Boston-based real estate firm Beacon Communities LLC has solidified its plans for the commercial block 793-821 Washington Street in Newtonville. Beacon Communities purchased the property in April 2025 and applied for a demolition permit on February 4. The project? New construction of an all-electric housing development with all units designated…
Posts published in March 2026
On March 15, Lazer Robotics, an eight‑member high school robotics team from Newton, captured the 2026 Massachusetts FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship. The team went undefeated throughout the playoffs, setting records at both the Massachusetts State and New England levels, in partnership with its alliance partner, Ghost Robotics from Westford, MA. With this victory, Lazer Robotics…
In the 1970s, strife over the Newton Public School budget intensified as the 1970 recession deepened, enrollment continued to decline, teachers gained collective bargaining rights, and the State changed educational mandates and funding. The battle moved from City-versus-School Committee to school-versus-school. “Education as a right to be claimed, not a…
On February 12, the Newton Public Schools (NPS) Offices of Family Engagement, Teaching and Learning, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support teamed up to present information on the current ecosystem of assessments being used in the schools and how parents can interpret the assessment reports they receive about their students. After…
If you live in Newton, you’re likely a homeowner — and your home’s value likely has risen dramatically in the past decade. Many longtime residents now have more than $1 million in paper net worth, much of it tied to their home’s appreciation. Naturally, people want to protect that investment…
Highlights this week… City Council City Council will meet on Monday regarding the following items from the Reports Docket: The New Docket contains the following: Public Safety & Transportation Committee will meet on Wednesday regarding: Public Facilities Committee will meet on Wednesday regarding: Programs & Services Committee meeting scheduled for…
The Finance Committee met on Monday, March 9. See report and meeting video. Approved Present: Councilors Grossman (Chair), Bixby, Charm, Greenberg, Krintzman, Malakie, and Silber.Absent: Councilor Micley.City staff: Maureen Lemieux, Chief Financial Officer; Steve Curley, Comptroller; Trevor Goehring, Financial Analyst II; Alex Valcarce, Commissioner of Public Buildings; Ron Mendes, City…
The Zoning & Planning Committee met on Monday, March 9. See the report and meeting video. Held Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Wright (Vice Chair), President Oliver, Albright, Gordon, Kalis, Getz, and Dahmubed.Also present: Councilors Block, Roche, Bixby, and Malakie.City staff: Katie Whewell, Acting Director of Planning; Nora Colello, Chief of…
The Programs & Services Committee met on Wednesday, March 4. See the report and meeting video. Held The March 17 P&S meeting is canceled so members can attend the Public Safety and Transportation meeting on ICE enforcement in Newton. Present: Councilors Krintzman (Chair), Malakie (Vice Chair), President Oliver, Farrell, Baker,…
The Public Safety & Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, March 4. See report and meeting video. Held Present: Councilors Lucas (Chair), Greenberg, Wright, Block, Irish, Roche, and Silber.Absent: Councilor Golden.Also present: Councilors Albright, Malakie, Oliver, and Farrell.City staff: Josh Morse, Chief Operating Officer.
The Traffic Council met on Thursday, February 26. See the report and meeting video. Approved All items may be appealed through the close of business on March 18, 2026. Denied Present: Ned Codd (DPW), Captain Devine (Police), Mitchell Fischman (Resident Member), David Koses (DPW), and Councilor Lucas.Also present: Councilor Roche.City…
City Council will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, March 16 at 7:45PM. See Reports Docket and the New Docket. Watch a live broadcast on NewTV’s government channel (Comcast 9, RCN13, 614(HD), Verizon 33) or on NewTV’s YouTube channel. Public Safety & Transportation Committee will…