Conan Harris Secures Major Contract for Housing Project
Conan Harris, the spouse of Massachusetts Democrat Ayanna Presley, has landed a significant contract for his company, thanks to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
In April 2024, the Boston Planning Division granted Dream Development a contract for a 400-unit housing project. This undertaking is tied to a $250 million deal, which has garnered attention from various sources.
A source who is familiar with the situation mentioned to local media that community opposition was largely ignored during the decision-making process. “The BPDA and the zoning board seemed to have approved it without really considering what the community thought,” the source said. “It looks like it often depends on who the developer is.”
The Boston Planning and Development Authority has chosen Dream Development and related partners to transform a parking lot in Boston’s Roslindale area into affordable housing. The projected total development cost is estimated at $254 million.
John Barros, who held the position of head of economic development for Boston from 2014 to 2021, is also noted as an investor in Dream Development.
While Mayor Wu framed the project as beneficial for the public upon its announcement, there are concerns that the deal mainly serves those with connections to former city officials.
“This designation is crucial for turning a parking area into housing that meets our residents’ needs,” Wu stated at the announcement. “We’re eager to collaborate with Related Beal and Dream Development to bring this vision to fruition.”
The offices of Wu, Dream Development, and Presley have not responded to inquiries for comment.
Harris, who married Presley in 2014, previously served as the deputy director of public safety at Boston City Hall and founded a management consulting firm. Presley assumed office the same year.
Recently, both Harris and Presley have faced scrutiny over financial disclosures, revealing assets of up to $8 million. Despite Presley’s reputation as a working-class advocate, her disclosures indicate that she and her husband earned between $145,000 and $350,000 from their five rental properties in 2024.
