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Housing

Join Our Consensus Study Committees

January 10, 2023

League of Women Voters of Kalamazoo Area PoliciesAt its Annual Meeting held on June 12, 2022, the LWVN membership approved the formation of a Consensus Study Committee to update it’s zoning positions. This will be an intensive study of local zoning, and will be conducted in four stages:  research and study; consensus meetings; preparation of a study report; and determination if an existing position should be revised or deleted, or if a new position is warranted and development of that position.

We are inviting all members to join us in the conduct of this study.  There are lots of opportunities to participate, on whatever level and devoting as much time as you are comfortable with.

City of Gastonia - Applications and PermitsThe study will be focusing on five key areas:

  • review of Newton’s Comprehensive Plan
  • examination of current zoning techniques
  • examination of zoning ordinances that affect housing
  • reevaluation of our support for historic districts
  • examination of transportation goals

Anyone interested in participating should fill out this Form, letting us know what you are interested in and how much time you have to participate.  A LWVN Board member will get back to you with further details.

Read more →

Categories: Consensus Studies - Newton, Housing, Land Use, News, Transportation, Zoning, Zoning

LWVN Supports West Newton Armory Project

January 9, 2023

On January 9, 2023, LWVN sent a letter to the Zoning Board expressing its support for Metro West Collaborative Development Inc.’s request for a Comprehensive Permit, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40B, to redevelop the West Newton Armory into a 100% affordable development with 43 affordable residential rental units, community space, office space, and 33 parking stalls.

Support of this request is in alignment with Newton’s Comprehensive Plan and LWV values and positions.  Given the City’s need for these units, we think that approval of this project should not be delayed and we urge timely approval of this Comprehensive Permit.

You can read the entirety of LWVN’s letter below.

Categories: Housing, Local Action Log, News, no-front-page

LWVN Supports Updates to Accessory Apartment Ordinance

October 13, 2022

On October 13, 2022, LWVN sent a letter to the City Council expressing its support for proposed updates to the Accessory Apartment Ordinance.  These changes will amend the Accessory Apartment Ordinance originally adopted in December 2017, which allows homeowners to create an accessory apartment, as of right, within the main residence.

The proposed updates are primarily intended to address the two things that were not adopted five years ago by allowing:
1. The building of detached accessory apartments, by-right, up to 900 sf in size (these will continue to conform with other rules for accessory buildings).
2. The creation of an accessory apartment in a newly built home, thus eliminating the requirement that the main residence be at least four years old before an accessory apartment can be built.

You can read the entirety of LWVN’s letter below.

Categories: Housing, Local Action Log, News, no-front-page

Membership Approves Consensus Study Committee on Zoning

June 17, 2022

Newton zoning map

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.

Read more →

Categories: Consensus Studies - Newton, Housing, Land Use, News, Transportation, Zoning, Zoning

The League Presents: Zoning Redesign, part 1

May 18, 2022

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.

Watch the video now

Read more →

Categories: Housing, Land Use, The League Presents..., Zoning, Zoning

Educational Forum on ARPA: View the Recording

December 9, 2021

On Thursday, December 9, LWVN co-sponsored an educational forum, together with U-CHAN, regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Lizzi Weyant, Director of Government Affairs at the Metropolitan Area Council, gave an overview of ARPA and discussed the eligible uses of ARPA funding in support of an actionable plan to lay the groundwork of a strong and equitable recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts in Newton.

Read more below to watch the video or see the presentation; or, for further information on ARPA, read the ARPA Fact Sheet issued by the U.S Treasury.

Read more →

Categories: Housing, Municipal Finance, News, Racial Justice

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

The League registers voters and educates them about the important issues and challenges facing Newto

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA updated their cover photo.

1 month ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Newton voters now have the option to vote early by mail in all elections, with no excuse required! All registered voters in Newton should have received their official 2023 Vote by Mail Application this week, in plenty of time to Vote by Mail in the Newton Special Election on the override proposal. Full details of how to vote by mail are here: www.newtonma.gov/government/elections/absentee-voting ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Join us for a conversation with Congressman Jake Auchincloss of the MA 4th District on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 7:30pm!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/event/congressmanauchincloss-feb2023/Register at bit.ly/talk-with-jake ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

2 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
LWVN is again offering two scholarships to high school seniors in Newton! We are pleased to have increased our scholarship award for the class of 2023 to $2,000 each!Learn more at lwvnewton.org/lwvn-scholarship-program/Candidates should apply online at bit.ly/LWVNAPPLY23 Deadline extended to March 31, 2023! ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

5 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Election Day is one week away! Not sure what's on the ballot or how to vote in the midterm elections? Get your election questions answered at www.vote411.org and watch forums on the 4 Massachusetts ballot questions at lwvma.org/ballot-question-forums/ ... See MoreSee Less

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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