A private/public collaboration between Boston Landing, LLC, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to bring rail service back to the Allston/Brighton community kicked off as governor Charlie Baker joined other state and city officials to break ground on the $20 million Boston Landing at Allston-Brighton Rail Station construction project.
When completed for Fall 2016, Boston Landing at Allston-Brighton will be a full-service commuter rail station constructed to MBTA and Mass DOT specifications and sited on the existing railroad right of way along the Framingham/Worcester to Boston Commuter Rail Line. It will provide access between Market and Everett streets in Brighton by connecting to the Everett Street Bridge and extending westerly to what will become the extension of the existing Arthur Street at the northeast corner of the new New Balance headquarters building.
"NB Development Group is proud to join with the commonwealth, city of Boston and our local community to restore commuter rail service to Allston-Brighton," said Keith Craig, director at NB Development Group, the project developer. "We are honored to break ground today for the Boston Landing at Allston-Brighton Station, and reconnect this transformative district and thriving neighborhood to the western suburbs and Boston's downtown core."
"The commitment of New Balance and the city of Boston to expand development and transportation opportunities is vital to bringing new economic activity and jobs to Greater Boston," said governor Baker. "These projects, supported by the industry and municipalities whose residents and employees benefit most, will expand economic growth, accessibility and mobility for others as we work toward critical reforms for our Commonwealth's public transit system."
"I'd like to extend the City of Boston's appreciation to our partners in this important project," said Boston Transportation Commissioner Gina Fiandaca. "A new station at this location will improve transportation access for local residents, providing them with a direct connection to economic opportunities in the Financial District and elsewhere around Boston. This project was completed using existing rail infrastructure, keeping expenses at a minimum while reaping significant benefits for the Allston neighborhood."
It will be a center island platform approximately 780 feet in length and will be entirely ADA accessible via elevators. Under the guidance of good urban planning no parking is associated with the station project; however a large pick-up/drop-off area (aka "kiss n' ride") has been included to accommodate morning and evening ridership.
Along with easy foot and bike access, there are two bus routes that intersect directly with this location that will benefit the residents of Allston-Brighton, as well as others within walking distance that would be accessible to this location. A New Balance Hubway bicycle share station and bicycle racks are also planned as part of the project.
The train is currently anticipated to make eight daily weekday and weekend stops at the station, four in the a.m. and four in the p.m. with two outbound and two inbound at each timeframe. At the MBTA's discretion and as demand increases additional stops will be added. The MBTA has currently designated the station as Zone 1A, however they reserve the right to change the Zone designation at their discretion.
In 1962, as a result of the Mass Turnpike extension, all of the three Allston-Brighton stations were closed. The Station at Brooks St. and Market St. were both demolished while the Station at Cambridge St. was converted to a restaurant use.
"The groundbreaking for a commuter rail stop at New Boston Landing is something that has been over 50 years in the making. Or more to the point, since the last train stations closed in Allston and Brighton, said state representative Michael Moran. "So many people have been involved in making this day a reality and I send a heartfelt thanks to all who made it possible. I must acknowledge the special contributions of Ann and Jim Davis and New Balance. They have always seen Allston and Brighton as their home and without their vision and generosity we wouldn't be celebrating commuter rail service being restored to our neighborhood."
"Allston-Brighton will benefit greatly from this extraordinary partnership between New Balance, the Commonwealth, and the City that led to the commuter rail stop at Boston Landing," said state representative Kevin Honan (D-Allston-Brighton). "The improved access to our neighborhood will help maintain the economic vitality and stability of our community."
"Thanks to Jim Davis and New Balance, the new commuter rail stop will enhance the transportation options of Allston-Brighton residents and serve as a catalyst for increased economic development in Boston and in the region," said Allston-Brighton city councilor Mark Ciommo.
NB Development Group is a commercial real estate company based in Boston. The group's professionals bring Boston-based experience in the fields of development, permitting, construction management, asset management, leasing, and marketing. NBDG is currently managing the development of Boston Landing. Through expert entitlement and permitting strategies, Boston Landing is transforming a vacant industrial area into a vibrant, transit-oriented district. Boston Landing encompasses more than 15 acres of land and will include uses such as office, retail, hotel, recreation, parking, commuter rail, and residential with a total build-out of more than 2.5 million s/f.