Every once in a while a store empties and people start the speculation process of what will move in. Then people talk about what they WANT to move in. The problem is that many stores we want are only possible if the population increases in density. You need a critical mass of foot traffic to make certain stores viable.
Over in West Newton Square this argument is coming up right now in the form of 429 Cherry Street. Apparently a developer wants to remake a vacant single-story building that had been part of the Newton Community Center into a multi-story 9-resident unit. The property is already entirely built up, so we’re not talking about ripping out trees and other natural growth. This is simply taking a one-story building down and building something new with far more utility for the neighborhood.
According to an email from Greer Tan-Swiston, concerns from residents include the height of the building blocking out light, drainage, parking and changing the character of the neighborhood.
In my opinion it’s the right building for the right location. I wish we’d see more of it.
The Planning Department document is below.
As an alderman, and as chairman of the Land Use Committee, I am prohibited from taking a position on a pending special permit application before the public hearing has been concluded, and I trust that my colleagues will likewise refrain from doing so. The public hearing on this project has been continued until April 10 to allow the petitioner to meet with some of the neighbors to discuss their concerns.
To Chuck’s broader point on increased density in village centers, I would like people to know that the MIT grad students who studied West Newton village in depth in 2011 have put together a truly excellent report. The final report has been published in hard copy but is not yet available online. You can go here to see the MIT slide presentation and keep visiting to obtain a copy of the report when it is posted online.
@Ted,
I just read the Planning Dept report and although it addresses parking on the property, it does not address egress issues from the property onto Cherry Street. This area of Cherry Street is very narrow. During the morning and evening rush hours, traffic often gets backed up in both directions on Cherry Street. One of the issues that seems to occur is traffic trying to turn into the Municipal Lot from the northbound side of Cherry Street. Cars back up waiting for an opening that often does not come quickly or easily. The same can be said for cars trying to exit the lot going in either direction on Cherry Street. I also see a potential conflict with the Police Department and their cruisers trying to exit their lot, not just to get out but more importantly, to respond to emergency calls. I want them to be able to get out of the gridlock quickly if I need them.
I live on Cherry Street and travel this area daily and see how traffic gets clogged on Cherry Street and on Washington St. Adding this many units with 17 parking stalls as well as additional visitor traffic to the apartments and to the offices will dramatically impact traffic on Cherry Street. Can you address this issue?
@TWT, I really cannot comment until after the public hearing is closed and he public comment concluded. I invite you to come and share your comments at the public hearing or submit them in writing to the committee clerk, Linda Finucane.
@Ted,
Ok thanks. I will. I appreciate your responses.
There’s also a smaller residence over business project, which I think has already been approved, at the vacant lot at Elm and Border Streets (formerly Galaxy Auto Body), one block away, and opposite the other entrance to the municipal lot. I haven’t had a chance to read the Planning Department report yet, so I’m not sure if the combined effect on traffic has been considered.
Is the rescheduled public hearing definitely on? I’m interested enough to have shown up at the one that was postponed, but I don’t want to trade work shifts to go to the April 10 one unless it’s definite.
By popular demand (okay, I asked), the planning department posted the MIT West Newton Study on the city’s website.
@Julia: The mixed use project on Elm and Border has three retail and 4 residential units, with some parking on site. As a rule, residential projects generated the least number of trips of any use, and the rather modest amount of first floor retail on this particular project is not going to generate a whole lot of trips in the area. It is less than a block away from a bus route and a commuter rail stop. The traffic and parking impact from this project will be nominal. Incidentally, the petitioner passed away just two weeks after the special permit was granted. He considered this his legacy project and I am informed his kids are striving to move forward on this project in his memory. This is one of several small, mixed use projects in Newton that I think will be absolutely terrific additions to their villages and preserve or increase the vitality of the village centers, as Chuck envisions.
Ted,
Would you mind emailing me the contact information for the family? I’d like to speak with them about the project, the legacy, etc. for use as a story here.