More than 600 people (online and in-person) attended the first of a series of public hearings on the proposed Village Center Overlay Districts. The meeting began with a moment of silence for the victims, families, and friends of the tragic murder of three Nonantum Village elders, Gilda D’Amore, Bruno D’Amore, and Lucia Arpino this weekend.
After a brief presentation by Planning Staff led by Deputy Director Jenn Caira and Chief of Long Range Planning Zach LaMel (see Presentation), participants were each given three minutes to provide testimony to the Zoning and Planning Committee and the Planning and Development Board.
Approximately 56 people provided comments and testimony. The first four speakers were members of the Economic Development Commission, offering personal statements in support adding that the proposal aligns with the city’s goals and vision and will benefit small businesses, preserve existing neighborhoods, and allow more families the opportunity to move to Newton. Approximately 30 other participants spoke in favor, most citing that the proposal will help address the area’s climate and housing crisis. Several supporters suggested further refinements to the proposal regarding bonuses on height, the inclusion of more mixed-use, and the possible expansion of districts to include Boston College, Woodland, and Riverside.
Critics pointed to the state’s inadequate transportation system, the already congested traffic conditions, that the proposal would allow the replacement of existing commercial uses to residential, the impact of eliminating parking requirements, potential loss of historic properties and green space, increased height and reduced setback requirements, that increased density will not lower prices but only serve to increase the wealth gap and enrich big capital. One Newton Centre resident, speaking as a renter, said that the proposal is not going to change her difficulties with affordable housing. Another Newton Centre resident reported that she moved to Newton from Boston and said she had to purchase a car because there are no places in Newton Centre for the “basics” of life, urging caution when thinking about density.
At the end of the public hearing (the Chair set a hard stop at 10:15PM), the Planning Department addressed some of the questions and concerns raised during the comment period and Councilors made comments and asked further questions. The Chair concluded leaving the public hearing open and according to Chair Crossley, some time may be reserved at the July 24 meeting.