Direct access from I-95 has an economic cost and a potential traffic benefit. Does the increased size of the development to pay for this access, mean that the resulting traffic generated by this increased size, nullify the benefits. This question must be evaluated independently. Maybe it will be a wash and it would be best to accept a smaller development with the traffic modifications approved in 2013.

Grove Street connects the existing communities of Lower Falls and Auburndale. To most residents this road is already at or beyond capacity. An independent study of the capacity of Grove Street to handle additional traffic, with or without direct access from I-95, must precede any approvals. The size and density of development must be predicated on this understanding. Development cannot make existing communities live in gridlock, which is the current state of Rt 16 and Auburndale Square, and Woodland St during rush hour.

The design must feel integrated into the community, not a walled off citadel looking inward. How will the residents of 675 new housing units be integrated into the surrounding communities? Most will be rentals without a long-term stake in these neighborhoods. How will this change the political and social fabric of Newton? The previous design included a public space for community engagement and recreation. This needs to be included in the design, not left up to the whims of coffee shops, restaurants, commercial gyms, and sidewalks. Where will children of all ages play go to day care or after-school programs, and adult exercise activities. There is not even a basketball court or a place to kick or throw a ball. I Iive in Lower Falls across from the community center fields and basketball courts, which are vibrant places day and night.

I remains unclear to me whether the MBTA has actually modeled the future needs for this site to expand its capacity as a train and bus hub. It is imperative that the city and state politicians, insist this is done before it is too late. The design for Riverside development must accommodate this enhanced capacity, which may include increased commuter parking. The footings of the garage must design to support adding this capacity.

Connections to the multi-use trail system is essential to meet this goal.

Whatever development happens on the site, the developer must pay to make the connections to the proposed Greenway as a way to achieve the 5 principles articulated in this section - specifically the Two Bridges Trail, the Riverside Depot Tunnel, the multi use-trail across the Charles River to Riverside Park and the the existing DCR trails, to extend both the transportation and recreational opportunities.