Under Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration, a bold rezoning proposal is poised to transform the heart of Boston. The city intends to change zoning rules to allow much taller buildings (up to 700 feet high) with the goal of easing the housing shortage and revitalizing neighborhoods long hollowed out by vacancies and skyrocketing rents.
The plan has ignited fierce debate. Supporters say it’s a necessary intervention to address housing supply, density, and economic recovery; opponents warn that in pursuing vertical growth, the city risks losing cornerstones of its identity and its historic charm. The question many are asking: can Boston build up and still hold fast to what makes downtown feel like Boston, rather than an imitation of New York?
Since the pandemic, much of downtown has struggled with vacant office space and weakened foot traffic. A shift towards residential towers could help stabilize the city center and bring back vitality after work hours. Wu’s plan often requires that about 20% of new housing developments include affordable units, with some earmarked for Section 8 vouchers. For supporters, this makes the policy a win-win. More homes and a greener future rooted in walkable, transit-accessible neighborhoods certainly sounds great…