A replacement for Boston's deteriorating Jackson Mann Community Center remains years away under a proposal that would pair a new facility with housing.
The proposed schedule puts the earliest construction start in 2030, followed by 24 to 30 months of work.
Here's what to know
Child care is one possible use for retail space in the proposal's privately developed housing. The homes would face Armington Street behind a new community center at Allston's 500 Cambridge St., according to presentation slides cited by Boston.com.
After months of gathering public input, Boston officials took the proposal to a community meeting. Mayor Michelle Wu is expected to decide the site's future by the end of 2026, according to deputy operations chief Trish Cafferky as cited by Boston.com.
Combining housing with a community center was among residents' preferred project options in the city's June-July survey.
If the proposal moves forward, Boston officials expect to launch the housing development process in 2027, soliciting proposals and involving residents in shaping the design.
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More background
Two schools, Jackson Mann and the Horace Mann School for the Deaf, once shared the campus with a Boston Centers for Youth & Families community center. Jackson Mann opened in 1975; a 2019 assessment found it unfit for continued long-term use.
Allston-Brighton residents pushing for a replacement community space have also disagreed over whether the redevelopment should include housing. Meanwhile, the deteriorating property still hosts limited BCYF programming.
At an August community meeting, Thomas Lally opposed the housing component and said he had worked at the Horace Mann School.
"Allston-Brighton, as a community, has seen a massive amount of development, and I believe that we've done enough for the city as far as housing goes," Lally said, according to Boston.com. "Let's just focus on getting us a prime community center with all the bells and whistles that every other community, every other part of Boston has." He called the housing discussion "counterproductive."
What's being done?
Brighton's Taft Building houses Boston Green Academy, which is expected to leave when the 2028 school year ends. Jackson Mann programming would use that building during construction.
For an earlier relocation, Boston officials are considering a temporary home at Brighton High School.
Elections will continue at Jackson Mann while Boston officials determine when to relocate polling. Possible polling locations include Brighton High School and Boston Green Academy.
Residents can submit feedback during a three-week comment window that closes Nov. 17. Frank Mendoza, Boston's community engagement manager, will receive the comments, and Wu will review them before her expected decision.
For Allston-Brighton resident Kevin Carragee, the redevelopment offers an opportunity to address two community needs.
"Let's seize the opportunity that we have here for a robust community center, a large community center, and also considerable affordable housing, given the significance of the housing crisis," Carragee said, per Boston.com.
Where can I learn more?
The debate over Jackson Mann echoes discussions elsewhere in Massachusetts about reusing buildings, redeveloping neighborhoods, and investing in public spaces.
• Belchertown received $1 million to turn an empty school into a storm-ready community hub.
• A Boston entrepreneur is trying to buy property before a $164 million revamp reshapes Blue Hill Avenue.
• Elsewhere in Boston, a 200-unit public housing community received $16 million for upgrades, including cooling and accessibility.
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