Mixed-Use Development Near Boston Convention Center Scrapped by MCCA

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) has canceled its plans to redevelop over six acres of land near the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, according to a report from the Boston Business Journal. Two bids were submitted by Cronin Development and Boston Global Investors for mixed-use developments featuring commercial and lab space, but due to opposition from various groups such as local politicians State Sen. Nick Collins and At-Large City Councilor Michael Flaherty, who criticized the process for being rushed without input from community members, MCCA will now issue a modified request for proposals in June. Neighborhood groups have also voiced their opposition to this plan. The Cronin group proposed four towers with nearly 2 million square feet of lab space while the BGI group proposed two smaller buildings with 550,000 square feet total area. To ensure proper consultation with relevant stakeholders including those in the neighborhood as well as at the city level through Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), MCCA is planning an outreach period prior to issuing any further requests or proposals related to this project development plan.