SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT || JULY 26, 2022
JPNDC and New Atlantic Development are pleased to announce that we have resolved the pending disputes with Turtle Swamp Brewing and Monty Gold over the development of much-needed senior housing at 3371-3375 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain. Through a collaborative process, JPNDC and New Atlantic have agreed to make some project changes to address concerns raised by Turtle Swamp and Mr. Gold, without significantly affecting the number of units or quality of housing to be provided. The parties will implement a process of continuing communication and cooperation regarding the demolition and construction period, and Turtle Swamp Brewing and Mr. Gold are dismissing their lawsuits.
All parties are pleased that this project will proceed. It is important that we support local businesses, and JPNDC and New Atlantic call on our friends and advocates to cease any further protests or boycotts of Turtle Swamp. Thank you to all of you who supported us in this process.
DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR SENIORS
Protecting prime real estate from market-rate development
Project Details
Purchased by JPNDC and New Atlantic Development on January 7, 2020
L-shaped parcel on Washington and Green Streets
Existing building is home to two small businesses, El Embajador Restaurant and DeChain Auto Service
Plans call for a new building with 38 100% affordable senior apartments and 1 unit for a live-in responder.
The ground floor is designed with restaurant space for El Embajador Restaurant if the owners decide to reopen the restaurant in this location after construction. If not, the first floor would be dedicated to services for senior residents (community room, exercise room, etc).
Process and Next Steps
Our Small Project Review Application was approved by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) on 1-14-21.
JPNC approved the zoning on 2-3-21.
The City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approved this project on 2-23-21.
Summer 2022 – Winter 2023: Design development and review
Summer 2022 – Spring 2023: Finish assembling financing
Mid-2023: Community updates
Late 2023/Early 2024: Construction start
DOCUMENTS
Small Project Review Application to the Boston Planning and Development Agency, 9-23-20
MEDIA
Board Approves Senior Housing Next to Jamaica Plain Brewery, Universal Hub, Feb. 23, 2021
BPDA Approves Washington Street Project, Jamaica Plain Gazette, Jan. 22, 2021
Washington Street Site Lands in Community Hands, Jamaica Plain Gazette, Jan. 24, 2020
Owners of El Embajador Restaurant
Background
El Embajador opened at 3371 Washington Street in 1991.
Affordability has declined rapidly along the Washington Street corridor. Along 13 blocks between Forest Hills and Egleston Square, more than than seven new developments with 900+ units—the vast majority of which are market-rate, with rents starting at over $2,300 for a studio—have gone into construction over the past six years.
3371 Washington Street represents a victory for all the community members who pushed for higher affordable housing requirements in the JP/Rox planning process.
Many organizations and community members played a role. The City of Boston, especially Chief of Housing and Director of the Department of Neighborhood Development Sheila Dillon; attorney Gabriela Mendoza, City Life/Vida Urbana, Keep it 100% Egleston, Egleston Square Main Street, City Councilor Matt O’Malley, and State Representative Liz Malia.