The Zoning & Planning Committee voted to approve the following (read the report and watch the meeting video):
- Appointment of Andrew Copelotti to the Economic Development Commission (5–1–1, Oliver opposed, Wright abstained). Mr. Copelotti shared his background in construction and real estate development. He emphasized the need for housing to attract businesses and supported shifting some commercial development to residential, citing current financing realities. Councilors discussed the implications of his appointment, with some expressing disagreement with his characterization of Newton’s housing supply.
- Appointment of David Hedison to the BERDO Advisory Commission (7-0)
Mr. Hedison, Director of the Chelmsford Housing Authority, described his efforts to decarbonize public housing. He pledged to bring his experience to the Commission and to contribute actively to discussions despite his background being more residential than commercial. - Appointment of Mark Clay to the BERDO Advisory Commission (7-0) Mr. Clay discussed his background in business and real estate development and his longstanding interest in sustainability. He shared past efforts to incorporate energy efficiency into his work and expressed support for BERDO goals.
- Appointment of Dante Capasso to the BERDO Advisory Commission (7–0) Mr. Capasso, a longtime property manager in Newton, has been involved with BERDO since its early stages. Councilors expressed appreciation for his experience and continued engagement.
The committee voted to hold the following:
- Request for Re-evaluation and Possible Amendments to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (7-0) Consultant RKG presented recommendations including eliminating Tier 2 (80–110% AMI), preserving the 65% AMI target, expanding fee-in-lieu options for 4–20 unit projects, and revising definitions for off-site benefits and unit size parity. Councilors debated the merits of expanding cash payments versus requiring on-site affordable units and the administrative burden on the Housing Trust. The Committee intends further discussion once RKG returns with final recommendations.
- Request for Training Requirement in Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance
Held 7–0. The Committee did not discuss this item during the meeting but voted to continue holding it. - Proposal to Add a Maximum Residential Facade Build-Out Ratio to Zoning Code
Held 7–0. Planning staff presented a detailed follow-up to earlier public hearing concerns. Topics included facade limits on narrow or oddly shaped lots, potential exemptions for certain facade features, effects on existing nonconforming homes, and risks of buildings being reoriented away from the street. Multiple updates were suggested, including adjusting frontage thresholds and exempting 1.5-story portions. - Proposal to Enhance Preservation of Existing Homes
Held 7–0. This item was discussed concurrently with the previous item and will remain held for future refinement. - Proposal to Amend Setbacks in Multi-Residence Zones
Held 7–0. Also discussed in conjunction with the prior item, this proposal remains under review with potential updates forthcoming.
For more details see Fig City News article: Zoning & Planning Committee reviews inclusionary zoning ordinance
Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Oliver, Albright, Wright, Krintzman, Getz, and Kalis
Absent: Councilor Danberg
Also Present: Councilors Lucas, Kelley, Malakie, and Farrell
City Staff: Barney Heath, Director of Planning; Jennifer Caira, Deputy Director of Planning; Andrew Lee, Senior Assistant City Solicitor; John Sisson, Economic Development Director; Jini Farley, ADA Coordinator; Lara Kritzer, Director of Housing & Community Development; and Katie Holden, Committee Clerk
