MGH expansion plans get key approval from city

Massachusetts General Hospital's roughly $2 billion expansion plan has received a key approval from the city of Boston.

The hospital's plan was among several projects approved Thursday night by the Boston Planning & Development Agency board.

"The Clinical Building Project is essential for MGH to continue to meet its mission and objectives," said BPDA. "MGH currently delivers advanced medical care in several facilities that are outdated and insufficient in current health care delivery."

The plan calls for construction of a pair of patient care towers along Cambridge Street totaling an additional 1 million square feet (93,000 square meters) to add beds and facilities to treat cardiac and cancer patients.

As part of the deal, the hospital has agreed to build an entryway to a potential future MBTA Blue Line station and improve sidewalks and bike lanes. Mass. General also pledged financial support to a variety of neighborhood civic institutions and to turn over a hospital-owned building for use as affordable housing.

"MGH will work with the BPDA to provide affordable housing for families, seniors, artists and others at 12 Garden Street in Beacon Hill," said BPDA. "The project will be designed and built with low carbon strategies and intends on using 100 percent renewable energy once constructed."

The project still needs approval from state health officials.

The meeting was the board's last during the administration of acting Mayor Kim Janey.