After months of sometimes contentious public hearings, on October 16, the Newton Zoning Board of Appeals approved a Comprehensive 40B project to be developed by Boylston Properties at 78 Crafts Street. The finalized decision provides for four buildings with 295 rental units, 59 of which will be rented to people earning at or below 50% of the Area Mean Income (AMI), with 25% of those designated for Newton residents.
Among its provisions, the plan calls for 278 parking stalls. Residents living on streets bordering Crafts Street had expressed concerns that this project would create increased demand for on-street parking in the neighborhood. As part of the final decision, Boylston Properties will take “corrective measures” if increased on-street parking is due to the project residents. In the course of the hearings, Boylston Properties has decreased massing along Crafts Street, reduced the building footprint, and offered more access for neighboring residents to common spaces in the development.
The final plan includes a pedestrian path leading from Crafts Street to Court Street, which bounds the back of the project. Court Street will not include an entrance to the Crafts Street project except for emergency vehicles. At the same time, residents of Court Street and others nearby will have access to bicycle and pedestrian paths, the project’s open space common areas, and a tot lot.
From the first public hearing, area residents had expressed opposition to the project because of the already heavy traffic on Crafts Street to and from Washington Street. In response, Boylston Properties has agreed to the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and traffic-calming devices to augment pedestrian safety. In addition, the company will work with the Traffic Department on traffic signals to mitigate the traffic impact. It will also pay the City $721, 638 for infrastructure improvements and $1,158,888 for a range of projects including improvements to neighborhood streets for off-site transportation, pedestrian safety, and accessibility.
The buildings will also comply with requirements for Passive House energy certification and stormwater management.
Eleven parcels comprise the new project development area, which is adjacent to the City’s “barn” for storing and servicing its larger vehicles. A separate, large rental project, for which another company has a special permit, is in the planning stages nearby on Crafts Street, as well.
