“Promote compact, energy-efficient development concentrated around public transit and other existing infrastructure.” Mass Audubon, Losing Ground
1. Preserves trees
Sprawl is the worst enemy of trees. Because of limits on the number of people who can live in Newton and other towns close to Boston, people have moved farther away where forests are cleared and open lands paved for more development.
2. Reduces the number of cars on the road
The farther people live from public transit the more they rely on cars. More people then drive through Newton to get into Boston. No matter how bad you think public transit is in Newton, it is better than none. according to census data, people do drive less, own fewer cars and take transit more often here in Newton than people who’ve been pushed out to development farther away.
3. Improves stormwater and flood management
Newton’s stormwater ordinance requires that stormwater be handled on-site — an improvement over what we have now.
4. Creates more useable open space in our villages
Most, if not all, green space in our villages is on public land, thus not included in the new zoning. Wider sidewalks are required allowing for more and healthier street trees. The only new useable open space in our villages in recent years has come from new development. Larger lots are required to have useable open space.
5. Helps control urban heat islands
The roofs on new buildings – like new condo building in Waban and Trio and Austin St. – are designed to reflect heat – an improvement over what had been there.
“Concentrating economic opportunities, new homes, services, and amenities in existing communities protects and mitigates against sprawl, reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while creating livable communities.” – Sierra Club Policy
It’s time for Newton to follow these recommendations.
Jonathan Kantar
Waban
