City officials in Roslindale Square approved a groundbreaking plan on Thursday that promises to address the housing crisis and breathe new life into the neighborhood’s core. This move marks a significant milestone as part of the Squares + Streets initiative, a citywide effort aimed at enhancing neighborhood centers with robust transportation, cultural, and commercial amenities.
Community advocates, including WalkUP Roslindale President Ben Bruno, have hailed the plan as “long-overdue” and a crucial step towards unlocking the full potential of Roslindale. According to Bruno, the plan presents an exciting vision for public investment and housing development that will reshape the neighborhood center for the better.
What Does the Plan Entail?
The Squares + Streets initiative, spearheaded by Boston’s Planning Department, focuses on expanding housing options in neighborhood centers like Roslindale Square. The approved plan for Roslindale includes provisions for creating mixed-income housing, repurposing historical buildings for modern needs, improving pedestrian infrastructure, and introducing new public art initiatives to enliven public spaces.
Brendan Fogarty, the interim executive director of Roslindale Village Main Street, believes that the plan’s emphasis on mixed-income housing, multi-modal transportation, and quality public spaces sets the stage for long-term neighborhood success. The plan will also necessitate updated zoning regulations, which were released on Friday, to govern the physical dimensions and land usage in future developments. Similar zoning changes are under consideration for sixteen other areas in the city, including Allston Village, Brighton Center, and West Roxbury Centre.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
Amidst a statewide housing crisis, community leaders like Ben Bruno are hopeful that the plan for Roslindale will make housing more affordable and accessible to residents. The recent report from the Healey-Driscoll Administration underscores the urgent need for Massachusetts to construct at least 222,000 housing units over the next decade to combat the housing shortage.
Andrew Murray, founder of Rozzidents for More Rozzidents, stresses the importance of expanding housing options to prevent displacement of lower-income residents. Murray highlights the ripple effects of increased housing, such as boosting foot traffic for local retail stores and creating vibrant community spaces. With more people using public transportation and frequenting local businesses, there is a potential economic boon for Roslindale Square.
In a bid to address the housing shortage, the Boston Planning and Development Agency board approved five new development projects on Thursday that will introduce 226 residential units, including 91 units designated for income-restricted housing.
Lindsay Shachnow, a seasoned journalist covering general assignment news for Boston.com, brings to light the pressing issues of housing, crime, and politics across New England. Stay informed with the Today newsletter for the latest updates delivered directly to your inbox each morning.
