The Joint Zoning & Planning and Finance Committees met on January 26, 2026. See report and meeting video.
Approved
- CPC recommendation to appropriate $600,000 in CPA Historic Resource funding for Suzuki School elevator project (Zoning & Planning (Z&P) 8-0) (Finance 7-0-1, Councilor Micley not voting) $505,939.35 from Historic Resource Reserve Funds and $94,060.65 from Unrestricted Prior Year Reserves. The project would add an elevator and expand classroom space. The total estimated cost is $2.5 million.
No Action Necessary
- Discussion on Village Center Overlay District and accessibility of Auburndale and West Newton Commuter Rail Stations (Z&P 7-1, Councilor Oliver opposed). Councilors Block and Malakie stated that there was pressure from the State to extend the VCOD to Auburndale and West Newton to receive commuter rail improvements for the City, but the State has only promised funding for the Newtonville commuter rail station. Councilors stated the economic consequences of zoning should be investigated more fully before considering the item.
Held
- Discussion and possible amendments to enhance the preservation of existing homes (Z&P 8-0). Roughly 100 homes are demolished annually in Newton, most do not require a special permit. The Facade Ratio Ordinance goes into effect March 1, 2026. It should “improve the overall appearance of new construction” in its relationship to the neighborhood. Other opportunities to explore from the December 19, 2024 meeting are here and a set of recommendation from Councilor Wright and Oliver from October 10, 2024, are here. The Planning staff recommended the new Zoning & Planning Committee review the previous work.
- Ordinance change to allow raised beds of 4 feet or less in front and rear setback under certain conditions (Z&P 8-0)
Present (Zoning & Planning): Councilors Baker (Chair), Wright (Vice Chair), Oliver, Albright, Dahmubed, Getz, Gordon, Kalis.
Present (Finance): Councilors Grossman (Chair), Bixby (Vice Chair), Greenberg, Charm, Krintzman, Malakie, Silber.
Also Present: Councilors Roach, Block, Farrell, and Leary.
City staff: Mollie Hutchings, Project Manager of Community Preservation Committee; Buzz Dunker, Chair of Community Preservation Committee; Katie Whewell, Acting Director of Planning; Zach LeMel, Chief of Long Range Planning; Nora Massler, Senior Planner; Andrew Lee, Assistant City Solicitor.
