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Posts published in “Letters to the Editor”

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We publish here Letters to the Editor with the intent to reflect a broad range of opinions and insights of Newton residents. Please note our submission guidelines and send letters (maximum of 300 words) to letters@figcitynews.com.

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on Fig City News are those of the writer and not Fig City News.

Jaffee: Riverside delay not caused by neighborhood concerns

In Greg Reibman’s December 1 Charles River Regional Chamber newsletter article “Inactions Have Consequences,” he seems to blame the “slow-turning wheels of government” and “predictable neighborhood teeth-grinding” for the current delay of the massive development at Riverside. Not only is his description disrespectful of the thoughtful, careful, and precedent-setting process…

Rosenbaum: Large tract of land is opportunity for affordable single-family housing

The exciting news of a large tract of land for sale in Newton is an opportunity for the City of Newton to consider the development into affordable single-family housing like we did post WWII for returning veterans. There are wonderful models of cluster housing with shared open space. The houses are…

Ferrall: What price history?

Regarding the Gershom Hyde home at 29 Greenwood Street, we are watching Newton’s History rot while the City, a developer and the Court try to decide what Newton’s history is worth. Families lived in the Gershom Hyde home, for 267 years. The last family, the Edward Friedmans, lived there until…

Marderosian: Jenn Adams’ work is a treasure for Newton 

Thank you for the recent well-deserved article marking the twentieth anniversary of NewTV’s newscaster, Jenn Adams. Her caring and professionalism are reflected in each interview and newscast. Jenn’s work is such a treasure for the Newton community. Mark Marderosian 

Zollers: Affordable housing in Newton

Recently a Newton teacher who “wants to give to her students all of the love and everything she received as a Newton student” tried to live here — to be in her students’ town of Newton. The rents she found were from $ 3,000 to $3,700. Impossible for her to…

Gagen: Ugly in Auburndale

Have you ever driven by the site off the old Turtle Lane Playhouse in Auburndale and wondered why development there has stalled? I was curious, talked with several city officials and found out that nothing is going on. Until it closed in 2013, Turtle Lane was the site of live…

Belleville: The future of Newton Centre

I participated in the last two community engagement efforts regarding Zoning Redesign, and my worst fears for the City’s plans for Newton Centre have been realized with the delayed sharing of the maps. My vision, submitted as a part of last year’s Vision Kit exercise, advocated for a plan that…

Tornheim: Make zoning process transparent and inclusive

I am writing to give feedback on the village zoning project. I have been watching development in Newton for 48 years and am very upset at the damage that is being done to the city. The unrestrained demolitions of smaller houses that are replaced with gigantic and expensive duplexes have…

Walter: Congrats to City Council regarding ADUs

I am writing to thank the City Council for passing the revisions to the zoning ordinance regulating accessory apartments. I believe these changes are consistent with the goals of the zoning redesign, helps the City comply with the MBTA Communities Act and will allow greater density within our community while…

Hecht: Zoning survey poorly done

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…

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