shane M, Kevin W, and Tom P (who lives directly behind the site on Athens Street) all agreed that the area is already a "total traffic jam," with Tom P calling the intersection a "nightmare." Resident Kevin W echoed the traffic concerns, stating that congestion is already "terrible" and that the new location for the court facility is poorly suited. He expressed his surprise at City Councilor Ed Flynn's enthusiastic support. Resident Michael P voiced grave concerns that the increased congestion would prevent emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks from navigating the neighborhood, directly impacting residents' safety. Luann O'Connor detailed how West Broadway is often reduced to a single lane due to commercial deliveries, creating dangerous conditions, and cautioned that the City could be held liable for lack of traffic enforcement if the project is approved.Resident Jim K appreciated the proposal adjustments but raised pointed questions about building occupancy, noting the area is already extremely busy. The development team provided a preliminary estimate of about 200 people (including staff and visitors) utilizing the building daily but lacked concrete figures for the employee count, making it difficult for abutters to gauge the true impact. Residents repeatedly called for a traffic study, despite City of Boston Planning Department Project Manager Nick Carter clarifying that one is not technically required for a small project review and that such a study would only measure potential daily trips, not address other issues like double-parking. Shane M, while pointing out that other comparable buildings the developer cited were residential with fixed parking numbers, questioned how the proposed 15 spots could support the estimated 200 daily occupants and court-related vehicles.In response to concerns about parking overflow, the developer corrected the record by stating that the private lot behind the building has public spots for rent via SpotHero, and the owner is open to discussing long-term rental agreements with the court.Residents also pressed for a better understanding of a construction management plan of sorts (Not required under 'Small Project Revciew), which the developer (David & Dave) addressed by assuring that traffic shutdowns would be minimal and temporary, and confirmed that individual 'Street & Sidewalk' permits for necessary work would be obtained as needed.Concerns were also raised about the architectural aesthetics. Luann O'Connor and Bridget F criticized the design, with Bridget calling it an "eyesore" and "disjointed" for failing to properly integrate the neoclassical front with the new addition. O'Connor urged the developers to use materials consistent with their highly regarded project in Andrew Square and disliked the mixing of different materials, requesting the developers reconsider the use of the bronze metal panels and made mention of the buildings large rooftop mechanicals. Bridget F also noted the existing bank building is listed in the inventory of historic buildings in Massachusetts, urging greater preservation integrity.Next Steps: The development team acknowledged the strong feedback regarding height and design, with the proposal owner stating they would review and revisit the current height. Furthermore, despite not being required for a small project review, the proponent confirmed that providing a traffic study is an "easy ask" and would be undertaken.BPDA Project Manager Nick Carter concluded by stating that the planning department would take all feedback back to staff and evaluate the need for a third public meeting. Carter committed to working with the development team to try to secure a court representative to attend any subsequent meetings, allowing residents to ask specific operational questions, such as inmate drop-off times and daily court hours, to better assess the project's actual lived impact on the neighborhood.
CITY OF BOSTON - RESILIENT MOAKLEY PARKCommunity Meetings November 8th + 13th!
We’re kicking off the next phase of design on improvements to Moakley Park and we need your feedback!
Join us for both virtual and in-person community meetings in November to get an update on the project and provide input on the future of Moakley Park:
Can't make the in-person? All the same material will be shared virtually the following Thursday.Saturday November 8, 2025
Community Meeting - In Person
11:00am l Curley Community Center, M St entrance
Light refreshments and children's activities will be provided
RSVPThursday November 13, 2025 | 6:00pm
Community Meeting- Virtual
Meeting Link
243-245 DORCHESTER STREET PUBLIC VIRTUAL MEETINGMonday, November 17, 2025 | 06:00 PM - 08:00 PMThis is a public meeting for the proposed 243-245 Dorchester Street project, located in the South Boston neighborhood.The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the overall project and to update the public on the next steps. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public.Learn more about this EventMeeting RegistrationCity of Boston Planning Dept. Project Page - Please provide your comments & feedback at bottom of page.Small Project Review Application / Project DescriptionContact: Daniel Polanco - dan.polanco@boston.gov
CHANGE OF USE PROPOSED FOR 4 ALGER STREET IN SOUTH BOSTONA Project Notification Form (PNF) has been filed with the City of Boston Planning Department, for a proposed change of use at the existing 4 Alger Street building in South Boston, a structure located within the broader Planned Development Area (PDA) Master Plan for the "On the Dot" development.
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/475-511-dorchester-avenue-on-the-dot-pdaThis filing officially initiates the public review process for the proposal.PNF LinkCity of Boston Planning Dept. Project Page - Submit comments & feedback at bottom of page.Contact Info: Development Review - bpdadevelopment@boston.govThe proponent, On the Dot LLC, is seeking approval to convert the balance of the approximately 98,000 square foot building, which is currently approved for Industrial use, to "Exercise and Entertainment use." This change is triggered by pending or signed leases with two new tenants for indoor soccer and bouldering activities. This is in addition to a prior conversion of 25,000 square feet for an indoor pickleball tenant approved in early 2024.Because the required change of use affects a building greater than the 50,000 square foot threshold, the project is subject to Article 80 Large Project Review under the Boston Zoning Code. However, the development team has stressed that the review will be strictly related to the change of use. Crucially, the tenants and proponent are not proposing any modifications to the shell, core, or façade of the building, nor are they increasing the existing building's total square footage. The only exterior change will be the addition of appropriate retail wayfinding signage for the tenants. The proposed "Exercise and Entertainment uses" are consistent with the allowed uses within the approved PDA Master Plan.The PDA Master Plan, which was approved by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) in October 2023, is a comprehensive framework for a multi-phase, decade-plus development in South Boston. It anticipates the continued occupation and minor modification of existing structures, such as 4 Alger Street, during the construction of new phases.The public is encouraged to submit comments on the proposed change of use. The initial comment period for the PNF closes on Friday, November 28, 2025, but may be extended. Following the conclusion of the comment period, staff will review the feedback and schedule public meetings, including an Impact Advisory Group (IAG) meeting and a Community meeting. Ultimately, Planning Department staff will make a recommendation to the BPDA Board for a final vote.
ZBA & Zoning Comm. Events
To participate in hearings, please monitor this page: LinkReview Boston Planning Department recommendations to the ZBA in advance of hearings herePlease note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.
850 to 852 Summer ST South Boston 02127Appeal Type ZoningHearing Date 12/4/25Project Description: Change occupancy ground floor, add 3453 sf furniture showroom space on left side 2662 H R Block office right rear to existing 3100 Mystryde Fitness Center
562 E Fifth ST South Boston 02127Appeal Type ZoningHearing Date 12/9/25Project Description: Change occupancy to 6 reduced 4 unit dwelling Renovating adding an existing single family become multi building Scope includes demolition rear portion Building provide new story 3 addition Upgrades life safety fully sprinklered amp alarmed without elevator ePlan Application assigned FD PW on 2 12 25 ONE FAMILY 1057 1985 Revised BOA Hearing plans scope reduce modified 7 10
62 L ST South Boston 02127Appeal Type ZoningHearing Date 12/9/2025Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new roof deck
101 P ST South Boston 02127Appeal Type ZoningHearing Date 12/9/25Project Description: addition to rear an existing Bed Breakfast
PLANNING DEPT. / SOUTH BOSTON PROJECTS
Gillette Redevelopment / Gillette Hosted Informational Page371-401 D Street662-666 E Broadway43 Preble Street19-21 W Third Street391 D Street IAG Mtg Oct 27, 6pm Link - Public Mtg Nov 3, 6pm Link460 W Broadway Public Meeting 10/14/202575-77 Dorchester Street35-75 Morrissey Boulevard
Planning Dept. Project Page - Planning Dept. PDA Master Plan776 Summer Street - Phase 2259-267 Summer Street22 Drydock Ave181 West First Street736-742 East Broadway Street49-51 D Street243-245 Dorchester Street295 West First Street43 Preble Street147 West Fourth Street6 Elkins Street99 A Street246-248 Dorchester AvenueChannel Center / 7 Channel Center StreetSouth Boston Innovation Campus / 2 Harbor StreetReserved Channel Dev. / 300 West First Street150 Pier 4 Blvd
City of Boston Planning Department Research Division
City of Boston Planning Department Research Division conducts research on Boston's economy, population, and commercial markets for all divisions of the Planning Department and the City of Boston.Research Publications: Copies of our reports and presentations.
My Demographic Viewer: GIS/Research tool to show Research Division's 2024 population estimates citywide and by tracts and neighborhoods
Economic Indicators Dashboard: GIS/Research dashboard of economic indicators for the city and each commercial hub.
Exploring Neighborhood Change: Research tool to show demographic and economic data citywide and by tracts and neighborhoods from in historical context from 1950 to 2024
Employment Map: Interactive map of payroll jobs in Boston by industry with MBTA line overlay
Mapping Diversity in Boston: Interactive map to explore different conceptions of diversity in Boston by tract and neighborhood
BOSTON LICENSING BOARD
To track and participate in Boston Licensing hearings, please monitor this page
COB STREET / SIDEWALK WORK
Active street / sidewalk work locations here Page #22
Resurfacing webpage can be found here
Sidewalk repair program webpage can be found here
Speed hump webpage can be found here
State of good repair here
South Boston Sewer Separation Project here
Eversource Andrew Sq to Dewar St Project here
Eversource K St Substation (385) updates here
Congress St / Sleeper St / A Street Reconstruction here
Moakley Park Redesign here
COB Projects & Expansions
South Boston Transportation Action Plan (Draft) here
Bike Share Expansion here
Curbside EV Charging here
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DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL SPARKS CONTROVERSY AT 662-666 EAST BROADWAY PUBLIC MEETING
The Boston Planning Department hosted a virtual public meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025, to discuss the Small Project Review Application (SPRA) for a proposed development at 662-666 East Broadway in South Boston. The meeting, facilitated by Planning Department Project Manager Dylan Norris, featured a presentation by the proponent team followed by robust questions and comments from a highly critical public.The proposal, presented by zoning attorney George Morancy, and architect Mark Sullivan of Choo & Company on behalf of owner Sing Ming Chan, involves combining several parcels, including Mr. Chan's existing liquor store location and adjacent residential buildings, to form a new lot of approximately 10,843 square feet. The plan calls for the demolition of the four existing buildings and the erection of a new four-story mixed-use building.The new structure is designed to contain one large ground-floor commercial unit of just over 4,000 square feet, which would house Mr. Chan's liquor store after a temporary relocation, and 21 residential rental units on floors two through four. Morancy noted that the units are currently programmed as rentals due to economic conditions but could potentially be converted to condominiums in the future. The project includes four inclusionary zoning affordable units, meeting the required 17% residential square footage and unit count.A below-grade parking garage with 10 spaces is proposed, accessed via a curb cut on the K Street side of the L-shaped site. This results in a parking ratio of 0.45 spaces per unit, which many meeting participants lamented as insufficient. Attorney Morancy acknowledged the attendees frustrations, and noted that the percentages are consistent with the city's housing creation goals and efforts to deter "oversized parking creation."Architect Mark Sullivan detailed the design, noting the site's six-foot elevation drop from East Broadway to K Street, which is utilized for the garage entry. The project aims to improve the public realm by maintaining the wide existing sidewalk on East Broadway and widening the K Street sidewalk from six-and-a-half to twelve feet, with new street tree plantings and required city bike racks. The exterior materials include red iron spot brick on the East Broadway facade, transitioning to fiber cement panels on the K Street side. The residential units include a mix of nine three-bedroom, three two-bedroom (with office space), and nine one-bedroom units (some with office space), with most having exterior balcony space and a common, accessible roof deck proposed for the center of the building mass.The public comment period revealed overwhelming opposition, with residents and neighborhood associations expressing deep dissatisfaction with virtually every aspect of the proposal. Parking inadequacy was a key concern; South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation Executive Director, Donna Brown and resident Eileen Smith argued that 10 spaces for 21 units, equating to roughly 40 bedrooms, is severely insufficient and unacceptable, especially given the potential for conversion to condominiums. Attorney Morancy conceded the parking is not viewed as "desirable in South Boston" but defended the ratio as consistent with city policy.Concerns about the building's design and massing dominated the discussion. Donna Brown called the design & parking "inadequate" and "insulting" to the community, claiming it did not fit the detail of the adjacent buildings. Resident Laura Lee Johnson agreed, stating the building's "solid block" massing and "completely different personality" are destroying the "feel and the history and the culture of South Boston." She criticized the design for lacking any connection to the water, City Point, or the area’s historical nature, arguing that a moratorium and "thoughtful urban planning" is needed for East Broadway. City Point Neighborhood Association (CPNA) - President, Luanne O'Connor stated the building was a "non-starter," opposing the proposed roof deck, side decks, and open windows on the ground floor, which she worried implied another large bar rather than a liquor store.Other issues raised included the proposed four-story height, which resident Eileen Smith felt was too high, and the use of the six required bike racks on the sidewalk, which Luanne O'Connor stated would interfere with the sidewalk and already-difficult double parking necessary for small businesses.The proposal to offer the units as rentals also drew strong criticism. Resident E Rhodes argued that multi-bedroom rental units attract "uninvested" tenants who rent together to afford the space, which is "degrading the neighborhood."The project's overall fit for the neighborhood was questioned, with Donna Brown noting that the number of zoning variances requested is a "strong signal that this product doesn't fit here." She and Luanne O'Connor also raised concerns about Mr. Chan's track record as a developer, citing long-standing issues with his other properties, including an undeveloped site on East Broadway and previous proposals with no parking.Finally, Luanne Oconnor raised alarm about trash management and the potential for a severe increase in rodent activity given the size of the building and number of units, noting that Mr. Chan's other properties have had trash issues. Attorney Morancy stated the residential trash would be handled by the City of Boston, while the commercial trash would be private. O'Connor and other residents urged the proponent team to address all these issues and redesign the proposal to better align with community expectations and the character of East Broadway.For more project proposal information: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/662-666-east-broadwayNote: The project comment period is open, and will end on October 20. To leave a comment: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/662-666-east-broadway (bottom of page) Alternatively, or if you have any questions, you may email Project Manager - Dillon Norris at dillon.noris at boston.gov.South Boston Beat will be providing an update to this article delving into the comparisons of two nearby / abutting properties which have previously been approved by the City. We will take a look at each project's zoning variances and level of support, and opposition from the community and electeds.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Across Boston
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) in zoning across Boston's neighborhoods.
The City of Boston is working to eliminate barriers to building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by updating zoning to make these small homes as-of-right citywide. An ADU is a smaller, independent unit inside your home or in your yard. ADUs can provide accessible, lower-cost housing options for families, young adults, seniors, and more. Whether you’re creating housing for a loved one, renting out for extra income, or downsizing to stay on your property, ADUs create more opportunities for residents.ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT GUIDEBOOK: Link & Download: LinkSection 8 of Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 allows accessory dwelling units — or ADUs — under 900 square feet to be built by-right in single-family zoning districts.
Massachusetts has a new tool available to help meet our growing housing needs. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll are committed to jumpstarting housing production and making it easier for families to find affordable places to live. Thanks to legislation signed by Governor Healey, property owners now have the option to add a new rental apartment in their home or on their property.
