The BRA this month begins a formal look at ways to spur "transit-oriented" residential development along Dorchester Avenue in South Boston and Washington Street from Forest Hills to Columbus Avenue in Egleston Square.
The BRA will work with community members and elected officials, as well as planning, design, and economic development professionals over the course of the next year to create detailed plans that include recommendations for updating zoning in each area so that it is consistent with current redevelopment goals. Given their proximity to major public transit nodes, the Washington Street and Dorchester Avenue corridors are seen as prime locations to support new middle-income housing, which is a priority for Mayor Walsh’s administration.
The BRA says the Orange Line and the Red Line will play key roles in figuring out just how much more housing can be built along the two corridors, although the city has nothing to do with increasing capacity along the two lines. The BRA says it will also study traffic patterns along the two streets to see if there are ways to reduce congestion.
In South Boston, the BRA says, it will look for ways to turn "underutilized light industrial buildings" along Dorchester Avenue into housing, stores and offices.