Boston, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu confirms the city cannot stop a state contractor from converting a former nursing home into a homeless shelter for families and migrants in West Roxbury. The project is set to house 48 families but may ultimately accommodate up to 175 people, drawing mixed reactions from local residents. Concerns about safety, parking, and facility conditions have led to an appeal against the permit, with a decision from the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals pending. The ongoing discussions highlight the complexities of state and local governance regarding homelessness solutions.
Boston — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stated the city cannot halt a state contractor’s plan to convert a former nursing home into a homeless shelter for families and migrants in West Roxbury. The site at 5 Redlands Road is set to house up to 48 homeless and migrant families, though a contractor representative estimated the total could be 150 to 175 people.
What is happening now
The project is scheduled for discussion at a Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting on Tuesday. A local resident, Stephen Marsh, has filed an appeal against the permit issued by the city’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD), claiming a misclassification of the facility’s use. Marsh’s contention is that the facility should be labeled as “homeless shelter/transitional living,” which would require conditional use approval from the ZBA. The mayor classified the project as “as-of-right,” implying that it does not require ZBA approval to proceed.
Immediate implications and community response
Community response has been strong since the site was announced last spring, with residents and local groups raising concerns about safety, parking and adequacy of the facility. The West Roxbury Civic and Improvement Association and multiple residents expressed worries about how the shelter would affect traffic, neighborhood safety, and community facilities. Some attendees at a community meeting voiced support for the shelter and highlighted the need for solutions to homelessness, while many others expressed frustration over a perceived lack of local engagement in the decision-making process.
Marsh’s petition also asserts that the planned shelter lacks sufficient parking. He argues that even under its current classification as “congregate living,” conditional use permits are necessary for living space on the first floor. Marsh criticized the shelter’s proposed design, saying it would consist of small hospital-style rooms without private bathrooms and limited kitchen facilities. A history of incidents in similar shelters has raised safety concerns among residents, including at least one noted case of violence referenced by community members.
Administrative and program context
The planned shelter is part of the state’s Emergency Assistance Family Shelter program, which has faced strain due to an influx of migrants. City officials said the state contractor is moving forward with the conversion, and the mayor indicated limits on the city’s ability to stop the state-led plan. The facility was initially targeted for a July 2025 opening, a timeline that has intensified local response since the original announcement.
Next steps
With the ZBA set to review matters on Tuesday, the appeal filed by Marsh and any ZBA determinations will shape whether additional approvals or conditions are required. The ISD permit at the center of the appeal remains active while the legal and zoning processes proceed. Local advocates, residents and city officials are expected to continue discussions about safety measures, parking accommodations and facility operations as the project moves through administrative review.
Why this matters
The dispute highlights broader questions about how state-led shelter placements interact with local zoning and community engagement processes. The combination of a state contractor implementing a shelter, a city stating limited authority to halt the plan, and local appeals through the ZBA has prompted a wider conversation about community review procedures for housing developments.
What residents can expect
- Discussion and potential rulings at the ZBA meeting on Tuesday.
- Ongoing appeals and administrative review related to the ISD permit.
- Further public meetings and communications as local groups and officials respond to ZBA outcomes and any state or contractor updates.
FAQ
Can the city stop the planned shelter?
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stated the city cannot halt a state contractor’s plan to convert a former nursing home into a homeless shelter for families and migrants in West Roxbury.
Where is the shelter planned and how many people will it hold?
The site at 5 Redlands Road is set to house up to 48 homeless and migrant families, though a contractor representative estimated the total could be 150 to 175 people.
Is this shelter connected to a state program?
The planned shelter is part of the state’s Emergency Assistance Family Shelter program, which has faced strain due to an influx of migrants.
Has anyone filed legal action or an appeal?
A local resident, Stephen Marsh, has filed an appeal against the permit issued by the city’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD), claiming a misclassification of the facility’s use.
What classification does the appeal argue for?
Marsh’s contention is that the facility should be labeled as “homeless shelter/transitional living,” which would require conditional use approval from the ZBA.
When will this be discussed by the ZBA?
The project is scheduled for discussion at a Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting on Tuesday.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 5 Redlands Road, West Roxbury |
| City position | Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stated the city cannot halt a state contractor’s plan to convert a former nursing home into a homeless shelter for families and migrants in West Roxbury. |
| Planned capacity | Up to 48 homeless and migrant families |
| Contractor estimate | 150 to 175 people |
| Program | The planned shelter is part of the state’s Emergency Assistance Family Shelter program |
| ZBA review | Scheduled for discussion at a Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting on Tuesday |
| Appeal filed by | Stephen Marsh (appeal against ISD permit) |
| Permit issue | Claimed misclassification of the facility’s use; Marsh argues for “homeless shelter/transitional living” label |
| Target opening | July 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News
- Boston Herald
- Boston Globe
- MassLive
- Universal Hub
- Wikipedia: Homeless shelter
- Google Search: Boston migrant shelter
- Google Scholar: Homeless shelters Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Google News: Boston migrant shelter
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