Research
All Allston Heritage Foundation publications.
Zoning & Housing
- Policy paper · Oct 2026→
The Hidden Housing Tax: Why Boston Should End Its Inclusionary Requirement
Who pays for Boston’s inclusionary requirement, who benefits, and why vouchers would help poorer households more fairly and for less.
- White paper · Revised Oct 2026→
A market-clearing housing strategy for Boston and Allston-Brighton
What is wrong with Boston’s zoning, how many homes it takes to bring rents down, what that means for Allston-Brighton’s residents, and the reforms to get there.
- Cost study · Oct 2026→
What traditional design costs
Contractor-anchored construction costs by building type, the price of each façade feature, and the effect of the design standard on the rent a new building needs.
- Model law · Revised Oct 2026→
Model legislation for housing abundance in Allston-Brighton
A Zoning Commission petition, City Council order and state enabling act.
- Policy note · Oct 2026→
Abatements and Additionality
Our response to the City’s proposed tax abatements for stalled housing projects in Allston-Brighton.
Architecture & Urban Design
- Essay→
Allston’s urban heritage
What makes Allston’s buildings beautiful, and why many new ones disappoint.
- Design standard · Oct 2026→
A design standard for Allston
Measurable appearance rules for new buildings, what each costs, and why they never reduce the number of homes.
- Illustrations · Oct 2026→
Street concepts
Fifteen sites today and as AI-generated concepts of traditional, street-facing housing.
Coming next
- Transportation
- Energy
- Economic growth