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House Vote Sends Boston Tax Bill to Senate
The state House of Representatives approved the city of Boston’s request to temporarily reconfigure the way it splits property taxes between commercial and residential taxpayers. The deal will see Boston commercial tax rates rise slightly, but not as much nor for as long as Wu had originally sought. The city will also spend several million dollars to help small retailers facing higher rent payments under triple-net leases that pass property tax costs on to tenants. Read More
DLS Off-Site Fabrication and Prevailing Wage Listening Session
In consideration of starting the public review process regarding the potential applicability of Prevailing Wage to off-site fabrication, DLS will hold a virtual informal listening session on January 16, 2025, from 10am-12pm. This listening session will focus on the nature and scope of the question that DLS should address in a possible future opinion letter. A link to this listening session will be posted on DLS’ website once we are closer to the date and we will also share with any members interested.
Economic Bill Packs Tens of Millions in Earmarks for Boston Development Projects
The economic development bill signed by the Governor earlier this month is a windfall for developers. The item in the bill that has garnered the most attention is permit extension language: essentially allowing any project approval between Jan. 1, 2023, and the end of this year to get another two years of life on top of the official expiration date. But the bill also packs in tens of millions of dollars’ worth of earmarks for specific developments — and that’s just in Boston. Read More
Boston Seeks to Eliminate Confusing Design Reviews
In an attempt to eliminate confusing and unpredictable reviews of developments that can delay groundbreakings, Boston officials are set to approve a new process for approval. The draft Design Vision report is scheduled for discussion at the December meeting of the BPDA's board of directors. Read More
Vocational Admissions Debate Getting Heated
As State officials move closer to considering changes to admission policies governing vocational high schools, including potentially requiring the use of a blind lottery system to award seats, the temperature of the debate is getting turned up. At issue is big disparities in school enrollment of lower-income students, English learners, special needs students, and students of color. Under state regulations adopted in 2003, the schools had been using selective admission criteria that considered applicants’ middle school grades, attendance and discipline record, and a recommendation in awarding seats. Read More
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