Summer 2026 Meeting Recap
ABHA has been keeping busy this summer! In June, we took our usual meeting outdoors to celebrate the opening of the Allstonway, the newest public pedestrian plaza in the neighborhood. Part of Harvard’s Enterprise Research Campus along Western Ave, this space is a great example of what we advocate for: thoughtful housing development resulting in a richer, more vibrant neighborhood.
During our visit, we heard from advocates who worked directly with Harvard to ensure the project would include affordable housing and accessible public spaces like this one. We also heard from a developer from Tishman Speyer, who shared valuable insights on how developers collaborate with local task forces and community groups to incorporate real community benefits into their projects.
After the meeting, we explored the rest of the Allstonway plaza, appreciating the public art, rock formations, stone lion heads, and the wetland rain garden. The entire space is a carefully curated environment that blends natural and artistic elements to create a welcoming public area. We highly encourage everyone to check it out!
While June was about enjoying summer weather and celebrating new public spaces, our July meeting refocused us on the critical work still ahead for our streets and housing. Returning to our usual indoor format, we first tackled the city’s frustrating lack of progress in making our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. We discussed new strategies for advocating more effectively, which we hope to implement in the coming months.
We spent the second half of the meeting diving into the newly released Neighborhood Housing zoning districts. We analyzed how these zones impact Hyde Park, Roslindale, and West Roxbury, and, more importantly for us, what they mean for the future of Allston-Brighton. As we continue pushing for diverse housing options and smart growth, these guidelines will likely be a major part of the overall zoning map when the Allston-Brighton Community Plan draft is released later this year.
We have a lot of important work ahead of us to ensure our neighborhood remains accessible, safe, and vibrant. Join us if you want to be part of the conversation and help shape the future of Allston-Brighton!
