The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) has embarked upon an intensive development plan for the JP/Rox study area. While there is much to applaud, there are also serious concerns. The plan’s first physical proposals were unveiled at a March 5th meeting at the Bromley-Heath housing development, and the results are more ambitious than anticipated.
The plan proposes an increase in the number of households in the study area from 2,505 to 7,000 over the next 15 years. While the city overall is looking for 20 percent growth, the increase in the JP/Rox area is 180 percent.
The BRA plan does not address infrastructure or utilities. Traffic, public transit, water and sewer, electric, internet and other services need to be improved prior to development for this plan to be viable.
In addition, the proposal puts forth an affordability program that doesn’t scratch the surface of the community needs, and relies heavily on non-profit groups and limited public funds.
Please take the time to review this plan on the BRA JP/Rox website (bit.ly/1UCNhkx). Whether you agree with the plan or share my concerns about overcrowding, there are plenty of unanswered questions that deserve community input.
Dan Thomas
Jamaica Plain