View presentation online or at the Newton Free Library; Provide your feedback by October 16
On September 1, the Planning Department mounted the Zoning and Planning Committee’s Village Center Zoning Redesign framework governing changes to height and footprint of buildings, village center density, special and by-right permits, parking requirements, multiple use development, and proximity to public transportation. This is explained in an exhibit at the Newton Free Library (in Room C on the second floor) and also available online. While the exhibits will be available through November, the public comment tool will only be available until October 16.
Both the online and library exhibits chronicle Newton’s zoning and development history (in far more detail online), “nuts and bolts” of zoning, and local examples — with photographs — illustrating developments in other cities. Each of the Zoning and Planning framework categories include arguments for and against the proposal.
In addition to local considerations, the exhibits include state-mandated requirements for “MBTA communities” — in Metro Boston — to reduce the cost of housing and encourage development in village centers with nearby public transportation. Newton is one of the 175 communities that does not currently comply with the new state requirements, and therefore is not eligible for special grants. According to the Planning Department, Newton’s “owner-occupied housing valued at over $1 million dollars” is second only to Boston in cost. Among the zoning changes required to meet the state mandate, Newton would need to change zoning requirements to allow by-right development of an additional 8,330 units, although there is no requirement to actually build that number of units.
To encourage and expand public involvement, the Planning Department provides a link for individuals or groups to download flyers, suggested agendas, and engagement worksheets for their own information and input sessions. People can also register for virtual focus groups specifically for ages 15-25 (October 4, 7-8PM) and renters (October 11, 6PM-7PM), and members of disability and BIPOC communities may express interest in similar meetings to be scheduled. Both the library and on-line presentations include links for public comment. In addition, Planning Department docents will be available at the library at these times: 9/21 (2PM-4PM), 9/28 (9AM-11AM), 10/3 (9AM-11AM), 10/11 (5PM-7PM), 10/12 (9AM-11AM), and 10/13 (2PM-4PM).
Before the City Council votes on changes to the Village Center Zoning ordinance, please visit the exhibit — either online or in Room C adjacent to the Fiction section on the second floor of the library — and provide your input through the online Feedback Tool or in the public hearings by October 16. Stay tuned for updates.