Northeastern University (NU) filed its Institutional Master Plan (IMP) with the Boston Redevelopment Authority today.
The IMP has been the source of contention as NU Task Force members and elected officials, including City Councilor Mike Ross and local state Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez, have demanded that the school create more student housing, while NU has said it needs to focus more on academic buildings. Those opposing views were on full display during a task force meeting last night.
An IMP is a comprehensive development plan that describes an institution’s existing facilities, long-range planning goals and proposed projects. The institution must update and renew its IMP periodically and must amend it whenever it adds or changes any project significantly. The IMP serves as zoning approval for all its projects. Task Force members hold an advisory position in IMP development.
The IMP can be found at bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/pdf/PlanningPublications/Northeastern%20University-IMPNF_12-18-2012.pdf. Comments can be sent to Gerald Autler of the BRA at [email protected].
A specific timeframe for the comment period has not been established, but Autler said at the meeting last night it should extend until the end of January.