By Phil Orlandella
A six-year extension for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) Urban Renewal plan proposed by Mayor Martin J. Walsh has been approved by the Boston City Council.
Originally, the Mayor’s proposal was for a ten- year extension which was opposed by several community groups that didn’t want any extension to the BRA or to reduce the number to two or three years.
Both the North End/Waterfront Residents Association (NEWRA) and other neighborhood groups mounted an unsuccessful letter writing campaign to stop any extension, but the Council did lower the time frame to lesser years.
Another Council vote for an extension will take place in six-years.
NEWRA’s main objection appeared to be that any extension of the urban renewal zone means residents would lose the right to appeal BRA zoning decisions in places like Lewis Wharf, Sergeant Wharf and the Fulton Street parking lot all currently targeted for development.
The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Association (NEWNC) did not express any opinion on the subject.