At its Annual Meeting held on June 12, 2022, the membership approved the formation of a Consensus Study Committee to Update Zoning Positions.
More information about this study and the reasons for it are described below. This will be an intensive study of local zoning, and membership interest in welcome and encouraged. Anyone interested in participating in this committee should Contact Us.
Background
The City is currently undertaking a multi-year effort to review its Zoning Ordinances. The City’s Zoning Ordinances have not been significantly updated since 1987, and since then the City has set forth many goals around land use, housing, transportation, economic development and climate action which cannot be met by current zoning ordinances. The City’s process for zoning review is undertaking to address all these issues. LWVN’s current positions are not updated enough to give adequate information and credibility for the LWVN to review, support, or oppose any recommendations arising from the City’s zoning review.
The Zoning Review Committee will be undertaking an in depth look at zoning issues. The study of zoning is closely linked with land use, housing, economic and mixed-use development; redevelopment, rehabilitation and conservation; historic preservation; and transportation. A balanced study is planned, including research and information gathering, informing members through our monthly emails, and member informational meetings. Current state and national positions will be researched, as well, to be sure any possible changes will be in compliance with them. It is hoped that the culmination of the committee’s work will result in a consensus meeting or meetings in which we reach a new position or positions with respect to zoning. The study is expected to take 1-2 years.
Focus and Scope
The approved focus and scope of the Study are as follows:
FOCUS: A study to update zoning positions
SCOPE: A study of how current LWVN positions and goals related to land use, housing, transportation, economic development, and climate action reflect the views and needs of Newton’s racial and economically diverse community and are advanced or impeded by current zoning ordinances.
Additional Information
More information about the study committee will be forthcoming in the next few months. Look for LWVN emails and newsletters.
Read about the City’s Zoning Redesign Process.