On September 26, the Zoning and Planning Committee heard comments about the most recent proposed Village Zoning Overlay District proposal, Version 3.0. (See NewTV video.) At one point, there were 290 people on the Zoom call, and at least 50 people had signed up to speak in person in the City Council chamber. The number of people speaking against the zoning changes outnumbered those who favor the increase in height of buildings “by right” in designated village centers.
The Planning Department presented a brief overview of the current plans for village centers, which will make their streets wider, include first floor retail space, and parking in the back of buildings. Recent amendments to the plan reduced the increases in building heights and provided more open space and larger front and side setbacks. With the Commonwealth’s new rules under the MBTA Communities Law, there will be first-floor retail space with residential space on upper floors. The deadline for adopting zoning that conforms with the MBTA Communities Act is December 31.
Terry Sauro, who heads the Nonantum Neighborhood Association, thanked the Committee for scheduling another hearing since many members of the Nonantum community could not speak at the June hearing that occurred immediately following the three homicides in the village. She and other Nonantum residents explained that their village was already being affected by expensive development replacing naturally affordable two-and-three family homes. She said that the village’s store-fronts are completely occupied by small, independent businesses. Kathy B, owner of the Colonial Drug’s perfume business, recounted her move from Harvard Square to Nonantum and her warm, supportive reception from the other local businesses. She said that redevelopment of her building would drive her out of business – a concern repeated many times during the evening. Lifelong Nonantum resident Kevin Riffe and others said that new construction will be affordable only to national chains and banks. Many residents spoke of the increasing costs of apartments and houses with new construction, thereby driving out current workforce residents.
Proponents argued that the new zoning would allow more people to find housing in Newton’s villages and would offer opportunities for longtime older residents to remain in the city, near public transportation, in easy walking distance to stores and services. Cindy Roche, who lives in a single-family home in a single-home neighborhood, spoke of the fairness of the Village Center Overlay District offering more housing to meet the growing need. Don Ross, a member of Green Newton, spoke in favor of the VCOD because it would be better for the climate, for business, and for increasing the amount of affordable housing. Nancy Zollers, speaking on behalf of the Newton Interfaith Coalition for Housing Equity (NICHE), said that the proposed VCOD was a solution for the creation of affordable housing in Newton and that NICHE members were “excited” by the impact of four-story, vibrant, revitalized buildings.
People on both sides of the issue cited current traffic congestion — some suggesting that denser village centers will eliminate the need for cars. Others said that increasing density will create more traffic. Several businesses made the case that their customers must take cars to reach them. Others expressed that the housing crisis was not limited to Newton, but was an issue for the greater Commonwealth issue, saying that we are part of the overall solution. Laura Foote encouraged incentives for reuse of village center historic buildings to preserve the character of village centers.
Jane Frantz expressed dismay at what she perceives as growing anger on the City Council and in the neighborhoods. She urged the City Council to compromise “to get to yes.” People on both sides accused others of not understanding the problems in approving or denying the final proposal.
The next Zoning and Planning meeting will be on October 10, and Chair Deb Crossley urged people to continue to submit written testimony to the Zoning and Planning Committee clerk at jnorton@newtonma.gov.
