Submit Comments by January 31 on the S+S Small Area Plan!

Make sure to submit your comments by January 31 on the Small Area Plan for the Roslindale Squares+Streets initiative!

Draft your comment with this handy public comment generator or draw inspiration from these sample public comments and talking points.
Submit your public comment (or send it to Eileen.Michaud@nullBoston.gov).

For a more in-depth pro-housing take on the Plan, check out Nate Stell’s what I like and what I dislike.

Wait, What’s the Small Area Plan?

The Small Area Plan sets a vision for new public investment and housing development in our neighborhood center. It recommends location, scale, and design standards for future development on our main streets, and it identifies priority improvements to public spaces, intersections, and transportation infrastructure. The Small Area Plan’s land use framework will inform the Planning Department’s zoning recommendations anticipated to be released in February 2025. The plan and the zoning recommendations are the culmination of Roslindale’s Squares+Streets process that began in January 2024.

Upcoming Squares + Streets Events

Thursday, January 28 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Virtual Office Hours (register in advance)

Thursday, January 29 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
In-Person Office Hours at the Roslindale Community Center | 6 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, MA 02131

Thursday, February 6 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Roslindale Square Squares + Streets Plan Closeout Meeting (virtual)

The newly-announced Small Area Plan for the Roslindale Squares+Streets initiative sets an exciting, long-overdue vision for new public investment and housing development in our neighborhood center. It recommends location, scale, and design standards for future development on our main streets, and it identifies priority improvements to public spaces, intersections, and transportation infrastructure.

Perhaps most importantly, the plan’s land use framework will inform the Planning Department’s zoning recommendations in early 2025. The plan and the zoning recommendations are the culmination of Roslindale’s Squares+Streets process that began in January 2024.

Now is the time to make your voice heard!
Get involved with the action steps below and share our flyer.

ATTEND AND MAKE A COMMENT
at the public meeting (tomorrow!) which will focus on the draft small area plan
Wednesday, January 8 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Virtual Meeting

TELL THE PLANNERS AT BOSTON PLANNING WHAT YOU THINK
at In-Person Office Hours
Roslindale Community Center | 6 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, MA 02131
Tuesday, January 7 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Wednesday, January 15 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Thursday, January 30 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS ONLINE
At the bottom of this page.

JOIN THE ONLINE DISCUSSION
Perci is hosting a discussion board for questions and comments about specific proposals in the plan.

Squares+Streets is one of several ongoing land use initiatives pursued by the Boston Planning Department that will impact Rozzidents. Others include:

The Anti-Displacement Action Plan will include tools and policies to mitigate the effects of residential and commercial displacement, whether stemming from rezoning here in Roslindale and elsewhere in the city or from other factors. Expected release: Winter 2025.
The citywide Neighborhood Housing zoning initiative to start zoning residential properties with up to 4 homes in a way that is consistent both with the existing residential development pattern and our city’s desperate need for more housing. Among the anticipated changes in the rezoning will be enabling property owners to make home improvements or add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) without the need for an expensive and time-consuming variance process. We understand that Phase 1 of the Neighborhood Housing effort will address the existing zoning for large lots (~ 60’ wide). Expected completion: 2025.

Author: Ben Bruno