West Roxbury Zoning Board Approves Plan to Turn Former Nursing Home Into Housing for Homeless Families — Lawsuit Quickly Follows

A controversial redevelopment raises questions about community planning, housing access, and the future of abandoned care facilities.

The Boston Zoning Board of Appeal has upheld a decision allowing a former nursing home in West Roxbury to be converted into “congregate” apartments for homeless families — a project designed to house up to 120 individuals temporarily as they seek stability and permanent homes.

But within minutes of the board’s vote, opponents filed a lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court, hoping to block the conversion and alleging zoning violations, falsified documentation, and inadequate public input.

According to Universal Hub, the proposal involves the former Stonehedge Nursing Home on Redlands Road, closed since 2021. The nonprofit Making Opportunity Count (MOC) plans to transform the abandoned facility into 40 family housing units, each offering private rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms.

Residents would be required to stay for at least one month — far longer than a typical homeless shelter stay — and children would enroll in local Boston schools. MOC representatives say the program’s average stay across their facilities is around 258 days, focusing on transitional stability for struggling families.

Neighborhood Concerns and Legal Pushback

Opponents, argue that the project amounts to an illegal homeless shelter rather than legitimate congregate housing. They contend that the developers manipulated zoning definitions, including allegedly misclassifying the basement as the first floor to skirt zoning limits on residential space.

Neighbors also object to the facility’s limited parking (11 spaces) and potential impact on property values, safety, and traffic. One resident told the board she feared “you don’t know who’s going to be living there,” while others voiced concerns about neighborhood decline and insufficient emergency access.

Despite those objections, the Zoning Board voted 6-1 to uphold the city’s approval. Board members cited the project’s compliance with city law and the urgent need for transitional housing in Boston.

“I think this project is not going to be an overnight shelter,” board member Gio Valencia said. “It’s housing for families and children who are struggling until they find a more stable place to live.”

Another member, Shamaiah Turner, emphasized that “people are struggling right now, and it’s about to get worse,” highlighting Boston’s growing housing crisis.

Still, the lawsuit filed immediately after the board’s decision could delay construction for months or even halt the project entirely if the court sides with opponents.

From Nursing Home to Transitional Housing: A Growing Trend

The Stonehedge redevelopment reflects a nationwide shift as cities look to repurpose abandoned nursing homes, motels, and hospitals into affordable or transitional housing.

Many of these properties sit vacant after closures triggered by staffing shortages, rising operational costs, and pandemic-era financial strain. While conversion projects offer potential solutions to homelessness and housing shortages, they also spark debates about zoning, safety, and neighborhood identity.

Boston, like many urban centers, faces a severe shortage of affordable family housing. Redeveloping underused buildings may be one of the few feasible ways to expand housing stock quickly — but as this case shows, community pushback can be intense and litigious.

Zoning Disputes and Community Rights

Zoning law is intended to balance community interests with development needs — but disputes like this often expose deeper divides.

Opponents in West Roxbury claim the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) failed to enforce zoning codes properly and accuse developers of doctoring professional filings. Supporters, however, say MOC followed all requirements, hired licensed engineers, and even secured extra parking agreements with nearby businesses.

Such conflicts often hinge on interpretations of local zoning ordinances, including definitions of terms like “congregate living,” “basement,” and “residential unit.” Courts are sometimes called upon to determine whether a project aligns with city codes or violates them — a process that can take months or even years.

How KBD Attorneys Can Help in Zoning and Land Use Disputes

At Ketterer, Browne & Davani, LLC our attorneys understand how zoning challenges, property conversions, and community objections can stall important projects or unfairly harm residents.

Zoning issues often blend real estate law, municipal regulations, and public safety, requiring experienced legal guidance. Whether a dispute involves a proposed shelter, nursing home redevelopment, or commercial project, KBD Attorneys can assist in clarifying the law and advocating for fair, lawful outcomes.

Balancing Compassion and Compliance

This case underscores Boston’s complex challenge: balancing compassion for unhoused families with residents’ concerns about transparency and zoning integrity.

Former care facilities like Stonehedge offer real opportunities for adaptive reuse — but successful redevelopment requires clear communication, legal compliance, and community trust.

As housing crises deepen across Massachusetts and beyond, more such projects are likely to arise. Ensuring that all parties — developers, agencies, and neighbors — follow the law and respect the community process will be key to avoiding costly litigation and delays.

Contact KBD Attorneys

If you’re facing a zoning or property dispute — whether as a developer, resident, or advocacy group — Ketterer, Browne & Davani, LLC can help. Our firm’s attorneys handle complex land-use issues, community redevelopment disputes, and litigation involving residential and institutional conversions.

Contact KBD Attorneys today for a consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and advance your project responsibly.

Source: Universal Hub