West Newton Square traffic lights!

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Gail Guerrero

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Jun 24, 2022, 11:42:08 AM6/24/22
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What is the deal with the hideous timing of the lights and to whom do I complain? 

This is ridiculous.

Gail Guerrero 

didi_614

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Jun 24, 2022, 11:58:40 AM6/24/22
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I complained a year ago - the only thing we got is the turn on right from Elm Street to Washington - If not we would have to wait there for ever.  I think you can complain to the City Councilors and the Mayors office but not sure if they will do anything.
 The timing is Awful this is why ALOT of people avoid it and go up Waltham or Watertown Streets.

I only go that way if I have to get on the Mass Pike.

Joanne 

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Peter F. Harrington, Esq.

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Jun 24, 2022, 12:20:25 PM6/24/22
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I have been driving to and from West Newton Square for 60 years.  I must say, it is as bad as it ever was.  Since Ted Mann fired John Borelli, to hire a "professional firm", no one has been able to keep the light coordinated  The recent face lift is the third try at controlling traffic by marked lanes and other physical controls.  What  we really need is someone to control the timing of the traffic lights.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time on Washington Street, at the corner of Chestnut, looking west at traffic lined up and waiting for a change of  light at Cherry Street.  Eventually the various lights change and I get my chance to get in line.  More waiting, I have time for contemplation, lights change and then I am free of the square.

Enjoy the day.

Peter F. Harrington

Nancy Mazzapica

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Jun 24, 2022, 1:13:01 PM6/24/22
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We are pigeon holed here. No easy way in , out or through the square !

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 24, 2022, at 12:20 PM, 'Peter F. Harrington, Esq.' via West Newton Community <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



Jeanne Marrazzo

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Jun 24, 2022, 1:16:50 PM6/24/22
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Joanne, I’m pretty sure you hit the nail on the head! 
Wasn’t it the goal to reduce the number of cars traveling through West Newton Sq? Apparently it worked. 

Jeanne Marrazzo 

On Jun 24, 2022, at 12:20 PM, 'Peter F. Harrington, Esq.' via West Newton Community <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



Sachiko Isihara

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Jun 25, 2022, 7:27:01 AM6/25/22
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I also have strong concerns about the 50 unit building being proposed in the Santander bank Parking lot. Allocations for each unit will limit to just one car, but the egress of the underground parking is four car lengths from the traffic light at Washington and Highland St. this is going the congest that intersection that cars will be stuck idling even longer.
Sachiko Isihara

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Sachiko Isihara, Executive Director
Suzuki School of Newton, Inc.
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office: 617.964.4522

Michael Halle

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Jun 25, 2022, 7:46:41 AM6/25/22
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The Austin St development has something like 68 units as well as a public parking lot. I haven't seen it contributing any noticable congestion to Newtonville, nor have I heard complaints. Has anyone else?

-Mike
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Sachiko Isihara, Executive Director
Suzuki School of Newton, Inc.
1615 Beacon Street, Waban MA 02468

office: 617.964.4522

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didi_614

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Jun 25, 2022, 8:23:58 AM6/25/22
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The Austin Street Development also has city parking and is in a different location.  I dont think it compares to the very  busy area on Washington Street in  West Newton.  Where you have people on and off the mass pike and it is a busier area as many drive that way to get towards Newton Wellesley and 95 etc..

I agree with Sachiko - West Newton will have the apt at the Santander Bank and also the Apt at Dunstan place to contend with.  And it will be a very busy area.

And I feel we need to look at the increased traffic on Waltham and Watertown Streets and how they are contributing to the increased traffic with all of those that live on the North Side.

And not sure what the City can or will do since they approved all of Korffs Buildings.

Michael Halle

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Jun 25, 2022, 8:33:14 AM6/25/22
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Yes, Austin St does have public parking. That should make the traffic worse there. Is it a problem?

Trio is 140 units and retail, with the main driveway close to Walnut and Washington. I haven't heard that it's causing major traffic problems. Has anyone experienced them?

-Mike

From: 'didi_614' via West Newton Community <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2022, 8:24 AM


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didi_614

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Jun 25, 2022, 8:49:14 AM6/25/22
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Just wondering - Do you ever drive thru West Newton Square?  I used to drive through there all the time and now avoid it except if I need to get the Pike to go into Boston. 

And Austin Street has a lot of different side roads and it still  does get congested.  It will seem less congested now because North is not in session but in September it will also be very congested again.  But there are different ways around Austin Street that are not available in West Newton.





Nancy Mazzapica

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Jun 25, 2022, 10:41:52 AM6/25/22
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Agree with Joanne, West Newton is more congested with feeders from Chestnut and Highland st converging on what is a major thoroughfare with Watertown st and Washington  St, Mass Pike entrance and exits, and then everyone heading to Wellesley and Natick added to the mix. Trio and Austen has less traffic and less major streets and intersections .
We are strangled on this side trying to get out and across 

Jeanne Marrazzo

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Jun 25, 2022, 11:22:05 AM6/25/22
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Maybe the difference is the number of intersections. 
In Newtonville you you have Walnut street which is the big one and on a smaller scale Lowell. During busy times I have had to sit through more than one light if I’m on Lowell or Walnut.  So I tend to avoid those streets. Not necessarily Washington. Maybe they have a longer light? I’ve never actually timed it. 
West Newton on the other hand has 6 traffic lights trying to dump onto Washington from Elm, Cherry, Highland, Waltham, Watertown and Chestnut.  The lights are ridiculously short so everyone gets equal numbers of times they have to sit through the lights. So they’ll all be equally pissed off.  
 

Jeanne Marrazzo

On Jun 25, 2022, at 8:49 AM, 'didi_614' via West Newton Community <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



Joan Schulz

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Jun 25, 2022, 11:22:05 AM6/25/22
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I am sure this has been mentioned but there are two places where I often turn left that are very precarious given the new road designs.  One is turning left onto Highland from Washington Street.  I fear one day a car coming from the opposite direction will hit someone waiting to turn head on...the fact that the light initially flashes yellow makes the situation worse (I think I remember an initial green arrow first in the past)....(this situation will be worse with Santander development)  The other place that parallels this same scenario is turning left from Crafts to North Street.  The way the lines are drawn for the traffic coming in the opposite direction makes it seem initially they will head right into those turning left.  

Has anyone else thought this way about these two intersections? 
Joan 


Carl Pasquarosa

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Jun 25, 2022, 11:22:05 AM6/25/22
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Who couldn't see this issue coming, other than the planners, raise your hand.

Carl Pasquarosa
General Manager
Honda Village

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Michael Halle

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Jun 25, 2022, 11:23:52 AM6/25/22
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The existing ex-Santander parking lot has well more than 50 spaces, and was frequently filled with people using it to (informally) park in West Newton, in and out all day, before it was closed.

The in-and-out (“trip generation”) of residential parking is typically significantly less than anything that acts like a public parking lot supporting retail. Austin St and Trio support that statistics, even with modest retail included in those developments.

The public parking lot entrance off of Cherry St *does* cause modest congestion during peak hours. However, I don’t hear anyone suggesting the entrance or the lot be removed. The worst that happens is that it's hard to get into and out of the parking lot. 

—Mike


didi_614

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Jun 25, 2022, 11:52:16 AM6/25/22
to 'Carl Pasquarosa' via West Newton Community
What Carl Said!!

Mary Lewis

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Jun 25, 2022, 11:58:57 AM6/25/22
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✋

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Mary Reardon Lewis

Shari G

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Jun 26, 2022, 9:49:41 AM6/26/22
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Sachiko, thanks for mentioning this.  I'm not familiar with that proposed project and you're right it will cause unbelievable congestion and delays.  It's already challenging for people to get from the north side of the square to the south side of the square, and HIghland Street is pretty fundamental in the traffic flow (usually interrupted traffic flow).

How can we find out more about proposed projects, such as the one that Sachiko just mentioned?  



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Damien Croteau-Chonka

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Jun 26, 2022, 9:49:46 AM6/26/22
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I would encourage my fellow West Newtonians to also make sure to press the MBTA into helpful action regarding the Bus Network Redesign (proposed new service map) (public meeting on 6/28) and the Newton Commuter Rail Stations Accessibility Improvements. 

The more folks feel like they can rely on the bus and the train, the less they will need to drive through the Square during rush hour and throughout the day.

I would also caution that what makes a place easier as a pass-through can often make it less welcoming as a destination. As a driver, the Square can indeed be a moderately slower point in my travel to and from home, but as a pedestrian, slower flow makes the Square feel more like a coherent whole rather than an archipelago of safety.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/9D3493C7-4264-4CA0-B33E-FCDCBC871544%40halle.us.

Helen Makadia

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Jun 26, 2022, 9:49:49 AM6/26/22
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The public parking lot entrance off of Cherry St *does* cause modest congestion during peak hours. However, I don’t hear anyone suggesting the entrance or the lot be removed. The worst that happens is that it's hard to get into and out of the parking lot. 

—Mike

Not sure if I am quoting appropriately, google group functionality is always a mystery.  I did want to mention that the Cherry Street parking lot has three means of egress, two on Elm, so the congestion can be avoided. This cannot be the case with the Santander lots/area.  In fact, I know this is true as we used this lot for drop off/pick up for a theatre program at the church in the last two years. The 6pm drop off was brutal.  I don’t think this concern can be dismissed.


The fact of the matter is that getting through west Newton square is a challenge for all. I would equate the level of stress similar to the Franklin Blue Zone. Any sense of change to the square appropriately raised concerns and condescension towards those concerns is not helpful or edifying, nor is it educational. The current experience of traffic in the result of changes to the square does not inspire confidence. 

I do fear that long term business and restaurants in the west Newton square center will suffer do to the unfriendly nature of the traffic getting to and from the square. 

Of all the things I have seen recommended the one thing I am realizing should be changed and was not was the left turn into the square from Chestnut Street. A fatal accident wasn’t enough to change that, unfortunately, but that would alleviate one issue of traffic into the square. Fixing Dunstan Street would allow access to Watertown Street and into the streets behind it that are trying to be accessed through the square and Waltham Street. 

Everyone’s goal is the same, to get through West Newton in a car, bicycle and on foot, smoothly.  I will make the blanket statement that this isn’t happening for any of these mediums because of how potentially and actually unsafe it is. If we want a vibrant square like other villages have in Newton, we still have a lot of work to do.  

-Helen

Paul Kilduff

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Jun 26, 2022, 10:20:29 AM6/26/22
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I have been stuck waiting to turn right on red from Waltham St to Washington St many times without any traffic on Washington St coming through on my left side. I will ask for the 100th time  why can't I turn right on red like Elm St?  Sitting there waiting for a green light just doesn't make sense. Help me to understand please. Thx

Paul Kilduff, District Coordinator APWU  857 303 2029

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Lynne LeBlanc

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Jun 26, 2022, 10:30:31 AM6/26/22
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I was recently in California (LA) and noticed one thing that keeps traffic moving that seemed like a great idea: traffic never stops for pedestrians at all four corners - only the side with stopped traffic has a pedestrian walk light. For traffic turning left, pedestrians must wait for that light to turn red then they are allowed to cross. Thus street traffic flows constantly. I know, I know, LA traffic...but note: this is only for street traffic, not the freeways ;).  I have to say I was struck by how respectful drivers were of pedestrians.

An example of how this would work in, for instance, Newtonville: when Washington St traffic has a green light (and after the left-hand turn is allowed) pedestrians could cross Walnut. Then when Walnut street traffic has the green light (and after left-hand turns) pedestrians can cross Washington St. 

Something like this seems like a good strategy to try out in West Newton square which has one of the worst traffic flow cycles I have ever seen in my entire life. What is up with that?!

Lynne

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/483512196.8701409.1656161335020%40mail.yahoo.com.


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Lynne LeBlanc
43 Brookdale Rd.
Newton, MA 02460
617.510.8032 (c)
LynneL...@gmail.com

Michael Halle

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Jun 26, 2022, 10:30:55 AM6/26/22
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Comments inline….

> On Jun 26, 2022, at 9:38 AM, Helen Makadia <helen.alv...@gmail.com> wrote:
...

> This cannot be the case with the Santander lots/area. In fact, I know this is true as we used this lot for drop off/pick up for a theatre program at the church in the last two years. The 6pm drop off was brutal. I don’t think this concern can be dismissed.


My point is that this parking lot existed for years with more parking spaces than it will have in the future, with informal retail or special event parking patterns that produce far more cars entering and exiting from the lot than will happen in a primarily residential use. The lot has/had challenges. It is hard to see over the overpass if oncoming cars are coming. It was a sometimes a challenge to cut though lines of waiting cars. But it seemed like it was manageable. The new conditions will have fewer vehicles entering and existing.

If it was staying a “public” lot as it was, with the traffic it produced and the hazards it presented, would anyone raise an objection?

We have recent examples in the city of developments larger than this one, with more retail than this one, and I am not aware of problems that have emerged from them. However, since those examples are in Newtonville, I hope that if people in fact are seeing problems at those locations (Austin St. and Trio), they will let the group know. That’s how we learn, together.

> I would equate the level of stress similar to the Franklin Blue Zone. Any sense of change to the square appropriately raised concerns and condescension towards those concerns is not helpful or edifying, nor is it educational. The current experience of traffic in the result of changes to the square does not inspire confidence.

No condescension meant or intended. The traffic in the square is worse than it should be, and I personally believe it is because of remaining problems with the signal timing. That remains with the city to fix. This new development will require careful review to make it work, including parking. However, our past experience with the existing lot and recent developments can inform us about how to make it work.

Any certainly some people won’t like the project or aspects of the project and should speak up. The Mayor’s newsletter from March said that the city hasn’t seen plans for the development yet; I don’t know if that’s changed.

—Mike


Michael Halle

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Jun 26, 2022, 11:17:45 AM6/26/22
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The no turn on red protects the crosswalk, just like at Elm St.

It's possible the same electronic no turn on red sign could be installed as at Elm. The signal timing and sight lines in the middle of the intersection could be trickier, though.

-Mike

From: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Paul Kilduff <pkild...@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2022, 10:20 AM
To: West Newton Community <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>

pamw...@rcn.com

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Jun 26, 2022, 12:47:04 PM6/26/22
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The Santander bank project (50 rentals) by Mark Development is scheduled for public comment at the land use meeting on July 19th.  The developer could ask to push back the date if needed, but this is the plan. 

 

There are 25+  documents on the ISD special permit site https://www.newtonma.gov/government/city-clerk/city-council/special-permits/-folder-2453.  I would expect some of these documents may be tweaked or changed during land use meetings.  Here are a few that may be of interest:

 

Architectural drawings https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86404/637910730141959619 

3D renderings https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86394/637910730120396778

site plan https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86428/637910730806352790

53 page traffic study https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86392/637910730078052915

Landscape plan https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86414/637910730170085180

Green building rating https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86410/637910730153679023

Updated zoning memo https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86438/637910730836665991

 

Other large projects in West Newton Square is the Armory – 43 all affordable rentals here and Dunstan East – about 300 rentals with 25% affordable here.  Another developer is working with abutters and us councilors on a 10 unit townhouse style condos at the corner of Elm and River with 1 affordable unit.  A brew pub is getting it’s documents together to open at the old Local.  Projects very early in the planning cycle will not have documents on the ISD website.

 

A few big projects In Newtonville:

 

The Oakley Spa replacement approved – 28 condos https://www.newtonma.gov/government/city-clerk/city-council/special-permits/-folder-2093

 

The old CVS on Walnut – 26 apartments (smaller units than Trio and Austin St) but hasn’t uploaded documents yet.  They have been in discussions with abutters and ward 2 councilors but haven’t gone in front of Land Use.

 

Senior housing (209 rentals with a mix of independent living, assisted living and memory care) behind Whole Foods on Crafts street  https://www.newtonma.gov/government/city-clerk/city-council/special-permits/-folder-2376  This will be in land use THIS TUESDAY at 7 pm : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88936410017

 

Developers can decide if they want rentals or condos and may change at any time.  They city has no control over that.  Also, the number of units may slightly increase or decrease depending on final layouts.  The developer has to go back to land use when this happens.

 

Hope this helps and stay cool today.

 

Pam Wright

Ward 3 Councilor at Large

 

 

From: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Shari G
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2022 12:37 PM
To: West Newton Community <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com>

image001.png

Mary Lewis

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Jun 26, 2022, 1:23:00 PM6/26/22
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Honestly, I would like to see it pushed back, until the Fall when residents are back for vacation and can give it the attention it deserves. 

--
Mary Reardon Lewis

Meryl Kessler

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Jun 26, 2022, 4:26:46 PM6/26/22
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Per state law, the public hearing on a special permit application must occur within 65 days from the filing of the application (unless there is agreement between the proponent and special permit granting authority to postpone).  If you look at the link Pam Wright shared, you can see that the application was filed on May 25. 65 days from May 25 = July 29.

On Jun 26, 2022, at 1:22 PM, Mary Lewis <maryrear...@gmail.com> wrote:


Honestly, I would like to see it pushed back, until the Fall when residents are back for vacation and can give it the attention it deserves. 
On Sun, Jun 26, 2022 at 12:47 PM <pamw...@rcn.com> wrote:

The Santander bank project (50 rentals) by Mark Development is scheduled for public comment at the land use meeting on July 19th.  The developer could ask to push back the date if needed, but this is the plan. 

 

There are 25+  documents on the ISD special permit site https://www.newtonma.gov/government/city-clerk/city-council/special-permits/-folder-2453.  I would expect some of these documents may be tweaked or changed during land use meetings.  Here are a few that may be of interest:

 

Architectural drawings https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86404/637910730141959619 

3D renderings https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86394/637910730120396778

site plan https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86428/637910730806352790

53 page traffic study https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86392/637910730078052915

Landscape plan https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86414/637910730170085180

Green building rating https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86410/637910730153679023

Updated zoning memo https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86438/637910730836665991

 

<image001.png>

Damien Croteau-Chonka

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Jun 26, 2022, 4:26:46 PM6/26/22
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Thanks, Pam!

On Sun, Jun 26, 2022 at 12:47 PM <pamw...@rcn.com> wrote:
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/004401d8897c%245aef4590%2410cdd0b0%24%40rcn.com.

Helen Makadia

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Jun 27, 2022, 9:50:55 AM6/27/22
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My comments within the message:

> This cannot be the case with the Santander lots/area. In fact, I know this is true as we used this lot for drop off/pick up for a theatre program at the church in the last two years. The 6pm drop off was brutal. I don’t think this concern can be dismissed.


My point is that this parking lot existed for years with more parking spaces than it will have in the future, with informal retail or special event parking patterns that produce far more cars entering and exiting from the lot than will happen in a primarily residential use. The lot has/had challenges. It is hard to see over the overpass if oncoming cars are coming. It was a sometimes a challenge to cut though lines of waiting cars. But it seemed like it was manageable. The new conditions will have fewer vehicles entering and existing.

If it was staying a “public” lot as it was, with the traffic it produced and the hazards it presented, would anyone raise an objection?

>> Hard to say, but I would argue that the resulting West Newton Square design and how things have been handled by the city has left little faith in residents that the city do the right thing when it comes to overseeing large development projects.  If the city cannot handle the implementation of its own projects properly, how is the public to have faith that it will do what is best to give the stamp of approval for large development projects?  It is not unreasonable for the public to believe the city does not adopt "growth mindset" and learn from its mistakes. 

We have recent examples in the city of developments larger than this one, with more retail than this one, and I am not aware of problems that have emerged from them. However, since those examples are in Newtonville, I hope that if people in fact are seeing problems at those locations (Austin St. and Trio), they will let the group know. That’s how we learn, together.

> I would equate the level of stress similar to the Franklin Blue Zone. Any sense of change to the square appropriately raised concerns and condescension towards those concerns is not helpful or edifying, nor is it educational. The current experience of traffic in the result of changes to the square does not inspire confidence.

No condescension meant or intended. The traffic in the square is worse than it should be, and I personally believe it is because of remaining problems with the signal timing. That remains with the city to fix. This new development will require careful review to make it work, including parking. However, our past experience with the existing lot and recent developments can inform us about how to make it work.

>> West Newton Square is clearly on the wrong side of the Pike and has been neglected by the city (for example repaving of Waltham Street, that would have supposedly addressed the Waltham Derby intersection where I was struck by a car as a pedestrian in 2019).  There have been many complaints about the timing of the lights yet no action has been taken.  A right on red at Waltham/Washington timed appropriately with the walk should also have been completed by now.  When design is done properly in the first place, there is no need to go and clean up the mess like this and have it take so long.  

Please note, Mike, I am fully aware of your efforts with traffic planning in the city as a resident and I appreciate all the hard work you put into this. Traffic is a complicated yet essential part of our lives and we need to ensure that it flows properly.  Traffic is not a negative, it is what allows our communities to function.

-Helen

Shari G

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Jun 27, 2022, 9:50:56 AM6/27/22
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Thank you, Pam
This helps to know.  It’s an enormous project. 

What’s the best way for the general public to stay up to date on these kinds of projects?   And then, what input (if any) does the public have? 

Given the size and the location for this project, traffic patterns in and around West Newton Sq are 
going to be impacted.  (I may be endorsing a left turn from Waltham St.  Something I never thought I would want.). At least it’s only 50 (?!!!) and not 100s, but then there’s Dunstan West.  

Dare I ask about other proposed developments or discussions? Dunstan East, for instance?  

Stay cool everyone! 
Shari


On Sun, Jun 26, 2022 at 12:47 PM <pamw...@rcn.com> wrote:

Helen Makadia

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Jun 27, 2022, 9:55:19 AM6/27/22
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Hi Lynne - yes, California, LA especially, has a very different attitude towards traffic and driving in general.  I grew up in Los Angeles and can say it takes a lot of patience to drive there.  However, the patience was not developed overnight and some of it is a result of gun violence.  The car horn is rarely used for fear of being shot.  It is a reality, unfortunately, but it has led to the driving culture you see now.  I'm sure many of you are horrified to hear about the fear of being shot, this is a reality for many.  I grew up in the era of gang violence at schools and our school did lose a student to a drive by shooting.  I share this so you can be aware that these kinds of experiences can shape our attitudes towards driving.  That said, here in MA I would never reach my destination if I didn't use the car horn.  So there you have it, the two coasts are very different.  

The crossing of the street the way you describe work in LA because the city was designed as a grid.  It is much easier to time the lights that way than in say, an intersection like Rt 16, Washington Street, and Waltham Street.  The need to cross over to Rt16 from Washington Street makes the intersection difficult, as well as lack of room for cars to wait for the timing to work.  Also inability for lights to be dynamic at this intersection leaves pedestrians hanging/jay walking, cars blocking boxes and cars idling for minutes at a time (a very *green* thing to do).   

Nancy Mazzapica

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Jun 27, 2022, 10:04:49 AM6/27/22
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Thank you Helen, very well put and so true

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Michael Halle

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Jun 27, 2022, 10:51:45 AM6/27/22
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Comments follow.

On Jun 27, 2022, at 9:43 AM, Helen Makadia <helen.alv...@gmail.com> wrote:

...
>> Hard to say, but I would argue that the resulting West Newton Square design and how things have been handled by the city has left little faith in residents that the city do the right thing when it comes to overseeing large development projects.  If the city cannot handle the implementation of its own projects properly, how is the public to have faith that it will do what is best to give the stamp of approval for large development projects?  It is not unreasonable for the public to believe the city does not adopt "growth mindset" and learn from its mistakes. 

I guess my sense about the impact of “large development projects” regarding traffic is to look the traffic impact of the large development projects that have recently been completed. We have Austin Street and we have Trio. There were plenty of concerns raised about traffic regarding both projects beforehand. Now we as a community can look to them and evaluate the actual impact. 

The relevant parts of the traffic study for this new project are around this part of the document:

The traffic study uses standards from the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE), not from the city, for the number of trips generated for different kinds of developments. If anything, ITE numbers are skewed toward more car-centric suburban driving habits and tend to overestimate car trips. Residential uses are among the lowest trip generators for a development because people simply don’t leave their residences that many times in a day, and they don’t leave and arrive at exactly the same time. In contrast, a retail use, or even more so a public parking use, involves constant turnover by many people. 

In this development, for example, the 19 spaces for retail parking that enter on Davis actually generate more trips than the 50 residential units that use Highland. The total numbers still come out about the same as the previous use, which was bank parking with plenty of informal additional use.

Yes, traffic is complex and affects many people and the community. That doesn’t make it magic. From a traffic and parking perspective, this seems to me to be close to a 1:1 replacement of traffic from the old lot to new traffic from the residential and retail development. The Davis entrance may actually be more important from a traffic and quality of live point of view for the residents on the that street. 

—Mike

Damien Croteau-Chonka

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Jun 27, 2022, 11:50:22 AM6/27/22
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Thank you for that summary, Mike!

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Sachiko Isihara

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Jun 27, 2022, 2:41:43 PM6/27/22
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Among my main objections to the project at Santander bank is actually the safety regarding exit/entry of an underground (pitched) egress onto Highland St, lack of a suitable "blue zone" for people being dropped off and picked up from the entrance to the residential lobby, loss of all the greenery currently around the bank, and loss of the necessary width of sidewalk that increased pedestrian usage will entail.  

The new parking is mostly underground.  This is a health hazard to those who will be trying to exit the building but will not be able to get out of the garage for at least a couple of cycles of the lights. Idling cars inside of the basement garage is going to be toxic air.  Then, the development will be using railings that will enclose the outdoor seating area of the restaurant (all hardscape, I am sure.) The result is that pedestrians who frequent the square will have less sidewalk space to allow pedestrian traffic flow due to new trees and berm being added. At a neighborhood hearing, the developer suggested this is a transit oriented development.  Thus residents would walk and bike.  Where is the provision for wider sidewalks for this kind of safety? Without wide sidewalks parents with strollers going to and from the two preschools in each of the churches will not be able to move around.  Adding new trees along Highland St will reduce sidewalk space unless the City will enforce the 8-foot width of the sidewalk as is being proposed in the rendering (It says 5-8 ft sidewalk.)  I frequently walk my dog in and around West Newton, and I try to avoid being too close to other pedestrians and that is a very narrow area.  The renderings show round tables with umbrellas for outdoor restaurant seating.  This will take up practically all the space between the building and the curb.

To further exacerbate the situation, if the housing units are limited to 1 car, then I can imagine people will be using taxies, Uber or Lyft and the only way to drop off in front of the residence's entry is by stopping on Highland St, which will then narrow the street to only one car (one direction) to pass by.  I have seen where cars park on the FUUSN side of the street where the bottom of Highland St then becomes one directional. The renderings do not show the correct proportion for the width of the roads around the proposed building.  They make it look like Highland and Davis Streets are wider boulevards than actuality. Why not have an entryway to the residences be part of the surface parking area lot? This will prevent drop-off/pick-up from blocking 2-way street traffic.

There is a hearing on July 19th and I hope many of you attend to comment on the already difficult traffic circulation and insufficient parking of the West Newton village center.

I live on Davis Street and so I am a direct abutter. I like the idea of a housing building, it just needs to be attractive and give the sidewalk ample width and the correct landscaping to keep the Square somewhat green. Davis Street is filled during the day with the employees of the businesses in the square.  As they leave, customers for the restaurants and the cinema fill those spots. On Sunday mornings a few parishioners can park there, too. It is a very useful street for delivery trucks who must furnish the restaurants.  During the two year construction, I am hoping that the developer will avoid any encumbrance on these functions as the livelihood of so many rely on these usages.

Here are all the documents related to the development: https://www.newtonma.gov/government/city-clerk/city-council/special-permits/-folder-2453

Sachiko Isihara


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pamw...@rcn.com

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Jun 27, 2022, 4:31:10 PM6/27/22
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How to stay up to date on projects:

 

I really like Amy Sangiolo’s weekly newsletter.  (I checked her list with my schedule of meetings and typically will add a few more.  All the city councilors and the mayor are on her mailing list).  Meeting listings are in one place with links to zoom and backup material.  This is so much better than the city’s website. Projects are presented at Land Use meetings (Tuesday)  Unfortunately, Amy’s list is only one week at a time. 

 

Amy announced today that she’s evolving her newsletter to figcitynews.com  See below:

 

I wanted you to know that I have evolved my weekly email and website and migrated it to a new entity – FigCityNews.com. Fig City News is a new community news hub to help residents stay informed about news and events in Newton. Everyone is invited to sign up for FigCityNews’ free newsletters. Currently, there are two:  One has basically the same content as my current email newsletter – the DRT meetings, Board and Commission Meetings, City Council and School Committee Meetings, and the popular Weekly Governmental Calendar; and the second email newsletter has news and more in-depth articles about current local events as well as community announcements. Both are works in progress. All content from the newsletters will be available on the website.
 
I started Fig City News with the assistance of residents concerned about the need for a knowledgeable, trusted resource for Newton events and issues. This week, I am migrating my weekly Local Government Update newsletter, which I’ve sent out for the last seven years, to be a newsletter hosted by this new site. 
 
I hope you will enjoy Fig City News – where local Newton residents can share information about community events, learn about the work that community groups are working on, and just help continue to build connections between all of our villages and each other. We welcome people to write articles of interest to the community and organizations and businesses to submit events. To learn more, see FigCityNews’ policies and submission guidelines and email in...@figcitynews.com.  

 

Amy breaks down the meetings as such:

Here's this week's Local Government Update. Go here for the "What's Up in Newton" section. 

·         What’s Up in Newton this Week?

·         Weekly Government Calendar – 6/26

·         City Council Meetings – Week of 6/26

·         Board and Commission Meetings – Week of 6/26

·         Development Review Team Meetings – Week of 6/26

Many of the other villages have area councils and keep their residents informed.  Developers present to them early in the process.  West Newton doesn’t have an area council.  It is a lot of work to organize, get signatures and members are voted in during the election.

For big projects the planning department will have information on their website and links to sign up for new information here.  They also have weekly newsletters  sign ups

Developers may also have sign ups for their project information/meetings on their website.

I also read the DRT meeting listings – generally the first stop for any developer.  This is where a developer will sit down with the planning dept, ISD (inspectional services dept), law, etc and present their project to the group before submitting any documents.  They get feedback from the city on their design.   These are closed meetings and even city councilors cannot attend (I’ve asked many times).  We can get the “notes” but it has very limited information.  Some projects don’t make it past here or turn into something different.  

So how do I stay up to date on projects?

  1. First I monitor the DRT listings so a project gets on my “radar”.
  2. If it’s a large project, I will ask the councilors in that ward.  They are normally the first ones to receive more detailed information.  I try to join in on some of these meetings.
  3. From there I start checking documents on ISD’s special permit website here.  ISD will migrate over to a new system here but I’m still using the previous one.  The developer has a firmer project when they release the drawing package – to the point that this is what they will probably present to Land Use.
  4. Attend the Land Use meeting
  5. Request the developer to keep me informed.

Hope this helps

Pam

 

 

From: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com <westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Shari G
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2022 4:44 PM
To: westnewtonn...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [WNewton] West Newton Square traffic lights!

 

Thank you, Pam

This helps to know.  It’s an enormous project. 

 

What’s the best way for the general public to stay up to date on these kinds of projects?   And then, what input (if any) does the public have? 

 

Given the size and the location for this project, traffic patterns in and around West Newton Sq are 

going to be impacted.  (I may be endorsing a left turn from Waltham St.  Something I never thought I would want.). At least it’s only 50 (?!!!) and not 100s, but then there’s Dunstan West.  

 

Dare I ask about other proposed developments or discussions? Dunstan East, for instance?  

 

Stay cool everyone! 

Shari

 

On Sun, Jun 26, 2022 at 12:47 PM <pamw...@rcn.com> wrote:

The Santander bank project (50 rentals) by Mark Development is scheduled for public comment at the land use meeting on July 19th.  The developer could ask to push back the date if needed, but this is the plan. 

 

There are 25+  documents on the ISD special permit site https://www.newtonma.gov/government/city-clerk/city-council/special-permits/-folder-2453.  I would expect some of these documents may be tweaked or changed during land use meetings.  Here are a few that may be of interest:

 

Architectural drawings https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86404/637910730141959619 

3D renderings https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86394/637910730120396778

site plan https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86428/637910730806352790

53 page traffic study https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86392/637910730078052915

Landscape plan https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86414/637910730170085180

Green building rating https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86410/637910730153679023

Updated zoning memo https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/86438/637910730836665991

 

 

Other large projects in West Newton Square is the Armory – 43 all affordable rentals here and Dunstan East – about 300 rentals with 25% affordable here.  Another developer is working with abutters and us councilors on a 10 unit townhouse style condos at the corner of Elm and River with 1 affordable unit.  A brew pub is getting it’s documents together to open at the old Local.  Projects very early in the planning cycle will not have documents on the ISD website.

Barbara Bix

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Jun 27, 2022, 5:53:14 PM6/27/22
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Pam, you’re awesome!

Nancy Mazzapica

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Jun 27, 2022, 6:21:41 PM6/27/22
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Thank you Pam for keeping us informed

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 27, 2022, at 4:31 PM, pamw...@rcn.com wrote:



Damien Croteau-Chonka

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Jun 27, 2022, 6:33:33 PM6/27/22
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The 1314 Washington Street project does have a nice Paris vibe to it (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Paris#/media/File:Blv-haussmann-lafayette.jpg).

On Sun, Jun 26, 2022 at 12:47 PM <pamw...@rcn.com> wrote:
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/004401d8897c%245aef4590%2410cdd0b0%24%40rcn.com.

Sachiko Isihara

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Jun 27, 2022, 8:18:51 PM6/27/22
to West Newton Community
Yes, but if you ever walked the Champs-Elysees you would notice how wide the sidewalks are that they invite Parisians (and tourists) to stroll.
Rue de Rivoli and the grands boulevards that Haussmann designed were balanced by the Jardins de Tuileries and the Jardins de Luxembourg and the rotaries like Arc de Triomphe, Palace de la Victoire or even the Champ de Mars have proportions that are missing here. 

Sachiko Isihara

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/westnewtonneighborhood/CAC1rap0%2BU9Q9u8j%2Bh%3D%2B4BRYUFdXUP8bPqObK4TNG4NocG2zsnA%40mail.gmail.com.
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