When it comes to development in Jamaica Plain specifically, what are your top three priorities?
Mayoral Candidate Responses
Michael Flaherty
Diverse Development: Residential development should have an affordable housing component to ensure that families of all incomes and backgrounds continue to be welcomed to this neighborhood, while commercial development opportunities should give priority to local businesses. Both strategies will help ensure that the original character and cultural distinctiveness of JP is preserved.
Green Development: We must build sustainable communities that are based on sound environmental principles and utilize green materials. We also need to incorporate “smart growth” practices, i.e., transit-oriented development as a way to reduce traffic congestion and make JP a more accessible and healthier place to live.
Open and Inclusive Development: JP residents must be empowered by the city to advocate for the best interests of their neighborhood. We need to end closed -door discussions, open up the planning process and ensure that community benefits promised are community benefits delivered.
Thomas Menino
I am pleased to see that we’ve made some progress on Jackson Square, with Governor Patrick partnering with the City on the project. We would like to see more interest in productive development in the Forest Hills area, including housing and local shopping opportunities. We also want to keep the small business sector vital, through our Main Streets districts, as many of the jobs in JP are in these enterprises.
At-Large City Council Candidate Responses
Felix Arroyo
As an elected member of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, I have been able to successfully advocate with and on behalf of my neighbors for the construction of affordable housing. We have to ensure that whenever housing is being built that we also build affordable units so that everyone in our city has the opportunity to own a home. When communities are a part of the planning and process, development is beneficial to our neighborhoods. It creates jobs, supports local businesses, and eliminates blight. It is crucial that our neighborhoods and their residents play a role in deciding the future development of our city. I will also make sure that when development occurs, Boston residents are being given the first opportunity to work on the projects, and as someone who believes in the trade union movement, I will insist on union worksites.
John Connolly
My three development priorities for JP have been and will continue to be promoting mixed-use/mixed-income housing, retaining small businesses, and preserving green and open spaces.
During my first term, I have been an active supporter of a number of affordable housing initiatives including Urban Edge’s proposal to redevelop 82 units of housing in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain. I have also supported projects such as the relocation of Bella Luna/Milky Way to the new Amory site because supporting locally-owned small businesses is vital to the stability of the neighborhood. In fact, my office spoke in support of this project at a number of meetings. Finally, I have worked and will continue to work to maintain green and open spaces in JP. We must protect our great jewels, such as Jamaica Pond and Franklin Park, as well as all of our parks, tot lots, and playgrounds from encroachment by overdevelopment. Places to relax and play sustain a livable, healthy and vibrant community.
Tomás Gonzalez
There are three development projects in Jamaica Plain that I believe require additional attention and financial support. They are as follows: Jackson Square, Forest Hills T yard, and Blessed Sacrament.
Tito Jackson
There is a tremendous opportunity to replicate the success of The Brewery project. Converting currently-vacant brewery facilities located across Jamaica Plain into mixed use facilities can improve the quality of life in the neighborhood and strengthen property values.
I would also propose working with neighborhood associations to revive stalled development projects, such as the MBTA-owned property along Washington Street in Forest Hills. This area has the potential to be a small version of Centre Street, with florists, coffee shops and other neighborhood conveniences.
In addition, I would encourage greater transparency and neighborhood input into the Jackson Square project, which has the potential to improve the economy and the quality of life in Jamaica Plain, if resident needs are concerns are adequately addressed.
Andrew Kenneally
First, I would hope to expand the zones currently eligible for micro-loans under the Mayor’s development program within the Jamaica Plain vicinity. Continued capital construction projects that will take currently vacant sites and convert them into either housing or businesses will inject a much-needed economic stimulus into the area. Second, the issue of affordable housing is particularly applicable to JP, where only decades ago low rents attracted many first-time homebuyers and students. Living costs have become prohibitively high, and any development objectives in JP must be driven with a housing component in mind. Third, I would be in favor of a campaign to promote and support the neighborhood’s vibrant fine arts community. We should be encouraging all Bostonians to avail themselves of JP’s exciting jazz clubs and other such entertainment venues
Steve Murphy
One of the rich characteristics of Jamaica Plain is its open space, which must be preserved. I am committed to preserving open space first and foremost. Where development is possible height and density are two areas that are important to me. We have to make certain that we don’t build to high or too much so that we exacerbate our already overwhelmed parking and traffic issues. We need to strive to maintain the quality of life residents enjoy.
Ayanna Pressley
- Support efforts to ensure accessibility to and the development of affordable housing which is are vital to retaining the unique diversity within our neighborhoods.
- Encourage development that embodies the principles of smart growth: mixed use, a range of income and affordability levels, proximity to public transit, and the incorporation of green space into development plans.
- Work to enhance and grow opportunities for small businesses, particularly women- and minority-owned small businesses, through projects like Main Street, strengthening the vitality of Jamaica Plain.
