News & Updates

John Palmieri Announces he is Stepping Down from BRA Post

Mar 25, 2011

John Palmieri Announces he is Stepping Down from BRA Post Director who led Authority Through the Recession will Depart to Pursue New Challenges The Boston Redevelopment Authority today announced that John F. Palmieri has submitted his resignation.  He will remain in his position, at least until May 1, while a successor is identified. “I’m proud that the Authority and Boston have weathered the economic downtown and emerged strong and vibrant.  As the city looks ahead to a new phase of growth, I am ready to pursue new challenges,” said Palmieri. While Palmieri served as BRA Director, the Authority permitted some of the most significant projects in the city’s history, sought creative ways to stimulate job growth, and made its work more accessible to citizens. “I thank Mr. Palmieri for his steady leadership during very tough times,” Mayor Menino said. “Under John’s direction, the BRA helped our economy move forward and our city continue to grow.  John cares tremendously for cities and for their people, and it showed in his work here.” Mr. Palmieri took over the Director post in 2007 and led the Authority through the economic downtown and put it on a path of recovery.  During his tenure, Liberty Mutual broke ground on an expanded its headquarters in the Back Bay; 6 million square feet were permitted at Seaport Square on the Waterfront, the largest single project ever permitted in the city; new health centers broke ground in several neighborhoods, including the Whittier Street Health Center on Parcel 3 in Roxbury; the Theater District came back to life in Downtown Crossing with three theater re-openings; and the city’s medical community continued to flourish in Longwood and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Under Mr. Palmieri, the Authority also reduced costs in its own budget and opened its processes up to Bostonians via evening public meetings, live broadcasts on television and online, and other measures. Palmieri is the agency’s 15th Director.  Prior to joining the BRA he was director of the Department of Development Services in Hartford, CT.  The BRA director is a member of the Mayor’s cabinet and oversees economic development and planning for the City of Boston.  Upon a vacancy in the position, the Mayor makes a recommendation to the BRA Board of Directors for a successor.    

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