Kathleen Kouril Grieser
Kathleen Kouril Grieser's projects
Recent Activity
Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 8 months ago
Supported a comment by Ellen K. on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 8 months ago
Ellen K.
What provisions are in place to restrict/control development of the golf course properties, which are most of the remaining large parcels of open space?
What provisions are in place to restrict/control development of the golf course properties, which are most of the remaining large parcels of open space?
Supported a comment by James Pacheco on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 8 months ago
James Pacheco
These large Multi-use structure need addition zoning regulations regarding fire safety. These building are being designed and built with light weight construction materials which burn rapidly [like a match box/book explosion]. While under-construction, we need construction regulations to protect the workers with type of structure. These issue appears to be serious flaws in the National Fire Safety codes.
These large Multi-use structure need addition zoning regulations regarding fire safety. These building are being designed and built with light weight construction materials which burn rapidly [like a match box/book explosion]. While under-construction, we need construction regulations to protect the workers with type of structure. These issue appears to be serious flaws in the National Fire Safety codes.
Supported a comment by isabelle albeck on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 8 months ago
isabelle albeck
When considering zoning redesign, please - do not eliminate any open space: we need trees and grass for our wellbeing: they calm our stress and are good for the environment by absorbing noise and pollution while facilitating animal life. - lower the FAR in Single Residences: we need large buffer zones around each house; right now, the FAR is too generous: each time one house is demolished a McMansion takes up most of the lot because the FAR allows it; we need to keep the footprint of new structures closer to the original footprint. - keep new structures at a height of three stories, not higher: it makes a difference regarding shade, the visibility of trees on the other side and have them set back generously away from the curb; having room for trees in the setback makes it less confining for passers-by. - encourage businesses: do not change zoning from commercial to residential; we need commercial tax base, not housing that will burden our schools. - keep parks and buildings instead of surplussing them. Thank you.
When considering zoning redesign, please - do not eliminate any open space: we need trees and grass for our wellbeing: they calm our stress and are good for the environment by absorbing noise and pollution while facilitating animal life. - lower the FAR in Single Residences: we need large buffer zones around each house; right now, the FAR is too generous: each time one house is demolished a McMansion takes up most of the lot because the FAR allows it; we need to keep the footprint of new structures closer to the original footprint. - keep new structures at a height of three stories, not higher: it makes a difference regarding shade, the visibility of trees on the other side and have them set back generously away from the curb; having room for trees in the setback makes it less confining for passers-by. - encourage businesses: do not change zoning from commercial to residential; we need commercial tax base, not housing that will burden our schools. - keep parks and buildings instead of surplussing them. Thank you.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 8 months ago
Good idea, Alicia.
Supported a comment by mark Sangiolo on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 8 months ago
mark Sangiolo
Upper Falls Village Center needs a small expansion of new retail/housing near the depot restaurant around a new green space.
upper falls village needs protection from needham street linear center. Consider trading with northland dev. and getting some development control on a piece of the old ivex site next to chestnut st. develop this to a town green with small retail around it.
maybe some music venues/restaurant etc.
Upper Falls Village Center needs a small expansion of new retail/housing near the depot restaurant around a new green space.
upper falls village needs protection from needham street linear center. Consider trading with northland dev. and getting some development control on a piece of the old ivex site next to chestnut st. develop this to a town green with small retail around it.
maybe some music venues/restaurant etc.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
A McMansion there won't be affordable housing. It's a nice bit of green space in a built out neighborhood.
Supported a comment by Julia Malakie on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Julia Malakie
See my comment to Will on Emmons St. I worry about our street, too. Though with houses on two sides of me already super sized, I feel fortunate that the owners of the other two will probably not be going anywhere in my lifetime.
See my comment to Will on Emmons St. I worry about our street, too. Though with houses on two sides of me already super sized, I feel fortunate that the owners of the other two will probably not be going anywhere in my lifetime.
Supported a comment by Susan Cassidy on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Susan Cassidy
Our neighborhood has smaller homes and modest yards. There's a lot to value in keeping things small. One house on our street has already been torn down and replaced with quite a large home. I worry that our smaller home will be overshadowed by more big homes.
Our neighborhood has smaller homes and modest yards. There's a lot to value in keeping things small. One house on our street has already been torn down and replaced with quite a large home. I worry that our smaller home will be overshadowed by more big homes.
Supported a comment by Julia Malakie on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Julia Malakie
I know you got the pin in the wrong place, but completely agree about Oak Hill Park. Only wish someone in city government cared.
I know you got the pin in the wrong place, but completely agree about Oak Hill Park. Only wish someone in city government cared.
Supported a comment by Lisa Thorson on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Lisa Thorson
This development, built as a private public partnership for returning WWII veterans has been decimated by teardowns and overbuilt replacement homes. We need to preserve some of the small single level homes to preserve affordability, universal design for the lifespan and open space; all in Newton's housing vision statement. Stop teardowns and allow 'reasonable' sized additions that do not dwarf the original structures or the integrity of the parklike pathway setting. If this doesn't happen in this and other neihborhoods, affordable housing will mean studio, 1 , 2 bedroom apartments; no green space. Might as well live in Boston.
This development, built as a private public partnership for returning WWII veterans has been decimated by teardowns and overbuilt replacement homes. We need to preserve some of the small single level homes to preserve affordability, universal design for the lifespan and open space; all in Newton's housing vision statement. Stop teardowns and allow 'reasonable' sized additions that do not dwarf the original structures or the integrity of the parklike pathway setting. If this doesn't happen in this and other neihborhoods, affordable housing will mean studio, 1 , 2 bedroom apartments; no green space. Might as well live in Boston.
Supported a comment by Melissa Chaikof on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Melissa Chaikof
I am upset about the lack of zoning controlling greedy developers tearing down beautiful old homes, putting up McMansions, or, worse, cramming two McMansions on one lot. Also, the height of some of these homes is absurd. The house at the corner of Sylvan and Bigelow is an example. The monstrous house takes up the whole lot. Its height dwarfs the rest of the surrounding homes. The same is now happening at 174 Valentine. The mayor and legislators don't care that the character of Newton is being destroyed. Zoning needs to be revised. Historic homes also need to be valued.
I am upset about the lack of zoning controlling greedy developers tearing down beautiful old homes, putting up McMansions, or, worse, cramming two McMansions on one lot. Also, the height of some of these homes is absurd. The house at the corner of Sylvan and Bigelow is an example. The monstrous house takes up the whole lot. Its height dwarfs the rest of the surrounding homes. The same is now happening at 174 Valentine. The mayor and legislators don't care that the character of Newton is being destroyed. Zoning needs to be revised. Historic homes also need to be valued.
Supported a comment by David Walend on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
David Walend
No one has flagged the Circle of Death (really the Circle of Dents) yet? It's hard to imagine how a deranged civil engineer was allowed to put together this triplet of diabolical concrete overpasses. I read a Tab article that said this knot contained the three intersections most likely to involve collisions between cars. I've never spotted a pedestrian trying to cross. Yes, you need to involve both the state and federal governments to fix it. No, the fix isn't obvious. It still needs to be fixed.
No one has flagged the Circle of Death (really the Circle of Dents) yet? It's hard to imagine how a deranged civil engineer was allowed to put together this triplet of diabolical concrete overpasses. I read a Tab article that said this knot contained the three intersections most likely to involve collisions between cars. I've never spotted a pedestrian trying to cross. Yes, you need to involve both the state and federal governments to fix it. No, the fix isn't obvious. It still needs to be fixed.
Supported a comment by Julia Malakie on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Julia Malakie
Kelley asks, won't more homes limit prices? No. We're not on an island in the middle of the ocean. Any price effect would be short term, as increased supply would cause more people to choose to live in Newton instead of Waltham or Brookline or Natick or somewhere else. What people are willing to pay to live in Newton is based on factors like our school system's reputation, our proximity to Boston, and other amenities. Not on supply of housing. Even the city's housing consultant said we'll never build our way to affordability. If adding units and density made cities affordable, NYC and Seattle would be bargains.
Kelley asks, won't more homes limit prices? No. We're not on an island in the middle of the ocean. Any price effect would be short term, as increased supply would cause more people to choose to live in Newton instead of Waltham or Brookline or Natick or somewhere else. What people are willing to pay to live in Newton is based on factors like our school system's reputation, our proximity to Boston, and other amenities. Not on supply of housing. Even the city's housing consultant said we'll never build our way to affordability. If adding units and density made cities affordable, NYC and Seattle would be bargains.
Supported a comment by Mary Lou Sabbag on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Mary Lou Sabbag
With Auburndale already being overrun with condominiums taking the place of a single family home, adding a huge project to the Turtle Lane Playhouse location is overkill. A bucolic place in a family home neighborhood is a gem. Adding over 20 more condominiums and stores on once acre of land is a very bad idea.
With Auburndale already being overrun with condominiums taking the place of a single family home, adding a huge project to the Turtle Lane Playhouse location is overkill. A bucolic place in a family home neighborhood is a gem. Adding over 20 more condominiums and stores on once acre of land is a very bad idea.
Supported a comment by Julia Malakie on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Julia Malakie
Unfortunately there is very little backbone among the City Council to do anything about this, and it's not a priority for the Planning Dept, which is preoccupied with adding units anywhere and any way they can think of. Amy Sangiolo's proposal for a one-year moratorium on teardowns a couple of years ago to try to make changes got nowhere. And the City Council just caved on snout houses, postponing for another year the effective date of the ordinance they passed last fall..
Unfortunately there is very little backbone among the City Council to do anything about this, and it's not a priority for the Planning Dept, which is preoccupied with adding units anywhere and any way they can think of. Amy Sangiolo's proposal for a one-year moratorium on teardowns a couple of years ago to try to make changes got nowhere. And the City Council just caved on snout houses, postponing for another year the effective date of the ordinance they passed last fall..
Supported a comment by Will B on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Will B
The Mosman - Maynard neighborhood (perhaps we could call it Quabeca - the Quadrilateral below Calvary Cemetery) is under siege as these lovely, smaller, and relatively affordable homes are being torn down for monsters three times the size. The FAR allows for homes of over 4,000 square feet in an area of homes that were originally build to about 1,200 square feet. Adjusting the FAR to perhaps double the size of the original home might help save this wonderful neighborhood from becoming full of over-sized, slapped-up McMansions built on spec.
The Mosman - Maynard neighborhood (perhaps we could call it Quabeca - the Quadrilateral below Calvary Cemetery) is under siege as these lovely, smaller, and relatively affordable homes are being torn down for monsters three times the size. The FAR allows for homes of over 4,000 square feet in an area of homes that were originally build to about 1,200 square feet. Adjusting the FAR to perhaps double the size of the original home might help save this wonderful neighborhood from becoming full of over-sized, slapped-up McMansions built on spec.
Supported a comment by Pamela Geib on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Pamela Geib
Keep single family housing zoning and add more green space. Support local business - meaning to NOT develop big box stores nearby.
Keep single family housing zoning and add more green space. Support local business - meaning to NOT develop big box stores nearby.
Supported a comment by Alan Mayer on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 9 months ago
Alan Mayer
City of Newton, I think it is the nature of a Design Charrette that we don't preset priorities. I attended the Newtonville meeting with the 20 minute table talks and as a architect with some real experience I found that this was more about making people feel like they had input than about real thoughtful dialogue. The parameters that were preset as the limits of the conversation said so much about predetermined ideas it was discouraging even though everyone there had the best of intentions. Years ago Boston had a Washington Street Charrette that required a real time commitment and, while imperfect, was a thoughtful generator of ideas. The current polotical mess with the development on the corner of Washington and Walnut is a simple result of the the city NOT being proactive in it's master planning process which makes development and approval so difficult, time consuming and costly for everyone. If the city really wants more business and tax base and affordable housing and housing and senior housing and housing in general then we need to find those opportunities ahead of time, develop a master plan that solves issues like parking, public transportation, bikes, pedestrians etc. And then incentivize it with preapprovals to make it appealing to developers, while keeping it profitable for the City.
City of Newton, I think it is the nature of a Design Charrette that we don't preset priorities. I attended the Newtonville meeting with the 20 minute table talks and as a architect with some real experience I found that this was more about making people feel like they had input than about real thoughtful dialogue. The parameters that were preset as the limits of the conversation said so much about predetermined ideas it was discouraging even though everyone there had the best of intentions. Years ago Boston had a Washington Street Charrette that required a real time commitment and, while imperfect, was a thoughtful generator of ideas. The current polotical mess with the development on the corner of Washington and Walnut is a simple result of the the city NOT being proactive in it's master planning process which makes development and approval so difficult, time consuming and costly for everyone. If the city really wants more business and tax base and affordable housing and housing and senior housing and housing in general then we need to find those opportunities ahead of time, develop a master plan that solves issues like parking, public transportation, bikes, pedestrians etc. And then incentivize it with preapprovals to make it appealing to developers, while keeping it profitable for the City.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 11 months ago
*came from
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 11 months ago
Ms. Brown, I did address the merits of your comment by pointing out that consultants are hired by developers to write reports that help advance the developer's agenda. Those reports should be viewed with healthy skepticism. I was not attempting to "poison the well" as you put it, by asking if you worked for a developer. It was an honest question. Your comments seem to be very much like what one would expect from a developer. I was merely trying to ascertain the source of your perspective. Mine is as a member of this community, a homeowner, taxpayer and someone who values our history, diversity, architectural heritage, trees, green spaces and quality of life. I wondered if your perspective can from your profession. Thank you for answering that question.
Supported a comment by Ellen K. on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 11 months ago
Ellen K.
The Greenway has been a wonderful addition to Newton Upper Falls. It needs to connect to the Newton Highlands T station. Realistically, there will never be funding for a Green Line extension in our lifetimes.
Also, the residential area off of Oak St. comprising Williams and Saco Sts. should not be in the Needham St. area as shown in the draft of the pattern book. This small, vulnerable residential enclave - with 8 homes on the National Register of Historic Places - is part and parcel of Newton Upper Falls and needs to join it as zoning discussions proceed. Why was it lumped in with Needham St.?
As far as Northland is concerned, re-opening the former Clark factory driveway will result in traffic hazards - we had a taste of the problems during the closure of the Elliot St. Bridge, when it became extremely difficult to exit Williams St. and Saco St. during rush hour.
The Greenway has been a wonderful addition to Newton Upper Falls. It needs to connect to the Newton Highlands T station. Realistically, there will never be funding for a Green Line extension in our lifetimes.
Also, the residential area off of Oak St. comprising Williams and Saco Sts. should not be in the Needham St. area as shown in the draft of the pattern book. This small, vulnerable residential enclave - with 8 homes on the National Register of Historic Places - is part and parcel of Newton Upper Falls and needs to join it as zoning discussions proceed. Why was it lumped in with Needham St.?
As far as Northland is concerned, re-opening the former Clark factory driveway will result in traffic hazards - we had a taste of the problems during the closure of the Elliot St. Bridge, when it became extremely difficult to exit Williams St. and Saco St. during rush hour.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
5 years, 11 months ago
Kelley, you may not know this, but developers hire consultants to prepare reports about all manner of impacts that would be imposed by their proposed projects - fiscal, traffic, environmental, etc. It's not a coincidence that the consultants the developers hire usually find that the proposed projects won't have any negative impacts on the municipality or abutters at all, or will have unexpected positive impacts. Consultants who work for developers produce reports that help the developers who pay them, and they are usually very well compensated for the work they do. By any chance do you work for a developer?
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Hello David, I wouldn't, and didn't, suggest trying to change Newton into Wellesley. Newton is a mature, "streetcar" suburb that has much more socio-economic diversity then does Wellesley. High-density residential development is driving up land and housing prices and literally displacing those closer to the bottom socio-economically in Newton. We are in danger of losing our socio-economic diversity, something which Wellesley had less of from the start (no judgment implied). Densification equals gentrification in Newton, and the erosion of the middle class. Older, smaller, more modest houses that represent the first rung on the housing ladder to equity and middle-class economic security are being demolished in Newton to make way for McMansions, over-priced rental apartments and million-dollar condos. Less green space, fewer trees, more traffic, more crowded classrooms, etc, etc. We get a reduced quality of life and a higher cost of living. Wellesley's teardown problem is as bad as ours, but they get only the scourge of McMansions (as we do), but not so much the added high-density units that we get here in Newton. Newton is out of balance in fiscal terms. We don't need more residential property speculation and density. We need a bigger high-skills corporate commercial tax base to subsidize the cost of our schools and public services, and we need more public use zoned-land. And 40B is a non-starter. Newton has achieved the 1.5% 40B standard. Newton has regained the power to reject 40Bs and has. Zoning reform can reduce residential density. But will it?
Supported a comment by Leah Bird on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Leah Bird
Traffic is also increasing exponentially because of development on Rte 9. Centre Street is the throughway for commuters traveling between Rte 9 and the Pike. A plan to increase density in our villages makes sense philosophically, but I, for one, feel our roads are already full to the max with commuters. We need a large-scale plan to deal with traffic before we add more cars to the equation.
Traffic is also increasing exponentially because of development on Rte 9. Centre Street is the throughway for commuters traveling between Rte 9 and the Pike. A plan to increase density in our villages makes sense philosophically, but I, for one, feel our roads are already full to the max with commuters. We need a large-scale plan to deal with traffic before we add more cars to the equation.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Modest apartments are being lost to luxury condo development. Two-family structures than house an apartment at naturally low rents are demolished to make way for million-dollar condos - look at West Newton and Nonantum. The high-density apartment projects are generally 80% very expensive luxury units and 20% subsidized affordable which must by distributed via lottery to those who apply and qualify from across our MSRA (region). There's no guarantee they will help those in Newton who are struggling. At the same time the high-density apartment developers tend to try to use commercial land to build their residential complexes. This is a fiscal lose-lose. There are better, small-scale ways to increase the percentage of subsidized and naturally affordable homes in Newton, but this administration and its property speculator allies are not interested in those ways.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
It's clear that zoning reform should be aimed at protecting and reducing existing residential densities, not increasing them, as well as preserving and expanding open space, and strengthening our commercial tax base. Zoning changes that increase residential densities in a municipality that is more than $1 billion in debt is a form of madness.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Great ideas.
Supported a comment by Alan Seru on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Alan Seru
There is a small path that is great near Saco street along the river. There is an opportunity for the city to extend this to the upper falls playing fields & also down to needham street.
This would allow the path to connect to the nice trails on the other side- which extend to Cutler Lake & Trails.
This would really connect the neighborhood and allow pedestrian access on a nice river trail to avoid the congested roads.
Maybe a boardwalk at points where the town does not own
There is a small path that is great near Saco street along the river. There is an opportunity for the city to extend this to the upper falls playing fields & also down to needham street.
This would allow the path to connect to the nice trails on the other side- which extend to Cutler Lake & Trails.
This would really connect the neighborhood and allow pedestrian access on a nice river trail to avoid the congested roads.
Maybe a boardwalk at points where the town does not own
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
The new Northland development is a bad idea. With its imbalance between an overly large residential base and a too small commercial base, the last thing Newton needs is a massive infusion of expensive "luxury" apartments. Adding 950 apartments is a fiscal losing proposition. This is a large site that could hold a campus for a high-skills, high-tech corporate headquarters, providing jobs, commercial tax revenue and not imposing costs for public services (especially school costs) onto existing taxpayers. Newton is more than $1 Billion in debt, more overrides are threatened, property speculators are devouring our commercial zones and driving up land and housing prices. This is unsustainable. This is the wrong use for this site.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Good idea.
Supported a comment by Adam Kitzis on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Adam Kitzis
Right now, this is one of the few places that provide a crossing point for route 9. I think the idea of foot bridges would increase safety and reduce red lights on route 9
Right now, this is one of the few places that provide a crossing point for route 9. I think the idea of foot bridges would increase safety and reduce red lights on route 9
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
How about more commercial tax base? Newton has tons of housing and tons of debt. What we need is high skills employers, a robust commercial tax base and increased park/open space as a counterweight to our unsustainably large residential base and the associated school and other costs that come with it.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
How about more commercial tax base? Newton has tons of housing and tons of debt. What we need is high skills employers, a robust commercial tax base and increased park/open space as a counterweight to our unsustainably large residential base and the associated school and other costs that come with it.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Please keep dogs on leashes unless in off-leash area, and please pick up your dog's waste. Parks are for children too.
Supported a comment by Anna Wyner on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Anna Wyner
Cold spring park is a wonderful place to walk your dog, Newton has great parks.
Cold spring park is a wonderful place to walk your dog, Newton has great parks.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Russell, the traffic in Newton is getting worse and worse because of increasing residential density. Taking a valuable public parking lot that supports the local businesses in a wonderful, walkable village center and "surplusing" it to a politically connected developer to build a high-density apartment building (because that's how our elected leaders dispose of our public property) is a terrible idea. They tried it in Newtonville, and all they managed to do was drive out the small local business and make a vibrant, thriving village, less vibrant and thriving.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
It seems unlikely the rail stop at Newton Corner will come back anytime soon, or that service will improve either, but both of those things would be great. If only... However, I see no reason to give a density or height "incentive" to any developer in any case. I've yet to meet a single person who thinks that Newton Corner was improved by that hotel tower over the Pike. Every development project meets opposition if it is too dense or too high. People like human-scaled village centers - 3 stories. A height incentive is a recipe for conflict.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
"Smart" growth isn't smart in a municipality with such a huge imbalance between an oversized residential base and an undersized commercial tax base. We need parking to support local businesses and we need development of a high-skills commercial tax base. The last thing we need is more housing units and the associated school, utilities, FTEs and other costs, negative impacts (traffic, school and public amenities -playing fields, etc - overcrowding), upward pressure on housing prices due to property speculation, increased taxes and overrides, and increased debt that comes with additional housing units.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Agree.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Good idea!
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
How about more commercial tax base? Newton has tons of housing and tons of debt. What we need is high skills employers, a robust commercial tax base and increased park/open space as a counterweight to our unsustainably large residential base and the associated school and other costs that come with it.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Yes! Let's build a Ted Kennedy Greenway over the Pike and create a Newtonville village green, new accessible commuter rail station, and space for village-scaled senior housing, parking to support local businesses and commuters, and bike infrastructure, or whatever the people of Newtonville want to see there. We need a resident-driven village planning process in our village centers. This is our home. Let's determine how we want our environment to be rather than letting the "experts" impose their high-density, property speculation vision on us.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
It's interesting that you say that. I helped to organizenize a panel discussion last spring about LHDs in Newton and the response we got from homeowners inside LHDs was overhelmingly positive. They told us that the commissions are easy to work with and the architects, lawyers and other professionals on the commissions give homeowners valuable advice, LHDs are great for property values and best of all give one peace of mind because there won't be a demolition replaced by a McMansion or condo-complex next door. Here's a link to a video of the panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IBNt0BrjZw&feature=youtu.be
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
When will our elected leaders wake up and save our naturally affordable houses? Pay attention to this when you vote in November...
Supported a comment by Julia Malakie on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Julia Malakie
Just lost a great little bungalow here on Jerome Ave.
Just lost a great little bungalow here on Jerome Ave.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
More parks and neighborhood green spaces! Newton is a "garden city" not a concrete city.
Supported a comment by Will B on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Will B
Turn the unneeded section of Ablemarle Road between North and Maynard into parkland. The park at Lowell and Watertown Street is a good example of this idea.
Turn the unneeded section of Ablemarle Road between North and Maynard into parkland. The park at Lowell and Watertown Street is a good example of this idea.
Supported a comment by David Lobron on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
David Lobron
It would be great if we could widen and re-pave the parts of the bike path that are narrow and have big bumps/potholes.
It would be great if we could widen and re-pave the parts of the bike path that are narrow and have big bumps/potholes.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Agree!
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
True. It's important to make parks accessible to people. The residents of Court Street wanted a park in their neighborhood too, but they got an oversized 40B-enabled luxury condo complex and no net gain in affordable units instead. Why didn't you support them? Why did you support the 40B developer instead? How do you feel about the fact that that project is selling the luxury units at 40% more than the developer told the ZBA? How do you feel about the fact that he said he couldn't possibly make that enormous monstrosity smaller because he wouldn't make sufficient profits? Listening to what residents want and providing parks where they are needed, is part of our Comprehensive Plan. Didn't you have something to do with that too?
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
The Circle of Death is what happens when planners and experts ignore residents and do whatever the current fad out of the MIT Graduate School of Architecture & Planning, MAPC, or Barry Bluestone/Dukakis Center is at the time. Brutalist architecture, "smart" growth, high-density herding of the worker bees into rental beehives - demolishing our historical streetscapes and our communities, demonizing the middle class and single-family home ownership, helping property speculators to drive us out. They think they know best. The evidence says otherwise. The only answer is to get informed and to vote. Vote for people who listen to residents, not to "experts" serving the speculators.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
One of the City Council's finest moments was passing an ordinance last summer to prevent snout houses. But then the small bunch of developers who build all the snouts put pressure on one powerful city councilor and now implementation of the anti-snout house ordinance is delayed, seemingly indefinitely. Think about this as you vote for mayor this November, and make sure you don't reward anyone who voted to delay the anti-snout house law.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Kelley, you may not know this but Newton is more than $1 BILLION in debt in terms of unfunded liabilities to former public employees. New residential units cost more in city services (particularly school enrollments) than they yield in property tax revenue. The higher the density of the new housing (i.e. apartment and condo complexes) the worse the fiscal impact. Newton has a tiny commercial tax base and a huge residential base. Newton has become seriously out of balance over the past decades, and this imbalance between a too-small commercial base and a way-too-large residential base is making our fiscal situation worse, and our mountain of debt ever more challenging to confront. The last thing we need is more apartments - especially on commercially-zoned land like that at Rowe Street. The property speculators gobbling up our shrinking commercial land area for high-density housing development are able to externalize the costs of public services, increased traffic and parking demand onto to us - leading to overrides to expand schools and cover the operating costs of providing services to added residents. They are driving up housing prices by inflating underlying land prices, forcing our taxes up and reducing our quality of life. This is absolutely not a good place for apartments. Newton needs a reinvigorated commercial tax base of high-skills employers, not more housing.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Thank you for bringing this up, Anne. When the blasting was happening at that site, houses in my neighborhood in Newtonville, many blocks away, suffered cracks in the plaster - that's how bad the vibrations were. And the noise! I have yet to meet anyone who can explain how the City could have allowed the blasting out of a small mountain of solid rock to cram in two oversized sideways houses. It was an environmental travesty, resulting in the loss of a bit of neighborhood green space that was a haven for birds and wildlife, and pleasant spot for people walking on the carriage way to rest for a moment in the shade.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Lisa Thorson, you are a champion for advocating for the preservation of Oak Hill Park. It is a shame that a place that was intended to be affordable housing suitable for returning veterans, and appropriate for seniors and those facing mobility challenges, all set into a park-like landscape has been transformed into a showcase for oversized stucco McMansions, property speculation and the failure of the City to enforce zoning rules. Epic fail.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Imagine how much worse it would be if the plan to add a 334-unit housing project into Wells Ave. had gone ahead. But, you are so right about the traffic situation here.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
The current administration's politically motivated push for increasing higher-density residential development is pushing up land and housing prices, generates more demand for school places and city services, pushing up taxes, and adds more traffic and parking demand. The steadily increasing traffic congestion in Newton is caused by overdevelopment of (overpriced, overly-dense) housing units.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
Unfortunately, the recently passed changes to the Accessory Apartments rules have effectively eliminated single-family zoning, since accessory apartments are now allowed by right in all residential zones, including single-family zones. Homeowners in all zones should ask their city councilors to repeal the ill-advised changes to the Accessory Apartments rules.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 6 months ago
There is a neighborhood 501(c)3 organization already working on all issues to do with Bullough's Pond. They will be addressed.
Supported a comment by Alicia Matos on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Alicia Matos
There is so much untapped potential along Washington Street. The area around Wholefoods has potential to have green spaces or small retail/restaurants that would improve the feel of the area. It's a bit of a no-man's land and very pedestrian unfriendly. In particular the intersection of Washington and Crafts is very dangerous.
There is so much untapped potential along Washington Street. The area around Wholefoods has potential to have green spaces or small retail/restaurants that would improve the feel of the area. It's a bit of a no-man's land and very pedestrian unfriendly. In particular the intersection of Washington and Crafts is very dangerous.
Supported a comment by Nathan Phillips on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Nathan Phillips
Crosswalk needed. Community cut off from Norumbega Park & Charles River Canoe & Kayak. There is no ped crossing from Weston all the way in to Elm St east of Lyons Field.
Crosswalk needed. Community cut off from Norumbega Park & Charles River Canoe & Kayak. There is no ped crossing from Weston all the way in to Elm St east of Lyons Field.
Supported a comment by Louis Atamian on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Louis Atamian
Zone the area over the turnpike btwn Star and Walnut bridge so a park can be built there bringing all of Newtonville together. That is, both sides of the turnpike.
Zone the area over the turnpike btwn Star and Walnut bridge so a park can be built there bringing all of Newtonville together. That is, both sides of the turnpike.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Can you assure Newton residents "form-based zoning" isn't code for higher-density residential upzoning?
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
This is a direct result of the current Administration's pro-residential-density push. More housing units means more people. More people, despite what the developers and planners like to tell us, almost always means more cars that have to be parked somewhere - like in front of your house.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Go further. Deck the Pike and create a village green, Victorian-style station house entrance with elevator to improved access commuter rail below, plus "new land" for playground, 1-to-3-story buildings for offices, retail, senior/affordable housing, parking and trees. A bridge doesn't cut it.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
When did Auburndale residents vote on adding a "transition zone"? I didn't see it covered in the TAB.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
It might be fair to ask Newtonville residents about how much night life they want in their village.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Less concrete. Less height and density. More trees and a village green.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Dear "City of Newton",
I note your response to David regarding the Circle of Death. A new zoning ordinance won't help this problem. What's needed is a major re-design and a capital project to fix it to whatever extent it can be fixed. Oh, and and never again approving a concrete hotel tower to loom over what used to be, and ought to be, a human-scaled village center.
I note your response to David regarding the Circle of Death. A new zoning ordinance won't help this problem. What's needed is a major re-design and a capital project to fix it to whatever extent it can be fixed. Oh, and and never again approving a concrete hotel tower to loom over what used to be, and ought to be, a human-scaled village center.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
David, the answer is an unequivocal "No".
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
It's important to think through all the unintended consequences. The current proposal would allow accessory apartments in detached structures by right. Do you really want to see most single-family neighborhoods re-zoned to two housing structures per lot - without the consent (a vote) by the thousands of homeowners to be affected? How would you feel if every backyard in your neighborhood sprouted a second house, eliminating trees, lawns and privacy? More perspective here - http://newton.wickedlocal.com/news/20170216/commentary-ill-advised-zoning-proposal
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Newton needs to get serious about undergrounding utilities. Such an eyesore.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
There is a neighborhood 501(c)3 organization already working on all issues to do with Bullough's Pond. They will be addressed.
Supported a comment by isabelle albeck on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
isabelle albeck
We need Undevelopable Land lots to stay undevelopable; recently, those have been converted overnight to 'developable': the trees are cut and a brand new house is replacing the open space. People who have moved into the neighborhood for the open space and the trees are being cheated.
We need Undevelopable Land lots to stay undevelopable; recently, those have been converted overnight to 'developable': the trees are cut and a brand new house is replacing the open space. People who have moved into the neighborhood for the open space and the trees are being cheated.
Supported a comment by Anne Alvarado on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Anne Alvarado
This is a beautiful piece if wilderness - one year I saw the most brilliant yellow lilies growing out of the swamp - my ideal revised zoning would strengthen protection for undeveloped areas like Webster Woods while encouraging growth (and density) at our village centers/transportation hubs.
It's nice to live near a grocery store, cafe, optometrist, bank, post-office, etc., but it's also lovely to take spring or fall afternoon and walk in the woods or along the river.
This is a beautiful piece if wilderness - one year I saw the most brilliant yellow lilies growing out of the swamp - my ideal revised zoning would strengthen protection for undeveloped areas like Webster Woods while encouraging growth (and density) at our village centers/transportation hubs.
It's nice to live near a grocery store, cafe, optometrist, bank, post-office, etc., but it's also lovely to take spring or fall afternoon and walk in the woods or along the river.
Supported a comment by Randy Erb on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Randy Erb
There are zero crosswalks or stop signs along the entire length of Watertown Street between Albemarle and West Newton. This creates a very unsafe situation for pedestrians.
There are zero crosswalks or stop signs along the entire length of Watertown Street between Albemarle and West Newton. This creates a very unsafe situation for pedestrians.
Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
coUrbanizer via Text
This village center is a small village it does not need another bank or coffee shop A deli for sandwiches by day and a family friendly pub restaurant that all can walk to would be fabulous We do not need more cars and traffic at this corner!!!
This village center is a small village it does not need another bank or coffee shop A deli for sandwiches by day and a family friendly pub restaurant that all can walk to would be fabulous We do not need more cars and traffic at this corner!!!
Supported a comment by Leah Bird on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Leah Bird
People who want more density in Newton's villages must not live here... either that or they leave before the traffic peaks and return home after. More retail will help only those retailers; we don't have roads to accommodate more cars, nor parking for them. More housing may help our reputation as a majority white, majority elite city, and may be the fair thing to do for those who can't afford to live here, but our schools are maxed out, our roads aren't being repaired as it is, commuter traffic is worsening as development goes in on Needham Street, and the T is an underfunded mess. I don't think Newton Centre needs more of anything that will involve people driving in and out. Let's work on what we have and make it more pedestrian-friendly, kid-friendly, and existing retailer-friendly.
People who want more density in Newton's villages must not live here... either that or they leave before the traffic peaks and return home after. More retail will help only those retailers; we don't have roads to accommodate more cars, nor parking for them. More housing may help our reputation as a majority white, majority elite city, and may be the fair thing to do for those who can't afford to live here, but our schools are maxed out, our roads aren't being repaired as it is, commuter traffic is worsening as development goes in on Needham Street, and the T is an underfunded mess. I don't think Newton Centre needs more of anything that will involve people driving in and out. Let's work on what we have and make it more pedestrian-friendly, kid-friendly, and existing retailer-friendly.
Supported a comment by Neil Halin on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Neil Halin
Turn off unnecessary lighting at the City Maintenance yards at night. Do we really need to light up the area when it is closed? No. Less light, night-vision tv cameras.
Turn off unnecessary lighting at the City Maintenance yards at night. Do we really need to light up the area when it is closed? No. Less light, night-vision tv cameras.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
I agree with Melissa. Unfortunately, the people driving the current "Zoning Reform" effort are Newton's pro-densification Planning Department, politically-attuned developers and property speculators, and a handful of politicians they favor. The "reforms" will be about up-zoning Newton for higher-density residential projects. Expect to see lots of spot re-zoning for MU4 apartment towers in village centers, and the elimination of single-family zoning via "by-right" detached accessory units. Expect to see more and more single and two-family neighborhoods ruined by strings of overbuilt, million-dollar, "linguini" attached townhomes and condo complexes. The only way to stop the madness is to elect people who actually care about Newton residents and the livable scale, historic fabric, trees and green spaces, and physical character of our beautiful, diverse villages and neighborhoods. If you want to be put in touch with people in your village who share concerns about the residential over-development and tear downs now harming our community, contact fellow Newton residents who care at the Newton Villages Alliance, Newton's leading community preservation organization at: webmasternvalliance@gmail.com
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
But higher-density housing will raise housing prices there. What is the goal? To keep Newton as affordable as possible or is it to displace existing residents to enrich developers?
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
With respect, Andrew, that's not correct. As the Mayor's own housing strategy report confirms, Newton cannot build its way to affordability. Allowing higher density residential builds just pushes up land prices, as speculators are willing to pay more for the land. New construction costs more than existing units. The new units are always more expensive that what they replace. The costs of providing public services (especially public school education) is always higher than the property tax yield from the additional units - leading to school overcrowding and overrides. Increasing taxes and rising housing prices and rents push out existing residents and local businesses (including those literally evicted to make way for new projects), often displacing commercially-zoned properties in village centers. With more than $1 billion in debt, Newton cannot afford to lose any commercial property or commercial tax revenue. Although new residential units are usually touted as being for down-sizing seniors and childless Millennials, the market rate rents are too high for many in those groups, and they don't qualify for the subsidized units (senior assets and Millennial incomes are too high). Instead families, eager to get their kids into Newton schools, will cram themselves into one and two bedroom market-rate apartments if that's all that's available. Don't conflate density with affordability. If adding density to desirable areas brought housing prices down, Manhattan and San Francisco would be some of the most affordable places to live in the country. Don't be duped by developer/planner "growth machine" profiteering spin.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Newton developed along transit (trolley, railroad) more than a century ago according to the ideals of the Garden City movement. It is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in America, and enjoys considerable socio-economic and ethnic diversity. It is fully built out, and faces overcrowded schools and the fiscal challenge of a too-small commercial tax base and a more-than-billion-dollar unfunded liability (debt). Rather than allowing property speculators to demolish our historic houses and village commercial tax base to replace them with cardboard McMansions, million-dollar condos and over-sized, over-priced luxury MU4 apartment buildings masquerading as affordable housing, we should demand that our leaders limit residential growth to slow property speculation-fueled rising housing prices and resulting displacement of Newton's most vulnerable residents. All new residential development costs more in City services than it yields in property tax revenue. The higher the density, the worse the fiscal impact. Our current policies profit only the property speculators and those politicians they favor. The last thing Newton needs is hundreds more housing units. Newton needs high-skills commercial employers and tax revenue, it needs PILOT payments from wealthy colleges, it needs to preserve all open space, public property and historic assets, it needs to restore its tree canopy, it needs to provide means-tested property tax relief and other services to struggling seniors wishing to age in place, it needs to provide supportive services to those most in need, and it needs to preserve the scale and physical character of our villages and neighborhoods.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Newton Corner at the "Circle of Death" is an example of what happens when people who think they know better than the existing residents try to impose their utopian planning ideas on a village. Don't let that happen to the rest of our villages. Elect people who care about the residents, not property speculators. Vote against the pro-developer Charter Commission recommendations. Demand the repeal of MU4 zoning. Don't let "Zoning Reform" turn into the densification, gentrification and urbanization of our beautiful community.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Adding high-density housing drives up overall housing prices, making Newton less affordable. Newton's villages, local businesses and commuters depend on village parking lots. If we want thriving villages and people to "park and ride" rather than drive more, we need to have village parking lots. Our ordinance requires parking lots to be beautifully landscaped with one shade tree for every 10 spaces. The ordinance needs to be enforced. Newburyport and other places that have preserved their historic commercial centers have parking lots with trees, and pocket park seating areas. Putting apartment buildings on our parking lots is a terrible idea with negative economic and fiscal impacts for Newton residents, small businesses and taxpayers.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
I think bike lanes have to be protected (separated from automobile traffic by a raised sidewalk, greenery or some other attractive physical barrier) to be really appealing to many people. A painted line or some arrows are not enough for many of us to feel safe biking or allowing our children to bike on busy streets in Newton. It can be difficult to find the space to do this on Newton's main streets given the competing needs for safer pedestrian spaces, street trees for shade and oxygen, plus room for vehicles, buses and parking. Making biking and walking safer and more pleasant are critical. Cars are not the enemy, just part of the mix. Roads that weren't planned for multi-modes are the challenge.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Dear "City of Newton",
In reply to Ian, you wrote the following:
"Thanks for your thoughts Ian! Our zoning team is taking a look at what options are for air rights today. One consideration is that the state typically has jurisdiction over air rights, not the municipal level. Another consideration, as Kelley points out, is that the economics of building over the Turnpike would influence what type of development would be feasible."
Can you update us on what you have learned since you've been taking a look at the options for air rights?.
In reply to Ian, you wrote the following:
"Thanks for your thoughts Ian! Our zoning team is taking a look at what options are for air rights today. One consideration is that the state typically has jurisdiction over air rights, not the municipal level. Another consideration, as Kelley points out, is that the economics of building over the Turnpike would influence what type of development would be feasible."
Can you update us on what you have learned since you've been taking a look at the options for air rights?.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Ian, I agree with you. It's actually not that expensive to deck over parts of the Pike. The person who supervised air rights deals over the Pike for the state under the last governor told me that to deck over the Pike from Walnut St to Lowell Ave would cost about $60 million (not much more than a new elementary school). That would allow for a new and expansive village green for Newtonville, with space for 1 to 3-story buildings for commercial space, retail and senior and/or affordable housing, parking, and a new commuter rail station. The price of the decking depends on the weight of what's above it. It is very expensive if you want to put high-rises on it. But people who want high-rises don't come to Newton. They go to an urban area like Boston. The price of decking over the Pike for a "Ted Kennedy Greenway" and buildings in scale with out existing villages and neighborhoods is not that high, and goes down per mile if more of the Pike is decked over. Land is scarce in Newton, and here we have the chance to create new "land", but no leaders willing to do it. I presented this idea to Mayor Warren several years ago. He had no interest in it, but many residents do. Imagine Newtonville without a highway slashing it in two. Imagine fixing the "Circle of Death" and restoring Newton Corner's village center? And so on...
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
In many parts of the country, municipalities are acting to preserve the historic character and scale of their village or town commercial centers. These restored historic centers are extremely attractive to small businesses and shoppers. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports such efforts through its "Main Streets" program. Rather than giving Special Permits to raze historic buildings and replace them with banal, oversized MU4 apartment buildings, Newton's leaders should be acting to incentivize the protection and restoration of our historic village centers' commercial buildings. Other parts of the country wish they had our historic fabric, and yet, some of our leaders let it be demolished. Environmentally wasteful. Historically negligent. Fiscally nonsensical.
Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
Since most of Newton's village centers have residential neighborhoods (often single-family houses) immediately adjacent to them, adding density to so-called "transition zones" will impose negative impacts on the people who live in those houses that happen to be in some wide-eyed planner's idea of what ought to be a "transition zone". Real people, with feelings, memories and limited resources, invested in those houses with the perfectly reasonable expectation that Newton's zoning would be stable. It is profoundly unfair to change the zoning of parts of residential neighborhoods and inflict increased density, and reduced quality of life, on people who had no way to know that planners, advancing the agenda of developers, would come along and try to upzone their neighborhoods. Newton is a community, not a profiteering opportunity for developers, nor a social engineering experiment for kids just out of planning school. Please have respect for the scale, historic fabric, trees and physical character of of our villages and our neighborhoods. After all, we taxpayers pay your salaries.
Supported a comment by katy holmes on
Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
katy holmes
Clean up Bullough's Pond so that it safely freezes in the winter and ice skating could return to the Pond.
Clean up Bullough's Pond so that it safely freezes in the winter and ice skating could return to the Pond.
Followed Newton Zoning Redesign Project
6 years, 8 months ago
In re Newton Centre parking lot: Keep it a parking lot! There's too little parking already, and when shoppers come to Newton Centre to avoid Newtonville, there will be more.