BPDA Board of Directors - 2026-03-19

Approved scoping determination waiving further review for conversion of 11-story office building (Old South Building, constructed 1902-1904) into 255 residential rental units with 52 affordable units (20% of total). Project by 249 Washington Street Owner LLC includes 22 compact studios, 105 studios, 19 compact one-bedrooms, and 32 two-bedrooms. Approved PILOT agreement providing average 75% tax abatement for 29 years.

Authorized scheduling public hearing for 04/16/2026 at 05:30PM for Longwood Place Phase One project in Longwood Medical Area as a development impact project. Board member Landsmark recused himself from this vote.

Authorized scheduling public hearing for 04/16/2026 at 05:40PM to consider first amendment of 2025-2035 institutional master plan for Harvard University's campus in Allston.

Approved lease amendment with Urban College of Boston for 15,092 square feet at 2 Boylston Street (China Trade Center) in Chinatown. Reduced rental rate from $29-31/sf to $21/sf with 3% annual escalations. Term extended from 09/01/2026 through 08/31/2032 with one additional five-year renewal option. Total projected rent approximately $2,150,000.

Authorized contract with Excel for $484,029 over 2.25 years to provide training and case management for commercial driver's license training program as part of NOAA Climate Ready Workforce Grant ($9.8 million total grant).

Authorized contract with New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Mass Inc for $627,949 over 2.25 years to deliver CDL Class B license theory and behind-the-wheel training as part of NOAA Climate Ready Workforce Grant.

Authorized license agreement with National Park Service for temporary use of approximately 40,000 square feet at former Building 108 parcel and 18,000 square feet surrounding land in Charlestown Navy Yard historic monument area. Term from 04/01/2026 through 05/31/2028 to support renovation of adjacent Building 107.

Authorized amendment to ground lease with Crosstown Center Hotel LLC to allow refinancing of 175-room hotel and 650-space parking garage. Original lease from 2002 expires 2067. Developer facing loan maturity in first week of April 2026.

Authorized 90-day extension of contract with Maltby and Company Incorporated for arborist services on BRA-owned property citywide from 02/17/2026 through 05/18/2026. Total contract amount not to exceed $120,000 within previously approved $360,000 authorization.

Authorized contract with Northeast Weather Services for landscaping and maintenance services at Central and Long Wharf areas. Contract not to exceed $450,000 for initial three-year term ($128,725 annually) with two one-year renewal options. Nine bids received; Northeast Weather Services was lowest responsible bidder.

Authorized $25,000 amendment to existing contract with M Nevis Incorporated for snow removal and site maintenance services on BRA-owned properties, bringing total contract value to $175,000.

Authorized petition to Boston Zoning Commission to adopt text amendment resolving six language and clerical errors across five articles of Boston Zoning Code, including removing obsolete Midtown Cultural District references and correcting Article 53 Table G terminology.

Authorized director to sign municipal planning board notification form for Seaport G Title Holder LLC (WS Development) Chapter 91 license application. Last Seaport Square parcel requiring Chapter 91 approvals.

Approved second amendment to Olmstead Village Smart Growth Development Plan in Mattapan to correct developable acreage from 7.25 to 6.44 acres and corresponding density from 40 to 45 units per acre. No changes to physical project or approved units.

Approved third notice of project change for 69 A Street in South Boston to convert floors 2-4 from approved office/lab use to 24 residential rental units with 17 parking spaces. Ground floor fitness center and 5th floor office space retained. Supported by Councilor Flynn.