Build Together

After years of effort on the part of many members of our community, we are sorry to report that the efforts to appeal the BPDA’s approval of a big-block apartment building at 150 Centre Street were unsuccessful.

Build Together has always believed that this is an excellent location for housing, and we are eager to welcome more residents to the neighborhood. Our concerns about traffic, noise pollution, and environmental impact to the area, particularly to the students and families at Epiphany School, were never voiced to the BPDA or the ZBA.

Many have asked for updates and clarifications about the legal proceedings. The BPDA’s published announcement of the project hearing stated that aggrieved parties could appeal within 60 days — the appeals were filed on day 52. Much later, the city declared that this published notice erred, and that the deadline was 30 days, thus disallowing the appeals. As the attorneys were crafting a response, they learned that the developers and city had requested a surety bond, with one million dollar collateral, which would be surrendered if any part of the appeal was lost. After many long and sad discussions, the decision was made to end the legal fight; the risk of losing homes outweighed the desire to preserve trees, sunlight, and fresh air. The cost has been high, in time and money.

We are disappointed and saddened that our concerns have never been heard and that the system stifles neighborhood voices in favor of deep-pocketed developers. Housing is a critical societal need — as are education and clean air. Boston should listen to its residents, as they are most informed and passionate about building a better city. 

Our community believes that Boston needs housing critically, especially for families, and that green space and a healthy enviroment are important for all neighborhoods. We also believe that that education is a right, and that all members of society should be supported and respected. 

• Impact of Trinity’s proposed construction 

• Our alternative plan

• Update

Since December 2016, the community surrounding the Fitzpatrick Brothers Auto Body Shop at 150 Centre Street have been discussing potential future uses of the parcel. The neighborhood is unusual because it has a T stop located on a side street. The residents love living here, we welcome newcomers, and we know that this is a diverse community of many nationalities, home to schoolteachers, librarians, police officers, new immigrants, and residents who moved here during redlining when it was the only place where they could buy property.  There are gardens and mature trees surrounding architecturally interesting buildings that span many decades; and the roads are narrow and parking is tight. The history of this neighborhood shows that residents are deeply concerned about how to plan for the future benefit of the community and Boston as a whole. 

The Build Together community opposes Trinity Financial's proposal to develop 150 Centre Street. Build Together seeks to present our vision for the future of 150 Centre Street that will build upon the many strengths of our neighborhood and its community.