Brookline Approves Major Chestnut Hill Redevelopment

Brookline Town Meeting members have approved zoning changes that will allow for a substantial redevelopment project on Route 9 in Chestnut Hill, replacing an existing low-rise office park with new housing, a hotel, and commercial spaces [1]. This decision follows months of public review and debate regarding the future appearance and function of Route 9 [1].

Key takeaways

• Brookline Town Meeting approved zoning changes for the "Meridian Chestnut Hill" project at 1280–1330 Boylston Street [1].
• The redevelopment plans include approximately 266 residential units, a 200-room hotel, and space for medical offices, retail, and events [1].
• The project is projected to generate about $5.6 million in new annual tax revenue for Brookline and includes $24 million in public benefit commitments [1].
• While supporters highlight potential tax growth and new housing, opponents express concerns about increased traffic and changes to neighborhood character [1].

Chestnut Hill Project Details and Public Benefits

The approved zoning changes create a new Chestnut Hill Commercial (CHC) overlay district, designed to concentrate taller, denser buildings along Route 9 and enhance ground-floor commercial activity [1]. Developer City Realty Group, marketing the project as Meridian Chestnut Hill, proposes a three-building complex with structures reaching approximately 7, 12, and 14 stories [1]. The plan includes roughly 266 homes, with 21 designated as affordable units, alongside a 200-room hotel, medical office space, ground-floor retail, and a public plaza [1].

A draft Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) outlines an estimated $5.6 million in net new annual tax growth for Brookline and approximately $24 million in mitigation and public-benefit commitments [1]. This includes about $11 million allocated to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund [1]. The MoA also features a 95-year Tax Certainty Agreement to secure expected revenue, with penalties and protections in place if commercial space does not materialize as promised [1]. City Realty acquired the five-acre Chestnut Hill Office Park in 2024, with the project aiming to boost commercial tax gains for the town [1].

Community Response and Next Steps

The zoning vote followed weeks of public debate, revealing a clear division within the community [1]. Supporters emphasized job creation, new housing, and potential tax relief, while opponents focused on concerns about increased traffic, parking overflow, and alterations to the neighborhood's character [1]. Officials from neighboring Newton also raised traffic concerns during the review process [1].

With the zoning overlay now established, City Realty must still secure special permits, undergo design review, and obtain other necessary approvals before construction can begin [1]. This vote represents a significant decision for Brookline regarding Route 9's future, with supporters anticipating commercial growth and revenue, and opponents cautioning that the true challenges will emerge once construction commences [1]. The focus now shifts to how the town will manage traffic, transit, and design throughout the ongoing permitting process [1].