BPDA Board Adopts Net Zero Carbon Zoning, Clears Forbes Building Affordable Renovation

BOSTON -- June 13, 2024, Boston's BPDA board unanimously adopted net zero carbon zoning and cleared a sweeping agenda that included the preservation of 147 affordable units in Jamaica Plain, at a dual-session meeting June 13. The board voted to petition the Zoning Commission to amend Articles 37, 80, and 2 of the Zoning Code, requiring new project filings on or after July 1, 2025 to demonstrate net zero building emissions, accelerating the city's existing BERDO timeline for new construction by 25 years; buildings account for nearly 70 percent of Boston's community carbon emissions. Chair Priscilla Rojas presided over more than 20 additional unanimous votes, including a $1,388,000 roof restoration contract at 12 Channel Street, a $1 million Charlestown Navy Yard coastal resilience study contract with Arcadis U.S. Incorporated, and a $4,799,564 masonry repair contract at the historic China Trade Center. The board approved scoping determinations for a 318-unit Allston residential project with 54 on-site affordable units at 22-24 Pratt Street and voted 5-0 to table a contested 21-unit condominium proposal at 1905-1911 Center Street in West Roxbury after City Councilor Jon Weber cited transparency concerns and disputed zoning measurements. New board member Matt O'Malley, appointed by Governor Maura Healey, cast his first votes at the meeting.