Senator Nick Collins has filed some legislation that would require the state Legislature and state inspector general’s office to complete a full review before any housing be built on the old Boston Edison site on Summer Street.
According to the Boston Globe, back in 2014, Massachusetts Port Authority negotiated a deed restriction with the previous own that would prevent residential units from being built on the site.
You see, Massport built a bypass road for trucks to get to Conley Terminal to take the trucks off of East First Street away from the residents of that street. The point of the restriction was to avoid trouble with future development. The new bypass road includes a bridge and is located right next to the property in question.
Basically, Collins’ bill would stop the restriction from being lifted until it’s reviewed by legislative committees and the inspectors general. It would also need to be approved by two-thirds of the legislature.
Recently the Conservation Law Foundation wrote a letter to Massport bring up concerns about the fact Massport would lift the restriction.
Background information:
Redgate Capital Partners have been hoping to get approval from the Boston Planning and Development Agency for the past two years. Back in August, Redgate filed updated plans with the BPDA after listening to concerns from the neighborhood. See latest project summary below:
- 1.93 million square feet of development phased over a 15-year period
- 8 development blocks with building heights that range from 56’ to 210’
- Approximately 1,344 residential units, both for-sale and rent, at various price points
- 368,000 SF of office space and 85,000 SF of neighborhood retail space
- Two hotels with 344 keys in total
- Up to 1,397 parking spaces, and with an opportunity for night, weekend and snow
emergency parking made available to South Boston residents - Adaptive reuse and preservation of the Turbine Halls
New buildings will be LEEDv4 certifiable - Dedicated space for arts and industry uses
- Within walking distance of MBTA buses #5, 7, 9, 10, and 11 and the MBTA Silver Line
So we shall see Southie! To read more details about this new legislation, read the Boston Globe article here.
The demolition should be fast tracked, after that, delay it all you want pols and “abutters”. Just get that eye sore out of the skyline. It’s brutal.