BRA to Hold Open House on Washington Street Corridor Plans

The Boston Redevelopment Authority is inviting Jamaica Plain residents to an open house on its plans to enhance the Washington Street corridor.

The gathering will be held Tuesday, July 28, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Brookside Community Health Center on 3297 Washington Street.

At the open house, the BRA plans to conduct a study to create a new layout and plan for the length of Washington Street between Forest Hills at the Casey Overpass and Egleston Square.

The BRA says, “The study area will overlap the two neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain and Roxbury. This initiative creates an opportunity to think strategically about the types of uses, the public realm, and the scale of development that are best suited for the future of the area.”

The goal of the study and planning process is to create new zoning that aligns the wishes of residents in the community with development conditions geared towards enhancing the livability in the area.

The BRA adds, “The study must examine and determine the compatibility of different uses including housing, commercial, and light industrial while studying the impacts of traffic and other forms of mobility in the Jamaica Plain/Roxbury Washington Street Corridor area. Of particular focus is the recent wave of mixed use residential projects making their way to the area, and determining the implications of redevelopment especially areas of opportunity. The study will also assess the visual identity of the area and opportunities to create more consistency and beautification in the public realm from end to end. Property owners, public agencies and other stakeholders should have a clear direction for the future of the area at the completion of the study.”

Residents who attend the open house are encouraged to speak freely regarding ideas for the corridor.

Photo Credit: BRA