Opponents of the proposed zoning often say the changes are too radical, creating too much change to our village centers. However, from the historical perspective, this proposal actually brings our villages closer to what they once were. They were denser, taller and teeming with life compared to today. This is…
Posts published in “Letters to the Editor”
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As a longtime Newton educator, now retired, I strongly support David Micley for the Ward 2 Ward City Council seat, along with many NPS retired and active educators who reside in Ward 2. David listens well and is an independent thinker. He will be able to work effectively with all…
Thank you for your recent issue with coverage of all the candidates running for City Council this election cycle, including Randy Block for Ward 4. Since meeting Randy and his wife Karen in 1990, I have grown to appreciate his calm and methodical approach to questions and issues. I remember…
Alan Lobovits is a retired pediatrician, who led a large medical group and served on the boards of Atrius Health and Reliant Medical Group. He is expert in data analysis, finance and management. He’s an expert in autism and developmental challenges in children and young people, and has served on…
From the welcoming music of the Branches Steel Pan Orchestra of Mattapan to the resounding echoes of the Eldredge Chime, the atmosphere was electric with enthusiasm at the recent celebration of Grace Church’s 150th Anniversary. The event united more than 200 members, neighbors, and city officials, all sharing in the…
The proposed village-center rezoning reflects thoughtful compromise and tradeoffs. A core tradeoff: balancing intensity of multi-family residential development in existing commercial areas against a broad desire to minimize multi-family redevelopment, aka teardowns. City councilors Pam Wright and John Oliver (and others, including like-minded candidates in contested races) have recently and…
Climate change is accelerating rapidly. Extreme heat is the deadliest natural hazard in the U.S. “Heat islands” in the built environment amplify average temperatures and extreme heat, especially near major highways. This affects every Newton neighborhood. The National Climate Assessment shows more flooding in the Northeast, where the most extreme storms are generating 27% more moisture…
Transportation is the biggest emitter of Greenhouse gases in the Northeast. Electrification of cars is well underway. School bus electrification is also underway in some Massachusetts municipalities and other states: New York mandated 100% zero emission school bus purchases beginning 2027. However, in Newton electric school bus deployment is stalled.…
I am running to represent Ward 2 on the Newton City Council because our city is at an inflection point, and I believe my experience, skills and perspective match what Ward 2 voters tell me they are looking for as we consider significant growth and change in the months and…
An immigrant from Kiev fleeing antisemitism, my grandfather purchased a cobblestone home on Cabot Street in the 1930’s. Nearly a century later, my wife and I are raising our daughter there. I served as a Presidential Appointee in the Obama-Biden Administration and am a Newton small business owner. I’ve built…
As a longstanding community member of Newton, I enthusiastically endorse Dan Gaynor for Newton City Council, Ward 2. Gaynor was born, raised, and still lives on Cabot Street – and has a vision tailored to the community that he would serve. He is focused on ensuring that Newton remains an ideal…
As an education policy advocate, I wholeheartedly endorse Dan Gaynor for Newton City Council. Our schools are integral to our community, shaping responsible citizens and making Newton a sought-after place for families. With educators currently negotiating their next contract, it’s paramount to focus on retaining and attracting top-notch teachers. Dan…