Lime-E bikes arriving in Newton

Lime-E bikes arriving in Newton

by | Aug 31, 2018 | Newton | 12 comments

Lime is adding a power assist option to help with Newton’s hills. Here is the press release from Nicole Freedman, Newton’s Director of Transportation Planning: More than 50 lithium battery powered Lime-E bikes with a boost of electricity to help power your...
Where’s Charlie?

Where’s Charlie?

by | Aug 28, 2018 | Newton | 2 comments

The picture above was taken by NNHS student Jason Alpert-Wisnia at the rally in front of Smith and Wesson at Springfield to stop the manufacture in Massachusetts of guns that are illegal in Massachusetts.  Guns that were used in the Parkland, Aurora, and San...
Another city councilor blocks a resident

Another city councilor blocks a resident

by | May 20, 2018 | Newton | 31 comments

https://twitter.com/nathanpboston/status/998146527058112517

It’s the second time something like this has been reported, except this time the councilor’s twitter account seems specifically intended for constituent service, and the blocked user was an actual constituent. The action seems to have been taken due to persistent criticism. When is it acceptable for a councilor to block a constituent?

Mayor Fuller advocates for commuter rail improvements

by | May 8, 2018 | Auburndale, MBTA, Newton, Newtonville, Washington Street Corridor, West Newton | 20 comments

Jenna Fisher of the Patch reports that Mayor Fuller spoke to the MBTA control board today to make the case for upgrades to provide accessible, frequent transportation at all three of Newton’s Commuter Rail stations. In addition to advocating for Newton residents who need better access to transit, she made it clear that improved service is key to the Washington Street corridor vision to support future development.

The article reports new cost estimates for

A vision for the Washington Street corridor

by | Sep 24, 2017 | bicycles, development, Newton, Newton Corner, Newtonville, traffic, West Newton | 30 comments

Jeff Speck recently presented his vision for the Washington Street corridor to the Newton-Needham Chamber, building upon the recent plan for West Newton Square, extending through Newtonville towards Newton Corner.  The main theme is a road diet.  By eliminating underutilized roadway, Newton could create a far more attractive streetscape, open up new opportunities for recreation, transportation safety improvements, public transit, and yes, development.

A road diet might even improve traffic conditions, channelling traffic and eliminating conflicts that come with vehicles changing lanes.  A two-way cycle track along the pike could provide top-notch bicycle facilities  The idea of a road diet and cycle track along the pike is not new; it has been the subject of previous studies and TAG has been pitching it for several years now.  With