South Boston - Abutter - BPDA - ZBA Events

STREET SWEEPING STARTS APRIL 1ST 🔔Please be aware of signage and note that ticketing and towing will ensue this year. If you need to double park, please stay with your vehicle, unattended vehicles will be subject to enforcement. More info HERE

ABUTTERS MEETINGS


Please note that abutter's meeting information can also be found here
To request a copy of plans or ISD letter for the proposals below, please email: sigurgeir.jonson@boston.gov


670 E BroadwayProposal: Confirm occupancy as a barber shop and change to yoga and fitness. Interior renovation of an existing 1,400 SF barber shop into a yoga and fitness studio.Date & Time: Tues, October 13â‹…6:00pmJoin Zoom Meeting: LinkPhone one-tap:
+16692545252,,1659448715# US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 165 944 8715


156 E StreetProposal: Renovation to an existing 2-story single family home to 4-story with a deck on the fourth floor.Date & Time: Wed, October 14â‹…6:00pmJoin Zoom Meeting: LinkPhone one-tap:
+16692545252,,1657600061# US (San Jose)
Webinar ID: 165 760 0061



PLNG DEPT. / SO BOSTON PROJECTS

Reserved Channel Development / 300 West First Street (Oct 13, 6 - 8 pm, virtual public mtg) Link350 W Fourth Street130 Dorchester Street320 Summer Street
Virtual Public Meeting 4/29/2026 & Meeting Link
69 A Street350 West Fourth Street : Virtual Public Meeting 5/6/2026 & Meeting Link662-666 E BroadwayGillette Redevelopment / Gillette Hosted Informational Page371-401 D Street662-666 E Broadway43 Preble Street19-21 W Third Street391 D Street460 W Broadway75-77 Dorchester Street35-75 Morrissey Boulevard
Planning Dept. Project Page - Planning Dept. PDA Master Plan
Old Edison Plant - 776 Summer Street - Phase 2May 5th 6pm Virtual Public Mtg259-267 Summer Street22 Drydock Ave181 West First Street736-742 East Broadway Street49-51 D Street243-245 Dorchester Street Project Withdrawn by Applicant295 West First Street43 Preble Street147 West Fourth Street6 Elkins Street99 A Street246-248 Dorchester AvenueChannel Center / 7 Channel Center StreetSouth Boston Innovation Campus / 2 Harbor StreetReserved Channel Dev. / 300 West First Street150 Pier 4 Blvd

BOSTON PLANNING DEPT. EVENTS


City of Boston Planning Department Calendar


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STAY IN TOUCH WITH ALL THE DEVELOPMENT NEWSStay in the loop with the future of your neighborhood by subscribing to the City of Boston Planning Department email list, and regularly visiting their official website at BostonPlans.orgFollowing them on Facebook is equally essential for real-time updates on the projects that shape our daily lives.For the South Boston community, staying informed about development news is vital because the neighborhood is at the heart of a transformative boom that impacts everything from housing affordability and small business vitality to climate resilience.As South Boston navigates rapid growth in the Seaport and essential transit-oriented projects along the Dorchester Avenue corridor, your participation ensures that community voices guide the balance between preserving the historic character of "Southie" and embracing modern, sustainable urban design.By staying connected, you gain a seat at the table for decisions on public open spaces, zoning reforms, and infrastructure improvements that directly determine the quality of life for all residents.


ZBA & Zoning Comm. Events


To participate in hearings, please monitor this page: LinkReview Boston Planning Department recommendations to the ZBA in advance of hearings herePlease note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.


350 Athens ST South Boston 02127Appeal Type ZoningHearing Date 10/6/26Project Description: A new construction, six (6) unit residential condominium building w/elevator, including: • Residential lobby • Bicycle parking and mechanical space • Ground-floor parking garage for six (6) vehicles • Dedicated private outdoor deck space for each condominium unit.


567 E Sixth ST South Boston 02127Appeal Type ZoningHearing Date 11/10/26Project Description: Updated scope of work by applicant 3.3.26: "Demolish existing 1-story garage on separate permit and erect a new 3-story, 5-unit residential building w/balconies and off-street parking as per plans submitted."10/27/25 scope of work redacted after zoning refusal decision: "demolish existing 1-story garage on separate permit and erect a new 4-story, 6-unit residential building w/balconies and off-street parking as per plans submitted."



City of Boston Planning Department Research Division

City of Boston Planning Department Research Division conducts research on Boston's economy, population, and commercial markets for all divisions of the Planning Department and the City of Boston.Research Publications: Copies of our reports and presentations.
My Demographic Viewer: GIS/Research tool to show Research Division's 2024 population estimates citywide and by tracts and neighborhoods
Economic Indicators Dashboard: GIS/Research dashboard of economic indicators for the city and each commercial hub.
Exploring Neighborhood Change: Research tool to show demographic and economic data citywide and by tracts and neighborhoods from in historical context from 1950 to 2024
Employment Map: Interactive map of payroll jobs in Boston by industry with MBTA line overlay
Mapping Diversity in Boston: Interactive map to explore different conceptions of diversity in Boston by tract and neighborhood


BOSTON LICENSING BOARD

To track and participate in Boston Licensing hearings, please monitor this page


COB STREET / SIDEWALK WORK

Active South Boston construction locations here pg. 16
Active street / sidewalk work locations here Page #14
Resurfacing webpage can be found [here]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AZgSkeVHEr0D3UWfoAmf4QWqgyGqhXE2/view?usp=sharing()
Sidewalk repair program webpage can be found here
Speed hump webpage can be found here
State of good repair here
South Boston Sewer Separation Project here
Eversource Andrew Sq to Dewar St Project here
Eversource K St Substation (385) updates here
Congress St / Sleeper St / A Street Reconstruction here
Andrew Square Safety Project here
Moakley Park Redesign here


COB Projects & Expansions

South Boston Transportation Action Plan (Draft) here
Bike Share Expansion here
Curbside EV Charging here

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DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL SPARKS CONTROVERSY AT 662-666 EAST BROADWAY PUBLIC MEETING

The Boston Planning Department hosted a virtual public meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025, to discuss the Small Project Review Application (SPRA) for a proposed development at 662-666 East Broadway in South Boston. The meeting, facilitated by Planning Department Project Manager Dylan Norris, featured a presentation by the proponent team followed by robust questions and comments from a highly critical public.The proposal, presented by zoning attorney George Morancy, and architect Mark Sullivan of Choo & Company on behalf of owner Sing Ming Chan, involves combining several parcels, including Mr. Chan's existing liquor store location and adjacent residential buildings, to form a new lot of approximately 10,843 square feet. The plan calls for the demolition of the four existing buildings and the erection of a new four-story mixed-use building.The new structure is designed to contain one large ground-floor commercial unit of just over 4,000 square feet, which would house Mr. Chan's liquor store after a temporary relocation, and 21 residential rental units on floors two through four. Morancy noted that the units are currently programmed as rentals due to economic conditions but could potentially be converted to condominiums in the future. The project includes four inclusionary zoning affordable units, meeting the required 17% residential square footage and unit count.A below-grade parking garage with 10 spaces is proposed, accessed via a curb cut on the K Street side of the L-shaped site. This results in a parking ratio of 0.45 spaces per unit, which many meeting participants lamented as insufficient. Attorney Morancy acknowledged the attendees frustrations, and noted that the percentages are consistent with the city's housing creation goals and efforts to deter "oversized parking creation."Architect Mark Sullivan detailed the design, noting the site's six-foot elevation drop from East Broadway to K Street, which is utilized for the garage entry. The project aims to improve the public realm by maintaining the wide existing sidewalk on East Broadway and widening the K Street sidewalk from six-and-a-half to twelve feet, with new street tree plantings and required city bike racks. The exterior materials include red iron spot brick on the East Broadway facade, transitioning to fiber cement panels on the K Street side. The residential units include a mix of nine three-bedroom, three two-bedroom (with office space), and nine one-bedroom units (some with office space), with most having exterior balcony space and a common, accessible roof deck proposed for the center of the building mass.The public comment period revealed overwhelming opposition, with residents and neighborhood associations expressing deep dissatisfaction with virtually every aspect of the proposal. Parking inadequacy was a key concern; South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation Executive Director, Donna Brown and resident Eileen Smith argued that 10 spaces for 21 units, equating to roughly 40 bedrooms, is severely insufficient and unacceptable, especially given the potential for conversion to condominiums. Attorney Morancy conceded the parking is not viewed as "desirable in South Boston" but defended the ratio as consistent with city policy.Concerns about the building's design and massing dominated the discussion. Donna Brown called the design & parking "inadequate" and "insulting" to the community, claiming it did not fit the detail of the adjacent buildings. Resident Laura Lee Johnson agreed, stating the building's "solid block" massing and "completely different personality" are destroying the "feel and the history and the culture of South Boston." She criticized the design for lacking any connection to the water, City Point, or the area’s historical nature, arguing that a moratorium and "thoughtful urban planning" is needed for East Broadway. City Point Neighborhood Association (CPNA) - President, Luanne O'Connor stated the building was a "non-starter," opposing the proposed roof deck, side decks, and open windows on the ground floor, which she worried implied another large bar rather than a liquor store.Other issues raised included the proposed four-story height, which resident Eileen Smith felt was too high, and the use of the six required bike racks on the sidewalk, which Luanne O'Connor stated would interfere with the sidewalk and already-difficult double parking necessary for small businesses.The proposal to offer the units as rentals also drew strong criticism. Resident E Rhodes argued that multi-bedroom rental units attract "uninvested" tenants who rent together to afford the space, which is "degrading the neighborhood."The project's overall fit for the neighborhood was questioned, with Donna Brown noting that the number of zoning variances requested is a "strong signal that this product doesn't fit here." She and Luanne O'Connor also raised concerns about Mr. Chan's track record as a developer, citing long-standing issues with his other properties, including an undeveloped site on East Broadway and previous proposals with no parking.Finally, Luanne Oconnor raised alarm about trash management and the potential for a severe increase in rodent activity given the size of the building and number of units, noting that Mr. Chan's other properties have had trash issues. Attorney Morancy stated the residential trash would be handled by the City of Boston, while the commercial trash would be private. O'Connor and other residents urged the proponent team to address all these issues and redesign the proposal to better align with community expectations and the character of East Broadway.For more project proposal information: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/662-666-east-broadwayNote: The project comment period is open, and will end on October 20. To leave a comment: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/662-666-east-broadway (bottom of page) Alternatively, or if you have any questions, you may email Project Manager - Dillon Norris at dillon.noris at boston.gov.South Boston Beat will be providing an update to this article delving into the comparisons of two nearby / abutting properties which have previously been approved by the City. We will take a look at each project's zoning variances and level of support, and opposition from the community and electeds.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Across Boston

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) in zoning across Boston's neighborhoods.
The City of Boston is working to eliminate barriers to building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by updating zoning to make these small homes as-of-right citywide. An ADU is a smaller, independent unit inside your home or in your yard. ADUs can provide accessible, lower-cost housing options for families, young adults, seniors, and more. Whether you’re creating housing for a loved one, renting out for extra income, or downsizing to stay on your property, ADUs create more opportunities for residents.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT GUIDEBOOK: Link & Download: LinkSection 8 of Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 allows accessory dwelling units — or ADUs — under 900 square feet to be built by-right in single-family zoning districts.
Massachusetts has a new tool available to help meet our growing housing needs. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll are committed to jumpstarting housing production and making it easier for families to find affordable places to live. Thanks to legislation signed by Governor Healey, property owners now have the option to add a new rental apartment in their home or on their property.

The Planning Department hosted a Public Meeting for the 181 West First Street project located in South Boston last night (10/29/2024). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Large Project Notice of Project Change (NPC) proposal. The meeting included a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public.Project Description
The NPC Project calls for the development of 149 residential units and garage parking for 103 spaces within the building. The existing two-story warehouse building will be demolished to make space for the new four (4) story building along West Second Street and a six (6) story building along West First Street, and the Project Site will be subject to any necessary remediation.
Project webpage: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/181-185-west-first-street-184-190-206-west-se
You may submit your comments (at bottom of page) until November 15 2024


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The City of Boston Planning Department recently held two virtual public meetings (October 23 & 26, 2024) regarding the modernization of the Article 80 Development Review Process. Much public / community feedback was given.Have your voice heard, and be a part of shaping the development review process that shapes the City.
You can share your feedback by completing this Survey (Deadline: December 15, 2024 )
Share your comments by adding them in the comment box at the bottom of this Page
Or you can email your feedback: article80modernization@boston.gov
Article 80 Action Plan Release
Article 80 Action Plan Review

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246-248 Dorchester Avenue
Project Page: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/246-248-dorchester-avenue - Comment & Feedback at bottom of page.
Notice of Project Change Document: https://bpda.app.box.com/s/h4z1fqnsd2ks1th48bxka93cfcbthyct
Contact: Dylan Norris - dylan.norris@boston.gov

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Morrissey Boulevard Commission Meeting #6

SOUTH BOSTON TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN

The event recording can be viewed on YouTube Channel - South Boston Beat: https://youtu.be/A_vgvoYvT5YInformation: https://www.bostonplans.org/planning/planning-initiatives/south-boston-transportation-action-plan
The SBTAP project team invites public comments and questions regarding the Draft Recommendations Report here: https://www.bostonplans.org/planning-zoning/planning-initiatives/south-boston-transportation-action-plan (bottom of page) Please feel free to email comments to southbostontap@boston.gov

ZONING COMMISSION HEARING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 9:00 AMMARY ELLEN MCCORMACK PHASE I REDEVELOPMENT Map Amendment Application No. 770 Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 147 Map 4, South Boston

Zoning Commission Unanimously APPROVED


BPDA Board Approved 12/14/2023: Notice of Project Change at 270 Dorchester Avenue to change from condominiums to rental units.
https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/270-dorchester-avenue


BPDA Approves 495 Dorchester Ave. (On The Dot) Phase 1a 1/18/2024Project Page: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/495-dorchester-avenue


Community Meetings

The event recording can be viewed at YouTube - 'South Boston Beat' https://youtube.com/live/iaVZgTxC-tI