Attorney says zoning code bars proposed family shelter in Boston, Massachusetts, neighborhood

A new proposal for a family shelter along Redlands Road in West Roxbury is drawing concern from neighbors, and an appeal is now on the table.

Attorney Kevin Cloutier said the property owner at 5 Redlands Road submitted a permit essentially seeking approval to use the space as a homeless shelter. Cloutier said Boston’s Inspectional Service Department approved that permit, but it is now on hold pending an appeal.

Cloutier said the zoning code in the West Roxbury neighborhood prohibits a homeless shelter facility from operating at the site. “We are simply asking the ZBA to apply that law and to essentially deny that permit that’s already been issued,” Cloutier said.

Residents said their concern is that the proposal moved forward without community engagement. One resident told Boston 25 News, “They didn’t want to engage with us at all so they haven’t given us any information, they haven’t held meetings. All of the information that we have we’ve gotten through public documents requests and asking city officials.”

Boston 25 News approached Mayor Wu at a separate event at City Hall to ask about the proposal and residents’ concerns. She said the state has worked hard to move families out of hotels and into appropriate settings, and she acknowledged the community’s frustration with the process. “Because the decision was made without consulting the city of Boston or any local community members about what would happen right in their neighborhood,” Wu said. “This is a state process that they have chosen to move this way. We remain in communication with them, and Boston will always do our very best to support families who are in need, families who are trying to just raise their kids.” Her pledge to support families in need reflects the call to speak up for the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Now that the permit is on hold, Cloutier told Boston 25 News that he will present his appeal before the zoning board on October 28 and ask the board to vacate the permit.

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