Boston Council Panel Advances Three Mayoral Appointments to Planning and Zoning Boards

BOSTON — August 31, 2023 — Boston's planning and zoning oversight boards move toward full confirmation of three mayoral nominees. The City Council's Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation, chaired by District 3 Councilor Frank Baker and joined by Councilors Edward M. Flynn and Sharon Durkan, reviewed appointments of Raheem Shepherd to the Boston Redevelopment Authority and EDIC boards (term expiring August 15, 2028), Priscilla Gonzalez Rojas for reappointment as BRA and EDIC board chair (term expiring September 17, 2026), and Alaa Mukahal to the Zoning Board of Appeals (term expiring May 1, 2024). BPDA Executive Director Teresa Polhemus corrected docket language on the record, clarifying that Shepherd and Rojas are appointed to the BRA and EDIC — not a generic "planning and development board" as the original orders stated. Board positions on the BPDA and EDIC carry an annual stipend of approximately $10,000. Baker said he would report all three dockets out favorably at the committee's next meeting.