Boston City Council Approves Bulfinch Triangle Housing Zoning Change 10-2

BOSTON — January 29, 2025 — Boston City Council advances Bulfinch Triangle housing zoning change and deadlocks on White Stadium. The council voted 10-2 on January 29 to reclassify residential uses in the Bulfinch Triangle District from conditional to allowed under the Boston Zoning Code, a measure sponsored by Councilor Sharon Durkan and co-sponsored by Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata that will now advance to the city's Zoning Commission for review. Durkan, quoting city planning staff, said the change eliminates "a veto point on whether it's housing" in a district where laboratory space is currently favored over residential use. Councilors Edward M. Flynn and Erin J. Murphy voted no, both citing concerns about reduced community input in development decisions. A separate resolution filed by Councilor Julia M. Mejia calling for a pause on White Stadium construction spending until the council receives final transportation, parking, environmental impact, and alternative design plans failed in a 6-6 tie — leaving the administration free to proceed with a project that has already drawn $50 million from the capital budget and is expected to seek another $50 million in the fiscal year 2026 budget, which Mayor Wu must file by April 9. The council also voted 9-2-1 to adopt a resolution urging the Boston Police Department to reinstate Deputy Superintendent Eddie Crispin to its command staff, with Flynn sponsoring and Durkan and John FitzGerald dissenting on precedent grounds.