Background
Newton’s effort to create housing are not new. With much push and pull, Newton has approved over 2,600 housing units since 2020, and another 1,000 are in the pipeline for review and possible approval. We understand and are proactively trying to help alleviate the housing shortage. The struggle is always to make certain that as much of the new housing as possible is affordable, and that the developments fit the scale of the neighborhoods and city.
The Goal
Newton residents understand and desire solutions to meet housing demands. The children of families who have grown up in Newton should be able to find affordable housing here. People who teach our children, protect our lives and property and provide us daily services should all be able to find affordable housing here. In achieving this goal, we do not want to lose what we cherish about Newton: our Village Centers, our expansive parkland and playing fields, neighborhoods that know and care for each other.
Why It Matters
Our 13 Village Centers are a truly unique aspect of Newton life. Not only are they the social and economic centers for the neighborhoods, but they are well-known as a major part of what makes Newton attractive to long-time residents and newcomers.
Unfortunately, commercial rents have become so expensive that many small retailers cannot afford to stay open. We must find a way to regenerate them. One consideration is to allow reasonable and affordable residential development above the commercial spaces in Village Centers without destroying the “sense of community” that they bring to us.
The State’s MBTA Housing Law
In an effort to address the housing shortage in Massachusetts, in 2021, the Governor and Legislature enacted legislation requiring 175 towns including and east of Worcester to adopt new zoning that will allow the creation of 260,000 housing units to be built, by-right, along transit lines serviced by the MBTA/Commuter Rail. As one of the 5 largest cities, Newton must now rezone it Village Centers for a minimum of 8,330 new multi-family housing units.
In the middle of many towns’ efforts, including Newton’s, the new law massively complicates these efforts by not recognizing the individuality of all cities. The law presents a one-size-fits-all approach for all 175 distinct cities and towns.
Major Complexities
Trying to combine existing housing efforts with meeting the new rezoning deadlines presents issues of immense complexity that are not solvable within the allotted timeline. And because the complexity of this rezoning will have an impact on Newton for the next 50-100 years, it is imperative that Newton fully engage the entire city in the decision. The City’s efforts have not been sufficient to adequately inform residents of the enormous size and scope of the ultimate rezoning impact. The Mayor and City Council must dramatically increase their efforts to educate residents.