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A Waterfront Regulatory Primer

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  • Waterfront has always been planned as a place for low-rise, low-density development.
  • Development is governed by state law (Chapter 91/Municipal Harbor Plan) and municipal zoning (Harborpark District).
  • Current height limit is 155’ and Floor Area Ratio (density) is 4.0.
  • 50% open space (open to the sky) is required.
  • Urban Renewal Plan envisioned both residential and commercial uses.

Density now on the Waterfront:

As you can see in the white dots, most development along the waters edge has a density below 10.   Those that are above that number do not have height.   Some of the developments being considered by the BRA today are nearly 2 times the average density along the waterfront today.

Also, when looking at development of other cities in the country, you can see by the comparisons below, most have substantially more distance between the water and their buildings:

Density

As you can see in the white dots, most development along the waters edge has a density below 10.   Those that are above that number do not have height.   Some of the developments being considered by the BRA today are nearly 2 times the average density along the waterfront today.

Also, when looking at development of other cities in the country, you can see by the comparisons below, most have substantially more distance between the water and their buildings:

Screenshot_2_18_15_9_43_PM

Recent Posts

  • This Boston Globe article explains the MHP proposals that Governor Baker is considering. Is “pretty good” good enough? PreserveBostonsWaterfront.org doesn’t think so!        
  • Seaport District development: Mapping the biggest projects in the busy Boston enclave — including a giant hotel
  • We Are Boston’s Waterfront Discusses Future Planning, What We Can Do Now
  • It’s not your imagination. Your Boston commute is getting worse.

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Latest News

  • This Boston Globe article explains the MHP proposals that Governor Baker is considering. Is “pretty good” good enough? PreserveBostonsWaterfront.org doesn’t think so!        March 27, 2018 - 7:38 pm
  • Seaport District development: Mapping the biggest projects in the busy Boston enclave — including a giant hotelMarch 28, 2018 - 3:01 pm
  • We Are Boston’s Waterfront Discusses Future Planning, What We Can Do NowMarch 28, 2018 - 2:55 pm
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