Sign the Petition

The Issue

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We, the undersigned residents and concerned members of the West Roxbury community, strongly urge the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals to deny the change in use to allow a proposed high-density emergency shelter at 5 Redlands Road.  We support compassionate, effective solutions to homelessness, but this proposal fails both the families seeking shelter and the neighborhood in which they would be placed.

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Why We Oppose This Project:

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1. Improper Use of the Property

The proposed shelter would house up to 50 families (150+ individuals) in a building not zoned or designed for this use. It violates Boston zoning laws and lacks the necessary conditional use permits.

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2. Unsafe, Overcrowded Conditions
The building was formerly a nursing home which was not intended for high-density residential use. It lacks sufficient safety planning, fire protection infrastructure, and outdoor space for children.

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3. Traffic and Parking Hazards
Redlands Road is a narrow, one-way residential street with limited parking. A shelter of this scale would dramatically increase traffic and compromise emergency access and pedestrian safety.

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4. Health & Sanitation Concerns
Families would share limited kitchen facilities, posing fire and sanitation risks. Past use of the building saw frequent rodent problems and trash issues.

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5. Strain on Community Resources
Local childcare providers and community centers, including the YMCA and Roche Center, lack the capacity to support such a large influx of families and children.

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6. Pedestrian Safety Risks
The shelter is steps from Centre Street - a high-crash corridor already identified by the City and MassDOT. Increased foot traffic without improved safety measures puts families at risk.

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7. Negative Economic Impact
Studies show homes near high-density shelters can lose 7%–12% of their value, a burden on middle-class families who have invested their life savings in their homes.

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8. Lack of Due Diligence
Construction has proceeded without full permits or community input, ignoring concerns raised at public meetings and in direct violation of Boston Inspectional Services’ denial.

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9. Security Concerns
A 2025 state assessment found a 788% increase in serious incidents at similar congregate shelters. Without professional security and oversight, safety risks are unavoidable.

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Our Demand:

Deny the requested change in use for 5 Redlands Road. Require a full, transparent public process before any new project is opened at this location.

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Any shelter in Boston must be safe, legal, and thoughtfully located, for the sake of those seeking shelter and for the integrity of our neighborhoods.