Six developers have submitted six possible mixed retail/residential plans for the Austin St parking lot in Newtonville. Have a read of Trevor Jones’ article in the Newton Tab and let us know what you think. Do any of them jump out at you positively or negatively? No doubt, we’ll all have to see the detailed plans before knowing for sure, but the thumbnail sketches in the article can at least begin the discussion.
Looks like a pretty good selection of designs! I would love to have a zipcar access here similar to the Archstone projects in Watertown and Waltham. I think auto parking needs to be as close to 1 per unit as possible. The city wants a set number of public spaces, but we need to limit the total number to some degree. Good to see bike parking proposed in one of the projects from the start. This area is reasonably transit friendly and walk friendly area so reduced auto parking, and increased bike parking in addition to zipcar spaces should serve quite well. Lots of good opportunity here!
Nice job by Trevor Jones, speaking to each of the developers.
Limiting parking for the folks that will live in this new development promotes smart growth.
The public spaces are important for businesses in the village but also for commuters, who come from other parts of the city (and elsewhere) to take to train to Boston, something we should all want to encourage.
I should note that a request should be made that the developer set aside a chunk of money to be used to fund a Hubway station once that program looks to launch here in Newton. Even if they put into a pot half the cost it would be a great start toward getting a station in Newtonville! I will bring this up at the next BAC meeting
Lots of thoughts, but the Hubway station is a great idea.
Greg, the commuter comment is only sort of correct. I invite you to go look at Washington Street around the commuter rail. There are usually dozens of empty commuter spaces. Plus, the spaces near Whole Foods don’t even have meters (and are always full).
I’m a little worried about the size of some of the designs. Also, I think that this project should be tied to the overall improvement of the Newtonville Village Center. This is a once in a lifetime change to invest some money in the village and make some improvements, especially combined with the upcoming walnut street work.
Possibilities would include wider sidewalks, better streetlights (antique looking and more light), a facade grant program to businesses to improve signs, more benches and plantings, etc. The city needs to invest some of the money from this development in the actual village center.
Looks to me that the designs are to large for the rather limited space available. I favor some development here but these designs are out of proportion to the lot size. Project should be set back farther from the street.