The City Council seemed unprepared for 600 people to attend the 6/26/23 zoning meeting. It was frustrating to see no plan to allow everyone to speak. Sending written comments is just not the same. Councilors must make this process more transparent.
I sympathize with those who want to move into Newton or downsize within the city. However, the aspects that now make Newton so appealing – close-knit communities, green space, housing variety, distinctive village centers—are in danger of disappearing if this zoning proposal passes. We certainly won’t be the “Garden City” anymore.
Building high-rise apartments and adding density, with accompanying loss of green space, will not make Newton more vital, accessible, or desirable. In fact, it will have the opposite effect. I worry about the loss of many of our historic properties that are not officially landmarked (most aren’t). This would be a tragic side effect of zoning redesign.
Home ownership is key to creating more economic and racial equity. I fail to see how this new zoning proposal will promote that. Where are the starter homes or garden apartments that could fulfill this vital need?
Like it or not, Newton is a suburb. People shop, work, visit, and seek entertainment throughout the region. Where are the plans for interconnected, rapid, frequent, reliable public transport in Newton? Without it, this plan is doomed.
The removal of Special Permits for projects less than 30K square feet is a dangerous, slippery slope. Why should the City relinquish oversight and allow developers free rein to build and overbuild? I can’t think of a less progressive tool to improve our city.
The City Council must truly listen to the citizens of Newton – not just by scheduling additional public meetings, but by respecting and responding to the very real concerns we have about rezoning.
Cyrisse Jaffee
Newton Lower Falls