As new buildings are going up along the waterfront, Blacks in Roxbury are wondering when construction will begin on the new development for P-3, the 7.5-acre lot on Tremont Street opposite police headquarters. It was to include office space, apartments and a shopping area. It was also to be the new home of the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists.
In real estate projects, the operating arm of the developer wins kudos for success and takes responsibility for failure. FELDCO Development has been unable to launch Tremont Crossing, the multimillion-dollar project sited for P-3, and the Boston Planning and Development Agency has revoked its development authorization. So the question is once again, how should P-3 be developed to serve the highest interests of Roxbury residents?
The easiest answer is to divide the parcel and have a number of mini-projects. However, a 7.5-acre lot is large in the city and enables development of a project that would not otherwise be possible. The BPDA should seek proposals that utilize the total lot. Some of the items to be included might be as follows:
1. The Museum of the NCAAA; 2. Market-rate housing, with some workforce units; 3. Biotech manufacturing; 4. Apprenticeship programs with Madison Park High School; 5. General commercial office space.
No final decision on the P-3 project should be made before the new mayor has been elected.
