5 REDLANDS RD
State Homeless Shelter
A proposal is underway to open an emergency homeless shelter at the former Stonehedge Nursing Home in West Roxbury.
This large institutional facility is not appropriate for the site. Similar shelters have been proven unsafe, ineffective, and are being phased out statewide. The project violates local zoning but is being advanced through misleading filings, with the City failing to enforce its own rules.
We urge residents to stay informed and contact elected officials to share their concerns.
📅
Boston Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA)
Virtual Meeting (Zoom link TBA)
Tuesday, October 28 @ 12:00pm
Official appeal hearing
Upcoming Meetings
Why This Site Is Not Appropriate?
Density Concerns
Housing 175+ people in a site built for a few dozen seniors signals profit over thoughtful planning.
Inadequate Infrastructure
With limited parking and negligible open space on a quiet one-way residential street, this location is not equipped to handle a high-volume shelter population.
Lack of outdoor space and pedestrian safety
Site lacks outdoor space for children with no nearby park or safe green space. Families would face heightened risks on Center Street, one of Boston’s most dangerous pedestrian corridors.
Food & Fire Safety RisksThe building has no private kitchens or bathrooms which could lead to unsafe food storage and prep, creating serious risks of fire, pests, and health code violations.
Failed Model
This proposal continues the same large, institutional “hotel shelter” model already deemed unsafe and ineffective, and shut down by the state.
No Security Personnel
Statewide reports shows congregate shelters have some of the highest rates of assaults, disturbances, and emergencies. The site will have no on-site security staff.
Economic impact on residents
Studies show shelters reduce nearby home values significantly, creating real economic hardship for residents in neighborhoods like ours.
Zoning Compliance
The project is not allowed by zoning laws. It’s being pushed forward despite errors and misrepresented use.
Transparency
he process has lacked openness and accountability from the start, with critical meetings held too late and no clear plan shared with the community.
Community Letter
to the Zoning Board of Appeals
Our letter to the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals detailing our objections to this project and urging them to reject the proposal.
Subscribe to updates
Enter your email and we'll send you updates to make sure you stay informed on all critical meetings, timelines and other developments.
You will get emails directly from us, the community group. We will only contact you about this project and we will not share your contact information with anyone else.
📧 Contact Us
Have a question, idea, or concern? Contact us directly.
Neighbors and news outlets can reach us at:
redlandsmanthorne@gmail.com