The person leading the comprehensive planning effort that could result in many positive urbanist outcomes is not inherently a bad actor, nor is she inevitably stupid to be annoyed that this project is short-circuiting it.
Depending on the details one could get there, but if you advocate "not listening" to comprehensive planning in favor of whatever developers want you get Houston.
This.The problem isn't Linda Olson Pehlke, it's Brookline listening to Linda Olson Pehlke.
Houston has figured out how to build high density urban infill in a way that Boston absolutely has not. We should be so lucky as to have that here.Other than Jeremi, I can't imagine anyone here wanting Houston.
However, Olson Pehlke's REASONS of 'Hundreds and hundreds of new cars and people in an area that already has inadequate capacity in terms of roadways, parks, shops, sidewalks, post office and [Trader Joe’s] on the weekend anyone?" is such an incredibly false dogwhistle for Coolidge Corner (which has 6 Green Line Stations within 3,000 feet) and would see a net LOSS of 2 parking spaces from this development begs the conclusion that she a) doesn't know what she is talking about or b) does , in fact, know but is using falsehoods to get to her intended conclusion. THIS development means FEWER commuters and more walkers from the local area to the Trader Joes and other shops, etc. Her false reasoning is bassackwards and only feeds into increased car usage and traffic.
And at no point did I ever "advocate "not listening" to Ms. Olson Pehlke - someone else posted something perhaps suggesting that - I only advocate seeing her stated "reasoning" on this for what it is.
60 will always be a smaller number than 62. And local walking car-free residents will always be better for car traffic/congestion than drivers.
There are few neighborhoods BETTER suited for this than Coolidge Corner: https://www.15minutecity.com/
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Houston has figured out how to build high density urban infill in a way that Boston absolutely has not. We should be so lucky as to have that here.
Developer proposes seven-story apartment building in Coolidge Corner parking lot
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Developer proposes seven-story apartment building in Coolidge Corner parking lot - Brookline.News
The proposed project has quickly proven controversial among neighbors and Town Meeting members.brookline.news
Many of those units are within the 610 loop. Their zoning laws (which encourage, not discourage development) have resulted in wastelands being developed into entirely walkable areas. I don't think anyone here thinks that they have a good TRANSPORTATION policy (and they, too, are obsessed with parking), but their zoning policy is a joy compared to ours.Matching it up with their massive roadways and slavish reliance on cars/trucks????????
Volume of units isn't the entire answer. It is the LIVABILITY and 15 Minute City concept that will be the most efficient and livable future for cities. Unit volume PLUS enlightened urban planning and transportation is the answer. Doing just one part is shortsighted.
That Stop n Shop is a 10min walk at best from Lee's and all a gradual uphill coming back (I'll give you that its two stops on the 66). But that's a whole other can a worms because it's the main grocery option for the ~13k residents that live on the Southside down to Brookline. And then the ~3500 folks on the other side of Rt 9 down Cypress are stuck between that, Brigham Circle, or Hyde Sq, all not exactly convenient to access. Thank God for Kurkman's. If you can't tell I'm very passionate about the ease of access to a wide variety of groceries.The Stop n Shop on Harvard St is a 5-minute walk from the heart of Coolidge Corner.
It’s strange that the developer proposes a (seemingly needless) mid-block connection to River Road, as opposed to making a coherent street wall.![]()
Developer floats 12-story building with micro units on Brookline Ave - Brookline.News
Claremont Corporation, which owns the Hilton Garden Inn next door, has been collecting parcels for the project for almost a decade.brookline.news
I think the purpose of that connection is to serve as a drop-off zone. in which case I think I like it better than the traditional semi-circular curb cut.It’s strange that the developer proposes a (seemingly needless) mid-block connection to River Road, as opposed to making a coherent street wall.