A new, mixed-use development and the redevelopment of the Massachusetts State Police Barracks will bring 155 housing units to Brighton. The Boston Planning & Development Agency approved the projects at its September meeting. 

A new development at 30 Leo M. Birmingham Parkway will turn a former bank into 117 new rental apartments, 20 of which will be income-restricted. The six-story building will include ground floor retail and commercial space, along with a common area and shared amenity space. 

The pedestrian-oriented building will also have 150 bicycle parking spaces on site, as well as a Bluebikes station adjacent to the site. 

The project brings several community benefits including a 5,000-square-foot pocket park along Lothrop Street and a community room available for community events. Additionally, 30% of the project site will be open space available for public use.

Project developers will contribute $10,000 to the Leo M. Birmingham trust fund and $82,000 to the Boston Parks & Recreation Department’s Fund for Parks to support Portsmouth Playground improvements.

The BPDA also approved a second mixed-use development at 46 Leo M. Birmingham Parkway. The relocation of the Massachusetts State Police Barracks paves the way for the redevelopment of this site into a six-story, multifamily building that will include 38 residential rental units with seven designated as income restricted. They will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. 

This transit-oriented building also includes bike storage and a shared electric vehicle for tenants.

Community benefits include widening sidewalks and the addition of street trees and open space. The project’s developers will also contribute $10,450 to Boston’s Bluebikes system and have a public art space for local artists.