Videos from Newton for Everyone Events
Newton’s housing rules often produce the opposite of what residents say they want. Under the city's traditional zoning, a large single-family replacement house is relatively straightforward to build, while several smaller homes on the same property can require years of expensive hearings and negotiations. Any project with more than 2 units requires a special permit from the City Council or a comprehensive permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
What’s Up with Affordable Housing in Newton?
Ann Houston, Chair of the Newton's Affordable Housing Trust, walked us through the recent analysis of what affordable housing Newton has, what approaches have resulted in affordable housing, and what steps the City can take to ensure we have affordable housing in the years to come.
Two Years of VCOD: Where Are We, and What's Next?
Amy Dain, a housing policy expert, Senior Fellow at Boston Indicators, and Newton resident gave us a clear look at what’s happened in the two years since Newton passed the Village Center Overlay District (VCOD).
Does "Luxury" Housing Help or Hurt the Unhoused? The Data Might Surprise You
For our first movie night, we watched and had a great discussion about, What Luxury Housing Does to Homelessness, a compelling film that makes complex issues understandable.
Housing and Climate Change: What's the Connection
As realtors say, “Location, location, location”.
Location matters - for access to jobs, good schools, public amenities, art, culture and general quality of life. But it also matters for mitigating against climate change, protecting natural landscapes, and managing traffic.
What’s the impact on: Trees? Traffic? Transit?
Accessory Dwellings: New Opportunities for Homeowners and for Newton
What will the new accessory dwelling laws mean for our community?
Can accessory dwellings be a way for homeowners to add value and flexibility to their homes?
Could accessory dwellings be a way for you to solve your family’s housing needs?
Get some information on how to plan, design, and build one.
What would it take to build 100% affordable housing in Newton?
What are the costs, considerations, and risks involved in developing 100% affordable housing?
Hear about ideas for how Newton could become more welcoming to more affordable homes.
Housing for older adults: Challenges and opportunities
Do you know someone who wants to stay in Newton, but whose house isn’t working for them anymore?
Many Newton seniors face the choice between remaining in a home that no longer suits them and moving away from their community of friends and family.
While housing matters to the health and wellbeing of all people, aging can bring specific challenges: costs, accessibility, and access to services.
Can new development help school budgets in cities like Newton?
Following the contentious January 2024 teacher strike in Newton, renewed attention has been paid to increasing the city budget without increasing tax rates.
What role can local development, including increasing the housing supply, play in increasing the tax base and school funding?
Explore both the practical implications and research on the potential for new development, particularly an expanded housing supply, to bolster the tax base and, consequently, school funding.