Boston Redevelopment Authority

South Boston Community

The Boston Redevelopment Authority was established by the Boston City Council and the Massachusetts Legislature in 1957 to carry on the development capabilities of the Boston Housing Authority. The BRA’s authority and interest was to be beyond public housing and its authority was established in Massachusetts General Laws. BRA was granted the power to buy and sell properties, acquire property through eminent domain and to grant tax concessions in order to stimulate commercial and residential real estate development. BRA also provides financing and loan programs for businesses, owns three industrial parks in Boston, provides job training, placement and support services. BRA is having a positive impact in developing Boston’s real estate and fulfilling the city’s need for commercial properties, residential homes and condos, along with apartments for renters.

Neighborhoods which the BRA serves include Allston/Brighton, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mission Hill, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, West Roxbury and Downtown Boston.

Boston Redevelopment Authority is involved in over 200 real estate redevelopment projects including almost 30 in South Boston. These are residential, commercial, retail, office, and hotel real estate developments. The agency owns a considerable amount of waterfront real estate which will make ideal and highly desirable waterfront homes for new Boston residents. According to a cityofboston.gov report, the private real estate development sector has been the source of much of the new housing generated. That amounted to almost 5,000 units or 84% of the BRA’s totals for the 2004/2005 period.

The BRA is making a strong effort to create affordable housing and rental opportunities in the City of Boston with the goal of promoting public health, safety, convenience and continue increasing housing availability in Boston. They have the authority to use public land and the help of real estate developers, financing assistance, and get relief from regulation, to reduce real estate to below market values, and make them available to low income residents who need them the most. These development activities are contributing to new housing opportunities for everyone, not just income disadvantaged homeowners. Another Boston City agency, the Department of Neighborhood Development is also active in creating affordable housing opportunities in the City of Boston. The Boston Home Center is a project started to help homebuyers prepare for buying a home in Boston including courses on how to buy a home.

BRA’s economic division works on increasing housing production and it measures citywide and strategic investment of resources to catalyze development in under-served areas such as South Boston. Much of the current activity in South Boston real estate is due to the financing and development efforts of BRA. One initiative of BRA is encourage development of the main streets of Boston’s Communities. They assist local communities to grow their commercial cores including the renovation of multistory and mixed use structures in order to enliven these neighbourhood community’s commercial districts. If you are a low income earner or are seeking commercial real estate in the main street areas of local Boston communities such as South Boston, Dorchester, Dorchester Heights, Seaport, and Roxbury, you can find information at the City of Boston Web site at: http://www.cityofboston.gov/bra/affordhousing/ah.asp.

South Boston's best Real Estate Agents are ready working to help you find the perfect South Boston homes and South Boston condos and assist you in making your home purchase a much easier and fulfilling process.

Seaport Realty Group

Boston Real Estate

Boston Redevelopment Authority