Housing Progress in Newton 2025
As we conclude 2025, Newton for Everyone is reflecting on a year of mixed results and hard-won incremental progress in our city. While some long-term efforts finally reached significant milestones, the implementation of new policies has been a slow process. This year serves as a reminder that meaningful change in Newton often requires over a decade of persistence from advocates and city leaders alike.
Housing Projects: Long-Term Efforts Reach Fruition
Many of the projects that saw movement this year were the result of years—and in some cases, decades—of advocacy and complex navigation of state and local requirements.
The Armory: This year construction finally began on the 43 deed-restricted affordable units at 30–60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This project, originally proposed by Mayor Fuller in 2019 after a state offer, required years of effort to secure multiple funding sources, including local Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits that took three years to receive.
Family Aid West Newton Navigation Center: Now providing 42 units of housing and services for formerly homeless women and children, this effort was made possible through city-state collaboration. The project received funds from Newton’s Affordable Housing Trust.
Northland Amendment: In December, the City Council passed an amendment to remove no-longer-viable office space. You can see buildings finally going up after years of work on the extensive underground infrastructure. When complete, Northland will provide homes for 822 households (145 deed restricted affordable).
Riverside: In a significant step, the Council approved a special permit for 753 units (151 affordable) plus some commercial space. Proposals for this site have been under consideration since 2007! While we celebrate this approval for much-needed housing, we remain cautious and hopeful that this third iteration of the Riverside project actually breaks ground. We thank Councilor Kelley and the Land Use Committee for moving this through expeditiously.
We appreciate those city leaders who have understood the impact of limited housing availability in Newton that has driven up the cost of living here and thank them for their support of policies and projects that will help create more diverse housing options.
Implementing and Tracking the VCOD
The implementation of the Village Center Overlay District (VCOD), passed in late 2023, got off to a notably slow start in 2024 and early 2025. However, we are now beginning to see the first signs of activity:
The MRT Zone: The Multi-Residence Transit (MRT) Zone is starting to gain interest. The MRT is proving it can incentivize the preservation of Newton’s streetscapes while increasing housing supply. Builders in at least five locations in Newton Highlands and Newton Centre are utilizing MRT zoning to preserve existing homes while adding additional units on-site.
Village Centers: The new zoning is active in two locations, both in Newtonville. In one case an historic church will be preserved by converting it to residential with a new building for more housing constructed on the same lot. The other project that is moving forward will be 100% deed-restricted affordable. This level of affordability allows the building to have an additional story making it more viable financially. It will also include the required commercial space on the ground floor.
Strengthening Housing Infrastructure
Behind the scenes, the city’s housing organizations have been working to improve the long-term management of Newton’s affordable inventory.
City-Wide Affordable Housing Assessment: Under the leadership of Ann Houston, a critical assessment of all deed-restricted affordable units in Newton was completed this year. This provides a necessary roadmap for future housing opportunities and management city-wide.
Renovations for Affordability: Newton’s Affordable Housing Trust is currently funding the renovation of older apartment buildings. These units will become deed-restricted affordable housing as current renters naturally transition out, preserving existing stock for the long term.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): While a state law made Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) legal by right throughout Massachusetts, local improvements led by Councilor Albright have allowed for slightly larger units in Newton. This will allow more families to opt for intergenerational living on their own properties.
Transit & Housing a Critical Link
Sustainable housing requires reliable transit and reliable transit relies on enough people living close enough to it to make use of it regularly. 2025 saw movement on infrastructure that will better connect Newton to the region.
Newtonville Commuter Rail: After years of advocacy from local leaders, including Representative Khan, Mayor Fuller, Councilor Albright, and Congressman Auchincloss, upgrades to the Newtonville station have finally been funded by the MBTA and the state administration.
Advocacy Alignment: We recognize the City Councilors who fought for both the transit improvements and increased housing in Newtonville, understanding that housing and transit must work in tandem for a sustainable community.