Brookline Town Meeting Approves New Zoning District For Chestnut Hill Redevelopment

BROOKLINE, MA — Town Meeting members voted to approve a new zoning overlay district for Chestnut Hill during a Special Town Meeting held as part of Brookline's annual Town Meeting last month.

The vote established the Chestnut Hill Commercial Overlay District and authorized the Select Board to enter into agreements related to the proposed redevelopment of the Chestnut Hill Office Park at 1280-1330 Boylston St.

Town officials said the overlay district is intended to support the long-term transformation of Chestnut Hill into a mixed-use neighborhood with new housing, commercial activity and public-space improvements.

According to the town, the zoning changes are designed to encourage economic development while helping create what officials described as a more walkable and connected district along the Route 9 corridor.

The approvals mark a significant milestone for the redevelopment effort, which has been discussed for years as part of broader planning efforts in the Chestnut Hill area.

With the zoning changes now approved, town officials said attention will turn to implementation and project review. Brookline and Newton plan to establish a working group focused on transportation improvements along Route 9 in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Planning staff will also work with the Housing Advisory Board and Planning Board to develop affordability guidelines connected to housing incentives included in the overlay district.

Town officials said they expect to receive a formal redevelopment application from City Realty later this summer. Once submitted, the proposal will enter Brookline's public development review process.

The Chestnut Hill Commercial Overlay District was approved during the Special Town Meeting, along with a related measure authorizing the Select Board to enter into a tax certainty agreement connected to the project.

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