01:18During the meeting, representatives from Kleper Martin Design Group and Icon Architects presented the Austin Street Lots project. They emphasized the strategic location along New Rutherford Avenue and its potential to enhance connectivity among key green spaces like Hood Park and North Point Park in Cambridge. The design aims to address pedestrian and bicycle connections across the site with shared-use paths, integrating them at crucial intersections. The site’s location poses several challenges, including a Chapter 91 line affecting building heights and a nearby FEMA floodplain, necessitating a proposed elevation of 21.5 feet to mitigate flooding risks, considering sea-level rise projections by 2070.

07:00A point of discussion revolved around the building massing and open spaces. Taller structures are planned along the service road, designed to shield open courtyards from industrial noise while incorporating vibrant ground-floor uses. The design team proposed open courtyards to serve as noise buffers, with taller buildings strategically placed to screen these spaces. A proposed Bluebikes station aims to encourage bicycle use, and the open spaces are intended for recreational purposes, emphasizing youth sports and community interaction. The proposal also introduces a “ribbon link” to visually and functionally unite the north and south parcels.

26:46The board members expressed concerns over the site’s vehicular access, particularly regarding the service road’s proximity to residential areas and its potential noise impact. The board also questioned the consistency of the “ribbon” concept across different site areas. There was a desire for an urban design approach that promotes pedestrian connectivity and community engagement instead of a suburban layout with roundabouts and surface parking.

Safety concerns were raised regarding industrial streets and traffic flow between New Rutherford and the Service Road. The high speed of trucks poses risks to pedestrians, and existing midblock crossings are deemed ineffective. Transforming the area into a boulevard with enhanced street planting and landscaping was proposed as a solution. The board discussed reallocating parking spaces for landscaping to create a safer, more inviting environment for pedestrians and cyclists, with street trees suggested as a buffer for children engaged in recreational activities.

11:12The meeting also delved into the architectural expression of the proposed buildings, particularly Building B. The design highlights a backdrop for the community with architectural elements that activate the landscape, featuring a bike lounge and pedestrian-friendly features. The building’s design draws inspiration from the surrounding community. However, concerns about the prescriptive nature of the design diagram for Building B were raised, with suggestions for greater differentiation between architectural elements to enhance the composition.

01:30:24The board emphasized the importance of a master plan with clear design guidelines to ensure predictability while allowing for flexibility in future developments. Public comments echoed support for the project, highlighting the need for new housing stock in Massachusetts. The feedback and insights gathered from the meeting will influence the evolution of the project, with further review anticipated in the design review subcommittee.

50:04In another segment of the meeting, the board addressed the Longwood Place project on Brookline Avenue. The discussion focused on landscape architecture and public realm components, emphasizing the creation of a permeable public environment that fosters connections among residents, workers, and visitors. The design framework aims to enhance pedestrian connectivity and integrate green spaces throughout the site, with the central “heart” serving as the primary civic area for community programming.