Fenway Planning Task Force Includes Ballpark In Zoning Rules

BOSTON-In a move that has angered local activists fighting a new Fenway Park, the Fenway Planning Task Force proposed including the new ballpark under new zoning rules. The zoning recommendations stipulated that a ballpark would be an allowed use on the north side of Boylston Street.

“The zoning recommendations plus the eminent domain threat creates a disincentive to develop something far more viable and economically feasible,” Jethro Heiko, director of community organization for the Fenway Community Development Corp., tells GlobeSt.com. The Fenway CDC has been a strong critic of the new ballpark project and has been advocating instead for an urban village to be built on the 15-acre site.

Some members of the task force disagreed with the inclusion, indicating that there was no need to mention the ballpark while others were concerned that the ballpark would impact affordable housing development. The zoning recommendations, which divide West Fenway into four districts, include incentives for developers to build affordable housing. Local activists are calling for a forum to review the proposals, but the Boston Redevelopment Authority, which did not return calls by presstime, reportedly stated that there would not be another community forum. The BRA prepared the recommendations.