MBTA Tracks Alter Demolition Plans

January 22, 2026
• As the property is prepared to build a new residential complex on the site, a logistical problem has brought the developers of the former Avery Manor lot back in front of the Needham Planning Board.

As the former Carter building is slowly brought down, neighbors are facing a couple of long weekends. The developers approached the Planning Board at their latest meeting, asking permission to extend demolition hours on two weekends, in order to accommodate safety restrictions placed on them by the MBTA.

Work has begun by Greystar Development East, LLC, to demolish the building to clear the way for a three-story complex containing 189 residential units. At issue is a section of 100-110 West St. that directly abuts the commuter rail line. A 60-foot section of the building will need to be razed while the trains aren’t running. The MBTA will shut the line down on the weekend of Jan. 31 and Feb. 20 in order to allow this work to progress.

The Planning Board agreed to extend working hours on both Saturday and Sunday to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. so that this can happen. Tim Sullivan, the attorney for the developer, said they hope that only one weekend is necessary, but wanted permission for both to make sure they had enough time to complete the task.

While supportive of the request, board members were mindful of the impact on the neighbors and urged Sullivan to engage the neighborhood before proceeding, and to tell the crew to plan their work with them in mind.

“If the louder work can be done before 6 p.m. and then smaller work done in the evening, that would be beneficial,” requested board member Natasha Espada.

“I think that we could say that we would do the best we can on that, but some work might have to be done, just based on the limited hours,” Sullivan said in response.

Tim Beinert of Greystar Development agreed. “We’ll try our best to, kind of, keep the noise down as it gets later. The last hour or so is probably just clean up, anyway. But, yes, I can make that request of the team to prioritize louder stuff in the daytime.”

To date, the MBTA has only posted the closure of the weekend of Jan. 31.

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