The recent approval of the Riverside project highlights an issue in how Newton approaches major developments. Rather than beginning with a clear, city-centric vision for what would best serve our long-term economic, social, and environmental goals, the process began — and largely stayed — with what developers proposed. Public debate…
Posts published in “Letters to the Editor”
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Newton’s government process looks open — but too often, it isn’t. By the time most residents learn about a proposal, the real decisions have already been shaped behind the scenes. Projects advance to committees and boards with limited public notice or input, and by the time they reach the City…
The City Council is preparing to vote on Newton’s Walk, Roll & Bike Network Plan — yet there has never been a formal public hearing on the final version. For a plan that could reshape traffic, parking, and neighborhood access across the city, residents deserve the chance to see and comment on what’s…
This Kwanzaa, I am reminded that the most meaningful gifts don’t come wrapped in ribbons but from the heart and from community. For the past few years, I’ve had the honor of working with the New Art Center as an Expressive Therapy Teacher for neurodivergent adults. Teaching this class has…
The Newton City Council should not approve the Walk, Roll & Bike Network Plan on November 17 and should instead schedule a new public hearing on the final version. While the goal of improving safety and mobility is shared across our community, residents have not yet been given the opportunity…
In this week’s election one of the groups that will be most affected didn’t even get to vote! Like me! I am a Newton Public Schools middle schooler and I use the city’s fields and libraries and parks but don’t get to make any decisions about them. But I have…
Setti Warren was that rare liberal politician who made it a point to befriend the Newton Republicans, to make us feel part of Newton, for which we were grateful. When he first ran for Mayor we gave him our tacit support. He was, after all, a veteran who had just…
I am an NPS parent of three/ I will be voting for Cyrus, Ward 4 counselor-at-large. My oldest, a senior was at home with some friends when Cyrus came to visit, and I had the privilege of seeing him genuinely interested in hearing about the concerns impacting young people. I…
John Chaimanis and his family are simultaneously a muti-generational Newton family, and a second-generation American family. He and his wife have three students attending Newton Public Schools, and are deeply invested in ensuring our schools succeed. John practices the ideas behind servant leadership; he knows that elected officials work for…
I’m a lifelong Newton resident who loves this city deeply — its neighborhoods, its people, and its strong sense of community. As an architectural and urban designer, I work to create smart, caring plans grounded in community engagement. Now, I want to bring that same approach home, to help design…
As a writer, community activist, and long-term Newton resident, I am supporting and voting for Cyrus Dahmubed to become Newton Ward 4, At-Large, City Councilor. Anyone in Newton can vote for him. What is it about Cyrus that makes me want to support him? Foremost, he is a concerned, inquisitive,…
I’ve been a Newton resident for over 20 years and have known John Chaimanis and his family for over five years in our Newton community. I’ve come to deeply respect his character, thoughtful approach to complex issues, and commitment to fairness and collaboration. John is willing to participate in hard…