Brookline Select Board Affirms Chestnut Hill Redesign
Local officials move forward with road safety plans and approve a new municipal labor contract agreement.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Remote Work
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The Brookline Select Board has voted to dismiss an appeal against the planned redesign of Chestnut Hill Avenue. The project, which features a protected cycle track and new pedestrian infrastructure, aims to improve safety on a corridor that recorded 37 crashes in five years.
Why it matters
The decision keeps the safety-focused redesign on track while finalizing labor agreements that affect town operations and funding for local government transparency efforts. These actions represent a significant step for town infrastructure planning and administrative management.
The town reached a contract agreement with AFSCME Local 1358, which covers 241 active employees and includes a 2% wage increase. Additionally, Brookline approved $40,000 in funding for the Brookline Interactive Group.
The players
Brookline Select Board
This is the executive branch of the town government responsible for overseeing local policy and municipal contracts.
AFSCME Local 1358
This labor union represents municipal workers who provide essential services to the residents of Brookline.
Brookline Interactive Group
This organization provides audiovisual and production services to broadcast local government meetings for public access.
The details
The Chestnut Hill Avenue redesign involves narrowing traffic lanes to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Furthermore, the new union contract includes updates to classification and pay structures effective in January 2027.
Timeline
July 1, 2025: Date the 2% wage increase for AFSCME members takes effect.
September 16, 2026: Date the Transportation Board originally approved the redesign.
October 27, 2026: Date the Select Board affirmed the Chestnut Hill Avenue project.
November 2026: Expected date for the Town Meeting vote on the union contract.
Spring 2027: Expected start date for construction on Chestnut Hill Avenue.
Market Landscape
This project fits into the broader trend of municipal investment in Vision Zero high injury network corridors to reduce traffic accidents. By securing labor agreements alongside infrastructure upgrades, the town maintains service continuity while advancing public safety goals.
Residents can expect improved road safety features, such as new cycle tracks and pedestrian infrastructure, once construction concludes. The union contract agreement helps ensure that municipal services remain staffed and operational for the local community.
The takeaway
The town is prioritizing infrastructure safety and administrative stability through these recent board actions. Residents should anticipate construction activity on Chestnut Hill Avenue by early 2027.
What happens next
Town Meeting members are scheduled to vote on the approved AFSCME Local 1358 contract in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on town operations, visit the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brookline.
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