By Michael Coughlin Jr.
At last week’s Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board meeting, a project that would bring a new building and new homeownership units to 141 Addison Street was approved.
The proposed project is to construct a new four-story building containing 20 units, four of which would be inclusionary development policy (IDP) units. Additionally, the proposal includes plans for 14 parking spaces and 20 bike spaces.
It should also be noted that according to Attorney Richard Lynds, the project includes demolishing the existing structure on the site, which is a one-story commercial building.
“This design has been worked through the process with staff here at BPDA to come up with something that reflects not only what’s happening in the surrounding area but certainly the changes that have been happening throughout East Boston, including with the newly adopted PLAN: East Boston rezoning effort,” said Lynds.
Other aspects of the proposal to note are landscaping plans at the rear of the site, public realm improvements at the sidewalk, a common roof deck, and more.
Regarding the unit mix, eight one-bedroom, 10 two-bedroom, and two three-bedroom units are planned. Additionally, Lynds mentioned that the four IDP units—20% of the total—are a voluntary increase in contribution since the project would only require 13% of IDP units.
“We’ve also, at the request of the community and elected officials, reduced the AMI (area median income) as well,” said Lynds.
“While we would be entitled to do half the units at 100% AMI and the other half at 80%—one of the units would be at 60%, two at 80%, and one at 90%—so it’s about an average of 70% AMI.”
After the brief presentation, the board had the opportunity to comment and ask questions. Board Member Kate Bennett praised the additional affordability, and Chair Priscilla Rojas complimented the homeownership aspect.
Following comments from members of the board, the proposal was unanimously approved. For more information about the project, visit https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/141-addison-street.