What is the difference in costs fotwo proposals?

Both designs seem good. Although I would love to keep the old building. what are cost differences. I am an abutter

How does one exit the garage in the add-on option?

Has the abutter closest to Highland been made an offer for their property? Once a 3-4 story building is built 10 feet from their sidewall they will probably want to sell. Is there any thought to using that land if it becomes available?

Will either or both meet Leed (which level of Leed?) or other environmentally green measures?

Why not raise the deck to the top level so that more spaces can be built. Keep the old front, and do all changes in the rear and sides, even add more floors.

Significant development of the reuse option, solving many of the issues in the previous presentation. Retaining the existing building has great value to history of Newtonville and the memories of its inhab

The roof can be flat in the rear and to save on utilities put a garden on the roof.

When this process began, the group had comparisons with Needham, Waltham & Wellesley Senior Centers. How do the 2 models compare in terms of square footage, space allocation.

Did I miss a comparison between the two options of the total amount of usable sq ft (not parking)?

Agree that the adaptive reuse option needs to work on the rear property line. I hope we see more development of the entries in both schemes. Love the large decks.

Just curious - has it ever been considered to buy out one of the abutters? (sorry - our camera is not cooperating). Thank you for holding this forum!

It will be great if the front portion of the building can be preserved.

Following up on the above question, the church across the street has been talking to developers...has NewCal also talked to them with possibilities for purchasing?

It would be pity to destroy the building. However, we can keep only the front facade and change everything else.

... new building one looks rather sterile..

I agree with Lois preserving of the front portion it will be great and will fit the area better.

Maybe like the little elevator at Reagle Players (Waltham High School theatre)?

I really prefer the all-new building for it’s traffic flow and accessible spaces, plus what seems to be more space . What would the exterior lookalike? Could it be made to have the same look-touch-feel as the existing classic facade?

Not to put you on the spot, Jayne, but, do you have a preference for one of the plans?

I will ask Jayne to correct me if needed. In existing bldg. some small basement rooms periodically have a sewer odor problem which I understand is not easily fixable. If we opt to maintain the existing bldg. is there generally any plan to replace sewer lines inside the bldg.'s basement? Note: I did not make a full connection tonight so while I can hear you I am unable to talk to you.

Sorry, above chat is from me, Tom Hart

is track around gym area hanging sort of like west suburban y or different?

Followup on environmental question: can you discuss the environmental impact of each design? Which one would would have a lower impact on the environment both in the build but also energy usage going forward?

There is a “Save Chat” — see the three dots just up and to the right of the typing box…

I much prefer the adaptive reuse option. When visually important buildings are lost, the neighborhood looses character and identity and could be anywhere.

Have you ever thought of a sound proof room for musical performances with great audio set up? I am member of the Newton Senior Band

I’d like the decision about which build to be based on which is the least environmental impact.

Sustainable and LEED which is better is probably a new building. But would like it to fit into our Victorian Walnut Place

Go with the new building! It offers much more flexibility and parking, and provides more freedom for program design.

I think it is important to Ti have nire specific information on the cost differential between the two propoportant

What do people who have been using the present building often feel about the two options?

Ignore prior message. What I was trying to say is that we need more specific cost information!

I'm wondering whether an entrance where people can walk right in without a ramp or elevator would feel more Senior friendly.

move on. they aren’t done with design yet

will there be a traffic study done for how many cars will be going down Walnut Place? It is a very curvy and narrow road.

Will the ramp be covered or will it can be snowed on?

I believe the ramp is fully inside...

We need ramps to create accessibility for those who cannot walk in but needs to wheel themselves in.

The designs have probably taken into consideration the situation we are in during Pandemic. Which design suits the situation better? Or is this question that will be tackled later in the construction phase.

Well said, Gordon!

Yes very well said!

Here Here Gordon :)

Veterans Taxi was better

Does either of these models allow for future expansion

Thanks

what is the URL of the New Cal website, please?

Thank you!

hi Howard happy birthday