In the request for proposals from the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the city agency stipulated that the proposals must include at least three units of affordable housing, underlying this area's desperate need for additional housing for middle and lower income households. Acquisition fees will also be collected from developers and will go toward the city's affordable housing fund.

Developers have the option to focus on one or both lots but a privately-owned lot is sandwiched between the two city-owned lots. Boston Housing Enterprises, which is one of the five developers who submitted proposals, recently signed a purchase and sale agreement for that lot.

Other developers who have submitted proposals include Big East Development, Hamilton Company/Russell Development, Tent City/Asian Community Development Corporation and Yeloff Realty Co. Inc. The BRA intends to make its decision by August.