I agree the Zoning survey was poorly done. It was highlighted when it tried to explain the differences among villages by comparing Auburndale with Waban. Neither are large, and I consider both to be small. A better comparison would have included Newton Corner or Newton Center as large and Waban as small. There were relatively few options for response, and that made it feel more like a push poll than a real survey.
When I got to about the 40% done point I was surprised to be routed out of the poll and told I was finished. It gave me the impression that the poll had decided I had given enough answers — or perhaps the “wrong” answers — and there was no need for me to see the rest.
The poll also missed the opportunity to ask what we thought of neighboring communities. It asked what villages we frequented and asked if we frequented others outside of Newton, but never followed through asking what types of other communities we liked. I would have put down Moody Street in Waltham, which before the pandemic was our go-to place for many things.
All in all, the poll was a lost opportunity, and if the city wants to hear what the community thinks, they should try again.
Jeff Hecht