On Tue, Oct 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM Sherrie S. Cutler A.I.A. <sscutler@ecodesign.com> wrote:

A Patchwork of Spot Zoning, not a Comprehensive Plan for Charlestown

As a professional Urban Designer, what I see in “PLAN: Charlestown” is not a comprehensive plan for creation of a functional and cohesive Community –– It is a “Patchwork of Spot Zoning for Development Projects”.  

For almost 40 years, I have written to the BRA/BPDA extensively commenting on the need for true, professional, comprehensive planning for our Boston Communities ––rather than the afterthought piecing together of BRA/BPDA’s pre–selected development projects on disconnected parcels.  

There is an inherent conflict of interest in this damaging process and lack of professional practice by the BPDA:  Responsibly, it is not possible to be both the Planner and the Developer for a City.  This conflict of interest is causing injury to our City and it’s Citizens.

In “Recycling Cities for People- The Urban Design Process” I wrote an original textbook on comprehensive planning ––and for years have written long analytical requested comments to the BRA/BPDA.  Now, how can I comment further ––this “spot zoning” practice that is endemic to the BRA/BPDA has reached a point in this proposed “PLAN: Charlestown” where it can best be addressed by legal professionals familiar with spot zoning and conflict of interest issues.

Sincerely,

SSC

Sherrie S. Cutler, A.I.A.