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The News Site of Boston College

The Heights

The News Site of Boston College

The Heights

The MBTA Communities Act is a 2021 state law on housing. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Housing Experts Call for Enforcement of MBTA Communities Act at BC Law Panel

Genevieve Morrison April 25, 2025
BC Law’s Initiative on Land, Housing, and Property Rights hosted a panel for housing experts to discuss the MBTA Communities Act
Newton was deemed conditionally compliant with the MBTA Communities law in October. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton Zoning Committee Votes To Tweak Retaining Wall Laws To Comply With State

Laney McAden January 15, 2025
Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee agreed to send a new retaining wall proposal to City Council for the Village Center Overlay District.
Deborah Crossley was voted out in last year’s city council election following controversy over zoning reform.

Newton City Council Appoints Ousted Councilor to Zoning Board

Genevieve Morrison November 21, 2024
Newton City Council appointed Deborah Crossley, the architect of a controversial zoning reform, to the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals.
ZAP agreed to hold further discussion of the possible permit amendments until a later meeting (Nicole Vagra / Heights Editor)

Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee Reviews Possible Changes to Retaining Wall Requirements

Laney McAden April 11, 2024
Members of Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee (ZAP) proposed changing the requirements for retaining walls in a meeting Monday night. 
The previous city council passed the updated zoning ordinance in December of last year. (Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee Talks Post-VCOD Development Impacts, Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance

Ella Song March 27, 2024
The Zoning and Planning Committee talked small business protection during development following the implementation of new zoning regulations.
The new law will allow for more multi-family housing and mixed land use in many of Newton’s villages. (Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

Newton City Council Passes Downsized Village Center Overlay District

Genevieve Morrison December 5, 2023
Newton City Council added final amendments and passed the Village Center Overlay District during its meeting Monday 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.
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