BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — For the first time in over 25 years, comprehensive zoning updates have been approved for Downtown Boston.
The updates were approved on Wednesday and will provide a solution to the ongoing housing shortage in Boston.
Mayor Michelle Wu has been seeking a solution to Boston's housing shortage for years. Still, some have raised concerns about the potential impact of construction on historic landmarks in the city.
President of Downtown Boston Alliance Michael Nichols said there is nothing to worry about when it comes to the history.
“Cultural assets, theatres, historic buildings, particularly those that are on a registry of historic properties,” said Nichols. “[Those] will be incorporated into future developments in a way where we maintain that legacy, but also can modernize our city.”
The new zoning would improve protections for historic and cultural assets in the Downtown area and improve conversions of old office buildings. Nichols added that Downtown has incentives for keeping the historic legacy of Downtown intact.
“If they maintain it, if they ensure that that legacy continues, then they’re able to access additional heightened density in some ways for projects,” said Nichols.
The changes will allow skyscrapers to reach up to 700 feet, but won’t affect the Public Gardens' shadow law.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.