Turtle Lane Playhouse Expansion Moves Forward

NEWTON, MA - Plans to overhaul the Turtle Lane Playhouse in Auburndale have been given the green light.

Newton city councilors approved the proposal Monday night amid protests from some who believe the mixed-use design is not suitable for the area.

Developer Stephen Vona will move forward with the project, which will restore the original theater for reopening and add 16 residential units plus a new three-story office building to the site, according to the Newton TAB.

Vona originally planned to construct 29 units and a restaurant, but that proved to be too ambitious for residents and councilors, the TAB reported.

Despite the downsizing of the proposal, some still felt the project was too big and at odds with the character of the neighborhood.

It ultimately received 18 votes and was granted a special permit.

However the project is not yet in the clear; according to the TAB developers currently face a lawsuit from an abutter claiming partial ownership of the land at 283 Melrose St. If the outcome of the suit requires changes to the design the special permit stipulates that those be submitted to councilors for re-evaluation.

The Turtle Lane Playhouse closed its doors in 2013 after canceling its last scheduled production.