BPDA Board Unanimously Approves Squares and Streets Zoning Districts for Boston

BOSTON — March 14, 2024 — Boston's BPDA board voted unanimously to advance the Squares and Streets zoning text amendment, adding six new mixed-use districts to the city's zoning code without immediately rezoning any neighborhood. Chairwoman Priscilla Rojas and board members Ms. Bennett, Dr. Ted Landsmark, and Mr. Shepard cast the 4-0 vote after hearing from three city councilors, including at-large Councilor Julia Mejia, who called on the board to "slow it down" and said the process still felt "unbaked," and District 5 Councilor Enrique Peppin, who recommended approval while urging continued community engagement in Roslindale and Hyde Park. Director of Planning Amy Chambers told the board the new S0-through-S5 districts are tools only, with any future neighborhood mapping requiring a separate board vote, a public hearing, and Zoning Commission approval. The same session produced a unanimous vote to authorize a $2,329,000 contract with ACK Marine and General Contracting LLC for a new Pier 10 floating dock and ferry terminal in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park, with a 10 percent contingency bringing the total to $2,561,900, as well as an $11.5 million invitation for bids for South Jetty Bulkhead Rehabilitation at the same park.