The Dorchester Reporter reports that on Thursday, the Boston Planning and Development Agency unanimously approved the plans to convert 900 Morrissey Blvd. into residences for the formerly homeless. There will be on-site support staff and round-the-clock security.
This project has not been without controversy. Many residents, neighborhood and civic associations have voiced opposition to the project, in addition to many local elected officials.
Despite the opposition, the Reporter reports that BPDA board member Ted Landsmark stated that even though there was vocal opposition, there was also community support.
You can read more about it here.
The ZBA will have to approve this project next.
About the project:
In an effort to grow its housing programs, Pine Street Inn would like to convert the Comfort Inn hotel on Morrissey Blvd. into a supportive residence for formerly homeless people.
Pine Street is partnering with the national, nonprofit developer The Community Builders Inc., (TCB) which will purchase the property and oversee its renovation.
The plan is to create 99 units into single-occupancy apartments at the former Comfort Inn. TCB will have ownership of the property while Pine Street will oversee support services like housing people, helping them find a job, and arranging home health aides.
The project is currently in an exploratory phase. If the building passes city code inspections, TCB hopes to purchase the property next summer with the goal of tenants moving in by 2024.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
If all Pine street inn had done was promise not to rent to sex offenders I would have supported this. They only want to rent to people who have the biggest section 8 coupon. It’s a cash grab by Pine street, I don’t understand why no sex offenders is off the table when the is right across the street from an elementary school? Being a sex offender is not a protected class. It’s amazing how fast this development moved through the BPDA when bay city has sat stagnant for years, that would help the middle class by providing much needed supply to our housing stock. Wu is dividing this city.