Now in his third run for Mayor of Newton — twice against Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and currently against Marc Laredo — Al Cecchinelli believes Newton “is going in the wrong direction.” An opponent of high-density residential development, he argues that it “creates a bad atmosphere” and robs villages of their individual character.
He says that Newton does not need more residential development because there are 500 apartments available in Newton and more than 2,000 slated for development. He warns about the MBTA Communities Act, which allows for an additional 8,000 units in Newton, and he emphasizes that there is no mention of developing ”affordable” housing in the law. A lifetime resident of Nonantum, Mr. Cecchinelli is concerned about the high-density development planned for Crafts Street that will bring more than 500 apartments to an already heavily travelled street.
Mr. Cecchinelli cited one of the Crafts Street parcels, originally planned as an assisted-living complex, which would have required fewer cars and less traffic. He notes that now the developer has switched to 250+ luxury apartments requiring more parking spaces and more traffic. The other large Ch. 40B development in the area will also add 307 units, of which 62 will be offered at below Area Median Income rates. In contrast, he mentioned a smaller townhouse development in Nonantum, off Adams Street, that contains ten townhouse condominiums and fits both the space and the neighborhood.
Mr. Cecchinelli and Mr. Laredo both support more commercial development because it pays twice the tax rate paid by residential projects, and it enhances local communities. However, Mr. Cecchinelli raises concerns about rezoning in Nonantum’s commercial center, which has almost no empty stores because space is less expensive. But he notes that, property is also less expensive and would be “snapped up” by developers who would build four-story buildings and charge much higher rents, which existing businesses could not afford. Nor could those businesses survive the long construction process. He also lamented the decision by the Newton Historic Commission to deny landmark status to Columbus Hall at the corner of Watertown and Adams Street, the site of many local events for over a century.
Both Mr. Cecchinelli and Mr. Laredo are graduates of Newton Public Schools. Mr. Cecchinelli notes that Newton’s school system was among the five best in the country when he graduated in 1982, but now it isn’t even in the top five in Massachusetts. He urges support of Newton School Superintendent Anna Nolin, and he urges restoring the system to “excellence.” Among his concerns is the School Department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office. He believes staff should be hired solely on the basis of performance.
Unwilling to consider an override, Mr. Cecchinelli would combine the Human Resources staffs of both City Hall and the School Department and would also combine the Purchasing departments thereby reducing personnel and salaries.
Mr. Cecchinelli is highly critical of the City’s roadway management. He says that curb bump-outs are dangerous for bicycle riders at the same time that Newton is trying to encourage bike travel. He also deplores the Washington Street Pilot Project, which causes traffic backups and idling cars, producing harmful fumes, in addition to the hazards of the concrete planters. He noted that there was a similar issue with backed up traffic in West Newton Square, which has been adjusted. And he says that transportation is still a problem for an aging population.
Asked about the decision to paint over the Italian flag colors on Adams Street, Mr. Cecchinelli expressed disappointment, accusing Mayor Fuller of using federal and state law for a project that was based on a flawed vehicle volume study. He questioned the consistency in Newton’s designation as “sanctuary city” and then painting over the Italian stripe.
A registered Republican, Mr. Cecchinelli believes that employers should be held responsible for hiring illegal immigrants and paying them lower wages. If they paid a living wage, legal immigrants would take those jobs, he says. He also opposes birthright citizenship if an illegal immigrant comes to the U.S. to have a child. Mr. Cecchinelli, a lawyer, said, “I believe that the birthright citizenship violates the spirit and intent of the 14th amendment.”
As for his minimal campaign presence, Mr. Cecchinelli responded, “This is a grassroots campaign. I believe in what I’m doing, and I’m doing it. I’m a choice.” He posts messages on Facebook and Instagram and has a flyer with his biography and a description of his community service. According to his report filed with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, Mr. Cecchinelli has $2,111.50 in his campaign account and has spent $826.24 on his campaign.
After high school, Mr. Cecchinelli attended Johnson and Wales in Providence, and after graduation, worked as a chef at the Crowne Plaza in Natick. He has been a substitute teacher in the Newton school system and a past member of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Commission and a wide range of community-based organizations. In addition to his four years at Johnson and Wales, Mr. Cecchinelli earned a law degree from the New England School of Law. He maintains a law practice in Nonantum.
Asked about his relationship with Mr. Laredo, he responded that they have a good working relationship, and that when he wins on November 4th, he will invite Mr. Laredo to serve on his “transition team.”
