Randall Block
Randall Block's projects
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Supported a comment by Liz M on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
coUrbanizer via Text
We need a Low impact community plan. No one in the community wants an oversized develop that just adds to the developers bottom line.
We need a Low impact community plan. No one in the community wants an oversized develop that just adds to the developers bottom line.
Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
coUrbanizer via Text
I would like to see the proposed Riverside project at least halved in size and scope. In other words what was approved many years ago. That was quite big enough.
I would like to see the proposed Riverside project at least halved in size and scope. In other words what was approved many years ago. That was quite big enough.
Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
coUrbanizer via Text
I am against any large development that changes the character or out Auburndale neighborhood. We don't need more traffic or congestion. I can imagine some kind of rehabilitation of the existing T station and surrounds but not one that brings in more foot and car traffic. Park land and green space would be ideal
I am against any large development that changes the character or out Auburndale neighborhood. We don't need more traffic or congestion. I can imagine some kind of rehabilitation of the existing T station and surrounds but not one that brings in more foot and car traffic. Park land and green space would be ideal
Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
coUrbanizer via Text
A greatly improved experience for those who take trains and buses out of the site.
A greatly improved experience for those who take trains and buses out of the site.
Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
Riverside will be an auto-oriented development. The only reason it makes economic sense is proximity to I-95 and the Mass Pike. Proximity to an unreliable trolley line is a minor positive factor.
Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
It would be nice if there was frequent bus service to metrowest towns and commercial centers. But that will only work if the Green Line becomes more reliable and a commuter rail (Indigo Line) connects Riverside to Cambridge. So many people would park their cars at Riverside if that option existed.
Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
coUrbanizer via Text
My aspirations for the riverside site is that it's size and density is scaled to what matches the surrounding residential areas.
My aspirations for the riverside site is that it's size and density is scaled to what matches the surrounding residential areas.
Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
coUrbanizer via Text
The Framingham Worcester commuter rail connection to riverside as a transportation hub needs to be planned out before any mixed use development proposal at riverside is approved. Anything else is shortsighted.
The Framingham Worcester commuter rail connection to riverside as a transportation hub needs to be planned out before any mixed use development proposal at riverside is approved. Anything else is shortsighted.
Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
I suggest direct access to and from I-95/128 south should be a condition of the development.
Supported a comment by Liz M on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
Liz M
Make sure there isn’t a wall of buildings along Grove St. Any development should be set back from the road and stepped back too.
Make sure there isn’t a wall of buildings along Grove St. Any development should be set back from the road and stepped back too.
Supported a comment by Liz M on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
Liz M
Create a connection to the Auburndale commuter rail that could bring commuters to Kendall Sq. (the Indigo line).
Create a connection to the Auburndale commuter rail that could bring commuters to Kendall Sq. (the Indigo line).
Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
Direct connection from I-95/128 should be in BOTH directions, not just northbound as Mark Development proposes Even then, there will be plenty of additional traffic heading to Riverside on Grove Street from the rest of Newton and adjacent towns.
Supported a comment by Tim M. on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
Tim M.
I'd like the impact of this project to be considered within the context of the other big projects - planned, underway or completed - in the city. Concerns about increased traffic are a common theme. Beyond inconvenience, the traffic's impact on our already crumbling streets shouldn't be ignored. Nearness to 'Public transportation' is listed as a benefit to these projects, but the MBTA's struggle with equipment and capacity is always overlooked. Personally, I would be okay - not happy - if the original Riverside agreement was implemented. I don't understand how it was simply discarded and believe that an explanation is required.
I'd like the impact of this project to be considered within the context of the other big projects - planned, underway or completed - in the city. Concerns about increased traffic are a common theme. Beyond inconvenience, the traffic's impact on our already crumbling streets shouldn't be ignored. Nearness to 'Public transportation' is listed as a benefit to these projects, but the MBTA's struggle with equipment and capacity is always overlooked. Personally, I would be okay - not happy - if the original Riverside agreement was implemented. I don't understand how it was simply discarded and believe that an explanation is required.
Followed Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
Supported a comment by Tim M. on
Newton Riverside Visioning Process
4 years, 7 months ago
Tim M.
I'd like to see 100% affordable housing. There's a desperate need for it in Newton for it and it's always listed as a top reason for building. Why limit it to 10 or 15 percent? I believe that there are developers who would would be happy to do it. Boston recently completed 'The Beverly' by North Station; New York City has done many of their own. It could provide a real benefit to and reflect the progressive beliefs of our community.
I'd like to see 100% affordable housing. There's a desperate need for it in Newton for it and it's always listed as a top reason for building. Why limit it to 10 or 15 percent? I believe that there are developers who would would be happy to do it. Boston recently completed 'The Beverly' by North Station; New York City has done many of their own. It could provide a real benefit to and reflect the progressive beliefs of our community.
Riverside offers a once in a lifetime development opportunity. My aspiration is that the city and state governments will step up and commit to making it possible to create a development that won't overwhelm the neighborhoods around it. It could be a model for how cities can grow responsibly and thoughtfully with some public funding. There are no simple solutions to the problems we face (housing shortage, not enough commercial development, climate change, income inequality, etc.) and one parcel of land can't solve all of them. But it can be a start if it's done right. Doing it right will take planning and commitment of time and money. For example, for Riverside to be a good TOD, the MBTA needs improve the D line, bring back the express bus, and add the Indigo line in the future. To reduce the carbon footprint, services need to be walkable from the development. This means the City should commit to enlarging Williams to accommodate the school children that will come from the development. Finding room "in the system" isn't sufficient - it will add buses and parents in cars to the equation. These are just a couple of examples of the type of planning that needs to be done and the public funds that need to be committed. Visioning is a good first step. I hope that the city will continue to step up and the state will contribute as well. Both need to invite input and act on what they hear.