Shakeup could be coming to Boston's Zoning Board of Appeal

BOSTON — A shakeup could be coming to Boston's Zoning Board of Appeal. Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards is proposing a bill that would dramatically change who gets to sit on the city's controversy-riddled board.

"It's 60 years long overdue," said Edwards.

The ZBA has been the focus of a city investigation after longtime staffer John Lynch pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges and ZBA member Craig Galvin, appointed to the seat reserved for a real estate professional, resigned over conflicts of interest.

Edwards' proposal would remove the real estate seat from the board and require more financial disclosures from applicants. People who work in construction or real estate development would be banned from sitting on the board.

In a statement, developer advocates NAIOP Massachusetts tells Boston 25 News, "Given the technical nature of the work of this board, an understanding of real estate development, construction and design are absolutely essential for board members."

Councilor Edwards agrees, saying, "We want perspectives that come with that. People who are architects, people who are in the industry, we just don't want you actively making money in that industry at the same time, especially in the Greater Boston area."

The bill would also require representatives from other areas like affordable housing and environmental protection.

The proposal is not only political in terms of who gets a seat on the board, it also affects everyday residents, like homeowners, trying to put an addition on their house.

It would also create an office of community council to help navigate people through the zoning appeals process.

"It's about being clear about what the standards are, how to navigate this process. If I lose today, what happens. If I win today, what happens, where do I go? And that person is sitting there telling everyone the same information at the same standards," said Edwards.

Boston 25 News reporter Crystal Haynes reached out to Mayor Walsh's Office and they told her these issues are at the center of the Mayor's outside investigation of the ZBA and they plan to cooperate with recommendations from the city council.

MORE -- Boston 25's Priced Out series:

The housing crisis in the Boston area and who is working to fix it
Pressure mounts on suburbs to find affordable housing solutions
Group says 'Yes In My Backyard' to ease Boston housing crisis
Micro-housing offers solution for Boston's homeless

Cox Media Group