The Zoning & Planning Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
Zoning map amendment for 41 Farwell Street. The Committee approved a zoning map amendment to rezone the property in support of a proposed redevelopment project, finding that the change was consistent with surrounding zoning patterns and City planning objectives. Councilors discussed the relationship between the rezoning and the accompanying Land Use petitions, emphasizing that the zoning change establishes the appropriate framework rather than approving a specific project.
Text amendment clarifying zoning definitions and procedures. The Committee approved amendments to zoning text intended to clarify definitions, improve internal consistency, and align procedural language with current administrative practice. Planning staff noted that the changes were largely technical in nature and designed to avoid ambiguity for applicants and staff.
Housekeeping amendments to zoning regulations. The Committee approved additional minor zoning updates correcting cross-references and outdated language, with no substantive policy changes. Councilors agreed these updates would improve readability and administration of the ordinance.
The Committee took No Action Necessary on the following:
An Update on the status of implementing the Climate Action Plan (8-0) Discussed with item below.
Update on climate resiliency plans (8-0)
The Director of Sustainability reported that “a new Climate Action Coordinator hired, multiple new all-electric schools and municipal buildings, a BERDO Administrator hired, BERDO adopted and implementation underway, and the Fossil Fuel-Free Ordinance adopted. She also highlighted that there have been approximately 1,500 heat pumps installed from 2019-2025 and 20.8 MW of solar on
1,422 residential and commercial projects.” She added there is another 1.5 megawatts of solar capacity on city buildings in the final stages of construction and eight more projects in contract discussions. 35-40% of the municipal electricity demand is covered by solar, saving roughly $1 million per year.
Challenges since CAP 1.0 include “an increase in Vehicle Miles Traveled, residential electrification challenges, and new Newton Power Choice challenges.” The City “recently signed a new Newton Power
Choice contract which included a reduction in price.”
A councilor asked in what years Vehicle Miles Traveled increased. ” 2020 to
2025.” The two overarching goals for CAP 2.0 are carbon neutrality by 2050 and increased resiliency. The CAP 2.0 draft will be ready for the Council to review in January 2026. Public feedback recommended “policy goals like BERDO for small buildings, electric school buses, establishing a Biodiversity Working Group, exploring opportunities for reducing light pollution from commercial enterprises, city provided composting, and consideration of a more comprehensive Pay-As-You-Throw curbside trash program.”
Aligning zoning to proposed use in new development (8-0) Chief of Long Range Planning LeMel discussed the Planning Department analysis of residential development on business-zoned properties, primarily in Nonantum. He noted development on Adams Street next to small family homes was creating friction and that more people are needed to support more commercial development. This discussion item will be redocketed for the new term.
Quarterly update on projects using the Village Center overlay district (VCOD) zoning (8-0) The Planning Department Deputy Director Caira reported that about 65 of the 106 housing units in the pipeline are in Multi-Residence Transit zones. The Planning Department discussed possible “clean-up items” for the VCOD: “more flexibility for unit placement in adaptive reuse, modifying parking setbacks (MRT in particular), allowing fully commercial development, and modifying minimum distance between buildings.” These items may be redocketed for the new term.
Discussion on removing the minimum parking requirement from the multi-residence transit (MRT) zone (8-0) No discussion. To be redocketed for the new term.
Discussion on the current state of Newton’s commercial office space (8-0) No discussion. To be redocketed for the new term.
Discussion on Parking in Village Centers (8-0) No discussion. To be redocketed for the new term.
Request to amend definition of Two-Family Detached (8-0) No discussion. To be redocketed for the new term.
Amendments to Zoning Ordinances concerning Manufacturing District in Nonantum. (8-0) No discussion. To be redocketed for the new term.
Amendments to enhance the preservation of existing homes. (8-0) No discussion. To be redocketed for the new term.
Amend the setbacks in the MR zones to encourage preservation of existing buildings (8-0) No discussion. To be redocketed for the new term.
Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Oliver, Albright, Wright, Kalis, Danberg, Krintzman, and Getz
Also Present: Councilors Leary, Kelley, Block, Farrell, and Malakie; Councilors-elect Silber and
Roche
City Staff: Deputy Director of Planning and Development Jen Caira, Chief of Long Range Planning
Zachery LeMel, Senior Planner Nora Masler, Climate Action Coordinator Caroline Weiss, Co-
Director of Sustainability Ann Berwick, Senior Assistant City Solicitor Andrew Lee, and Planning
Associate Zach Mechler