Newton is on the precipice of an important decision. A decision that will determine not if Newton changes – all communities change – but how Newton changes. That decision is embedded in the Village Center Overlay District proposal now before the Newton City Council. As with every public policy decision,…
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There is some criticism that the Save Our Villages signs are “misleading.” While I have not bothered to count the actual number of floors depicted, I will safely assume that the graphic image on the sign was not meant to be a literal translation of Newton’s rezoning proposal, but more so…
Anyone who has ever heard Rena Getz speak at a public hearing or meeting knows that her knowledge of Newton’s ordinances, zoning regulations and history is extraordinary. Rena has devoted decades to community service as a volunteer and as an elected member of the Waban Area Council. Currently serving as…
I am endorsing the following City Council candidates – Rena Getz, Alan Lobovits, Lisa Gordon, Randy Block, Stephen Farrell, and David Micley. I am doing this because of the current City Council’s failure to examine, much less resist, Mayor Fuller’s plan to rezone Newton. If her plan goes through, there…
Although the ballot doesn’t mention it, this election is about the Administration’s Village Center Overlay District (VCOD) zoning proposal and the majority City Councilors who support it. The VCOD, a boon to wealthy real estate entities, will upzone most of Newton’s village centers and nearby residential streets for some 14,600…
Multiple concerns and issues regarding the VCOD must still be addressed. Ultimately, the City Council should separately vote on compliance with the MBTA Communities Act and provisions of the VCOD. Numerous Questions: What is the projected target population for Newton? What will be the impact on services, including schools, parking, police,…
I am writing to support Lisa Gordon for Ward 6’s Ward Councilor. I’ve known Lisa for many years and continue to rely on her expertise on Newton. Lisa was the first person I asked to help us when the City proposed to cut the elementary orchestra and increase class sizes. Lisa’s contributions…
With the election around the corner, many people are beginning to ask “who are you voting for”? I’ve made no secret that the most important issue to me is getting a Fair Contract for the NTA — something I feel will benefit not only the teachers, but everyone in Newton,…
I was greatly surprised that Ward 2 candidate Dan Gaynor, in the October 22 debate with David Micley, vociferously disputed his opponent’s claim in a recent campaign mailer that he (Gaynor) supported buildings as tall as 6 stories on Walnut Street. (In the mailer text, Micley wrote: “… he supports drastically…
As our website, states, RightSize Newton feels that we should implement the MBTA Communities Law and postpone the VCOD plan. “By law, we have until December 31, 2023, to comply with the MBTA law, which means that we need to zone for 8,330 units by that date. That’s what we should…
There are important races in this election, but the ballots aren’t clear. For At-Large City Council races, the ballot instructs “Vote for TWO.” However, you can vote for one candidate or none. All Newton voters can vote in All of the At-Large races. However, if you vote for only ONE candidate,…
I fully support the proposed Village Center Overlay District. This is the pragmatic thing to do and this is the time to do it. Trying to hang on to a fantasy past that doesn’t meet today’s needs is not only foolish, it is harmful. This means that I also support…