In the face of almost unprecedented neighborhood opposition, Rogerson Communities received unanimous zoning board approval on June 2 for its 4-5-6 story building for 41 units of senior housing, 61 memory care suites, and a social day care.

Rogerson consultant Dot Joyce told the board that the new building was “significantly changed to meet the desires of the community.”

That was an understatement: the senior supportive one bedroom apartments – all at 60 percent area median income (AMI) – were reduced from the original 71 to 41, a loss of 31 units.

Moreover the building was completely redesigned by Phillip Saad of Dimella Shaefer architects between February and November 2025.

The 45 percent reduction was also significant because no objections were raised by the Jamaica Plain Housing Committee (JPHC) and the received approval from the JP Neighborhood Council (JPNC) without debate over the housing loss.

At the April 15 Jamaica Plain Zoning Committee (JPZC) Alcurtis Clark did hint at some concern when she asked the reason for the reduction in units down to 41. Saad replied it was the result of “many, many, many conversations over density and height that were requested by the community.”

Clark voted no anyway because the building was too tall.

The Boston Planning Department posted 111 pages of comments on the project page – most very long; one was 15 pages signed by 24 residents.

There were 100 in opposition and 41 in support.

Even before the first community meeting held in person on Sept. 11, 2024, just after the letter of intent was filed on Aug. 7, State Sen. Senator Mike Rush weighed in on Aug. 19, “to address concerns of my constituents.. neighbors [who are] concerned that there may be a negative impact as a result of additional developments.”

This was the last appearance Rush over the 18 months of drama which confounded the Rogerson staff as they planned to add state-of-the-art memory care suites and low-income senior apartments in a new building on their own property; even a lawsuit was threatened.

Jeff Campbell of Lakeville Road demanded the JPZC deny the variances on April 15.

“Rogerson doesn’t belong here in the first place. No place for it in our neighborhood,” he told the committee. “Rogerson is already a bad neighbor. They ruin the neighborhood. They’re out to destroy our neighborhood.”

There were the usual BUTs in the comment pages: Fred Vetterlein of Union Ave and Sarah Freeman who lives on the Arborway were both sympathetic of senior supportive housing but opposed the height, density and design.

Molly Harper wrote a five-page comment titled: “Of Concern about Rogerson Communities.”

“I deeply appreciate Rogerson’s commitment to increasing housing,” she wrote, “but we call for thoughtful revision in height and overall design. We can do better.”

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A three-page letterwriter was worried about “skydome obstruction” and “wind impacts.”

Another letter called the new Rogerson building “a plan to raze an Emerald Necklace icon and replace it with a seven-story industrial complex.”

Recently voted-in JPNC member Erin Ashley Baily of Evergreen Street does not seem to follow JP current affairs: “I never heard anything about this project.” she wrote.

One unusual opponent was Frank Schillace of Lochstead Road, who criticized the project as “too big… and will ruin the neighborhood.”

As reported by The Bulletin, Schillace proposes to build a five-story, 48-unit apartment house at 406 South Huntington behind the Connolly branch library.

Sally Zimmerman of Beaufort Road was a frequent opponent of this and other projects, and doesn’t appear to give up. She came on the ZBA call to object.

“On behalf of my neighbors on Beaufort Road, we ask to oppose the variances of height and parking. Modest, modest changes can further reduce the height and increase parking and would greatly enhance the character of the neighborhood,” she said.

ZBA chair Sherry Dong asked if Rogerson had a response, and Jeremy Viera director of development did.

“We significantly reduced the height and the unit count; we worked hard with the community to do all we can possibly do,” he said

The level and intensity of opposition did not seem to bother the ZBA, which voted unanimously to approve Rogerson’s new building.

Board member Giovanny Valencia had one question: “Was the reduction of units the result of the community process or financing?” he asked.

“The community process,” Viera said.