The Zoning & Planning Committee voted to approve the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Appointment of Michael Alperin to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust (8–0). Mr. Alperin brings over a decade of experience in affordable housing and serves on the board of 2Life Communities. Councilors expressed enthusiasm for his appointment and encouraged innovative approaches to affordable housing development.
- Appointment of JJ Kazakoff-Eigen to the BERDO Advisory Commission (8–0). Mr. Kazakoff-Eigen, a Newton resident and passive house homeowner, was praised for his climate advocacy and technical skills. Councilors welcomed his perspective on ensuring compliance with emissions reduction standards.
- Authorization to submit the FY26–30 Consolidated Plan, 2025 Revised Citizen Participation Plan, and FY2026 Annual Action Plan to HUD (8–0). The plans relate to federal funding from the CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs. Director of Housing & Community Development Lara Kritzer presented goals focused on affordable housing, fair housing, human services, and architectural access.
- Councilors inquired about funding assumptions, contingency planning, outreach strategies, and project equity across neighborhoods.
- Ms. Kritzer noted continued reliance on known community partners but highlighted new efforts using social media and a new outreach coordinator.
- FY26 projects include: the West Newton Armory, Coleman House roof replacement, down-payment assistance, and accessibility improvements such as a pedestrian upgrade at Lincoln & Harrison Streets and a new lift for the Pathway to Possible office.
- ESG funds will support emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and homelessness prevention in collaboration with regional service providers.
- Federal “funding for CDBG was included in the Continuing Resolution that was approved in March by Congress so the budget was created assuming level funding.”
Chair’s Note: The committee’s budget report will be posted at a later date.
Present: Councilors Oliver (Vice Chair), Baker, Albright, Wright, Krintzman, Getz, Kalis, and Danberg
Also Present: Councilors Farrell, Lucas, Kelley, Leary, Greenberg, and Malakie
City Staff: Barney Heath, Director of Planning; Jennifer Caira, Deputy Director of Planning; Lara Kritzer, Director of Housing & Community Development; Anthony Ciccariello, Commissioner of Inspectional Services; Deb Finamore, Inspectional Services Executive Administrator; Jonathan Yeo, Chief Operating Officer; Perry Rosenfield, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager; Mollie Hutchings, Community Preservation Act Program Manager; Trevor Goehring, Financial Analyst; and Katie Holden, Committee Clerk
