David Keenan Weighs In on Proposed Carney Hospital Redevelopment in Dorchester

June 1, 2026

Boston developers have proposed transforming the former Carney Hospital site in Dorchester into a mixed-use development centered on health care, housing and community amenities. The project would bring much-needed health care services back to the neighborhood while adding substantial senior and family housing.

The proposal calls for demolishing the existing hospital buildings and constructing a 350,000-square-foot health care facility, a nursing education center, 200 senior housing units, 300 family housing units, as well as retail space and open areas. While the development could provide significant benefits to the community, some residents have raised concerns about its scale and potential traffic impacts. David Keenan, of counsel at Bowditch and president of the Dorchester Lower Mills Civic Association, recently discussed these issues with The Boston Globe.

Noting that there may be pushback on the size of the housing development, David told the Globe’s editorial board that he worries about traffic based on the number of family units being proposed.

Read the article “Development would bring needed health care, housing to former Carney Hospital” on The Boston Globe website (subscription required).