the view from Bram Way
Several years ago, the Newton Centre Task Force studied what was good about that village and what needed to be fixed. One of the few points where I think everyone agreed was that Union Street was a gem, with its cozy streetscape, passageways and courtyards.
Walking around Newtonville with some planners from the MAPC last year, some noted similar potential in Bram Way, not far from the Austin Street lot under consideration for development. There are several alleys cutting through the adjacent block, between Walnut Street and the Austin Street lot, which could be inviting passageways between stores and parking or perhaps even courtyard dining. Today, they lead only to desolate private parking lots, uninviting for pedestrians or business development.
Much thought is going into how to improve the Walnut Street streetscape. What if businesses faced Bram Way? Perhaps Bram Way could become another Union Street, providing a solid connection between the new Austin Street development and the Walnut Street shops?
Interesting idea. Thanks for posting Adam.
I’d especially love to hear what our three Ward 2 aldermen candidates think about this.
This same concept applies to Melrose Ave (as distinct from Melrose Street) in Auburndale square.
This is a tremendous idea. What would be a logical role for the City in something like this? Tax incentives? Grants? If so, wouldn’t facade improvements to the front side be helpful? Most our city centers are stuck in the 1950s and private landlords don’t seem to be in the “spend money to make money” mindset. Instead of attracting retail, they attract salons and banks. Are there any redevelopment grants available to a city like Newton (a non-impoverished area)?
Where exactly is Bram Way? I can’t see it on either Google Maps or Newton’s GIS system?
Bram Way runs behind Rox Diner, from Highland to Austin Street, Jerry.
If you look at the various proposals for Austin Street, a lot of them connect with Bram way in interesting ways.
Newtonville needs a lot of help. It has great potential and the Austin Street development and the repaving of Walnut (with the possibility of better sidewalks and streetlamps) could really make a huge difference, both for the good and the bad, depending on what is decided. This will need to be a group effort, residents/businesses/the city need to come together to take advantage of these events.
Here’s another interesting approach:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vzDDMzq7d0
or the Winthrop Street “shared street” in Cambridge a.k.a. woonerf. H/T John Pelletier