Interview: Ted Gross, at-large candidate for City Council, Ward 6

Ted Gross, a familiar face in Newton’s political landscape, is a candidate for one of the two at-large seats representing Ward 6 on the City Council. A longtime resident with deep ties to the community, Gross brings decades of civic engagement.

Gross moved to Newton in the 1960s, graduating from Newton South High School in 1966. He briefly attended Newton Junior College before stepping away to help manage his family’s Cleveland Circle restaurant following his father’s passing. He later earned a degree from Northeastern University and currently works at Natalia Marketing in Waltham.

His political résumé includes membership on the Democratic State Committee, the Newton Democratic City Committee, the Ward 6 Democratic Committee, and the NewTV Board of Directors. Gross previously ran for City Council – then known as the Board of Aldermen – in 1973, 1975, and again in the 1990s.

Now 77, Gross sees this election as a final opportunity to serve. “I think I can still contribute,” he said. “That’s why I would still like to run.” He noted that the absence of incumbents in Ward 6 makes this year’s race more promising.

Gross positions himself as a centrist voice amid ongoing debates over housing policy. “There should be some compromises between [the factions],” he said. “I’d like to be there, to be able to contribute.” While he supports the need for more housing in Newton, particularly apartments for younger residents, he emphasizes a willingness to listen and collaborate. “I’m not pushing for one way or another,” he said. “I’m willing to listen to people come up with better ideas.”

One policy Gross advocates is mandating “deconstruction” for all tear-downs – a process that salvages reusable materials rather than sending them to landfills. He believes this environmentally conscious approach could also curb the rate of demolitions due to its higher cost. (Newton’s Demolition Review Ordinance allows for delays of up to 18 months for structures over 50 years old, giving owners time to consider alternatives.)

On transportation, Gross supports the Washington Street Pilot as a useful experiment but raised concerns about safety. “It’s a good way to test how things work,” he said. “The only problem is, with people getting out of their car on the driver’s side, you’re stepping out into traffic.” He also expressed interest in expanding local bus service, though he acknowledged the financial challenges involved.

With a campaign rooted in experience and open-mindedness, Gross hopes to bring a balanced perspective to Newton’s evolving City Council.

Interview: Ted Gross, at-large candidate for City Council, Ward 6

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