I was both surprised and disappointed to read Carol Todreas’ Fig City op-ed in which she suggested that Newton’s proposed village center rezoning will somehow harm our small retail, restaurants and other shops.
To the contrary, we see the plan to allow for the gradual addition of more housing and the loosening of regulations that often make opening a small business in Newton onerous, as the path to saving many of our existing small businesses and the best way to encourage others to open here.
Todreas is correct to note that many of our merchants struggled during the pandemic. Many continue do so as they combat inflation, labor shortages, high energy, wages and insurance costs, and a shortage of capital, among other challenges.
Newton can best help our small merchants by bringing more customers to their doors and by allowing for more smaller homes for their employees.
We all cherish Newton’s villages. Allowing them evolve with the times and economic reality is the best way to Save Our Villages.
Greg Reibman
President, Charles River Regional Chamber
