Kelley's profile - coUrbanize

Commented on 325 Binney Street ^{2 years, 4 months ago}

I am just interested

Commented on 325 Binney Street ^{2 years, 4 months ago}

Project milestones

Commented on 325 Binney Street ^{2 years, 4 months ago}

Walking along the path

Commented on 325 Binney Street ^{2 years, 4 months ago}

By walking

Commented on 325 Binney Street ^{2 years, 4 months ago}

I am just interested

Commented on 325 Binney Street ^{3 years, 2 months ago}

Project milestones

Commented on 325 Binney Street ^{3 years, 2 months ago}

Walking along the path

Commented on 325 Binney Street ^{3 years, 2 months ago}

By walking

Commented on 325 Binney Street ^{3 years, 2 months ago}

I am just interested

Followed 325 Binney Street ^{3 years, 2 months ago}

Commented on Kendall Square: MXD Substation Development Plan ^{3 years, 4 months ago}

Playground

Commented on Kendall Square: MXD Substation Development Plan ^{3 years, 4 months ago}

The existing green space is designed to hide a parking garage. The new open space should support street-facing retail and restaurant uses. Don't retain the existing configuration just because it exists now.

Commented on Kendall Square: MXD Substation Development Plan ^{3 years, 4 months ago}

A venue for popular music, comedy and small performances, in a casual setting with tables and chairs, bar and food service.

Followed Kendall Square: MXD Substation Development Plan ^{3 years, 4 months ago}

Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Agreed. A more robust MassDOT and MBTA engagement is needed. I don't think density or height is the issue. The physical layout will need to accommodate both current and future transportation needs.

Supported a comment by Ted Chapman on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Ted Chapman
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.

Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

That is an important note for the Newton peer review team whose job it is to make sure a good traffic impact study is provided by the developer

Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

I don't know. There will be a traffic study from the owner that provides data and analysis and a City-managed peer review , so that should help answer your question

Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Ms. Finn - do you mean me? I suggest we all focus on the substance, rather than try to discredit others. I hardly think a mixed-use development at Riverside turns Newton into Cambridge or Boston. Our neighbors in Waltham, Wellesley, Weston and Needham all have large scale developments along the highway.

Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Nope. Check out https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/projects/commuter-rail-vision/alternatives/alternatives-v3-revised-2019-03-12/railvision-alternative4-v3.pdf

Supported a comment by Liz M on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Liz M
The Woodland T stop development added needed housing and has had a minimal impact on the surrounding area. It’s size and scale fits with the surrounding neighborhood.

Supported a comment by Mike Nogrady on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Mike Nogrady
Restore the Riverside stop on the Worcester/Natick commuter rail line

Supported a comment by William Heck on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

William Heck
Riverside should take advantage of its location for commercial development, specifically office, medical and research facilities. It would make a stunning location for a corporate headquarters or a scientific research center. A hotel and conference center would add value. Housing is inappropriate for the site for many reasons.

Supported a comment by Brian Burba on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Brian Burba
Great opportunity to diversify Newton housing stock

Supported a comment by Randall Block on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Randall Block
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.

Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

The development of this site has been delayed more than a decade already. A mixed-use development here would put a proper urban rail connection fully onto the state's transportation agenda.

Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Given the highway, transit and potential commuter rail access, it would be unfortunate to limit the scale to the surrounding low-scale residential density. Newton has few places for substantial commercial and multi-family development. This is one of them. Managing the single-occupancy vehicle traffic at peak hours appears to be the biggest challenge.

Supported a comment by Liz M on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 5 months ago}

Liz M
Connection to Kendall Sq. will make Riverside more vibrant (and solve traffic congestion issues too). Globe article on 2/20/19 envisions an expanded Kendall Square "in different parts of the city and suburbs — ideally connected by a transit system that makes it easy for people and their ideas to mingle" https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/02/19/the-next-kendall-square/iCZz1e7eIECMPufD3UJtiO/story.html?p1=Article_Trending_Most_Viewed

Supported a comment by Brian Burba on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

Brian Burba
Riverside is a great opportunity to improve the city, given it is currently a parking lot

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
Maximize retail and housing. Let the free market work, you can't bemoan affordability and not be pro development. We should aspire to something like "the street"

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
A robust transit oriented site unlike anything on Route 128 this side of Quincy

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
We need to have support in the City to understand the economics of the ultimate proposal so that the City can evaluate the trade offs inherent in alternate development proposals.

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
Rebuilt Riverside with housing, stores connection to T and CR and Greenway

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
We need to keep up with neighboring towns. So much of Newton is outdated. We need to keep young families that are currently moving to other towns because there isn't supply in Newton. We must keep up with the times.

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
We should work to allow commuter access from Rt 128

Supported a comment by Alexander Golob on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

Alexander Golob
Dense, mixed use housing with public art and with opportunity to connect with Worcester/Framingham line for additional routes and mobility.

Supported a comment by Melissa Borelli on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

Melissa Borelli
My aspirations are that this site gets developed. This is exactly what the city of Newton needs; more affordable housing options for young professionals and seniors. Better looking buildings that are not run down, old and worn. New office space with handicap access. Beautiful, fresh retail space. Let's see this project come to life.

Supported a comment by Patricia McCaffrey on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

Patricia McCaffrey
Better public transportation options: direct access for commuters to 128N/S and the Pike, more commuter parking, more frequent green line service, a commuter rail station. Then, add a few restaurants, a coffee shop and open space.

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
Office and residential development. Mixed use. No parking minimums in non-MBTA land. A transit center with direct access from a commuter bike way.

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
Affordable housing at all income levels. We need to create opportunities for our children to be able to live in Newton.

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
Some rental property for seniors who don't want to deal with home/condo ownership.

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
We have a housing crisis and a climate crisis. We need a lot of energy efficient units at this smart growth site.

Commented on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

While the N & S connection to 128 is a good idea, it is in MassDOT's purview to approve, even if the developer paid for it. I would not want all development to be made hostage to a decision outside of the control of both the developer and the City.

Supported a comment by Liz M on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

Liz M
Find a way to get direct access to 128 South

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
Must be strongly net revenue positive considering full cost impact on city services. Not many opportunities left to add significant commercial space.

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.

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.

Supported a comment by Christopher Allen on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

Christopher Allen
It is very important to drive this green space initiative so that future generations have multiple transportation options other than driving

Supported a comment by coUrbanizer via Text on Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

coUrbanizer via Text
New recreational connections ( to path on charles river to golf course to canoe rental etc) and new commuter connections (short walk to commuter rail stop in back)

Followed Newton Riverside Visioning Process ^{4 years, 7 months ago}

Commented on Kendall Square(d) ^{5 years, 1 month ago}

I work nearby!

Commented on Kendall Square(d) ^{5 years, 2 months ago}

Improving traffic!

Commented on Kendall Square(d) ^{5 years, 2 months ago}

Small grocery/convenience!

Followed Kendall Square(d) ^{5 years, 2 months ago}

Commented on Kendall Square(d) ^{5 years, 2 months ago}

I work nearby!

Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project ^{5 years, 9 months ago}

Ms. Grieser - Your attempt to poison the well, by suggesting that my views are motivated by my job, rather than just addressing the merits of my comment, is not appropriate. It discourages the kind of civic participation this forum was set up to encourage.

Skepticism and scrutiny of any argument or analysis is certainly fair, but dismissal of all professional work based on the source of the compensation for that work is not helpful to our community discussion.

Supported a comment by Chryseis Fox on Kendall Square at MIT ^{6 years, 1 month ago}

Chryseis Fox
how long please until detour from mbta mit stop straight to medical (e23) detour remains. i am disabled so detour iis one more difficulty en route to medical. likely people on crutches, non ambulatory, same issue, thanks!

Followed Kendall Square at MIT ^{6 years, 2 months ago}

Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project ^{6 years, 4 months ago}

See http://www.newtonma.gov/civicax/filebank/documents/75973 for a fiscal impact analysis of the Orr Block proposed development that suggests more thought on the conventional wisdom about housing as a fiscal loser may be in order. Fiscal concerns are important and this particular analysis is not dispositive, but opposition to clearly needed housing on fiscal grounds bears additional examination.

Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project ^{6 years, 4 months ago}

I'm all for more commercial tax base, but not in the retail core of West Newton Square. Your claim that Newton has "tons of housing" is contradicted by the very high prices and the theory hat more supply raises prices contradicts economic fundamentals. Maybe more dense office/lab development between Washington and Watertown St?

Commented on Newton Zoning Redesign Project ^{6 years, 6 months ago}

I have often thought of this, as well, partly becasue my house is near the Turnpike. Biggest issue may be obvious: building the deck is extremely expensive. Developers may need so much density to make it work financially that the proposed buildings might be out of scale.

Supported a comment by Ian Lamont on Newton Zoning Redesign Project ^{6 years, 6 months ago}

Ian Lamont
A problem facing Newton and other communities around Boston is the lack of space that can be developed, which contributes to the teardown phenomenon and developer gold rush to build luxury condos, high-end retail, and McMansions. I would like the city to explore how "air rights" can be sensibly developed over the Mass Pike, like they did back in the 60s for the Star Market and Newton Corner hotel. I believe this huge mass of underutilized land next to and over the Pike can provide an opportunity to add housing, retail space, and even green space.