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Nominee says city must balance housing production with neighborhood preservation
Summary
At the Aug. 4 hearing, Felicia Jacques told councilors Boston needs more housing but emphasized preserving neighborhood character and modernizing Article 80 as a flexible, evolving tool.
At her confirmation hearing Aug. 4, BPDA nominee Felicia Jacques emphasized that increasing housing production must be balanced with preserving neighborhood character and historic resources. She said Boston’s projects require a mix of attention to climate resiliency, financial feasibility and community input.
"Boston is a city of neighborhoods," Jacques said, adding that preservation concerns and measured growth should both be accommodated. When asked about Article 80 modernization, she described the process as "a living, breathing document" that should evolve but retain tools — such as a sunset clause — that provide optionality to neighborhoods.
Councilors pressed on practical implications, asking whether process streamlining should prioritize faster approvals or stronger preservation review. Jacques said streamlining that encourages more housing is welcome but must be coupled with careful design and preservation where appropriate.
