Boston PIC Approves Street Repairs, Easements Across Six City Neighborhoods

BOSTON -- March 30, 2023, Boston's Public Improvement Commission approved street repairs, pedestrian easements, and infrastructure upgrades across six neighborhoods at its March 30 hearing while continuing two companion items tied to a BPDA recording failure. The commission unanimously passed specific repairs for the 26 Court Street city building renovation, covering sidewalk reconstruction, raised crosswalks, EV charging stations, and groundwater recharge wells, with one member abstaining on each of three related items due to direct project involvement. Jeff Alexis of Public Works secured approval for the 30-series Mattapan residential street program after addressing commission questions on tree caliper size, porous asphalt durability, and River Street crossing enhancements. Watermark Developments earned approval for pedestrian easements and specific repairs tied to three new residential buildings totaling 29 units in Jamaica Plain. Attorney Mark LaCasse told the commission that BPDA staff failed to record a board-ordered taking within the required 30-day window, forcing a continuance of the 595 Albany Street vertical discontinuance and companion repairs petition to April 27. New business presentations by Radu Nunn of Kittleson Associates previewed a 51-speed-hump Roxbury neighborhood slow streets plan, with raised intersections near Harambee Park, set for a public hearing April 13.