As stewards of the Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, it is important we make our community aware of our advocacy surrounding PLAN: Downtown.
Our Role in PLAN: Downtown
Since 2019, the Friends of the Public Garden has worked alongside the City of Boston and other members of an advisory group to advise the City on the creation of PLAN: Downtown, which aims to provide a new framework for the growth and preservation of Downtown Boston.
The Friends joined a Coalition of community stakeholders and concerned residents after amendments to the adopted plan were released in January. Following extensive community and stakeholder feedback, the Final Draft Zoning Amendment was released on May 29, 2025.
The Friends of the Public Garden supports the efforts to reinvigorate development in downtown; however, we believe that near-term investments should not result in long-term, permanent adverse impacts on the public open spaces that make our city vibrant and livable.
Board Chair Leslie Singleton Adam provided a comment letter on the Final Draft Zoning to the City Planning Department, on behalf of the Friends, which you can read here.
Why is this important?
Decisions on building heights, density, and zoning in Downtown Boston will directly impact the duration of new shadows, and consequently the health of the Common and Garden landscapes. The Friends supports new zoning that encourages growth for a vibrant and thriving downtown. Local zoning regulations must also protect the tree canopy and landscape character of the Common and Garden, throughout the year, for everyone who uses these spaces. We believe that both are essential and achievable.
A detailed overview of PLAN:Downtown and the concerns of the Coalition can be found here.
Additionally, our partners at the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Alliance have created a helpful resource that provides a template for people who want to submit a comment letter to the City and relevant stakeholders. Please add your name to the email before sending.
Take Action: Submit a Comment Letter
We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. Thank you for your advocacy and support on behalf of our cherished public parks.