920 Centre St redevelopment resources
We need your help!
Jamaica Plain is a community built on shared voices, thoughtful growth, and a deep respect for our green spaces. Unfortunately, the proposed development at 920 Centre Street on the site of the former Poor Clares Monastery threatens to disrupt all of it.
The developer has filed plans to build a massive, out-of-scale, 158-unit majority-luxury complex on a parcel of land that is zoned for a maximum of nine units. Despite eighteen months of community feedback, the developer has not just ignored our neighborhood’s concerns. He has actively doubled down, increasing both the building's height and the number of units while remaining entirely dismissive of the people who actually live here.
Why 920 Centre Street Fails JP
Out of Scale & Blatant Overdevelopment
The developer is trying to cram 158 units onto a site zoned for a small fraction of that density. This massive structure will completely alter the character of the neighborhood. The video below shows the dramatic transformation.
Minimal Relief for the Housing Crisis
We need real, affordable housing options in JP. Instead, this project mostly consists of expensive upscale, luxury condos that price out locals and do nothing to address our community's families’ actual housing needs. There are no affordable homeownership opportunities in the project. There are no units designated for seniors.
A threat to the Arnold Arboretum
This towering development sits right on the doorstep of our world-class Arnold Arboretum, threatening to disrupt its delicate ecosystem, block vital sunlight, and mar the historic landscape.
Serious Safety Concerns
Flooding 158 luxury units (and their accompanying vehicles) onto an already congested stretch of Centre Street poses major traffic and pedestrian safety risks for abutters and commuters.
How YOU Can Help
Attend an in-person Organizing Meeting
We will be gathering on Sunday, July 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. to connect in person. Our neighbor Emily has offered to host a gathering at 48 Cedarwood Rd. Please join us to meet face to face, distribute flyers, and hone our message.
Submit a comment or write a Letter of Opposition
The developer has consistently refused to listen to us, so we must make sure the city does. We are urging all residents, neighbors, and friends of the Arboretum to submit formal feedback to the BPDA. Your voice matters. It only takes a few minutes to submit feedback, but a flood of community opposition is the most powerful tool we have to stop this reckless project. We must act quickly because comments are due July 31. Click here to make your comments.
Key Points to Include in your comments or letter:
State your opposition: Clearly state that you oppose the current proposal for 920 Centre Street.
Highlight the scale: Mention that 158 units is an egregious violation of local zoning guidelines.
Demand affordability: Point out that upscale luxury condos do not serve Jamaica Plain's housing needs.
Protect the environment: Express concern over the direct negative impacts on the Arnold Arboretum and local safety/traffic.
You may also submit letters to Sarah Peck at sarah.peck@boston.gov before the July 31 deadline.
Contact City Councilor Ben Weber and our at-large councilors
Let them know that we care about affordable housing, but this plan is not right for our neighborhood.
Boston City Council contact information can be found here.
Attend the Boston Civic Design Commission Design Committee Meeting
Tuesday 7/21 at 5 p.m.
Registration: http://bosplans.org/BCDCJuly21A
Call in: 669 254-5252
Meeting ID: 165 791 1377
Share this flyer with your neighbors
Get the word out about the project. We have to act quickly!
