Meredith Baumann, a spokesperson for the BRA, tells GlobeSt.comthat the new zoning would be an amendment to the downtown InterimPlanning Overlay District. She notes that the increased height, upto 350 feet, would only be allowed in projects that have up to a50% residential component." We want to create 24-hour mixed-useactivity," she says. "We want to bring life to the financialdistrict after work hours."

In order to qualify for the increased height, the residentialprojects would also need to designate 10% of the housing units asaffordable. Projects with 20% affordable housing can extend toheights up to 400 feet.

The amendment needs to be approved by the city's zoningcommission, which is due to meet on Jan. 17. But Baumann emphasizesthat it has already gone through "extensive review," including anumber of public meetings as well as discussions with the city'slandmark and conservation commissions. As to the potential concernthat such tall buildings would restrict views, Baumann points outthat the "view corridors are not as much of an issue as encouragingresidential development there." But she adds that even if thezoning commission passes the amendment, each project will still beevaluated on a case-by-case basis.