Development

The mission of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB), as defined in its Articles of Organization, is "To combat community deterioration in the Back Bay; to preserve and protect the architectural beauty of the Back Bay; and to further the residential character of the Back Bay."

The Development Committee seeks to enhance the character and livability of the Back Bay by protecting the physical fabric of the historic neighborhood as future development occurs, and by maintaining a healthy balance in the unique mix of residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional uses that enrich Back Bay residential life. The goal of the committee is to:

• Encourage the City of Boston to adopt a master plan, or set of strategies, for the neighborhood, in order to ensure development that is in harmony with the goal of enhancing the quality of residential life in the Back Bay.
• Monitor both public and private development projects that affect the neighborhood, considering both their individual and cumulative effects.
• Work cooperatively with the City and the Commonwealth, and with other neighborhoods and business, institutional, and cultural groups, in order to participate effectively in all stages of planning and design review.

NABB's Development Committee has completed an analysis and list of recommendations regarding the long-range need for balanced commercial development in the Back Bay.

For a complete overview of Principles and Guidelines for Future Development of the Back Bay click here.

To read or download the Boston Redevelopment Authority's publication, entitled "A Civic Vision for Turnpike Air Rights in Boston" (June 2000), click here. 

Read NABB's February 22, 2010 position statement on the Boston Redevelopment Authority's Stuart Street Planning Study and Proposed Zoning Recommendations.