I was only suggesting that single family homes be the benchmark for energy use - not development of the site. Probably a bad metric in hindsight since passive design would limit energy use below even that standard.

Newton has been active in promoting energy efficiency. While all these efforts are laudable and helpful they don't address a bigger issue: residential and commercial buildings account for 40% of all energy use in the US. I propose the city - as part of the special permit - require this new development use no more energy than single family residences would if they had been built on this site. Between passive design and net zero design the technology exists to make Newton a leader in energy efficiency and this "Gateway" development site would be the perfect place for it.

Margaret Crook
I’m surprised at the willingness to accept the huge scale of this project by demanding N/S 95 access. Is that what we really want in Newton? A geographically isolated city in a city totally out of keeping with the rest of Newton? We can do better AND DESERVE better!

Tim M.
The presentation at city hall touted 'fixing' the Grove Street traffic problems as a major benefit. When I get off northbound 95 I simply take the off ramp, yield onto Grove and continue. The proposal will use a much longer off-ramp and add 3 traffic lights. How is this an improvement for Auburndale residents?

The answer to the first statement is that they couldn't agree who would pay for the garage. New parameters are one rich new guy partners with and old rich guy and the process content is to make more profit.