Boston Looks to Enhance Jamaica Plain Through Transit-Oriented Development

The Boston Redevelopment Authority will begun planning studies of the transit-oriented corridor on Jamaica Plain’s Washington Street and Columbus Avenue. The studies will engage residents with the goal of preserving, enhancing, and growing neighborhood assets.

Given its proximity to major public transit stops, the Washington Street corridor is seen as a prime location to support new middle-income housing, according to Mayor Marty Walsh’s administration. 

“It’s clear that developers have taken a serious interest in both of these areas, and we should use that as an opportunity to put together a comprehensive vision to guide development in the future,” said Mayor Walsh. “We have an undeniable need for more affordable housing in the City of Boston. We know these areas have the potential to accommodate new housing, but we want to work with residents to see what else we can do to strengthen their neighborhoods.”

“Transit-oriented developments are growing in popularity because they provide conveniences that aren’t possible when one has to rely on a car to get around,” BRA Director Brian Golden observed. “We’ll use the Orange Line in JP and Roxbury and the Red Line in South Boston to our advantage as we study the untapped potential of these areas. Great things already exist in both places. The question now is, how can we all work together to preserve, enhance, and grow those unique assets?”

The study in Jamaica Plain will focus on a stretch that spans Washington Street and Columbus Avenue which runs between the MBTA’s Forest Hills and Jackson Square stations on the Orange Line.

The BRA’s planning effort will directly involve the residents living the area. In working with the community, the BRA plans to present recommendations for updated zoning, public realm enhancements, traffic mitigation, and economic development opportunities.

Community meetings are expected to begin in late July.