Newton Infill and Small Developments

JS38 said:
Look like this one has been delayed/likely cancelled by NIMBYs...
www.newtonbeacon.org/city-council-withdraws-nonantum-developers-zoning-and-permit-requests/
Click to expand...

These people are the worst. This guy is trying to turn his private property, currently a hole in the ground, into a measly 10 or 13 units (depending on the source). He got his financing, he got zoning approval, and under threat from his neighbors and cowardly city councilors he gets his permits yanked.

[Councilor] Leary said the project started out simple—it was approved eight years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic, construction delays and inflation made it no longer financially make sense—and that she “erred” in not looking more closely at it from the beginning.

“So we got stuck on a few things, including the zoning change—and really, some fear,” Leary said. “And I realize that people are really protective of their neighborhoods and their village, and that’s a great thing. People want to protect what’s there, and Nonantum’s a wonderful village. It’s vibrant. It’s got a lot of great businesses. And so, I have to better understand that that’s where that’s coming from.”


Imagine being so scared of your constituents that you will affirmatively vote to keep a gaping hole in the middle of your town rather than adding a dozen condo units in the name of "protecting what's there".
 
Yea its complete bullshit. The incentive structures are broken. Speaking of being protective of their village, you couldnt dream up a more appropriate proposal than that.
 
Justbuildit said:
These people are the worst. This guy is trying to turn his private property, currently a hole in the ground, into a measly 10 or 13 units (depending on the source). He got his financing, he got zoning approval, and under threat from his neighbors and cowardly city councilors he gets his permits yanked.

[Councilor] Leary said the project started out simple—it was approved eight years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic, construction delays and inflation made it no longer financially make sense—and that she “erred” in not looking more closely at it from the beginning.

“So we got stuck on a few things, including the zoning change—and really, some fear,” Leary said. “And I realize that people are really protective of their neighborhoods and their village, and that’s a great thing. People want to protect what’s there, and Nonantum’s a wonderful village. It’s vibrant. It’s got a lot of great businesses. And so, I have to better understand that that’s where that’s coming from.”


Imagine being so scared of your constituents that you will affirmatively vote to keep a gaping hole in the middle of your town rather than adding a dozen condo units in the name of "protecting what's there".
Click to expand...
Possible he can sue here...
 
-This article kind of makes it sound like this is being re-filed?

City Council accepts withdrawal of 386-390 Watertown Street request for zoning change and special permit; New building permit filed​


“Not part of Monday night’s discussion was a new building permit application filed by Newton Park Watertown Realty LLC for the original project in its approved configuration — three floors and ten units. The architect for the project, Trevor O’Leary, told Fig City News that the principals would be exploring the costs of the new project, for which they have been granted a $5,079,000 mortgage.”

City Council accepts withdrawal of 386-390 Watertown Street request for zoning change and special permit; New building permit filed – Fig City News

figcitynews.com figcitynews.com
 
1151 Walnut St, Newton (25 units)
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Lasell Village to Break Ground on McGuire Hall, Honoring Legacy of Civil Rights Leader Jean McGuire​




“Auburndale, MA— Lasell Village, the university-based senior living community affiliated with Lasell University, will break ground on McGuire Hall, a transformative new residence that blends housing with lifelong learning, wellness, and vibrant community living……”

“The new 124,980-square-foot, four-story building will feature 42 light-filled apartments, a state-of-the-art health and wellness center, a dining venue, library, and dedicated spaces for art, music, academic classes, and social gatherings. Designed by DiMella Shaffer, McGuire Hall will incorporate sustainable, energy-efficient elements aligned with Lasell Village’s vision of forward-looking, community-based living……..”

https://bostonrealestatetimes.com/l...g-legacy-of-civil-rights-leader-jean-mcguire/
 

Financing Secured for West Newton Armory Development​

“The development team behind the West Newton Armory project has signed a ground lease with The City of Newton for the site and closed on over $26M in financing for the project through First Citizens Bank & Trust. The project will preserve the historic head house of the former West Newton Armory and add a Passive House construction addition to create 43 affordable housing units……..”


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Financing Secured for West Newton Armory Development

Financing Secured for West Newton Armory Development
www.bldup.com www.bldup.com

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West Newton Armory | Davis Square Architects

Conversion of historic West Newton Armory into multi-generational affordable housing with construction of 43 housing units in a addition, with ample outdoor space, enhanced accessibility, garage parking for residents, and community space and offices.
www.davissquarearchitects.com www.davissquarearchitects.com
 
I don’t live close to this part of Newton and I have not interacted with it personally, but every time I drive down the Washington Street corridor it really looks like some very successful developments have come up in the last few years. Hopefully more stuff like this to keep filling it in.
 

Skanska Integrated Solutions Breaks Ground on Brimmer and May School’s New Recreation & Wellness Center​


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“Newton, MA— Skanska has officially broken ground on the new 26,000-square-foot Recreation & Wellness Center at Brimmer and May School in Newton, Massachusetts. The milestone marks the latest collaboration between the independent school and Skanska Integrated Solutions (SIS), the firm’s program management and consulting group, which served as project manager.

The new facility will replace the school’s aging gymnasium, originally built in 1972, and serve as a dynamic hub for athletics, wellness, and academic enrichment…….”

bostonrealestatetimes.com

Skanska Integrated Solutions Breaks Ground on Brimmer and May School’s New Recreation & Wellness Center - Boston Real Estate Times

Newton, MA— Skanska has officially broken ground on the new 26,000-square-foot Recreation & Wellness Center at Brimmer and May School in Newton, Massachusetts. The milestone marks the latest collaboration between […]
bostonrealestatetimes.com bostonrealestatetimes.com
 

New Developer Updates Plans for Crafts Street Site in Newton​


“A group of parcels along Crafts Street in Newton are set to be acquired from Mark Development, per new project filings for the 2.66-acre site. In November 2022, the City of Newton approved a special permit to construct an Elder Housing with Services facility on the site, but the project did not advance.

Now plans call for a 6-story multifamily project with 234 apartments. The property will feature a robust amenity package with a state-of-the-art fitness center, roof deck, landscaped courtyard with a swimming pool, pet spa, and a clubroom/lounge.”


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New Developer Updates Plans for Crafts Street Site in Newton

New Developer Updates Plans for Crafts Street Site in Newton
www.bldup.com www.bldup.com

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ZBA reviews Alta Newton, the second proposed housing development for 38 Crafts Street site​

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“Concerned about how a proposed 234-unit multi-family development in Nonantum would impact traffic, parking, and affordability in the city, dozens of people showed up to speak at the January 28 Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting.

Adam Lunin, a Newton resident who lives near the proposed project, said he is not against development but has concerns about the proposed project’s size.

“There’s a right way to do this, and this is not the right way,” Lunin said. “It’s way too big, it doesn’t fit the neighborhood.”

If approved, the project would transform 2.66 acres at 38 Crafts Street into a six-story apartment building to be called Alta Newton. The proposal includes a six-story parking deck located in the center of the property and 59 affordable units priced at 80% of the local Area Median Income (AMI)…..”

www.figcitynews.com

ZBA reviews Alta Newton, the second proposed housing development for 38 Crafts Street site

Concerned about how a proposed 234-unit multi-family development in Nonantum would impact traffic, parking, and affordability in the city, dozens of people showed up to speak at the January 28 Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting. Adam Lunin, a Newton resident who lives near the proposed...
www.figcitynews.com www.figcitynews.com
 
Is it the flooded gravel school bus depot they want to keep or the open air junk yard and mechanic shop next door? I didn't realize this was the neighborhood character that was so important to preserve in Newton. I guess if you're going on record saying new housing doesn't fit the neighborhood that is currently a pile of scrap metal, you're kind of telling on yourself.

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Right. Just as 6 stories is apparently "way too big" despite being right across the street from a 5-story office building...
 
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