Opponents of the proposed zoning often say the changes are too radical, creating too much change to our village centers. However, from the historical perspective, this proposal actually brings our villages closer to what they once were. They were denser, taller and teeming with life compared to today. This is because, as a result of zoning regulations passed almost forty years ago, the villages of today have been restricted to 2 story commercial buildings. They are an anomaly in the history of our City. This is evidenced by the fact that the oldest buildings in Newton Corner, Newtonville, West Newton and Newton Highlands are also the tallest. Most taller than the 4.5 story VC-3, by right limits currently proposed.
The mixed-use buildings proposed in the new zoning were commonplace in our villages before the 1950s when they were banned. Our villages throughout the 19th and the early 20th century consistently had dwelling units above street level retail stores and the villages thrived. Now, although we are one of richest communities in the country, almost every village has empty store fronts. If we want to support our current businesses and bring more retail to our villages, we should support the proposed zoning. The status quo will yield nothing better.
The proposed zoning addresses the goals set forth by the City Council, the Comprehensive Plan, and the Energy Commission for providing more diverse housing, making the city more sustainable and supporting our village businesses. They are goals for all our villages, not just those complying with the MBTA Communities Act. While they are goals for a city in the 21st century they align with the historical trajectory of our villages and help Newton meet the needs of its citizens in the future.
Jay Walter
Newton Corner