Cloverdale Road residents oppose new driveway plan during city council meeting

The Land Use Committee meeting held on May 20, 2025, in Newton City, Massachusetts, focused on community concerns regarding a proposed development project on Cloverdale Road. Residents expressed significant apprehension about the project's design, particularly the introduction of a new driveway that could impact neighborhood safety and quality of life.

During the meeting, a local resident presented a letter signed by several neighbors opposing the proposed driveway's location. The resident highlighted that the new driveway would create hazards for pedestrians, especially children and families using the nearby bus stop, as well as for cyclists and dog walkers. Concerns were raised about increased vehicular traffic, particularly during rush hours, as the area is already a shortcut for commuters heading to Route 9. The resident urged the committee to maintain the existing driveway on Clark Avenue, which has served the community for over a century.

Another resident, Eric Fang, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the potential loss of green space due to the removal of trees for parking spots. He noted the dangers posed by speeding vehicles on Cloverdale Road and reiterated the community's preference for keeping the driveway on Clark Avenue.

The discussions highlighted a clear divide between the developers' vision for the project and the residents' concerns about safety and environmental impact. The committee acknowledged the residents' feedback and indicated that further dialogue with the developers would be necessary to address these issues.

As the meeting concluded, the committee emphasized the importance of community input in the planning process and the need for a balanced approach that considers both development goals and neighborhood safety. The next steps will involve continued discussions between the developers and the community to explore potential design revisions that align with residents' concerns.