The City of Newton is embarking on a project to plan, design, and construct roadway, sidewalk and streetscape improvements for Walnut Street in the heart of Newtonville for construction starting in 2018.
Working with the community, the project intends to enhance the safety, character, and functionality of Walnut Street for all users. The project includes hardscape elements: the street, sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting.
At a meeting on May 1, 2017, Concept Options were presented. The city’s webpage has a link to email your thoughts before May 26, 2017 saying: “We want to hear from you – what elements do you like best and why?” So do we.
Crazy Divers: Men be like...
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Wouldn’t it make sense to wait until Austin Street and the Orr Projects are built and then fix Newtonville Center and Walnut Street?
Let me comment, and I really want people to comment. PLEASE look at the proposals. This is a once in a lifetime chance to change the village main street. And Main Streets matter.
Option 1 is my favorite. It maximizes the walkable village. It eliminates the center lane, increases sidewalks on both sides. Allows enough space for trees to grow, and benches. It would completely change the feel of the village, eliminating the concrete jungle feel of Walnut. It would create a mini village green area by expanding the area around the senior center. However, Option 1 does NOT give us separate bike lanes.
Option 2 is far weaker on village improvements, but does give us bike lanes. But if we make dedicated bike lanes, we lose the ability to transform and widen the sidewalks.
I’m a supporter of bikes lanes generally, but they aren’t always possible in our crowded village centers.
If you live in Newtonville or care about the village, please get involved ASAP.