In February 2023, then-Mayor Ruthanne Fuller announced that the City of Newton would be partnering with Boston-based nonprofit EMPath to implement a financial coaching and assistance program, targeting lower-income residents disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the City received $63.5 million in one-time funds through the American Rescue Plan…
Posts published by “Theo Younkin”
On July 13, the City’s Board of Survey voted to continue discussion later on a controversial agenda item: a proposed amendment to a property subdivision on Chapin Road in Newton Centre. The proposal has sparked fierce debate, particularly over stormwater and perceived problems with the City’s process for approving changes.…
In a July 22 meeting of the City Council’s Public Facilities Committee, Councilors discussed the future of the City’s long-standing “two-foot” rule for gas pipe replacement — a minor technicality that some argue could have major implications for the future of climate planning in Newton. Before beginning construction or maintenance work…
Boston-based real estate firm Beacon Communities recently announced plans to purchase the former Santander Bank property at 1314 Washington Street in West Newton from Mark Development — and to convert the building, and the parking lots behind it, into retail space and 100% affordable housing. The historic bank building dates back…
The West Newton Armory, a historic property on Washington Street undergoing a high-profile redevelopment, is now accepting lottery applications for its affordable units. The 100%-affordable housing project includes 43 rental units at reduced cost for income-qualified households. Applications will remain open until September 18. The lottery drawing will take place…
Newton Crossing, a highly anticipated housing development on West Newton’s Washington Street, is now accepting lottery applications for its affordable units. The 292-unit rental complex includes 73 units at reduced cost for income-qualified households. Applications will remain open until August 11 at 2PM. NOTE: This lottery is separate from another…
In recent weeks, the Laredo Administration has resumed discussions about repairs to Bullough’s Pond dam that, under former Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, sparked tensions and ultimately went unresolved. Laredo Administration officials are now presenting a variety of potential options for dam repair that could have a range of implications for the…
On Monday, April 27, Mayor Marc Laredo and Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux presented the Laredo Administration’s draft Fiscal Year 2027 budget to the City Council. While Mayor Laredo has presided over multiple years of budget reviews as City Council President, this budget process is his first since his inauguration…
On Monday, April 27, Mayor Marc Laredo presented his proposed FY27 budget to the Newton City Council. In the coming weeks, the City Council will deliberate — and, eventually vote — on his proposed budget. But what exactly are the roles of Mayor Laredo and the City Council in the budget process?…
On April 14, the City’s Retirement Board voted unanimously to approve Mayor Marc Laredo’s request to extend the schedule for funding the City’s outstanding pension liability. The City had originally planned to have its pension liability paid off by 2032. The new plan will pay off the liability by 2035,…
Newton South High School’s debate team achieved extraordinary results at this year’s state tournament, held from March 27-29. Students in the competition’s “novice” and “varsity” divisions competed in pairs. Out of 95 novice pairs, South students came in first and second place. Out of 77 varsity pairs, South students tied…
On March 11, New York City’s Carnegie Hall announced that Newton South High School junior and clarinetist Leila Mostaghimi has been named to the prestigious National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) and will perform this summer along with 96 other student musicians from across the country.…