PHOTO: This is the existing design for the Northland development planned for Needham Street Newton. Northland Investment Corp.
Northland Newton Development is proposing changes to its planned mixed-use Needham Street development in order to keep with real estate demand trends in the region.
“Northland Investment Corporation is proposing modifications to its approved Needham Street development plan, including renovation of the historic Saco-Pettee Mill into brick and beam residential units in lieu of the previously proposed office space and elimination of five smaller proposed residential buildings from the site plan,” Peter Standish, Northland’s senior vice president of development, said in a statement Thursday.
“The changes will provide net 22 more residential units than the 800 units originally approved for a total of 822 units, 144 of which will be affordable.”
Newton’s inclusionary zoning ordinance requires new developments to have between 15 and 20 percent of units priced for residents who make below the average median income of the area.
Eliminating the five small residential buildings and moving residential space into previously planned commercial space would result in an overall net decrease of 160,000 square feet of building area, a company statement said, while reducing traffic and parking surface area.
“They are also going to request the elimination of their responsibility to provide a shuttle to the Newton Highland Greenline T stop,” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller wrote in her email newsletter Thursday evening.
“These proposed changes require Northland to file a Special Permit amendment with the City Council and be referred to the Council’s Land Use Committee for their review,” Fuller wrote. “That review will include several public hearings so questions and concerns can be raised. Northland has not yet officially filed their proposed amendment; we anticipate it will be filed later this fall. “
Charles River Regional Chamber President Greg Reibman on Thursday night said he understood the company’s decision, given the shifts in business trends over the past few years.
“These changes are the direct result of the shrinking demand for office space due mainly to the shift to remote work,” Reibman said. “But the good news is that this is still an excellent project that will provide homes for more than 800 individuals and families. And the city will benefit from more the 100,000 square feet of shops and restaurants, along with a village green, the restoration of South Meadow Brook, bike paths and other amenities that will be open to all.”