~ Jamaica Plain, Boston - The City of Boston, in collaboration with the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, Causeway Development LLC, MassHousing, and other community partners, celebrated the grand opening of Brookley Flats on Tuesday. This new development has transformed a former industrial site into 45 income-restricted and energy-efficient homes.

The project includes five artist live-work studios and for the first time in Boston, reserves 20 homes for first-generation homebuyers. This initiative aims to expand access to homeownership opportunities for residents who have historically faced barriers to building wealth.

Located near Forest Hills Station, Brookley Flats offers a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes. It also includes accessible units, outdoor gathering spaces, and public art. The project is Passive House-certified and aligns with the City's efforts to promote affordable homeownership, support sustainability, and help families stay in their communities.

In another part of the city, construction has begun on Columbia Crossing in Upham's Corner. The City of Boston joined Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC), and community partners to mark the start of this new mixed-use development.

Columbia Crossing will transform the historic Dorchester Savings Bank building and an adjacent parcel into 48 income-restricted rental homes. Approximately 20 percent of these apartments will be reserved for artists. Residents will also have access to 2,000 square feet of shared arts space.

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The land for this project is owned by Dudley Neighbors Inc. (DNI), an affiliate of Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI). DNI selected the POAH-DBEDC team through a competitive Request for Proposals process after an extensive community engagement process involving neighborhood stakeholders.

Columbia Crossing will also feature 4,500 square feet of commercial space for arts and innovation-focused businesses. This aligns with the City's vision for Upham's Corner as an Arts and Innovation District. By preserving the historic Dorchester Savings Bank and adding new affordable homes, this project not only creates housing but also preserves an important piece of neighborhood history.

In Roxbury's Highland Park neighborhood, the City of Boston and GrowBoston celebrated the grand opening of the revitalized Centre-Linwood Community Garden. This project was made possible through GrowBoston's Grassroots Program and funding from the Community Preservation Act.

The project transformed five formerly City-owned parcels into an expanded community garden, restored urban forest, and welcoming gathering space. The Edward L. Cooper Community Gardening & Education Center will now have more space to expand its longstanding work in Highland Park. This will provide more opportunities for residents to grow food, host neighborhood events, and enjoy a restored urban forest.

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The revitalized site builds on decades of community stewardship while ensuring these green spaces remain a neighborhood asset for years to come.

In other news, the Mayor's Office of Housing has released its annual Income-Restricted Housing Report. This report provides a comprehensive look at Boston's affordable housing inventory and the City's progress in creating and preserving income-restricted homes.

The report highlights key trends in housing production, preservation, and affordability across Boston's neighborhoods. It offers valuable data for residents, policymakers, and partners to guide future housing investments. As the City continues to work towards making Boston a home for everyone, this report serves as an important tool for tracking progress and ensuring transparency in meeting the housing needs of Boston residents.

To further engage with residents on housing issues, the Planning Department is hosting public meetings on the new draft residential zoning updates as part of the Neighborhood Housing Zoning Initiative. These updates aim to make zoning rules clearer and more flexible while ensuring that new growth fits into the neighborhood.

Residents can learn about how updated zoning can simplify home upkeep and renovation, enable construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and provide clearer rules for property owners. These meetings are an opportunity for community members to provide feedback and shape the future of housing in their neighborhoods.

Overall, these developments and initiatives demonstrate the City's commitment to creating affordable housing, promoting sustainability, and supporting the arts in Boston's diverse neighborhoods.

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