Boston Council discusses challenges of expanding Northeastern University's off-campus housing

Boston City officials are grappling with the pressing issue of student housing as enrollment numbers at Northeastern University continue to rise. During a recent Housing and Community Development meeting on June 12, 2025, city leaders discussed the challenges posed by the university's expansion, which has led to an increase of 5,000 students living off-campus despite efforts to build more on-campus housing.

The conversation highlighted the need for a strategic approach to address the growing demand for student housing in Boston's neighborhoods. Officials acknowledged that while Northeastern has constructed additional dormitories, the net effect has been a significant rise in off-campus residents, raising concerns about the impact on local communities.

Participants in the meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration between the city and the university to expedite housing development. Suggestions included creating a streamlined process for approving student housing projects and leveraging existing planning resources to identify key areas for development. The discussion also touched on the potential for using financial incentives, such as waiving payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT), to encourage universities to comply with housing regulations and contribute to community benefits.

Moreover, comparisons were made with neighboring Brookline, where officials noted that while similar challenges exist, Boston's zoning laws provide greater flexibility for addressing housing needs. The consensus among city leaders was clear: decisive action is required to ensure that the growing student population does not exacerbate housing shortages or strain local resources.

As Boston continues to navigate these complex issues, the city is poised to take proactive steps to enhance housing availability for students, ultimately aiming to foster a balanced relationship between educational institutions and the communities they inhabit.