Boston Launching First Comprehensive Plan Since 1965

Dante Ramos writes an op-ed describing, and responding to, the emerging planning agenda for Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Among the largest of those initiatives is the launch of Imagine Boston 2030, the city's first comprehensive planning process in 50 years.

In a separate Catherine Carlock reports the early details of Imagine Boston 2030, which so far has set the following timetable for planning and adoption:

"The Imagine Boston 2030 website outlines a six-phase timeline for the planning process: establishing baseline conditions this summer and fall; setting visions, principles and goals by this fall; drafting a formal blueprint by spring 2016; determining content development throughout the winter and spring of 2016; drafting recommendations to the mayor by late 2016 and into 2017 and a final plan adoption by summer 2017."

As noted by Ramos, Mayor Walsh announced the Imagine Boston 2030 process at the Innovative Design Alternatives Summit event earlier in May. The theme of the event follows earlier announcements by Mayor Walsh that called for better architecture in the city.

Ramos's article also includes commentary on the likelihood of Boston improving its planning process and its architectural outcomes—according to Ramos, the two go hand and hand. "Alas, architects can’t fix what ails Boston architecture. Only the mayor can," writes Ramos. "Walsh’s master plan could help. If it reduces risks by setting clear, reasonable parameters for what developers can do without seeking an indulgence from the city, they may take chances on new architects and new ideas."