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Developers revise 309 College Ave plans; board praises column removal but debates curb-cut
Summary
Developers for 309 College Avenue presented new renderings, committed to removing columns in a pedestrian crossing, recessed the trash room, and replaced an underperforming planter with bike racks. Board members praised the design updates but split on a proposed curb cut that would widen a loading pullout and remove a sidewalk tree.
Developers for the 309 College Avenue apartments presented updated materials to the Planning and Development Board on March 24, showing several design changes intended to improve pedestrian experience and loading logistics.
Project team members said they will remove structural columns in the covered crossing, a change the board and neighborhood representatives had requested. "I'm so happy to see neighbors working it out ... I'm willing to eliminate your columns. That's such a good move," said board member Emily Petrina, applauding the change that makes the crossing feel more open and integrated.
The team said the trash room will remain recessed and that they replaced a previously proposed planter (which attendees and neighbors said had failed in similar alleys) with bike racks to support multimodal access. Renderings included nighttime lighting tests and alternative door and glazing options intended to activate the frontage.
A central point of contention was a proposed extension of the curb cut and loading pullout that would create more off-street loading area adjacent to the new retail space. Board member Peggy Tully raised strong objections, arguing the widened pullout would remove sidewalk and a street tree and harm pedestrian space and bus-stop function. "I really don't like the idea of removing even more sidewalk ... pedestrians lose something by this happening," Tully said.
Developers argued the additional pullout reduces the safety hazard of trucks stopping in the travel lane to unload. The board asked the team to provide more analysis of curb-cut alternatives, truck tracking, and tree/sidewalk trade-offs before a final approval decision on that element.
Next steps: applicants were asked to return with refined loading plans, evidence about tree and pavement impacts, and signage details; staff reminded the team about material deadlines for design review scheduled next month.
