I appreciated the framing of The Bulletin’s recent article on the development project at 201-207 Brighton Avenue. It is notable that the building will have no onsite parking, and it is notable that there is very little community opposition to that fact. While I cannot speak to the written comments, I participated in the public meeting where supportive, excited remarks outweighed negative ones by a wide margin. While some might be surprised to hear this, it is a symptom of a very real trend in Boston: the future of our urban neighborhoods is car-optional living.

The enthusiasm for this project suggests that car parking isn’t a “must-have” amenity for new housing as we once believed it to be. Allston-Brighton residents are sending a clear message that we want square footage dedicated to new neighbors, small businesses, cultural amenities, and green space. Prioritizing pavement over productive uses just doesn’t make sense in the heart of one of our most vibrant neighborhood centers.

Of course, this project wouldn’t make sense everywhere in Allston-Brighton. There will always be quieter pockets of the neighborhood less served by transit, and developers should continue to provide those areas with the amount of parking that makes sense for future residents. However, we must allow projects like 201-207 Brighton Ave to move forward so that residents, both new and old, have the choice to live the lifestyle they prefer.

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It is time that our zoning and planning rules reflected the reality of these shifting priorities. As the city prepares to release the draft zoning from the Allston-Brighton Community Plan, I hope the planners recognize that the neighborhood’s mobility needs have changed and will continue to change, and propose a framework that ensures Allston-Brighton is ready for the future.

Cullen Deimer

Allston