The meeting of the Zoning and Planning Committee on Monday was so packed that the Zoom system was overloaded (it was quickly fixed) and Councilor Deb Crossley, chair of the committee, asked people attending in person to hunt for seats in the balcony. The turnout was a tribute to the outreach efforts by the committee and the Planning Department.
Many residents spoke in favor of the plan proposed by the department that would encourage more housing units to be built by right than is allowed under current zoning rules.These units would be clustered near MBTA stations to encourage residents to consider alternatives to their motor vehicles. The plan offers the prospect of a greater variety of housing types and housing prices in a city where the multimillion-dollar, single-family home is now the norm.
Newton, like other communities served by the MBTA, faces a December 31 deadline mandated by the state to loosen its restrictive zoning rules. No doubt the plan could be tweaked, but it is well conceived and solid in the details, and should pass muster with the state.
Like other communities in the Boston area, Newton faces a crisis of housing affordability and supply. Many people at the hearing spoke with satisfaction of having lived in the city for 20, 30, or 40 years. Let’s hope the City Council approves this plan to encourage the creation of housing that will allow more people at all income levels to make that same proud assertion far into the future.
Tom Gagen
Auburndale
