City Council Needs to Take Action on Housing
This month Newton for Everyone is launching a petition drive calling on the City Council to hold a public hearing on three changes to the city's zoning ordinance that would allow more types of housing across Newton.
The petition asks the Council to amend the zoning ordinance to allow, by right:
Multi-family housing and business uses in Newton's underused manufacturing districts.
Newton is not a manufacturing hub anymore. Demand for existing manufacturing buildings has dwindled. And Newton doesn’t have the easy transportation access to bring it back.
Empty and underutilized buildings provide less property tax revenue to support Newton.
Residential buildings up to five stories in existing business districts.
Currently, business districts either don’t allow or severely restrict residential uses.
Including housing in business districts allows people to walk out to grab coffee or shop, supporting our local businesses.
Walkability addresses climate change and affordability by reducing car use.
Up to four housing units on lots where current zoning allows two.
Multifamily homes can be smaller and less expensive than single family or overly large townhomes.
We need more homes for young families who are essential to the vitality of our schools and community.
Existing houses can be preserved by adapting them to allow up to 4 units.
We at Newton for Everyone think the need for more housing options is clear. Much of Newton's zoning dates back 50-100 years and was written to allow only single or two-family homes across most of the city - rules that now push builders toward teardowns replaced by large, expensive houses rather than the smaller, more affordable homes many residents say they want.
What’s a Citizen Petition?
Under Newton's City Charter, a citizen petition signed by 50 registered voters compels the Council to discuss the proposed change, hold a public hearing, and vote on it within three months. Newton for Everyone is using the petition process because, despite interest among residents, including Newton for Everyone supporters and some Councilors, the Council hasn't acted on the kind of zoning changes Newton needs.
Filing the petition does not by itself change city law. It requires the Council to hold a hearing and take a vote on the proposed amendments within three months; the Council can accept, reject, or revise them.
Please Help Newton for Everyone
We will begin collecting signatures Sept. 13 at the Upper Falls Village Fair and will continue throughout the fall. We look to you, our friends, to help get the word out and to sign the petition when it comes your way.
If you want to help collect signatures, send us an email at newtonforeveryone@gmail.com.