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The Heights
The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
Newton has more than $23 million in “free cash” or unspent money left over from past years’ budgets. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton Allocates $2 Million in “Free Cash” to Health Insurance, Citing Rising Costs

Genevieve Morrison • May 3, 2025
The City of Newton’s Finance Committee voted to allocate $2 million in “free cash” to pay for increases in health insurance costs next year.
Economic instability and inflation are negatively impacting Newton’s flexibility in FY26. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Facing Fiscal Challenges, Mayor Fuller Presents “Responsible” Budget for FY26

Riley Del Sesto • April 24, 2025
Newton Mayor Fuller presented a $623 million budget for fiscal year 2026 in her annual report, warning of economic uncertainty for the city.
Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee voted 5–1, with two abstentions, to send the new ordinance to city council. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton City Council Delays Vote on Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance

Laney McAden • April 9, 2025
Newton City Council discussed two versions of a zoning law concerning accessory dwelling units, but delayed voting on them.
The updated proposal would remove 24 parking spots. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

New Plan for Newton Centre Plaza To Displace Fewer Parking Spots

Deborah Cruger • February 21, 2025
An updated version of the Newton Centre Public Plaza will come with more parking than previously promised, according to planning officials. 
The permits both passed in unanimous votes. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton Land Use Committee Approves Permits For Office Building and Home

Matthew Antonecchia • January 31, 2025
Newton's Land Use Committee approved amending a special permit for an office building in Auburndale and replacing a home in West Newton. 
City Council's Programs and Services Committee recommended the measure be passed with a 5–2 vote last week. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton City Council Passes “Generational Ban” on Tobacco Sales

Laney McAden • January 22, 2025
Newton City Council prohibited the sale of tobacco products to people born on or after March 1, 2004, in its meeting on Tuesday.
Newton City Council passed an updated zoning ordinance in December. (Laney McAden / Heights Editor)

Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee Discusses Preservation of Existing Homes in Newton

Laney McAden • February 18, 2024
Newton's Zoning and Planning Committee discussed amendments to zoning laws to enhance the preservation of existing homes on Thursday night.
Ward 5 Councilor Bill Humphrey answered questions regarding the city budget Tuesday night. (Nicole Vagra / Heights Editor)

Newton City Council Removes Six Villages From Proposed Zoning Ordinance

Genevieve Morrison • November 30, 2023
Newton City Council approved more amendments to the VCOD, including the removal of six villages from the plan, at their meeting.
The ordinance’s objective is to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in the city. (Connor Siemien / Heights Editor)

Newton to Ban Retail Use of Black Plastic, Other Single-Use Plastic and Waste

Connor Siemien • September 19, 2023
The amendment, which bans black plastic take-out containers and mandates reusable cutlery and plates, will take effect in March 2024.
Newton city councilors raised concerns and continued the deliberation process as the city’s two year–long rezoning process approaches its conclusion. (Ella Song / Heights Editor)

Newton Zoning and Planning Committee Prepares to Publish Third Version of Rezoning Maps

Lyla Walsh • September 10, 2023
Councilor Crossley, Zoning and Planning Committee chair, refuted claims that the city hasn’t been transparent about its rezoning process. 
The candidates discussed their top priorities for the city, but conversation steered toward zoning during both debates. (Ella Song / Heights Editor)

Candidates Vying for Newton City Council Seats Focus on Zoning Redesign

Connor Siemien • September 6, 2023
Candidates for Newton City Council from Ward 2 and Ward 6 addressed the city’s ongoing rezoning plans during two debates.
Council projects include more funding for NewMo, added EV charging stations, and sewer line improvements. (Ella Song / Heights Editor)

Newton City Council Reports on Budget, Honors John Bliss at Monday Night Meeting

Ella Song • March 23, 2023
Newton city councilors discussed various budget items and projects and honored John Bliss at their city council meeting Monday night.
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