After a long career in child welfare administration, Randy Block is running to be Ward Councilor for Ward 4. (That seat, which is elected by the voters of Ward 4, is currently held by Chris Markiewicz, who is not running for reelection.)
While Mr. Block has lived in Newton for over thirty years, his involvement in city politics began in 2018 regarding the planned Riverside development. Mr. Block served on a neighborhood committee that met with the developer to bring neighborhood concerns to the developer and the City Council. In 2019, he was the founding treasurer of RightSize Newton and became its president at the end of 2020. According to its mission statement, RightSize Newton “advocates for human scale development while preserving and promoting a livable, diverse and environmentally sustainable community.”
Mr. Block opposes the current version (3.0) of the Village Center Redesign Project, as he is concerned about the scale of the plan, believing that development would dramatically alter the village atmosphere and physical environment. Instead, he recommends the Newton create separate zoning plans for each Newton village. When asked about the characteristics of a vibrant village center, he emphasized the need for additional open greenspace, saying that people gather, play sports, and conduct community events there.
During the campaign, Mr. Block said that he has learned much from the residents about their local concerns. For example, Auburndale residents are frustrated with the unfinished status of the Turtle Lane Development. After numerous building violations over many years cited by City officials, construction was stopped when the City’s Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department determined that the structure was not safe. Mr. Block said the City needs to be more aggressive in its effort to resolve what is a long-term eyesore for the community.
Mr. Block said that Newton does need more affordable housing, specifically for low-income families. He spoke highly of the West Newton Armory project, saying that the City should seek more city-state partnerships. He would seek to identify more state-owned properties as sites to build subsidized low-income housing. As well, he favors a new real-estate transfer tax, with proceeds to support subsidized housing.
He said transportation is a challenge in Newton, which he described as a series of colonial settlements that have grown into a city, with winding streets. He said that planning for cyclists and pedestrians is a difficult issue and that many parents would like their children to cycle to school, but are concerned with their safety.
After a career working in administration, Mr. Block said that he understands bureaucracies and how they work. He looks forward to learning about Newton’s bureaucracy and helping Ward 4 residents with their concerns.
For more information, visit Randy Block’s website at rb4newton.com.