Kouril Grieser: Apartments in the burbs are ‘reversing the American Dream’
I’m glad I wasn’t drinking a glass of milk this morning when I read Katheleen Kouril Grieser’s latest TAB column in opposition to the redevelopment of the Orr Block Building in Newtonville.
Because even in a year where political discourse has veered off into ugly directions, Kouril Grieser’s assertion that projects like the one businessman Robert Korff has proposed for the corner of Washington and Walnut Streets is “reversing the American Dream” is stunning.
If I understand Kouril Grieser’s position correctly (and, granted, she can be confusing) seniors, singles, young families, childless couples or anyone else who might believe an apartment in Newtonville close to transportation, a grocery store, a pharmacy, great restaurants, an arts center and other amenities would be a great place to live are — unbeknownst to them — “settling” for something less than the American Dream.
In addition, Kouril Grieser declares, those same misinformed apartment dwellers are ALSO “destroying the dreams of everyday Newton residents” who choose
Chamber supports the Washington Place project. Do you?
Statement from the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce: “The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber enthusiastically supports the proposed mixed use project at Washington Place. Washington Place will contribute substantially towards the revitalization of Newtonville;...Big development plans for Upper Falls ahead
The other shoe drops …. The mayor’s office has just sent out an invitation (below) to a public Open House to learn about Northland Development’s plans for its very large parcel of property in Upper Falls. It’s been clear to Upper Falls folks...Economic Development Director Nancy Hyde moving on
The following comes from Barney Heath, director of planning and development: After serving in the position since February of 2014, Nancy Hyde has decided to move on from her position as Director of Economic Development. We are proud of the many accomplishments that...Snout houses proposed for St. Philip Neri, ZBA this Thursday
The project at 1521 Beacon, listed in the Mayor’s housing plan as a target for medium/high density housing, has gone from the original 40B proposal with dozens of affordable units down to two homes and eight townhomes, only two of them affordable. This site was...Globe story about suburban tension over affordable house
From today’s Boston Globe, here’s a rather sobering article about the state of affordable housing in the greater Boston area with a look at some of the recent struggles in Newton and a not-very-flattering story about Setti Warren. Here’s an excerpt...
Andy Levin tries – but can’t – understand opposition to the Orr Block project
In a column this week, Newton TAB editor Andy Levin tries to make sense of opposition to the proposed Washington Place project at the site of the decaying Orr Building in Newtonville.
I pass the Orr block frequently during my travels around the city. Each time, I stare at the buildings in an attempt to understand why some folks are so against their being replaced. I do understand the anxiety about the displacement of several popular businesses and existing renters, but the buildings themselves are a century old, very worn down and of marginal historical significance, in my opinion. I can’t think of any good reason they shouldn’t be replaced and the area renewed.
Kouril Grieser sounds the alarm!
After a months of keeping a low profile, the Newton Village Alliance’s Kathleen Kouril Grieser resurfaced this week with a new TAB column. And she is very, very, afraid for our city’s future. “Newton is up for grabs,” warns the self-described...Austin Street conversations at NNHS
Those of you who are as bored with Austin Street as the Tab seems to be (no coverage of the March 1 community meeting at NNHS) can skip right over this if you want, but for anyone who’s curious, here’s a sampling of what people were hearing. I’m sorry I didn’t manage...
Answering Austin Street parking questions
It’s not online yet, but Newtonville resident Peter Bruce’s op-ed column in this week’s February 25 Tab (page B3), has some interesting statistics on seasonal parking at the Austin Street lot. In addition to receiving data back to 2012 from the Planning department...Boston Magazine: ‘Not in Newton’s Back Yard’
Waban resident and journalist Lauren Paul wrote a story in the March issue of Boston Magazine about Newton’s recent challenges with affordable housing developments, focusing on Engine 6 and Waban in particular. The subhead for the article reads: Well-heeled...