The ABN, incorporated in 1999 as a federation of resident-based civic organizations in Boston, is now an individual membership association. ABN was created to promote meaningful public process in planning, zoning, development, licensing, transportation, and other common concerns. We share information on events and issues of city-wide importance, submit comments to the city and state regarding proposed projects and policies, and support community residents in participating effectively in public decision-making.
We have educated our members, written position papers and newspaper commentary, and presented public testimony on many issues, including:
Planning, Zoning and Development:
- Creation of new zoning category, Residential Development Area, for 350' height in downtown IPOD
- BRA taking by eminent domain of City-owned Hayward Place parcel, Chinatown
- Need for a planning agency for Boston, independent of the Redevelopment Authority
- Reform of City development review process (Article 80 of Zoning Code)
- City policy on linkage and public benefits; Impact Advisory Groups
- Land disposition process by Department of Neighborhood Development
- College student housing in neighborhoods
- City proposal for extended bar hours
- Municipal Harbor Plan, Seaport District
- Public subsidy and eminent domain takings for Fenway Park
- Zoning Board of Appeal variance process
- City zoning for Turnpike Authority air rights projects
- BRA uses of Urban Renewal powers
- City Hall Plaza land taking by BRA
- Fan Pier Development Proposal, Seaport District
- Two Financial Center Chapter 121A agreement, Leather District
- Loews hotel project Urban renewal zoning exemptions, Chinatown
- South Station Air Rights project, zoning issues, transportation impacts
Transportation Policy:
- Transit justice in State transportation planning (Regional Transportation Plan)
- Arborway rail restoration
- Washington Street rail replacement service
- MBTA fare increase
- MBTA Silver Line/Transitway proposal
- MBTA Urban Ring plan
- New Logan Airport runway
We invite all Boston residents to join the Alliance of Boston Neighborhoods.