Kouril Grieser: Apartments in the burbs are ‘reversing the American Dream’

Kouril Grieser: Apartments in the burbs are ‘reversing the American Dream’

by | Feb 1, 2017 | Affordable housing, development, Newtonville, Orr Building | 33 comments

 

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

City gets funding to address intersection of Washington and Harvard Streets

by | Jan 27, 2017 | Newtonville, streets and sidewalks | 5 comments

From Newton Patch

Newton will use its $400,000 to fund the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Washington Street and Harvard Street, additional curb extensions to reduce crossing distance and improve visibility, new sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, accessible pedestrian signals, bicycle detection, signage and pavement markings

Kouril Grieser: Apartments in the burbs are ‘reversing the American Dream’

Washington Place developer offers two design options

by | Nov 4, 2016 | Affordable housing, Newtonville, Orr Building | 1 comment

Jonathan Dame reports for Wicked Local Newton.

The developer looking to rebuild the Orr block in Newtonville Tuesday night presented city councilors and the public with two new design options for its proposed mixed-use project.

The developer has a preference – and councilors appeared to have one, too – but Damien Chaviano of Mark Investment Inc. said his firm would be happy to build either.

Andy Levin tries – but can’t – understand opposition to the Orr Block project

Andy Levin tries – but can’t – understand opposition to the Orr Block project

by | Sep 1, 2016 | development, Newtonville | 13 comments

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.