Healthpeak project gets preliminary approval, despite bridge concerns

Healthpeak’s Alewife development proposal can move forward, thanks to the April 28 unanimous vote by the Cambridge planning board. But concerns were expressed about a pedestrian and bike bridge to Alewife station, delivery of which has been promised over decades of proposals.

“If the bridge is not going to happen for some reason, then we’ve got to rethink the entire process of what we’re doing out there,” planning board member Ted Cohen said. “The key to all of this is the bridge.” 

The planning committee’s decision came with requests to provide updated plans on the long-awaited bridge, after what Mary Flynn, the board’s chair, called “a robust discussion on the benefits and the negative impacts that we want to see mitigated.” The vote gives the project preliminary approval and allows the project to move toward a final special permit decision. 

The bridge is currently slated to be built in the second phase of Healthpeak’s development, though residents are hoping for it sooner. “We’re completely aligned on bringing this bridge, and we honestly want to bring it in as soon as possible,” Healthpeak’s Rylan Squirrell said. “It just requires us to have some large commercial buildings being built so we can fold in the significant investment of the bridge into that construction.” If developers don’t begin construction on the bridge, their remaining commercial development will halt according to zoning requirements. 

Plans for the bridge are developed in coordination with the MBTA, and designs will be subject to approval by the agency. “We are going to need the full endorsement and activation of the city to make this a priority for the T,” James Rafferty, one of Healthpeak’s attorneys, said Tuesday. The MBTA has previously expressed support for projects that “improve access to housing, transportation, and economic growth across the region,” as described in an email to Cambridge Day. 

The project also faces uncertain market conditions and a struggling economy that could slow development and lead to “different priorities.” “I’m not sure the bridge is going to be our biggest concern, but we’re still so hopeful that we get there,” said Anthony Galluccio, former Cambridge mayor and one of Healthpeak’s attorneys.

In addition to the bridge, planning board members discussed the significant number of parking spaces, over 4,500, included in the “transit-oriented” development. Their preliminary approval came with a request to decrease that amount. The board also discussed opportunities for greater connectivity in the neighborhood, dedicated recreation areas, and additional information on project phasing.

Concerns expressed

Members of the public expressed concern around building heights, traffic increases, and unused parcels not involved in early phases of the project. “It’s important that we don’t just talk about what this neighborhood will look like, but also what real people will do there,” said Doug Brown, an officer of Fresh Pond Residents Alliance. “It will be a shameful outcome if we must look at empty parking lots and abandoned buildings for the next 20 years.” 

The city’s public works, community development, and transportation departments submitted memos to the planning board detailing recommendations for the project and requests for the developers. Healthpeak will have to provide additional information and modifications based on the planning board’s review at a following meeting before the permit can be approved. 

“We’re trying to keep Healthpeak motivated and inspired to move forward,” Galluccio said, describing the preliminary decision as a crucial step.

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