Transitional Housing Project Rejected Due to Parking Concerns

The nonprofit developer of a transitional housing project in Dorchester, Massachusetts argues that most residents of the proposed project won't own cars, but neighbors worry the added density will put a strain on local parking.

1 minute read

May 6, 2021, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


The Zoning Board of Appeal for Dorchester, Massachusetts "rejected a proposal by the non-profit Heading Home to replace a crumbling 10-unit apartment building at 37 Wales St. in Dorchester with 23 new apartments rented to families trying to get out of homelessness," arguing that the lack of parking provided in the building would put strain on street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. 

According to Adam Gaffin in Universal Hub, the nonprofit had proposed a building without parking, citing the fact that the building's residents "would be 'transitioning out of homelessness' and allowed to earn no more than 30% of the Boston-area median income," making it unlikely that they will own cars. The project was funded as part of a $34 million initiative to bring more affordable housing to the greater Boston area.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 in Universal Hub

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