S. HUNTINGTON AVE.—The giant apartment project proposed for the Home for Little Wanderers site will be reviewed by an advisory group being formed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA).
Boston Residential Group is proposing to demolish the existing buildings at the Home site at 161 S. Huntington Ave. and erecting a new building with 190 to 200 rental units. The project will need approvals by several City agencies, including the Boston Zoning Commission, the Boston Parks Commission and the Boston Landmarks Commission. The BRA will review the project and hold at least one community meeting.
As part of its review, the BRA is forming an Impact Advisory Group (IAG) of local residents and officials. The IAG can suggest mitigations for any perceived negative impacts, including in building design and traffic congestion. Mitigation also can mean a contribution of money a developer makes to the City or to local organizations.
IAG members are nominated by elected officials and community groups. The IAG for 161 S. Huntington had not yet been formally approved as of late last week. But, according to the BRA, the nominated members are: Dave Baron, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC); Red Burrows, JPNC; Jennifer Flaata, Goddard House; Pat Flaherty, Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services; Kay Gallagher, Back of the Hill Community Development Corporation; Kevin Moloney, Jamaica Pond Association (JPA); Michael Reiskind, various community groups; John Papson, JPA; Joe Silva, MSPCA; Merlin Southwick, Mount Pleasant Home; and Patrick Stapleton, Sherrill House.
Boston Residential Group has not yet filed a formal plan for the project with the BRA. The review process will begin when that happens.