Topology’s Post

Massachusetts is moving ahead fast on what could be an excellent model for New York's suburban towns with rail service. Additional density near stations creates homes, shoppers, public spaces, and tax revenue. Time to revisit MTA zoning reform legislation in Albany.

Watertown City Council approved an ambitious plan that does more than meet the town’s MBTA Communities requirements—it redefines the future of Watertown Square. By introducing much-needed multi-family housing and reclaiming 3.3 acres of vehicle space for green areas and expanded pedestrian zones, Watertown is creating a more vibrant, walkable, and community-focused downtown. This forward-thinking approach not only addresses the demand for housing but ties it seamlessly into the urban fabric. Wider sidewalks, enhanced park spaces, and pedestrian-friendly improvements will elevate the quality of life while fostering a thriving small business ecosystem. Watertown is proving that zoning reform can be a catalyst for economic growth and environmental sustainability. This plan exemplifies the type of innovative thinking we need across Massachusetts. It moves beyond the restrictive zoning practices of the past and demonstrates how MBTA Communities compliance can spark meaningful, transformative change. Watertown is leading by example, and their work offers a roadmap for other communities striving for a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. Kudos to Watertown for showing us how smart development can improve our neighborhoods and set the stage for long-term success. Let’s hope other municipalities follow their lead! #RealEstateDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #SustainableGrowth #MBTACommunities

Our MV Properties Principal, Keegan McNamara, attended the Building Industry Association of San Diego (BIA) Meet The Builders event at the Coaster Room / Belmont Park last week. As an active member of the association, Keegan said it was great to hear from some of the titans of San Diego's building industry. The discussion covered the many challenges of building in different jurisdictions. The consensus was it's difficult everywhere, yet the good news is the City of San Diego got relatively high marks due to the zoning changes they've made over the last several years. #BuildingIndustry #SanDiego #BIA #MeetTheBuilders #ConstructionChallenges #ZoningChanges #UrbanDevelopment #CityPlanning #CommunityBuilding #SanDiegoBuilders #IndustryInsights 

📍This block might not look like much right now but it’s going to turn into the town centre of Highfields. This has been a long time coming - buying the land; a master plan that was rejected; another master plan; community feedback; market sounding and now we’re at the pointy end. What’s changed?? 👉 Preservation of open space 👉 A tree-lined boulevard along Highfields and O’Brien roads 👉 More info about medium density housing and low-density housing. 👉 Layout for the retail and commercial areas, including a ‘High Street’. 👉 A public transport hub 👉 More active transport connections to improve the walkability and connectivity throughout the precinct. 👉 A Civic Space 👉 Changes to allow for future expansion of the existing Queensland Fire Department station. 👉 Health precinct. 👉 More info on the proposed street layout. 📣✍️👨💻👂You have until 5pm on February 17 to tell Council what you think about the final round of changes to the master plan. Go here: https://lnkd.in/g-aabi4h

The City of San Luis Obispo certainly is evolving. This time-swipe map showcases changes from 2014 to 2023 highlighting a major development focus along Tank Farm Road and Broad Street. Progress is well underway with remediation, and clearing of several buildings and a mobile home park. The city council's 2022 approval of 280 new housing units and 12,500 square feet of commercial space at 600 Tank Farm Road marks the beginning of significant changes in this area. Alongside this, the Chevron-owned property spanning 332 acres is also poised for development and potential annexation into the city. This move will enable further improvements to Tank Farm Road, including enhanced bicycle and pedestrian access, meeting modern standards for city infrastructure. This new mixed-use project at 600 Tank Farm joins two other major developments in the area: 650 Tank Farm (mixed-use housing) and a new assisted living complex at the corner of Tank Farm and Broad Street. A new roundabout is also planned for the intersection of Tank Farm and Santa Fe Road, with construction set to start in phases. What do you think about this new development and planned roundabout? Drop a comment ⬇️ Source: @ksbynews @newtimesslo Map: @Esrigram #PoweredbyEsri #GIS #ArcGIS #LivingAtlas #SanLuisObispo #Development #MixedUse #Residential #RealEstate #Community #CityofSLO #ShareSLO #ThenandNow #TimeSwipe #Map

This 17.77-acre subdivision in Stratford was designed per "Town of Stratford Zoning and Development Bylaw 45" for the R2 residential zone. The plan meets all zoning requirements, including lot sizes, setbacks, and road alignments, ensuring compliance and optimal land use. #Physicalplanning #Subdivision #Landdevelopment #Masterplanning #Townplanning #Estatedevelopment #Siteplanning

SJ Roberts Construction have commenced work on two significant housing developments for leading Welsh housing association, Barcud. On Piercefield Lane in Aberystwyth, a development of 33 new affordable homes, which will be known as Maes Gwenallt, will offer a mix of properties ranging from one-bedroom apartments, through to four-bedroom houses. Significantly, all will benefit from air source heat pumps and solar PV panels as standard to ensure their cost effectiveness and that they secure an A rating for the EPC. Meanwhile, on Hospital Road in Builth Wells, a further 31 homes are being built. These are a mix of one- to four-bedroomed houses and bungalows, providing affordable homes for rent in the heart of Mid Wales. Commenting on the commencement of work at both sites, Matthew Roberts, Construction Director at SJ Roberts Construction LTD, said: “Having built such a mutually beneficial working relationship with Barcud over the past few years, it is great to be on site both in Aberystwyth and Builth Wells. We’re acutely aware of just how needed these homes are in both locations, but it’s a bonus that we’re able to build them in such visually stunning locations.” #development #construction #newhomes #ceredigion #powys #newbuildhomes

The CARE Contracting Team has started the Grand Street Apartments #windowrenovation project, a part of the Troy Portfolio Preservation Project in #Troy #NewYork, partnered with Renu Inc. Additional Details: https://buff.ly/3POkwTB

Green Open Spaces 🌳 BW Social Affordable Housing, a division of the Braidwater Group, has begun construction on two of Northern Ireland’s largest housing developments: - Black Ridge (Glenmona), West Belfast - The Cashel (H2), Derry/Londonderry Both projects are designed to feature expansive green spaces, providing residents with significant health and recreational benefits. These areas will also support local ecology, enhance green infrastructure, and enrich the overall landscape of the developments. As one of Northern Ireland’s leading house builders, the Braidwater Group is dedicated to delivering homes of the highest quality while upholding our strong social and community commitments. #loveconstruction #socialvalue #considerateconstructors Considerate Constructors Scheme