At the February 15 meeting of the Zoning and Planning Committee, members received an update from the Planning staff regarding the submission of Newton’s documents requesting certification of compliance with the MBTA Communities Law. According to the law, Newton was among 177 communities required to enact a zoning ordinance or…
Posts published in “News”
Beginning March 1, a new ordinance will require that single-use restaurant accessory items – such as straws, utensils, and condiments – be available only upon request and that food establishments must use reusable, compostable, or recyclable containers and compostable coffee cups. Councilor Vicki Danberg, who sponsored the Sustainable Food &…
It started with an innocent question on our Newton Lower Falls neighborhood listserv by neighbor Lisa Ruckinski. Knowing that it was a controversial question, she asked where was the best place to buy bagels in Newton? The recommendations flew fast and furious, but alas, few were actually in Newton. Opinions got…
Following her announcement that she will retire from the state legislature at the end of this year, Rep. Ruth Balser spoke with Fig City News about her career. A member of House Speaker Ron Mariano’s leadership team, Rep. Balser is the first psychologist elected to the Massachusetts Legislature and has…
Less than a week after State Representative Ruth Balser sent an email to her constituents telling them that she is planning to retire from the Legislature at the end of the current session, Bill Humphrey, Ward 5 Ward Councilor, has announced that he is a candidate for that seat. Now…
On February 9, State Representative Ruth B. Balser announced to her constituents by email that she will not be running for re-election this year. She has represented the 12th Middlesex District — southern Newton and parts of Brookline — in the Massachusetts legislature for 13 consecutive two-year terms, from 1999…
The scheduled February 8 School Committee meeting — the first meeting since the end of the Teacher’s Strike — exceeded three hours to complete its full agenda. Superintendent Anna Nolin began the meeting with the Superintendent’s Update, and she used this time to address the School Committee with prepared comments…
With an expanded space bigger than two NBA basketball courts, Shepherd & Maudsleigh Studio is ready to bring even more art offerings to Newton. “We have added to our ability to run more classes, and we are very excited that we now have a space dedicated to book arts as…
This tax season, CAN-DO – Newton’s long time non-profit affordable housing advocate and service provider – is partnering with The Village Bank to provide free tax-preparation services to low-income families, helping them to receive tax credits they might not know they are due. The credits include child tax credits and…
Applications are now being accepted for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condominium located at 4A Cragmore Road in Newton Upper Falls. This unit is part of an 8-unit development and is a permanently affordable, deed-restricted unit. The condominium fee is currently $108 per month, and the buyer will also pay an estimated $10.18…
Auburndale residents Susan Katcher and Lisa Rothstein recently hosted a “Women’s High Tea” fundraiser to support two local anti-hunger organizations — Food For Free and the Newton Food Pantry. Their event raised nearly $500 for each of the programs to help feed those in need. The three-course traditional High Tea…
On a cold Monday morning — following a weekend of behind-the-scenes discussions among Newton Public Schools (NPS) administrators, staff, and PTOs regarding appropriate ways to welcome student back — Newton Public Schools opened for classes on February 5 for the first time in 18 days. Superintendent Anna Nolin told Fig…












