City Council - Planning, Development, and Transportation Committee Hearing on Dockets #1353-1354 and #1412
Meeting Date: October 23, 2025 at 11:30 AM Governing Body: Boston City Council - Planning, Development, and Transportation Committee Type of Meeting: Committee Hearing (Virtual via Zoom) Attendees:
- Sharon Durkan, Councilor (Chair)
- Edward Flynn, Councilor
- Erin Murphy, Councilor
- Norman Stembridge, Zoning Board of Appeal Member (Nominee)
- Rob Steinberg, St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District Commission Member (Nominee)
- Celina Barrios-Milner, Zoning Board of Appeal Member (Nominee)
- Joe Cornish, Public Commenter
Executive Summary: The Planning, Development, and Transportation Committee convened to consider three mayoral nominations: the reappointment of Norman Stembridge to the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA), the appointment of Rob Steinberg to the St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District Commission, and the appointment of Celina Barrios-Milner to the ZBA. Discussions focused on the nominees' qualifications, their philosophies on zoning and land use in Boston, particularly concerning affordability and climate resilience, and their approach to decisions involving BPDA approvals and variances in high-opportunity versus disinvested neighborhoods. All three nominations received positive feedback from committee members and are slated for advancement at the next meeting.
I. Call to Order and Meeting Logistics
- The meeting was called to order by Councilor Sharon Durkan, Chair of the Boston City Council Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation, at 11:32 AM on October 23, 2025.
- The hearing was conducted virtually via Zoom, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, modifying certain requirements of the Open Meeting Law.
- The hearing was recorded, livestreamed at boston.gov/city-council-gb, and broadcast on Xfinity Channel 8, RCN Channel 82, and Files Channel 964.
- Written comments could be sent to ccc.plandev@boston.gov.
- Public testimony was scheduled for the end of the hearing, with individuals allotted two minutes to speak. Sign-up was via email to Shane Pack at shane.pac@boston.gov.
II. Docket #1353: Confirmation of Reappointment of Norman Stembridge to the Zoning Board of Appeal
- Sponsor: Mayor Michelle Wu
- Referral Date: July 9, 2025
- Term Expiration: May 1, 2028
- Nominee Statement (Norman Stembridge):
- Expressed gratitude for the reappointment and viewed his service as an extension of his volunteer work in Roxbury.
- Stated commitment to avoiding conflicts of interest and listening to inspectionals and community input.
- Councilor Questions and Discussion:
- Councilor Flynn: Thanked Mr. Stembridge for his leadership and expressed support for the nomination.
- Councilor Durkan:
- Philosophy on zoning and land use in Boston (affordability and climate resilience): Mr. Stembridge described it as "fairly tenuous" given the housing crisis. He emphasized moving the city forward in housing and other areas, acknowledging ongoing zoning reform efforts (e.g., Plan East Boston, Plan Mattapan).
- ZBA decisions on BPDA-approved projects: Mr. Stembridge stated that the ZBA could vote no on BPDA-approved projects, particularly when community input from the Office of Neighborhood Services, residents, and advocates indicates concerns. He emphasized that the ZBA should not merely "rubber stamp" approvals.
- Zoning variance decisions in high-opportunity vs. disinvested neighborhoods: Mr. Stembridge stated he would approach these "very carefully," giving deference to neighborhoods needing more and better investment, while remaining open-minded.
- Councilor Murphy: Thanked Mr. Stembridge for his work and expressed support for his reappointment.
- Outcome: Councilor Durkan indicated plans to move forward with the nomination at the next meeting.
III. Docket #1354: Confirmation of Appointment of Rob Steinberg to the St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District Commission
- Sponsor: Mayor Michelle Wu
- Referral Date: July 9, 2025
- Term Expiration: June 20, 2026
- Nominee Statement (Rob Steinberg):
- Expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve his neighborhood and the city.
- Highlighted his four years living in St. Botolph, his lifelong interest in American history and architecture, and his background as a civil engineer with 12 years as a construction project manager.
- Emphasized his interest in historic preservation within the context of a "living, breathing, and wonderful city."
- Councilor Questions and Discussion:
- Councilor Flynn: Thanked Mr. Steinberg for his work and leadership, noting his respect for the St. Botolph Neighborhood Association.
- Councilor Durkan:
- Favorite architectural characteristics of St. Botolph and aspects of living there: Mr. Steinberg admired the "heart and soul" poured into the three-story buildings by masons, noting details like stained glass, header courses, and corbels. He also appreciated the neighborhood's quiet yet lively atmosphere, the history of the Southwest Corridor, and the juxtaposition of historic buildings with modern skyscrapers.
- Work background and experience relevant to the commission: Mr. Steinberg detailed his education (MIT, Civil Engineering, Master's in Construction Management, MBA from Sloan) and experience as a project manager on diverse projects, including a light manufacturing facility, the arts and media facility at MIT, and the Rose Wharf Complex. He emphasized his understanding of materials, design, construction, and the impact of architecture on human psyche and community interaction.
- Councilor Murphy: Praised Mr. Steinberg's clear love, pride, knowledge, and commitment, and expressed anticipation of voting in favor of his appointment.
- Outcome: Councilor Durkan indicated plans to move forward with the nomination at the next meeting.
IV. Docket #1412: Confirmation of Appointment of Celina Barrios-Milner to the Zoning Board of Appeal
- Sponsor: Mayor Michelle Wu
- Referral Date: August 6, 2025
- Term Expiration: May 1, 2028
- Nominee Statement (Celina Barrios-Milner):
- Expressed gratitude to the Councilors and staff.
- Identified as a West Roxbury resident, having lived in Boston for 23 years across various neighborhoods (Austin Village, Bay Village, Roslindale) as a renter, couch surfer, and now homeowner.
- Highlighted her background as a community organizer and her work in the Immigrant Advancement Office, Economic Development Department (Director of Equity and Inclusion, supplier diversity program, BRJP local hiring policies, Boston Employment Commission).
- Stated her belief that land use and the built environment are critical levers for creating opportunity, supporting aging in place, and ensuring accessibility.
- Councilor Questions and Discussion:
- Councilor Flynn: Thanked Ms. Barrios-Milner for her important work and leadership, noting his respect for her.
- Councilor Durkan:
- Philosophy on zoning and land use in Boston (affordability and climate resilience): Ms. Barrios-Milner, also a member of the Landmarks Commission and a district architectural commission, emphasized balancing community interests in protecting existing character with creating opportunities for new development. She stressed the importance of supporting neighborhood evolution while preserving historic nature and quality of life. She aims to make Boston accessible to all residents, acknowledging that many who grew up in the city can no longer afford to live there. She would consider city staff expertise and community desires.
- ZBA decisions on BPDA-approved projects: Ms. Barrios-Milner stated she would take seriously any decision to go against a thoroughly vetted BPDA approval, acknowledging the cost and time for applicants. However, she would not rule out voting no, as "rules don't always seem to apply to everyone equally." She would consider hardship to the applicant and impact on the neighborhood.
- Zoning variance decisions in high-opportunity vs. disinvested neighborhoods: Ms. Barrios-Milner acknowledged the struggle of balancing overdevelopment in some areas with disinvestment in others. She would approach decisions by considering existing rezoning, community needs, and desires, aiming for a "micro-level" project-by-project approach with a "50-foot view" of overall neighborhood needs. She believes inclusionary zoning is key to sharing prosperity and making the city livable for everyone.
- Councilor Durkan's commentary on parking minimums and gentrification: Councilor Durkan expressed concern about ZBA decisions overturning BPDA approvals based on parking, particularly given the BPDA's transportation expertise. She advocated for reducing parking minimums near transit hubs to address affordability, citing other cities that have eliminated such requirements. She also discussed the nuanced issue of gentrification, noting that lack of investment and development can also lead to gentrification by limiting housing stock and driving up prices for existing properties.
- Outcome: Councilor Durkan indicated plans to move forward with the nomination at the next meeting.
V. Public Testimony
- Joe Cornish:
- Spoke in support of Rob Steinberg's nomination to the St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District Commission.
- Expressed happiness to welcome Mr. Steinberg and ensure good representation from the neighborhood.
- Councilor Durkan thanked Mr. Cornish for his work on architectural commissions.
VI. Adjournment
- The hearing on Dockets #1353, #1354, and #1412 was adjourned by Councilor Durkan.