To the Editor,
The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council would like to publicly state its objection to the lawsuit filed by Monty Gold against Pine Street Inn and The Community Builders for their proposed development at 3368 Washington Street.
In the midst of a pandemic, an economic depression, and an impending eviction crisis, this project will bring critically needed resources to JP and this lawsuit only delays the access to those services.
The JPNC would like to highlight:
• This project will be 100% affordable and will serve populations in particular need: low- and moderate-income families and formerly homeless individuals. The development will include 62 affordable family size units and 140 supportive housing units that provide on-site health, counseling, and other services. Supportive housing is a proven approach to helping our unhoused neighbors get back on their feet.
• The project is a model of transit-oriented development. The building is located two blocks from the Green Street MBTA station and provides covered bicycle parking. The majority of the building residents will not own cars.
• The project will provide jobs to local residents. The development will adhere to Boston Resident Jobs Policy, or exceed its requirements.
Equally important, The Community Builders and Pine Street Inn held an extensive, two-year community process and were quite responsive to feedback, including reducing the building height by one full story due to community concerns.
We hope that Mr. Gold will withdraw the lawsuit so that this desperately needed housing can be built as soon as possible. In a pandemic and an economic crisis that has devastated communities of color and working-class communities in particular, this project can offer hope and home for our neighbors.
Sincerely,
Kevin Rainsford, Chair
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council