"The Planning Board's recommendation has factored into theAldermen's decision in the past," Sean Fitzgerald, Mayor KellyGay's spokesperson, tells GlobeSt.com. "The mayor's proposal wouldallow for mixed-use development, more open spaces and reduced blocksizes."

The Planning Board also voted unanimously to recommend that theBoard of Alderman reject the Task Force's proposal and four to oneto reject Provost's proposal. Many developers, along with MayorKelly Gay and some aldermen, have opposed these other two plansstating that they are too restrictive for the 145-acre site andcould discourage developers. Provost, the Task Force and somealderman have argued that the mayor's plan allows builders todevelop big box stores and parking lots. Their proposals, theystate, would allow the development of office buildings, small-scaleretail stores, parks, bike paths and similar types ofdevelopment.

In another encouraging move for the mayor, the Planning Boardalso voted four to one to approve the construction of a Home Depoton the 26-acre site of the former Assembly Square Mall. Taurus NewEngland, which owns this property will be developing the site inaddition to a waterfront park, hotel, office tower and a café.