Public Hearing on BRA Development Policy Scheduled

Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Planning and Labor, will hold the first public hearing on the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) community benefits agreement.

At the request of Councilor Ayanna Pressley, the first hearing will focus on the Inclusionary Development Policy and obligations for developer payments to the affordable housing and jobs trust funds, the current centerpieces of many community benefits agreements.

“Affordable housing is very important to me because it impacts the neighborhoods of Boston and all the residents,” the Councilor said.

“At a time when real estate development is at an all-time high, I look forward to this hearing with Councilor Pressley, representatives from the BRA and the City, as well as members of community groups,” LaMattina said.

The 2000 Executive Order entitled An Order Relative to Affordable Housing Obligations was originally created by the late Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

“This is an initiative that I have been working on for the past several years and was the result of feedback from numerous residents, developers and community organizations across the city,” Councilor Pressley said in a press release.

Strengthening the inclusionary development policy and increasing obligations for affordable housing and jobs trust funds will help Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s goal of 53,000 new housing units by 2030.

            The hearing will be held on Thursday, May 7 at 4pm in the City Council’s Ianella Chambers.