Boston planning officials are out with yet another downtown rezoning proposal that, they say, balances historic preservation with the need to encourage more big housing projects.

A proposal to rezone downtown Boston for increased housing and development is drawing sharp criticism from residents, who warn it could “Manhattanize” the city and erase its historic character.

Critics of a proposed Boston zoning plan are fuming over new regulationsthat they say will “Manhattanize” the city’s historic downtown with shadow-casting 700-foot skyscrapers.

When residents loudly objected to a plan that would allow 500-foot skyscrapers in parts of a proposed downtown planning zone, Mayor Michelle Wu listened. Then the mayor came back with a plan to allow 700-foot skyscrapers.

When it comes to development, Boston has a reputation as a city that can’t get out of its own way.

Progress has been made in cleaning up the elements of crime in Downtown and the Boston Common since last year’s dramatic increase in drug abuse and drug dealing. But for the partners invested in dealing with those criminal elements, the work is far from over.

Downtown Boston could see a lot more skyscrapers if new zoning guidelines for the region’s core business district are approved.

The Boston Planning Department on Thursday unveiled what it hopes is the final iteration of a long-awaited downtown zoning plan, which outlines what can be built, and where, in core of the city.

The Boston Planning Department unveiled new downtown zoning guidelines Thursday that would permit skyscrapers up to 700 feet tall in the Financial District.

During the day, Downtown Crossing is bustling with shoppers, students, and commuters. However, people who live and work in the area say something else has crept into the busy district: growing concerns about public safety.    

The shopping district—located between the Boston Common and the Financial District—now faces visible drug use, rising safety concerns, and the ripple effects of the Mass. and Cass encampment sweeps. 

A cross-sector coalition of city and state officials, law enforcement, shelters and churches, institutional partners, business and trade associations, and civic organizations last week officially launched the One Downtown Task Force – a strategic initiative aimed at improving public safety, reducing crime and homelessness, and enhancing the overall experience and quality of life for all who live, work, visit, and do business in Downtown Boston and surrounding neighborhoods.

Public officials in Boston are launching a public safety action plan to address issues related to drug use, homelessness, and crime in the city.

The One Downtown Task Force is a 10-member operation co-chaired by Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, State Representative Aaron Michlewitz, and Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden.

After nearly 100 top officials promised visible changes in “days and weeks” to increase downtown Boston’s public safety, a new city task force was created to get the job done — and Winter Street has started to look different.

“We’ve probably had 20 or 25 follow-up conversations in the last week,” Rishi Shukla told MassLive on Thursday.  “Everyone is eager and on board to do more,” said Shukla.

Last Thursday, Feb. 27, the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association (DBNA) hosted a public safety summit to address ongoing challenges facing the Downtown Boston neighborhood. While Boston has achieved record low levels of homicide and violent crime, congregate drug-use; petty crime, including retail theft; and homelessness continue to impact the quality of life, experience, and perception of safety among those who live, work, visit, and do business in Downtown Boston.

Boston officials said last week they are taking new steps to end congregate drug use and related criminal activity around the city. Civic leaders, government officials, and others met for a major meeting on the topic, and are promising more concrete actions soon.  

The moves come as residents and local leaders continue to voice frustrations about public safety concerns in areas including downtown Boston.