Two upcoming community meetings hosted by Egleston Square Main Streets (ESMS) aim to plan for Washington Street’s future planning and zoning in the face of proposed developments.
Parts of Washington Street between Forest Hills and Egleston Square are currently zoned as “light industrial,” but two proposed developments in the Forest Hills area would create hundreds of new housing units. The meetings would start a conversation about how tall buildings should be, and whether commercial, industrial or residential uses are preferred.
“Industrial zoning may not be adequate to get the kind of development business owners, residents and developers would like to see. That’s why we’re working to put together this vision in a way that city planners and potential future developers can understand what people in the neighborhood will support,” ESMS board member Galen Moore told the Gazette.
According to Moore, ESMS is partnering with the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, Urban Edge, the Parkside Neighborhood Association, the Chilcott-Iffley Neighborhood Association and the Franklin Park Coalition as well as the Community Design Resource Center, an advocacy organization aimed at assisting communities in creating desired spaces and facilities.
The first meeting is scheduled for July 20, 10 a.m., at the Egleston Square Farmers Market, 45 Brookside Ave. The second meeting, a community breakfast, is scheduled for July 27 at 10 a.m. at the Egleston Square YMCA, 3134 Washington St.