Neighborhood Association Opposes Hereford Street Project

The Boston Redevelopment Authority will be accepting comments on a proposed Back Bay construction project until Oct. 17 and the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay is hoping residents shut it down.

The Glynn Family Entities project, at 45-53 Hereford St., consists of renovations to 18 residences and substantial work on other buildings. But, of most concern to NABB is the new construction of a 10,868 square foot, four-story glass-and-steel addition to the rear of 51-53 Hereford St.

The addition would face Newbury Street and be built on open space formed by the current backyards of Hereford Street townhouses. It would contain both commercial and residential space.

"We are strongly opposed to the project as presented. Our opposition is based on the project’s total disregard of important zoning standards and architectural guidelines that have long protected the Back Bay neighborhood from excessive development," NABB wrote on its website.

Specifically, they say, the project is inappropriately large, takes away open space, violates rear and side yard requirements and includes plans for too few parking spaces. Read NABB's full objection here. 

The BRA held a public meeting on Oct. 3 but will continue to gather public comment until Oct. 17. Letters may be sent to John Fitzgerald, Boston Redevelopment Authority, One City Hall Square, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02201.