The Zoning & Planning Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- CPA appropriation to the Affordable Housing Trust (FY26) (5-0) Approved to transfer just over $2.15M, advancing pipeline projects and strengthening the Trust’s ability to respond to opportunities.
- Appointment of Denise Lisio to the Newtonville Historic District Commission (5-0)
- Reappointment of Philip Plottel to the Economic Development Commission (5-0)
- Reappointment of Nancy Grissom to the Newton Historical Commission (5-0)
- “Routine residential alterations by right” text update (5-0) to Chapter 30 Zoning. The change clarifies common second-story and within-footprint additions, as well as routine two-family alterations, in single-residence districts. No one spoke at the public hearing.
The Committee held the following:
- Amendment to Chapter 30 Zoning to allow additions to build within existing non-conforming heights (5-0) held for calibration of thresholds and illustrations.
- Re-evaluation and possible amendments to the Inclusionary Zoning ordinance to include 4 to 6 unit buildings (5-0) Public hearing closed with one dissent (Councilor Getz). No member of the public spoke. The item was held for further policy refinements on applicability and offsets. Proposed change would lower affordable unit requirements for 100+ unit buildings from 20% to 18.5% to make them more financially feasible for developers.
Present: Councilors Oliver (Vice Chair), Wright, Kalis, Getz, and Baker
Absent: Councilors Albright, Danberg, and Krintzman
Also Present: Councilors Malakie, and Farrell
