As the state plans a major renovation to the Massachusetts Turnpike, whether an Allston transit hub is built or delayed may determine how effectively the surrounding neighborhood develops.
Dante Ramos argues for more immediate transit investment along a section of the Pike. "In Allston, the state transportation department plans to remove a decaying Mass. Pike viaduct and straighten out the highway, freeing up dozens of acres for redevelopment by Harvard. Just as the Seaport did, the area known as Beacon Yards (or Beacon Park Yard) offers a rare chance to fill in a missing chunk of Boston's urban environment. "
For now, though, it looks like transit will have to wait. "Unfortunately MassDOT is defining the Allston project, whose budget is likely to top $1 billion, mainly as a highway job. According to the latest timetable, a crucial transit improvement — a new bus and train hub called West Station, with a cost of $95 million — won't be built until 2040."
Citing the bureaucratic tendency to "let sprawl and traffic happen," Ramos writes that "the greatest public good lies in packing Beacon Yards with as much residential, commercial, and research space as the transportation network will support." He also points to potential economic benefits for the region.
FULL STORY: In Allston, the transit lesson we never learn
Should This Mass Pike Viaduct Come Down?
Public opinion favors an at-grade highway, but the state is still considering retaining the elevated section in Allston.
New Harvard Campus Postponed Indefinitely
After halting construction on a science center in Allston months ago, Harvard has announced that the project will be postponed for the foreseeable future.
Massachusetts TOD Law Yielding Results
While some cities are fighting the state’s push to increase density near transit, others are already breaking ground on multifamily projects that will bring hundreds of new housing units online.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association