Chestnut Hill Ave Project

Our neighborhood recently became aware of a renovation, as part of the Complete Streets Process in Brookline, of our Avenue. There are three components, namely sidwalk and crosswalk improvements for pedestrians, traffic calming measures for lowering vehicle speed and protecting pedestrians, and widening of existing bicycle lanes. We look forward to these improvements for all users of the transportation space. We are asking that the project accomodate residents by ensuring that flex posts or bollards are not installed between the bike lanes and the traffic lanes where residents require curb access as part of daily life activities.

Documents related to this project

Town Project Page
Timeline
- March 2, 2025 - notified of project - Announcement
- March 4, 2025 - project added to Town website
- March 5, 2025 - Discussion at Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting with public comment
- March 6, 2025 - Public Comment shared with Vision Zero Committee
- March 10, 2025 - Public Comment at Pedestrian Advisory Committee (3/10/25)
- March 25, 2025 - Public Comment at Select Board
- TBD - Public Comment - Bicycle Advisory Committee
- TBD - Public Comment at Transportation Board
Community Petition
- View
- Download
Public Comment
- Select Board - April 1, 2025
  - Jesse Hefter
  - Carla Benka
- Select Board - March 25, 2025
- Bicycle Advisory Committee - March 5, 2025
Our Media
- Letter Writing Ask to Brookline.News (April 16, 2025)
- Response to Brookline.News Article (April 7, 2025)
  - Letter to the Editor - Lynda Roseman
    I was disappointed at the slanted view expressed in this piece. There has been no neighborhood engagement in the process (putting it on the agenda of the Bicycle Advisory Committee is not my idea of public engagement.) I am a Town Meeting Member and abutter as are two of my neighbors. None of us received notice that this project is even being considered. People who live on the affected area of Chestnut Hill Ave need parking for plumbers, home health aids, roofers, you name it. The road is already wide and has painted bike lanes on either side. The additional crosswalks are a welcome addition. Paving and repainting the lines would be welcome. The rubber bollards that would block parking for residents, make snow removal difficult if not impossible, are not practical or necessary. This is a case of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
  - April 15, 2025: Letter to the Editor - Jesse Hefter
- Traffic Newsletter- No. 1 (April 7, 2025)
- Neighborhood Call to Action
Letters
- To: Transportation Department - Chuck Miller (resident of Loveland Rd) - 4/8/2025
  - I am very much opposed to your proposed changes. There are so few Bikes using Chestnut Hill Ave. When I leave in the morning from Loveland to Coolidge corner down Dean and Beacon Street. At about 6:50 AM Monday through Friday. I see almost no bikes on Chestnut hill Ave. I see no more than 6 or 7 on my way to Coolidge Corner. It is my understanding that bicycle commuting has not statistically increased even with the addition of new bike lanes. I do not think this will change regardless of what you do. You could also move bikes to go down from Cleveland Circle to Eliot and bike to the end.
    Eliminating curb side access for cars to park makes it impossible and unsafe for residents and visitors. Having lanes look like this, makes emergency vehicles follow a more circuitous route. It will wreak havoc on morning and evening commute down Chestnut Hill Ave.
    I think you are making it more dangerous for all involved. You already don't ticket or stop bikes when they go through red lights, make illegal turns, move into traffic with no signal when needed, and drive with no light at night. Take a look and I think you will see most of Blue Bikes always in racks especially in cold weather.
Resources
Data Observations