Many in Newton have felt such deep sorrow since learning that our friend Phil Herr passed away peacefully in his sleep early on Tuesday morning, April 16th at the Adelaide Memory Care Facility in Newton Centre. So many were fortunate to have worked with him over many years.
It was Phil’s planning expertise and vision for what Newton could be that was reflected in Newton’s Comprehensive Plan. Former Mayor David Cohen appointed Phil in 2002 to lead a group of citizens to draft that plan, which was adopted by the then Board of Alderman in 2007. That document became the foundation for the development of the city we see today.
I first met Phil when I was appointed to the Comprehensive Planning Committee to serve on its housing sub-committee. Prior to my involvement on that committee, my knowledge of the relationship between city planning and affordable housing was limited. But like everyone else who came into his orbit, I learned from Phil and came to appreciate the relationship.
The nonprofit Citizens for Affordable Housing in Newton Development Organization (CAN-DO) was born in 1994 to manage federal HOME Investment Partnership funds for housing assistance for low-moderate income persons. This included building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or home ownership or providing direct rental assistance. For many years CAN-DO was the sole developer of housing for low and very low income populations of Newton.
The CAN-DO board often turned to Phil for his advice and counsel, especially when encountering resistance from neighbors and some elected officials when seeking funding for a project. He was always available to offer his expertise as well as financial support, which was sometimes needed in the pre-development phase of a project.
Phil and I were fellow advocates for housing policies and actions that would lead to increased housing opportunities, especially for those with the lowest incomes. We both served on the Newton Housing Partnership — and the Fair Housing Committee which grew from it.
During the acrimony surrounding zoning over the past few years, I have often thought our city could benefit today from Phil’s planning expertise, wisdom, and calming demeanor. He is sorely missed by our community.
These friends gave permission to share their remembrances here:
Phil’s knowledge and quiet persistence made a huge difference in the outcome of the [Comprehensive] Plan – the work of the Housing Partnership, and our understanding of so many matters before Newton. Serving on the Comp. Plan committee was like getting a graduate course in city planning. His wisdom, extraordinary patience and humanity made a huge and lasting impression on me.
Deb Crossley
Phil was a long time colleague and friend; I knew him in his various roles as MIT professor, planning consultant and co- chair of the Newton Housing Partnership for many years. In all his capacities, I looked forward to the wisdom and experience being put forth behind his words, never spoken in anger or with dismissiveness of others. As a planner, he was a serious professional and as a person, he had a gentle soul. Phil was one of a kind and I am a better person for knowing him.
Bob Engler
I am saddened to learn that Phil has passed. He was one of those people who made life a richer and more interesting experience. I worked with Phil on the Comprehensive Plan, Austin Street, zoning reform and affordable housing. He not only contributed his expertise and experience but also an instinct for how to actually get to a result. Phil knew how to manage the process to establish a productive dialogue and build a consensus. His patience amazed me but it served him well. Phil always saw the bigger picture and took the long view. Phil epitomized what being a “good citizen” means. He lives on not only in his accomplishments but also in the people he touched.
Chuck Eisenberg
I have known Phil for many years as a colleague, friend and counselor, dating from my time as Newton’s first Planning Director (1964-69). We intersected (positively) in several communities as planning consultants over the years. I was privileged to work with Phil on the Comprehensive Plan, and to view at close hand his skill at bringing disparate views to consensus. The City of Newton was blessed by his willingness to voluntarily bring professional skills to the process of community planning.
Jim Miller
Josephine McNeil is Executive Director of Citizens for Affordable Housing in Newton Development Organization (CAN-DO).
