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Boston Redevelopment Authority

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In 1957, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) was established by the Boston City Council and the Massachusetts Legislature. The BRA assumed the development powers previously held by the Boston Housing Authority and expanded them beyond public housing. In 1960 the City Planning Board was abolished and its powers were transferred to the BRA.

The BRA's statutory authority was set forth in the Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 121B, section 4 in 1957 and Chapter 652, section 12 in 1960. Its broad development authorities include the power to buy and sell property, the power to acquire property through eminent domain, and the power to grant tax concession (under MGL chapter 121A) to encourage commercial and residential development.

The BRA's responsibilities include:

* reviewing proposed development projects that require zoning relief, are subject to development review, are proposed to be located on publicly-owned land or in Urban Renewal areas, or that receive public subsidy.
* making recommendations on major construction and redevelopment activity to the city's Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeal.
* drafting and recommending new zoning measures and serving as staff to the city's Zoning Commission.
* drafting master plans that address the city's needs for infrastructure, downtown and community economic development, and that include design guidelines and development controls.
* acquiring, selling and leasing real estate to achieve economic redevelopment and to promote public policy objectives, such as encouraging growth industries and appropriate land use policies.
* issuing revenue bonds and notes, which do not constitute indebtedness of the city, to finance projects.
* owning and operating three industrial parks.
* providing financing and loan programs for businesses, as well as technical assistance and other business services.
* providing job training, placement, and support services.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Contact Info

    Boston Redevelopment Authority

    One City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201

    Phone: (617)722-4300   |   Fax: (617)248-1937   |   Official Website

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

• Current &
  Upcoming Events

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

• Past
  Events

  • Past Events

    11/27/10- 12/24/10	Downtown Crossing Holiday Market: Boston Downtown Crossing
    05/07/10- 10/01/10	ART FRIDAYS,Downtown Crossing, Boston Downtown Crossing
    11/28/09- 12/24/09	Downtown Crossing Holiday Market
    09/18/09- 10/30/09	Art Fridays Downtown Crossing
    06/26/09- 08/28/09	Art Fridays Downtown Crossing

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    There are currently no media reviews for this organization.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    • Event Name: Downtown Crossing Holiday Market: Boston
      "Save your time"
      Review posted by: Disappointed from Reading from jenna@aol.com, Dec 14, 2010
      

      There is one sad tent with a handful of vendors that look almost as sad to be there. There is no way this could live up to anyone’s expectation. Stick to the booths a Faneuil Hall. They may have the... Expand

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      There is one sad tent with a handful of vendors that look almost as sad to be there. There is no way this could live up to anyone’s expectation. Stick to the booths a Faneuil Hall. They may have the same stuff year round but at least you feel like you’ve been shopping when you finish walking around. Collapse

      All reviews/comments and complete event details

    • Event Name: Downtown Crossing Holiday Market
      "Freshly Baked Bread is outrageous!"
      Review posted by: Lauren from Cambridge, MA, Dec 22, 2009
      

      Going back again today for more French baguettes and pumpkin spice bread.

      All reviews/comments and complete event details

      Going back again today for more French baguettes and pumpkin spice bread.

      All reviews/comments and complete event details

    • Event Name: Downtown Crossing Holiday Market
      "Amazing!"
      Review posted by: Seamus from Boston, MA, Dec 01, 2009
      

      I used to live in NYC and loved going to the holiday market in Union Square and missed that now living in Boston. Problem solved-I found myself heading to South Station after leaving Macy's and... Expand

      All reviews/comments and complete event details

      I used to live in NYC and loved going to the holiday market in Union Square and missed that now living in Boston. Problem solved-I found myself heading to South Station after leaving Macy's and came upon a brightly lit tent full of food, crafts, art and more. The enclosed tent keeps you warm and protected from the weather is brightly lit so you can see everything clearly. There are cookies, cupcakes, breads, jewelry, artists, local farmers, t-shirts, and a variety of other local business selling amazing gifts. After speaking to vendors I also found out that they rent the space weekly, so beginning each Saturday there will be a new vendor offering even more options as the month progresses. There are also some vendors that are there only a few days a week. So, you could visit several days a week/weekend and always find something new. Collapse

      All reviews/comments and complete event details

    • Event Name: Downtown Crossing Holiday Market
      "Downtown Crossing Holiday Market, Summer St Boston"
      Comment posted by: Miranda from Boston MA, Nov 29, 2009
      

      The Holiday Market opened on Sat Nov 28th-Dec24th. The food vendors are great! Organic vegetables & fruits, homemade honey, popcorn, baked goods, breads, hummus. The artists are fabulous! Handcrafted... Expand

      All reviews/comments and complete event details

      The Holiday Market opened on Sat Nov 28th-Dec24th. The food vendors are great! Organic vegetables & fruits, homemade honey, popcorn, baked goods, breads, hummus. The artists are fabulous! Handcrafted jewelry,wearables, photography, furniture, baskets, pet items, all made by artists! it is a MUST Visit! Changes all the time. Visit often. Collapse

      All reviews/comments and complete event details