161 S. Huntington project up for BRA vote

The controversial luxury apartment project proposed for 161 S. Huntington Ave. will be heard and voted on by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) board Thurs., Sept. 13. It has a high likelihood of being approved, as BRA staff only submits projects to the board when it considers the plans ready for approval.

The developer, Boston Residential Group, plans to create 196 units consisting of studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units in a four- to five-story building on the current site of the Home for Little Wanderers.

Many Jamaica Plain residents have raised concerns over rental prices—expected to range from $1,900 to $4,000—the small size of the proposed units; its “ugly” facade; the number of units; expected low percentage of affordable units; the proposed removal of 53 mature trees; and failure to restore or adapt the historic 1914 building.

The plans were submitted in March and have already undergone one round of alterations, following strong community opposition.

The BRA meeting is open to the public and will take place in City Hall at 5:30 p.m.

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