Newtonville resident Jack Leader provides a historical perspective on Wicked Local Newton about Newtonville and the Austin Street project and explains how a committee of residents working with businesses came to the conclusion that the parking could be put to better use.
Our recommendation to the Mayor was to build housing over the Austin Street parking lot, covering and maintaining the convenience of the metered parking. The housing should be of the type and style that would be attractive to young professionals who want to get their start in Newton and older citizens who want to remain in Newton among their friends, but need a smaller space. This, we felt, would bring a vibrancy and vitality to Newton, particularly in the evening, that was sorely lacking.
