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The News Site of Boston College

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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.
(Steve Mooney / For the Heights)

Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee Rejected Proposed Modification to Zoning Ordinance

Nikita Osadchiy November 20, 2024
Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee rejected a proposed modification of current zoning ordinance to comply with the MBTA Communities Act.
Newton passed its current zoning ordinance in December of last year. (Ben Shultz / Heights Archives)

State Says Newton Must Revise Zoning Laws to Comply With MBTA Communities Law

Ella Song October 30, 2024
Massachusetts pointed out two areas where Newton needs to tweak its zoning laws to be considered compliant with the MBTA Communities Act.
Between 2017 and 2022, the primary motivation for demolishing older homes was to increase the square footage.

Torn-Down Newton Homes Tend to be Replaced With Bigger Ones, Says Zoning Committee

Nikita Osadchiy October 15, 2024
A study showed that most Newton houses that are torn down are replaced with larger ones. Newton city councilors said that's harmful.
(Vikrum Singh / Heights Archives)

Augustus Breaks Down Massachusetts’ Housing Crisis

Elona Michael and Nic Petrosino October 3, 2024
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is currently in a housing crisis requiring statewide development, according to Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus.
The development on 41 Washington Street would consist of 16 housing units and four of them would be affordable. (Photo Courtesy of Heights Archives)

Newton Development Unlikely to Gain Affordable Housing Permit, According to Zoning Board

Genevieve Morrison September 10, 2024
Newton’s Zoning Board of Appeals signaled it would vote against a controversial housing development planned for Washington Street.
The project on 20 Clinton Street in Nonantum stands nine feet and six inches taller than councilors thought it would when it was approved. (Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

City Council Appeals to Zoning Board After Newton Construction Project Built Taller Than Anticipated

Genevieve Morrison September 5, 2024
The Newton City Council will appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals after a Nonantum building was built nearly 10 feet taller than anticipated.
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.
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.
The council is nearing a final vote on the zoning plan, which will occur by the end of the calendar year. (Steve Mooney / Heights Archives)

Newton City Council Finalizes Proposed Amendments to City’s Zoning Plan

Genevieve Morrison November 17, 2023
The city council must pass a new zoning ordinance by Dec. 31 in order to comply with the MBTA Communities Law.
The approval by the committee comes after almost three years of government and city debate of the issue. (Annie Ladd Reid / Heights Editor)

Newton’s Zoning and Planning Commission Approves Final Zoning Plan for Full City Council Vote

Ella Song and Genevieve Morrison November 5, 2023
Newton City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee voted to approve the third version of the Village Center Overlay District plans.
Outspoken Residents Argue For, Against Proposed Zoning Maps at Public Hearing

Outspoken Residents Argue For, Against Proposed Zoning Maps at Public Hearing

Connor Siemien September 26, 2023
The city must adopt certain zoning ordinances by Dec. 31, 2023 to remain compliant with MBTA guidelines and thus remain eligible for funding.
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