"Opponents Dug in Their Heals"

Proposed Pru projects divide advisory panel
By Thomas Grillo | Tuesday, November 11, 2008 | http://www.bostonherald.com |

For the first time in its 20-year history, a panel overseeing Prudential Center expansion can’t reach consensus on future development.

In a high stakes vote last night, the Prudential Project Advisory Committee (PruPAC), barely mustered majority support for a proposal by Boston Properties for a 17-story office tower proposed for 888 Boylston St. Proponents won by three votes.
In a separate ballot, members were evenly split on Avalon Bay’s plans for a 27-story residential high-rise on Exeter Street. The 24-member panel comprised of representatives from community groups and commercial interests, advises City Hall on commercial real estate projects at the Pru.

“For two decades, PruPac votes on projects around the Prudential Center have reached almost unanimous support,” said Betsy Johnson, PruPac’s chairwoman. “But the opponents dug in their heels very early on the height issue and refused to consider any zoning changes.”

Michael A. Cantalupa, senior vice president of Boston Properties, and Michael Roberts, vice president of development at Avalon, declined to comment following the meeting.

Originally, Boston Properties proposed a 19-story tower while Avalon Bay filed plans for a 30-story apartment building. But Mayor Thomas M. Menino asked the developers to compromise following protests from the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay that the buildings were out of character in the historic district.
The Boston Redevelopment Authority will consider the project at a public hearing on Dec. 4.