By Michael Coughlin Jr.
A project that would bring a new building and several units to 3458 Washington Street was approved by the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board at a meeting last week.
The proposal includes the construction of a five-story building containing 36 units, eight of which are income-restricted at 30% to 70% area median income (AMI).
Additionally, the project is slated to contain around 800 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and seven parking spaces, one of which will be dedicated to a shared electric vehicle for building residents.
During last week’s Board meeting, Jason McDonald, a Planner on the Planning Review team, outlined how the project aligns with the zoning in the area.
McDonald indicated that the project was designed to align with PLAN: JP/ROX; however, he did note that the plan had not been codified into zoning.
“Although the plan was not codified in zoning, it provides use, dimensional, and design guidance for the proposed site and the local industrial zoning subdistrict,” he said.
Regarding use, residential uses are forbidden in the local industrial zoning subdistrict — the zoning subdistrict where the site is located. However, McDonald stated that the use was consistent with what is recommended in PLAN: JP/ROX.
As for affordability, McDonald indicated the proposed eight income-restricted units align with the plan’s recommendations and surpass the old inclusionary development policy (IDP) requirements.
Regarding dimensions, the project exceeds the height and floor area ratio (FAR) maximums under current zoning and complies with the yard and open space requirements. However, McDonald mentioned the dimensions are consistent with PLAN: JP/ROX.
In terms of other aspects of the project, McDonald said, “The project will widen the sidewalks along Kenton [Road] and Washington [Street] pending public improvement commission review, construct a raised crosswalk across Kenton, and close curb cuts along Washington.”
Later, Philip Sima, the project architect, outlined plans, elevations, renderings, a shadow study, and more. He also spoke about other aspects of the proposal, such as plans to introduce new street trees in the area.
Following Sima’s presentation, City Councilor Ben Weber expressed his support for the project. He cited the developer’s work with abutters who are now supporting the proposal, the number of income-restricted units, and the alignment with PLAN: JP/ROX as reasons for his support.
After a few BPDA Board Members commented, complimenting the developer and the project, the proposal was unanimously approved.
To view a recording of the presentation to the BPDA Board and the decision, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-N8s3lYOvY and skip to 1:24:30.