Newtonville station moves forward

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Newtonville station moves forward

By Greg Reibman

11/26/2024

Yesterday, we received some significantly good news

a man shaking another mans hand at a table

Congressman Jake Auchincloss shakes hands with MBTA General Manager Phil Eng

as Gov. Maura Healey looks on at Newton City Hall yesterday.

Good morning!

Gov. Maura Healey, Congressman Jake Auchincloss and other state leaders joined Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller at City Hall yesterday to announce that the MBTA has secured $50 million in state and federal funds to fully rebuild the Newtonville commuter rail station.

This, my friends, is a BFD. Here’s why:

Due to some really poor decisions made back in the 60s, Newton’s three commuter rail stations have never been accessible to people with disabilities (or strollers, or suitcases and pretty much everyone in bad weather).

Equally problematic, the stations only have tracks on one side. That leads to long stretches in the morning (heading west) and long stretches of the afternoon (heading east) when the trains chug past Newton’s stations without stopping.

This platform problem only exists in Newton. No other station along the entire Framingham-Worcester line has this limitation.

That's forced many potential commuters into cars. And it’s a big impediment to employers as they look to attract workers from Boston, or points west, to jobs in our communities.

Healey said the new Newtonville station will be fully accessible, with elevators, level-boarding platforms, track and signal upgrades, benches, canopies, bike racks, dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas, improved lighting and more.

“This is a huge leap forward in Newton, not just for public transportation but also housing, economic opportunity, accessibility and climate resiliency,” said Fuller.

The MBTA intends to finalize the design in 2025, with work starting in 2026.

Three more notes about yesterday’s announcement

Newtonville station has the highest use (1,000 riders depart and 1,000 arrive there daily) of Newton’s three stops and is adjacent to several recent multi-family projects, with Craft’s Street coming and hopefully more in the pipeline. So it makes sense that the station was chosen first. Yesterday, Healey, Auchincloss, Sen. Cindy Creem and others committed to addressing West Newton and Auburndale stations as well.
Securing funds for this project required the advocacy of many. But the true hero is outgoing State Rep. Kay Khan who noted that she first championed this project to Congressman Barney Frank and he retired in 2013. Khan never let up on this project.
It was nice to hear Gov. Maura Healey say “thank you to our developers” at yesterday’s event. It was an acknowledgement that none of the housing we need happens without them.. That’s something we rarely, if ever, hear from our electeds.

Retailers enter the weekend on edge

Thanksgiving falls on the last possible day in November this year, giving shoppers five fewer days — and one less weekend — between Black Friday and Christmas Day compared to 2023.

And that’s making retailers nervous.

“The shorter calendar this year makes weekend trips to Main Street shopping districts a challenge versus last year,” says Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.

“The short season, along with higher costs of living for consumers and higher operating costs for small businesses, make it more important than ever that we all work harder to protect, promote and preserve our Main Streets and our important local shopping districts.”

When you make your shopping decisions this holiday season, please remember our local merchants.

(You can also help our local businesses by promoting the "Support Local" message. We've put together a digital folder with social media graphics and email banners to make it easier for everyone to share to spread the word.)

Tuesday grab bag

Want to take a trip with the chamber? We’re exploring the feasibility of offering an overseas tour for members. If you think you might be interested take this 1-minute survey to advise on destinations and travel preferences.
Many workers in Massachusetts are now entitled to sick time if they or their spouse experience a miscarriage or an unsuccessful attempt at assisted reproduction, surrogacy or adoption. (Boston Globe)
Needham's Annual Blue Tree Lighting takes place on the Town Common, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. As usual, Santa will arrive in a fire truck and help with the countdown to the tree lighting. Details.
Santa may as well spend the night locally because he’s due the next day (Dec. 8) at the Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll and Scavenger Hunt, from 12-6 p.m., followed at 5 p.m. by the town tree lighting.
Flora's Wine Bar in West Newton is now open for coffee and daytime café service from 7 to 2 p.m., ahead of its formal breakfast launch later this month. The Wine Bar continues to open at 4 p.m. as regularly scheduled.
Fly Together Fitness partnered with Babson College’s Management Consulting Field Experience Program, with students providing valuable consulting support while gaining real-world experience. Businesses interested in similar opportunities can learn more or contact Arline MacCormack.

All eyes will be on Needham on Jan. 14

The referendum that aims undo a transparent two-year public process designed to open up new housing opportunities in Needham will go to voters on Jan. 14.

The Needham Select Board officially set the date last night.

The approved rezoning proposal covers nearly 93 acres with maximum building heights ranging from 3 to 4.5 stories. It covers sections of Chestnut Street, Hillside Avenue, Crescent Road and Hillside Avenue.

Many of the rezoned parcels are commercial properties owned by families with no plans to sell, Select Board Vice Chair Heidi Frail tells the Globe. Others have long-term leases. As a result, an independent consultant determined that full buildout could take up to three decades, if ever.

In order to repeal the housing plan, 20% of registered voters — about 5,019 people — must vote “no” on Jan. 14 and those votes must outnumber the “yes” votes.

The chamber strongly recomends voting “yes” for Needham.

Say hello to our newest members!

Finally, just like the number of folks who look like Jeremy Allen White, your favorite chamber keeps growing.

October and November brought us 29 new and returning members. (Not a member? There’s still time for you to be number 30.). Join us in welcoming these businesses and professionals to your growing chamber network!