On Saturday September 24 and Monday October 3, the four Newton Area Councils hosted information sessions to review the proposed Village Center Zoning Redesign materials that are currently on display at the Newton Free Library. They also covered the feedback tool. The display and the feedback tool will be available for review and public comment until October 16, at which point the current community engagement effort will close. Of course, residents who wish to comment supplemental to or after that engagement period can send letters to the City Council, the Zoning and Planning Department and/or the Mayor at any time.
For those who may not know, four of Newton’s villages — Newtonville, Newton Highlands, Newton Upper Falls and Waban — have Area Councils, which are official elected bodies under the City Charter. Part of their purpose is to facilitate communication between their respective village residents and the City including the City Council and other City departments.
The information sessions were held both in-person at the Waban Library and via Zoom, and they were open to all Newton Residents and public officials. After the Area Council Presidents presented the materials, a robust discussion took place among the attendees and the Area Council leadership. Ward 3 City Councilor At Large Pam Wright and Ward 2 City Councilor At Large Tarik Lucas participated in the September 24 session. (The October 3 session coincided with a City Council meeting.)
Approximately 40 residents attended the Saturday afternoon session, and 30 residents attended the Monday evening session.
The meetings were recorded and are available through these links: September 24 and October 3 (passcode s9S?^MXR).
