The reaction to the massive Parcel 25 proposed development has been “extremely positive,” according to Pat Flaherty of Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services (MHNHS).
MHNHS aims to redevelop Parcel 25, which is bordered by Tremont, Gurney and Station streets, across from the Roxbury Crossing MBTA Station. The former T-owned property is now vacant.
“People are excited that we are building on the momentum of the Roxbury Crossing Senior Building and moving forward with Parcel 25 development. People are writing letters of support to the BRA,” said Flaherty in an email to the Gazette.
“Community and elected official support has been widespread for the project,” said BRA spokesperson Nick Martin, adding that a support letter recently arrived from state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz.
The BRA was slated to hold a community meeting on the project Aug. 6, after the Gazette deadline.
The 305,750-square-foot project will be done in three phases, and once completed, include 88 housing units, 10,000 square feet of retail space, 196,500 square feet of office space and 1,250 square feet of community space. The project will also have 201 surface and below-ground parking spaces.
Parcel 25 is being developed along with Parcel 29, which is located across the street and will be a senior home. That project broke ground in March. Parcels 25 and 29 have been vacant since the 1960s, when the federal government proposed to extend I-95 through the area and began buying up and demolishing houses before community organizers halted the expansion.
Flaherty said that Phase 1 of the project will have 40 units of affordable housing, four retail stores, community space and office and training space for two non-profits serving youth and families.
“There will be a significant pedestrian plaza created and improvements in the walkability of the area,” she said.
Flaherty said that MHNHS hopes to get the project approved from the City by October and then apply for local and sate funding. If successfully financed, the project could start construction in late 2015, according to Flaherty.