Dear Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals,

We are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposed development at 41 Washington Street. We believe that allowing the demolition of this property will result in severe water issues, increased density, heightened traffic congestion, and a disregard for the integrity of our Hunnewell Hill neighborhood.

First and foremost, the new 16-unit development at 41 Washington Street poses a significant risk of exacerbating water-related problems in our area. The construction of this development could disrupt natural drainage patterns, leading to flooding and erosion. It is crucial to consider the potential consequences of such actions on the surrounding environment and the well-being of nearby residents. 

The proposed development would contribute to an unacceptable level of density in our mostly single family neighborhood. Putting a 16 unit apartment building in between single and two family family homes doesn't fit the character or scale of the neighborhood.  Overcrowding not only diminishes the quality of life for current residents but also strains local resources and infrastructure. We must prioritize sustainable growth that respects the character and livability of our community.

The previous permit application to build a large single family house on the rear portion of the lot was rejected by the City Council because of the high ground water and concerns that construction would impact downstream abutters. On 12/9/22 Counsilor Leary asked about installing monitoring wells to get a better idea of the flow of the water underground. We urge the ZBA to insist that monitoring wells be installed by the developers prior to voting on this project to address water-related issues effectively.  

Records as far back as 1892 indicate this site is unusually water logged. We are concerned that the dual pumping system recommend by TusNua Developers will have to run constantly and shorten the pumps longevity causing the piping system chambers to clog.  There’s no guarantee the condo association members will maintain the system or want to replace or fix the pumps/pipes or underground holding tanks due to the large expense.  From our understanding, the discharge from the holding tanks will be piped into the city storm drain at the corner of Grasmere and Washington Street. These catch basins are constructed with brick and mortar to catch the excess water flow.  We believe the excess water will be constant and further erode the mortar, causing a sinkhole. To our knowledge, no one has addressed the ramifications of the stress this project will add to the aging basin, which was not designed to handle such a significant level of discharge.  

Another issue relates to the massing as well as the design of the structure. This third iteration is almost as large as the previous one with no reduction in the number of units. The design is out of place in our neighborhood of single and two-family homes. It can only be described as "hulking" with its flat roof and multiple stories. It is unclear from the vague 3D drawing we have seen exactly how much of the site would be developed. However, the footprint does not look much different than the original plan which would have increased lot coverage from approximately 30% to 80%.  Any new structure should be smaller or be designed to better blend into the neighborhood. 

We urge the Zoning Board of Appeals to consider the implications of further development at 41 Washington Street. Our city has already surpassed the 10% threshold for affordable housing in Newton. If these 16 condo units are approved, it will add 24-32 automobiles entering and exiting 41 Washington Street.  These cars will add to the traffic congestion on Washington Street and impact pedestrians and children walking to school and local transit buses.  

In light of these concerns, we implore the Zoning Board of Appeals to reject the proposed development at 41 Washington Street. We urge you to listen to the voices of concerned citizens and prioritize the long-term health and vitality of our community.  Any structure on this lot needs to be smaller and designed to better blend into he neighborhood.  It should also include green initiatives such as solar and charging stations for electric bicycles.  

Please know that we the undersigned are not alone in our opinion of this project. Many fellow residents share these concerns and stand ready to voice their opposition at the upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on April 3rd. Together, we can work towards a future that respects the integrity of our residential neighborhoods and preserves Newton's Victorian historical homes while also continuing to grow our affordable housing stock. Now that our City has reached the 10% affordability threshold, we ask the ZBA to scale this project back to either renovate the existing victorian home or build a more appropriate size and style or better yet reject it entirely. 

Thank you for considering our input on this matter. We trust that you will make a decision that reflects the best interests of our community and its residents.

Thank you.