BRA criticized for flagrant spending

Boston Redevelopment Authority officials faced off against residents and City Councilors in a hearing Monday at City Hall, deflecting criticism over stalled urban renewal plans and extravagant spending.

The authority, created in the 1950s, redevelops private land to improve both property use and Boston's atmosphere. But residents and councilors have said the organization is not working in the public's best interest, often undertaking expensive building projects that marginally improve Boston's neighborhoods.

BRA Director of Policy Tim McGurdy defended the organization's projects before the council, highlighting a number of successful redevelopment programs the authority has overseen.

McGurdy said the commission has been influential in Boston's development and has created nearly 30,000 jobs, more than 25,000 new housing units and important public buildings like the Boston Ballet, Quincy Market and the Roxbury YMCA.

"There are still opportunities in the area," McGurdy said.

But Councilor James Kelly (South Boston, South End) said he has sometimes "vehemently disagreed" with the organization's programs.

Councilor-At-Large Maura Hennigan said the organization makes little effort to achieve its intended goal of city reconstruction for the public interest.

Richard Orareo, who lives in Fenway, said the BRA had arrogantly assumed its practices have improved Boston communities without talking with residents about redevelopment projects.

Councilors said they will work with the BRA to make sure it represents taxpayers' concerns. McGurdy said he hopes the BRA will be permitted by the council and state officials to continue developing 19 sites currently under construction in Boston.