Re: Death by 1,000 cuts or consensus?

[Janet Sterman]

Thanks for your heartfelt support of the Nonantum Community!

The vote on the requested changes/modifications at 386-390 Watertown St special building permit goes before the full city council on Monday, March 3rd at 7:45 PM.

The City Council will hold this meeting as a meeting in the City Hall Chambers on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 7:45 PM.  1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459

To view this meeting on Zoom use this link https://newtonma-gov.zoom.us/j/86999096255 at the above date and time:
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You may also:
1. Watch a live broadcast of the meeting on NewTV’s government channel (Comcast 9, RCN 13, 614(HD), Verizon 33). 

2. View a live stream on NewTV’s Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQvNeCJkA3PftuLLvfAh3cQ

__________
janet sterman
mobile 617.329.1360

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Janet Sterman <jjst...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 2, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Subject: Death by 1,000 cuts or consensus?
To: City Council <cityc...@newtonma.gov>

We agree that after seven years, something has to be done at 386-390 Watertown Street in Nonantum Village. The entire city council has been thoroughly agreeable to this project by approving multiple special permits and modifications/changes to build a housing structure on this 9500 sq ft lot in a business zone.

History:

• In June 2017, a special permit application to construct a three-story mixed-use building with two commercial spaces, two floors of residential space totaling nine units (SP# 2017-17) was submitted by the property owner,
• September 7, 2017, the Land Use Committee considered and approved this petitioner's request for a special permit for a new three-story building with two commercial units and eight condos with one townhouse. (Docket # 201-17),
• No construction was started after the demolition of the building in 2018.
• In August 2021, the council amended/modified the special permit (SP# 2017-17) to construct a three-story mixed-use structure with ten dwelling units (SP #21-52 / SP #21-56), and
• In July 2024, the council agreed to modify special permit requirements waiving two parking spaces. (SP #24-46).

That was until October 2024, when John Mula filed to increase the project scope adding three residential units (amending Special Permit #134-18 and Council Orders #201-17), requiring a zoning change.

The Nonantum community has been patient as this developer has started and stopped this project to fill the “hole in the ground” at 386-390 Watertown Street. Last year we were sure that a three-story, ten-unit building was going to be built here. Pushing the community, now on the brink of war, the builder returned with a new partner asking for more modifications, and deals including a zoning change. The “Gift” to Newton is one more affordable unit.

Affordable housing has never been an issue in this part of Newton. Remember, this is Nonantum not Waban or Chestnut Hill. The growth in multifamily housing and 40B projects has grown in this part of Newton exponentially. With this growth has come the problems of overcrowding and congestion which are another hardship these decisions put on this neighborhood. Adding one more affordable unit requested in this permit change is not worth the rift this is causing in our city.

I can see why the Nonantum Community has completely lost faith in the judgment of the Ward 1 Councilors after their backing on the condo development a 20 Clinton St. This city-council-approved condo project went from bad to worse and is now in litigation with their abutting neighbors. These three elected representatives are now in direct opposition with the Nonantum Village leadership outspokenly throwing their unwavering support behind John Mula and his partners. We trusted they were representing the people who live in the same neighborhood where they raised their children, but instead is endorsing the developer who doesn't even vote here. With all of the multifamily housing going up in Nonantum Village it’s a constant community battle feeling like death by one-thousand cuts. This community is exhausted from this merciless antagonism.

According to the Newton Assessor’s office, the valuation of this property has gone up 300% since 2017. If the requested permit and zoning changes are approved, at a conservative $610/sq ft. the petitioner could see in excess of $1.7 million on this project. Mr. Mula, who has tripled his asset valuation on a 9,500 sq ft hole in the ground, now stands before us looking to squeeze Newton for another 30% out of his little project.

Confirming that Mula and partners have secured construction (bank) financing to begin this project at three stories, ten residential units, and fourteen parking spaces will evidence that the essence of this permit modification and zoning change request is strictly profit-motivated. Please do not lose your commitment to decency when learning someone is pulling on your heartstrings by positioning an additional affordable housing unit to gain your endorsement of any one project.

Please send the two items on this project (#481-24 and #480-24) back to committee to confirm that financing for this project has been secured, or choose to not approve either item.

Thank you,

Janet Sterman

__________
janet sterman
120 church street
newton, ma 02458
mobile (617) 329-1360