Simon told the BRA that it will double, to 10, the number of affordable units in the $500 million tower. It is also negotiating the purchase of a building in the South End where it will create another 35 affordable units, to comply with city regulations.
It also agreed to increase to $1 million its contribution for public art in the neighborhood, as long as it is allowed to help select the art.
Still, Democratic state Representative Byron Rushing, whose district includes the construction site, said Simon would meet only the city’s minimum requirements on affordable housing. He said Simon should build affordable units equaling 25 percent of the total project, instead of the 15 percent minimum.
“This is a big project by a big firm … and they are going to come in and try to do this as cheaply as possible,’’ Rushing said. “The BRA shouldn’t be part of that. They should be on the community’s side, asking for more.’’
The continued objections threaten to derail Simon’s plan to begin construction next spring on the last big part of the Copley Place development.
A multi-tiered glass tower, designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects of Boston, would contain 318 condominiums, space for an expanded Neiman Marcus store, and additional restaurants and shops.
It would be among the largest new buildings in the city in recent decades and would provide hundreds of jobs for construction workers hit hard by the economic downturn.
The BRA’s director, Peter Meade, said the authority is reviewing the proposal and has not decided whether to schedule it for a vote at its next board meeting, on Nov. 17. Meade said the BRA has pushed the developer for affordable housing as well for improvements in public spaces.
“There is no question that we are doing what we can in terms of making sure this developer lives up to its responsibilities, and that includes the affordable housing part of it,’’ Meade said. He added that Simon has promised to spend large sums to upgrade parks and build an indoor public garden.
