We are pleased to announce we are now able to accept tax-deductible donations through our 501(c)(3) sponsor, Roslindale Village Main Street. At the moment, WalkUP Roslindale is a volunteer-run organization with no paid staff, so we expect donations will be used to cover expenses like those incurred in our upcoming community screening of “The Street Project” as well as professional Spanish translation fees for some of our postings. Please give if you can and spread the word.
Author: walkup
Comment letter on 18-22 Arboretum Road
Today we sent a comment letter to the BPDA concerning a proposed development at 18-22 Arboretum Road. We support the project overall, and offer comments on affordable units, pedestrian access, and community benefits. Our full letter is below, also available as a PDF.
Comments on Roslindale Parking and Curb Use Plan
Over the past two years, the City has conducted a study of parking and curb use in and around the Roslindale central business district. It recently published a proposed plan for comment coming out of that study. Our comments are below (also available as PDF), and we encourage everyone to submit comments by the April 7, 2023 deadline. We generally support the proposed changes, and offer pedestrian safety improvements and other changes we hope will be implemented in connection with the new plan.
Comment Letter on Community Benefits for 18-22 Arboretum Road Development
Last week, we joined with several community partners to send a letter to the BPDA requesting community benefits to accompany the 18-22 Arboretum Road Development, a proposed 230-apartment development just off Washington Street abutting the Arboretum. Our joint letter focuses on funding for the Gateway Path and food pantry certification for an Archdale food distribution site. The full letter is reproduced below.
Hyde Park Ave Safety Walk – January 28 at 1pm (Forest Hills Station)
We’re happy to see City Councillors Kendra Lara and Ricardo Arroyo, along with the Boston Transportation Department and neighborhood resident Nathan Eckstrom, are leading a safety walk on January 28th at 1pm, focusing on road safety issues along Hyde Park Avenue. The walk will meet at Forest Hills Station (Upper Level). Advance registration is recommended. More details here:
Harvard-Hosted Gateway Path Community Virtual Update – November 3, 2022 at 6:30pm
As long-time WalkUP followers know, the Roslindale Gateway Path is a proposed ADA-accessible shared-use pedestrian and cycling path through the Arnold Arboretum. This project aims to extend the Southwest Corridor path system from Forest Hills bus, subway, and Commuter Rail terminus to Roslindale Village Commuter Rail Station, providing carbon-free commuting options and connecting Boston residents with the natural environment close to where they live. On November 3, 2022 from 6:30-8:00pm, the Arboretum will host a project update meeting open to members of the public (via Zoom). Register in advance for this meeting here.
Comment Letter in Support of Extending Washington Street Bus/Bicycle Lane
Today, we sent a comment letter to BTD expressing our support for a modest extension of the Washington Street dedicated bus/bicycle lane from Albano to Poplar Street. Our full letter is below, also available in PDF form. If you’d like to support the bus lane extension as well, please drop in on BTD’s coffee hours at the Square Root Café next week.
Washington Street Bus/Bike Lane Extension Coffee Hours Next Week
We are happy to report that BTD is looking to extend the existing inbound Washington Street Bus/Bike Lane in Roslindale from Albano Street to Poplar Street. This bus lane would help address severe congestion on Washington Street on the approach to Poplar Street. A few details provided by BTD:
- The bus lane would be in effect from 5 AM to 10 AM and would affect parking only during those times.
- The bus lane would support MBTA bus routes 34, 34E, 40, and 50. This would improve the commute time for over 1,700 riders who use this stretch of road in the morning commute hours.
- Boston Public School Buses and emergency vehicles could also use the bus lane.
BTD is hosting two coffee hours next week at the Square Root Café. We encourage folks to drop by to support this well-needed extension!
- Wednesday, October 26 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Thursday, October 27th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
See also this BTD flyer for these events in English, Spanish, and Creole.
Comment Letter in Support of 361 Belgrade Avenue Housing Proposal (UPDATED with Spanish translation)
Yesterday, we sent a comment letter in support of the proposed housing development at 361 Belgrade Avenue, formerly the proposed site of Roxbury Prep. Our full letter is reproduced below and is also available as a PDF and also in Spanish.
Join us at Crabapple and Maple Festival this coming Saturday, October 15
Join us at the Crabapple and Maple Festival on Saturday 10/15 11am-3pm on South St between Bussey and Archdale! This stretch of road will be closed to vehicles and open for people during the festival.
WalkUP Roslindale, the Arnold Arboretum, and Liveable Streets will all be there to showcase the Roslindale Gateway Path Project and solicit feedback on improving access for pedestrians and cyclists at the Archdale arch.
Rozzie Bikes will be there to provide bike repair, as well as e-bike demos and test rides!
