New Real Estate Trend: Car-free developments
The proposal for a new development at 1970 Dot. Ave. in the Ashmont neighborhood of Dorchester has it all. 56 residential apartment units, a media room, a gym, plenty of racks for bikes, and roof deck. One thing it doesn’t have is off-street parking. This seems to be a new trend for developments located conveniently near public transportation. In this case, 1970 Dot. Ave is right across the street from Ashmont Station. According to Commonwealth Magazine, this development plan also includes a provision in tenants leases stating they can’t own a car that is parked on the street. How will they enforce that you ask? Well, the building will be registered with the city’s transportation department so no residential parking permits will be issued.
In South Boston, a proposal for a new development with 25 apartments and no parking located in Andrew Square was recently approved by the BPDA. The BPDA also approved another 55 unit building near Broadway Station with no parking spots.
So is this the new trend? According to the article in Commonwealth Magazine, it is. And not just for Boston but it’s a trend nationwide.
So what do you think? Will it help with our city-wide traffic and parking issues? We think it’s a step in the right direction!
The developers of the 1970 Dot. Ave. will also offer discounts on rent if tenants purchase mostly T passes. Well, that’ s an incentive in itself.
Here’s the link to the Commonwealth Magazine article – it’s a good one! Jenn Cartee, executive director of Greater Ashmont Main Street gets a shoutout too!
Image of 21-35 West Second Street- a car-free development.
Their should be a limit on how many parking stickers can be issued per house. some 3 family houses have up to NINE parking stickers..
I’m sure Flaherty and Flynn would be all for it, maybe send them a note.
Could also ask to ban anyone under the age of 30 from moving to the neighborhood as well….and must be of Irish descent. And no more dogs allowed.
How about keeping IDIOTS out also..do you know a good moving company??
I’m sure all these new residents in these building will only be bringing their electric scooters and skateboards. Someone must be lining Walsh’s pockets. Let’s not forget the property at D and Broadway…not sure on how many units but zero parking…
Just one question and it’s a very simple one. Do you honestly believe this is anything but a clever way for a developer to get around the rules? If I was moving in there I could figure a way to get a resident sticker if I wanted to. There will probably (over time…and not too much time) be ‘lease waivers’ and special circumstances which will enable them to wiggle out of this provision, especially after it’s built any nobody’s paying attention anymore. (kinda like the whole developers providing affordable units with their projects). Don’t be fooled – just another slimy way to get around the rules–which we all pay for eventually in the form of too many cars on our streets and all the ill (and sometimes disastrous) effects it has on all of us. #dontdrinkthedevelopercoolaid
This is a good development and overdue. Not everyone needs or wants a vehicle. I know that is hard for some people who rely on a car to believe, but it’s true and the numbers back that up. Let’s create housing for those people, especially where it’s usually less expensive. It’s a win-win. Now, if the City would start charging for residential permits and limiting the number per household, you’d see a real change and more on-street parking available for people that do need a vehicle. People want to blame development but reality is the City does not manage its on-street parking well at all. We are the only major city that gives these permits away for nothing and will give out eight per household – it’s crazy and harmful for everyone.