Newton’s Planning and Development Department recently released its Village Center Zoning Redesign Plan Version 2.0 with details of how it meets the requirements of the MBTA Communities Law. Under the plan, building heights would be set at a maximum of four-and-a-half stories or three-and-a-half stories in some villages, and two-and-a-half stories elsewhere, while buildings that provide affordable housing could be a little taller.
Green Newton and the 350Mass Newton Node are in favor of the zoning redesign of village centers because it will accomplish the following objectives:
- Increase housing options, making it easier to build housing of varying types and sizes
- Create more affordable/accessible housing with smaller units and more inclusionary units
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the development of energy efficiency housing
- Reduces carbon emissions from transportation by enabling more people to use transit instead of automobiles
- Support local businesses by simplifying rules for opening and growing a business
- Make our village centers more vibrant
Resources:
- A recent City memo describing the zoning proposal
- Slides from the presentation by Kathy Pilsbury and Jay Walter on June 13 on “The Impact of Newton’s Zoning and the MBTA Communities Law on Climate Change“
- Attend the City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee hearing on June 26 at 7pm in person (Newton City Hall) or on Zoom.
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