Boston Redevelopment Authority

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The Boston Redevelopment Authority is a planning and development agency in Boston. The BRA was established by the Boston city council and the Massachusetts legislature in 1957. Its primary goal is to work with Bostonians, business and developers in order to provide direction for development in the city of Boston.

The BRA's statutory authority was set forth in the Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 121B, section 4 in 1957 and Chapter 652, section 12 in 1960. Its broad development authorities include the power to buy and sell property, the power to acquire property through eminent domain, and the power to grant tax concession (under MGL chapter 121A) to encourage commercial and residential development.^[1]

The BRA works in the housing and business sectors. It is currently undertaking development projects such as a parkway being developed atop the Big Dig, opening up the waterfront to pedestrians. The BRA owns real estate throughout the city and sells this when an attractive plan for the use of the property is submitted and approved. This is can be seen in the "East Boston Municipal Harbor Plan" where BRA owned properties along the waterfront are currently being developed^[2] and Fort Point Channel development.

One of the first projects the BRA took on was the demolition of the west end or the Scollay Square area and building of Government Center ^[3]. The finished project which includes Boston City Hall is considered an eyesore and the large brick plaza as an uncomfortable place to be.^[4]

Overall though, the work that the BRA has done in Boston has been positive.^{[citation needed]} In 1968 the BRA took on the renewal of Faneuil Hall Market Place which was slated to be demolished. This project has been attributed to bringing life back into the then debilitated Boston downtown. ^[5]