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The League Presents: Zoning Redesign, part 1

Deb Crossley
Newton City Councilor Deb Crossley, Chair of the Zoning & Planning Committee of the City Council  (ZAP)

In August 2020, I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Councilor Crossley, Chair of the Zoning & Planning Committee of the City Council  (ZAP). As a follow-up, this evening, to that program, I spoke with Deb about the City’s progress on zoning redesign, with a focus on:

  • A brief refresher on zoning principles
  • Actions taken to-date, since August 2020
  • Village Redesign, Phase I; citizen engagement/ outcomes
  • Village Redesign Phase II; zoning to achieve public policy objectives

Please watch for an upcoming program on the MBTA Communities legislation and what it might mean for Newton.

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Earth Day 2022 Programs & Events

Climate Change Solutions with Congressman Auchincloss & Newton’s Youth Leaders
April 21, 7pm

Join Green Newton’s virtual program with the Newton Free Library. Congressman Jake Auchincloss will provide updates on climate change legislation and his priorities, and some of Newton’s youth leaders will share their concerns about climate change, and what we can do locally.  Register here by 5:00 pm April 21.

Newton’s Earth Day Festival
April 24, 1 – 4pm

Celebrate. Learn. Take Action. Don’t miss the fun at City Hall —  live music, composting activity, petting zoo, face painting, green technology showcase, an EV expo, nature themed activities, ice cream and more. Learn more here and please stop by our LWVN tent at this event!

2022 Civics Challenge

This year’s Civics Challenge has been postponed until October.  Look for more information on the date and how to register coming in August.

Celebrate your civics knowledge!  Join us for a fun and friendly event for students and adults. Compete for prizes while engaging in an exciting test of your knowledge of our government.  Individuals and teams of up to 4 are welcome.  Learn more and find resources to up your civics game on our Newton Civics Challenge page.

The League Presents: Newton’s Citizens Commission on Energy

Halina BrownMarcia Johnson had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Halina Brown, Chair of Newton’s Citizens Commission on Energy.   In this program, Halina helps us to learn about the Commission, and the important work it does on behalf of the city and the overall sustainability of our community and world.  During our conversation we learned about:

  • The Energy Commission: its creation, mission, members, and how it operates
  • It’s greatest (recent) accomplishments
  • The greatest challenge for Newton in terms of climate protection
  • What the Commission is doing to help tackle this challenge
  • How LWVN can contribute to the Commission’s work

Halina is a retired professor of Environmental Science and Policy at Clark University and Newton resident for 39 years.  Since her retirement from Clark University she has been actively involved in the development and implementation of Newton’s Climate Action Plan. She also is a longtime League member.

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MLK Day Events: Continue the Discussion of Where Do We Go From Here

If you attended LWVN’s recent book group discussion on the book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and are interested in continuing the discussion, or if you missed the book group and want another opportunity to engage with this wonderful book, you can participate in other community groups discussing this book as part of community-wide MLK Day events. More information about Newton’s Annual Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. (including details about a week-long community food drive prior to the event) can be found at newtonma.gov/mlk22.

Read more about the book, and where you can get a copy below.

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