Thursday, November 30 at 6:30pm. Online.

The Planning and Development Department will host an online meeting on November 30 at 6:30pm to describe the Washington Street Pilot Project, share several alternative concepts, and take your questions and feedback about this long-term pilot. Please save the date and this zoom link!

What we are planning: Newton is designing changes to Washington Street between Lowell Avenue in Newtonville and Chestnut Street in West Newton as a long-term trial to make this stretch of roadway safer and more welcoming for everyone: students, residents, commuters, visitors, customers, businesses, and the workforce. For people traveling on foot, by bicycle, in a car, bus, commercial vehicle, or walking their dogs, we are working to make Washington Street better for everyone.

This initiative is an outcome of the Washington Street Vision Plan, and reflects a partnership under the Mayor’s leadership between City departments, the City Council, the Newton Public Schools and many community leaders. This is not a permanent change, but is envisioned as a long-term trial with an eye towards more ambitious changes in the years ahead that will incorporate learning from the pilot.

About this meeting and what’s next: At the November 30 public meeting we will present several alternative concepts to improve safety, accessibility, visual appeal and the public experience. Depending on the feedback we receive in the weeks following this meeting, one concept will be advanced to design during 2024, subject to City Council approval, with installation anticipated to start in 2025. This online meeting will be recorded, and a public survey will be available immediately after the meeting.

To learn more: The survey, meeting recording and other project information will be available at NewtonMA.gov/WashingtonStreet. A meeting flyer is attached. We encourage participation by all who live, work, travel, and operate businesses in the area. For questions about this project, please email WashingtonStreet@NewtonMA.gov.