Mark Development’s community update on 1314 Washington Street

On Thursday, September 8, Mark Development hosted a community meeting with the Ward 3 City Councilors to present its proposed development of 1314 Washington — the former Santander Bank site in West Newton. Robert Korff of Mark Development gave the presentation. There were a few major changes to the development:

• The restaurant size was reduced 30% from 225 seats to 160 seats
• There will be 50 below-ground parking stalls and 5 parking spaces added to Highland Street.
• On the ground floor, there is an entry garden with public seating.
• The scale of the terrace has been reduced, and the community space has moved to the second floor, allowing for a small buffer along the building creating a pocket park.

Several residents raised questions about traffic and parking. Bob Persons asked whether the Sunday parking on the west side of Highland Street would still be possible with the new spaces on Highland Street. According to Mark Development representatives, the City’s Department of Public Works will restrict the new spaces in order to continue to allow parking on the west side for Church use.

Sachiko Ishihara, a resident of Davis Street, inquired about the parking analysis and whether the study also looked at private parking. Mark Development responded that no private parking was included in the analysis.

Mike Halle, Chair of the Transportation Advisory Group (TAG), speaking as a resident, stated that the improvements on Highland were a positive development but he wants to make sure that there are extra precautions for pedestrians and biking to encourage more people to walk. He believes that the roadway will be narrow for two lanes of traffic and parking and suggests that with e-bikes becoming more common, despite Highland being very steep, Highland remains the most direct connection between West Newton and City Hall, the Newton Free Library, and Newton Highlands.

One West Newton resident, James Menashi, was firm in his opposition to the project. He stated that he is “100% against the project,” because West Newton is over congested, and there is too much overbuilding in Newton.

Other West Newton residents support the project. Former City Councilor and West Newton resident, Ted Hess-Mahan thinks this is a “great project,” adding that this is a “handsome project close to the village square and commuter rail, and businesses that have suffered will have people nearby to walk to businesses.”

Fordham Road resident, Julia Huston expressed support for the project, adding that she thinks it looks “lovely and will be a nice addition to the community.” She said, “More importantly, we need to recognize we are not providing enough housing for people who need it, and the need is really desperate.” She also inquired whether there had been any consideration given to adding height to the building, “which would bring environmental benefits and housing benefits to the community.”

Steve Buchbinder, attorney for Mark Development, thanked the attendees and said this was one of the best community meetings they have had and thanked the Ward 3 Councilor for suggesting another community meeting. The project is expected to go before the Land Use Committee on October 6, when parking, transportation, and sustainability issues will be addressed.

In his comments, Robert Korff asked the 92 meeting attendees to support the West Newton Cinema and Fuji, a new restaurant opening at Trio in Newtonville.