At last, a rational voice in the MassBay mess
At last, a rational voice in the MassBay mess
Good morning,
If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to give back to others in a meaningful way—or if you’re simply looking for something constructive to do at a time when a lot feels upside down—we have a new resource for you.
Today, we’re launching a directory of local volunteer opportunities with Charles River Chamber member nonprofits—making it easier to get involved and make a difference close to home.
At last, a rational voice in the MassBay mess
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The civic group Building A Better Wellesley published an open letter this week urging residents and town leaders to stop fighting the state’s plan to build housing on surplus land near the MassBay Community College campus — and instead focus on saving the woods while supporting the creation of much-needed housing at the same time.
As Building a Better Wellesley points out — and contrary to assertions from a neighborhood group — state officials say they have no intention of allowing housing on some 40 acres of woodland.
Instead, the state wants to issue a request for proposals for 180 housing units, nearly entirely on a little-used 5-acre parking area on the west side of Oakland Street (map) and appears poised to place a conservation restriction on the forest to permanently preserve it.
“For the first time since the Commonwealth has owned the land, they are asking Wellesley what we want to do with it, and they have heard us: we want to preserve the forest!” Building A Better Wellesley writes.
“Everyone seems to agree that we want to preserve the MassBay forest,” they add. “The best way to do that is not with lawsuits, delays, and obfuscation. Instead, we urge town residents and, especially, elected leaders to collaborate with the Commonwealth for a win-win-win for Wellesley, MassBay students, and the broader community.”
Building A Better Wellesley’s position is plain common sense, which makes it even more baffling that the Wellesley Select Board has retained counsel and seems ready to spend taxpayer money to fight the Commonwealth and Save MassBay Forest continues to misrepresent the state’s intentions.
I welcome your feedback.
Mozzarella magic made in Needham Heights
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Barstool Sports’ surprise “One Bite” pizza review at Gianni’s Deli and Pizza in Needham Hights last week sparked viral buzz beyond owners Aida and Amin Rasla’s wildest dreams.
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy was joined by Ann Michael Maye, wife of Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye, praising the pizza and chicken parm but especially the “very cute” owners.
“The best part of the whole place is the lady,” Portnoy said in the video.
“Since then, Gianni’s has been ‘slammed,’” reports Cameron Morsberger at Needham Local.
But it’s also left Gianni’s kneading pizza-pros to handle the rising dough-mand.
“… they are in urgent need of additional help,” a family member posted on Facebook. “Our family has been stepping in where we can, but we are now looking to hire individuals with Italian pizza–making experience as soon as possible.”
Still, the timing was serendipitous.
About six months ago, the Raslas’ home sustained severe water damage, forcing them into a hotel and now a month-to-month rental, Morsberger reports.
“When you lose everything and something happens like that, it’s like, ‘thank you, God,’” Aida Rasla said.
By-right zoning pays off in Newton, again
Throughout the rollout of the MBTA Communities Act, critics frequently argued that the law was a handout to profit-seeking developers with no real affordability.
That misses the point: MBTA-C aims to boost housing supply because Massachusetts needs all types of homes and more supply lowers costs.
Still, a proposed Newtonville development at 793 Washington Street shows what the right zoning can deliver: A 100% affordable project.
Beacon Communities is proposing 56 affordable homes above retail — the largest project yet under Newton’s new MBTA-C zoning.
(This happens to be down the street from a different type of 100% affordable project, around the corner from a 31-unit by-right project at 19 Highland Ave. and across from what will be a new commuter rail station.)
Beacon bought the site from Mark Development’s Robert Korff, who has even offered to try and help some of the displaced businesses relocate within his properties (an issue that’s always a concern of ours). Instead of new parking, Beacon will use the underutilized 209-space garage at Korff’s Trio complex next door, where spaces sit empty. So that’s a win too.
Beacon CEO Josh Cohen credits the project to “how uncommon and advantageous the by-right zoning is.”
For Cohen and other affordable housing developers, streamlined permitting and added density— core features of the MBTA-C — can make difficult projects viable.
In this case, Beacon can skip the Newton City Council’s costly special permit process and build up to 5½ stories, with ground-floor retail, under the new homes.
Tuesday grab bag
- MIRA will host a panel to explore immigration’s impact on Massachusetts’ workforce and economy on Jan. 22 at the Winthrop Center in Boston. Speakers will include Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and yours truly. Register
- We’re so sad to learn of the passing of Michael Ferreer, chief member officer at Direct Federal Credit Union who served on the chamber’s DE&I Committee. Our condolences to family, friends, colleagues and customers.
- Braintree Police Chief Timothy V. Cohoon will become the next chief of the Newton Police Department. (Newton Beacon)
- Salt Patisserie in Newton Centre has been recognized for having some of the state’s best chocolate chip cookies. French Press in Needham Center was a runner-up. (WBUR)
- Center Makor, invites the community to a special Holocaust education program Jan. 27–29 at its Newton Centre hub (1320 Centre St.), featuring the Israeli documentary “The Lost Brothers” and a powerful visual exhibition. The exhibition will remain open for two weeks.
- Watertown biotech Lyra Therapeutics has let go of its 28 remaining employees. The company’s trouble began when its sinus inflammation treatment failed to meet the goals of a late-stage trial. (BBJ)
- Limani at The Street at Chestnut Hill is no longer in business. (Boston Restaurant Talk)
- Norfolk County DA Michael Morrissey will not run for reelection this year. (Boston 25 News)
- Newton resident Jim Koch’s new beer is illegal in 15 states and can eat through a cup and only $240 a bottle.
How do we spell relief? C-R-E-D-I-T C-A-R-D F-E-E-S
A Senate committee has advanced a bill that could offer Massachusetts businesses relief from rising credit card processing costs.
The legislation (S 2819) would allow businesses to pass along card fees to customers who pay with credit cards, capped at the actual cost of the transaction and subject to clear disclosure rules, reports Katie Castellani at State House News.
Credit card fees have more than doubled for small businesses since 2012, largely driven by inflation and the growing number of customers no longer paying by cash.
Watertown’s hottest lab adds a cool new perk
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The owners of a building the Globe dubbed “Greater Boston’s hottest lab building,” have added a new reason to stop by, a community café right inside the lobby that’s open to the public.
Triangle Co. brings new energy to the sleek Elkus Manfredi Architects–designed lab building at 66 Galen Street, just steps outside of Watertown Square.
The café features comfortable seating and a stunning 360-degree fireplace that’s perfect for casual meetups, or just taking a break with your favorite latte.
The opening comes as 66 Galen, developed by the Davis Companies and Boston Development Group, hits 95% occupancy, thanks most recently to a 50,000-square-foot lease by Newton-based LabShares.
Triangle joins a growing wave of cafés worth visiting even if you don’t work there, like Revival Café + Kitchen inside another Watertown life-science campus, at 99 Coolidge Ave.
Hey, is 66 Galen where…?
Yes, 66 Galen is the same building where we hosted our 2024 Winter Celebration, one of the best networking events we held that year.
Wondering where this year’s party will be? Glad you asked. It’s happening tomorrow night (Weds) inside another cool must-see work space: 275 Grove Street in Newton.
Hope to see you there!
That’s what you need to know for today, unless you need to know that’s not just Siri and Alexa that could be eavesdropping on your conversations.
Be Good!
President & CEO
Charles River Regional Chamber
617.244.1688
I value your feedback
Max Woolf contributed to today’s newsletter.