If this improves the pedestrian walkways here, I'm all for it.
I would also love to see some thought put into connecting Allandale Woods with the Arboretum better.
I can't tell if this is sarcasm or not, but it's worth noting that the MA legislature is arguably the LEAST democratic legislature in the country. If anything, lack of democracy is what is failing here. If there were any political cost whatsoever for these bozos, they wouldn't spill all the milk...
The first step to creating a quality neighborhood with good amenities and good architecture is getting people there, which is what this will do. The only concern I'd have is if the people who live here are so car-centric they won't support local businesses/restaurants.