Two different signs have become visible across Newton, representing two points of view about the City’s proposed rezoning plan.
Save Our Villages
Two months ago, signs saying “Save Our Villages” began appearing on Newton lawns. An anonymous Newton resident who opposes the City’s proposed rezoning plan ordered and paid for the initial signs. The signs have come to symbolize the perspective of an expanding group of local groups and individuals that more recently have come together under an umbrella organization, Save Newton Villages, which launched its website, SaveNewtonVillages.com, on October 10.
Save Newton Villages was registered on October 6 as a 501(c)(4) advocacy group, according to its president, Caroline Kraft, and Fran Yerardi, both local activists. Ms. Kraft explained that the group’s purpose is “to have a platform for communicating and going door-to-door to let our residents know what’s being proposed in our neighborhoods.” Mr. Yerardi, who represents Village Business Alliance, has repeatedly warned that small local businesses will not survive demolition and construction, which will be allowed by right in the Village Center Overlay Design.
At the same time, Ms. Kraft feels that each of Newton’s thirteen villages “has its own ‘soul’ or village charm within a big city.” She added, “We want to be sure that the uniqueness of each village continues to thrive as it is and make sure that the mom-and-pop small businesses continue to thrive as they are.” Mr. Yerardi added that young people will never be able to afford the rents that new developments charge, nor the price of the new townhouse units that are replacing the “tear downs” throughout the city.
Save Our Villages has more than fifty current members and has placed about 135 signs.
Newton For Everyone
More recently, signs saying “Newton For Everyone” have been making their appearance on Newton lawns — the work of a newly formed coalition of groups including Engine 6 Housing Avocates, Green Newton Building Standards Committee, Newton Interfaith Clergy for Housing Equity, and the Charles River Regional Chamber. According to Dan Ruben, a Green Newton member and Newton For Everyone volunteer. The group has been organizing and evolving over the last four weeks and has had multiple meetings. “Many of us have been involved in the housing debate for many years,” he said, noting that housing is a “hot issue” in Newton, but also in places like Braintree, where a large proposed development was defeated.
“Rents are going through the roof,” according to Mr. Ruben, who added that “many people do not understand the connection between climate and housing.” He emphasized that the proposed zoning changes will not happen immediately, with the passage of what he deems a “modest proposal.” “The voices of hundreds of people aren’t being heard because they can’t afford to live in Newton,” he said. Moreover, he said, “The debate is setting older people vs. younger people because climate will have a more lasting impact on younger people.” Conceding that “you can’t make everyone happy,” he thinks the proposal will benefit many more people.
Kathy Pillsbury, a photographer who supports the proposed village center zoning changes, designed both the website (Newton for Everyone) and the signs. The group has installed about 180 signs thus far. Asked about the concerns of small local businesses being displaced during construction, Ms. Pillsbury said that she hoped the City would find a way to help them, and she suggested that other empty storefronts might provide a solution. She also thought local developers could offer assistance.
Newton For Everyone has not organized as a 501(c)(4) advocacy group.
