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Housing

Newton for Everyone Event: Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes

When: Wednesday, June 17, 7pm
Where: Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, 60 Highland Street, West Newton
Virtual Option Available

Why does building a home in Newton often require years of special permits, committee hearings, and appeals? And why does this exhaustive process mean that Newton ends up with so many expensive McMansions instead of the diverse housing options our community needs?

What we’re seeing isn’t an accident. The housing we get is the direct result of decades of zoning and permitting tweaks. Each rule change started with good intentions, but the cumulative outcome is the crunch we’re in now. Come learn about why Newton’s housing rules aren’t working and how the city is beginning to fix them.

More Information and to RSVP

LWVN is a coalition partner of Newton for Everyone.

Newton for Everyone Event: Two Years of VCOD, Where Are We and What’s Next

When: Thursday, March 19 at 7:00pm
Where: Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, 60 Highland Street, West Newton
Virtual Option Available

In December 2023, Newton passed the Village Center Overlay District (VCOD), in response to the MBTA Communities Act, amidst intense debate. Opponents warned it would open the floodgates to oversized buildings and rapidly transform our neighborhoods. Two years later, what has actually happened?  Join renowned housing policy researcher and Newton native Amy Dain as we review the first wave of VCOD projects.

More Information and to RSVP.

LWVN is a coalition partner of Newton for Everyone.

Newton for Everyone invites you to join them at their upcoming event!

Priced Out: The growing challenge of teacher retention and housing costs

Tuesday, September 30, 7:00 pm
Scandinavian Living Center – Nordic Hall
206 Waltham St., West Newton
In person & live streaming on Zoom

For more information and to register: Register Here

The National Council on Teacher Quality President Heather Peske will share their recently released analysis of housing costs and teacher pay across the country, with implications for Newton’s teachers and community.

Housing and Climate Change Forum

On Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00pm, Newton for Everyone will be hosting a forum on Housing and Climate Change: What’s the Connection?   The featured speaker is Dan Ruben, long-time Newton resident and a leading voice in sustainability practices

Housing’s impact is not only about how we build our homes, but also where we build our homes.  Explore how strategic housing development can contribute to a more sustainable future for Newton.

This is a hybrid event –  in person at the Scandinavian Living Center – Nordic Hall, 206 Waltham St., West Newton.  Or streaming on Zoom.

Register HERE.

LWVN is a coalition partner with Newton for Everyone.

LWVN Expresses Support for Amendments to Northland Project

On April 11, 2025, LWVN sent a letter to the City Council expressing its support for proposed amendments to the Northland development project.  The amended Northland project will
make more housing available in the city and will increase the diversity of housing options; mitigate the use of cars; create new recreational open space; encourage walking, biking, and the use of the Greenway; and attract new shops and restaurants.

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

LWVN Expresses Support for Changes to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance

On February 19, 2025, LWVN sent a letter to the City Council expressing its support for changes to Newton’s ADU ordinance to comply with the final regulations issued on January 31, 2025 by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development for the implementation of updates to the Commonwealth’s Zoning Act (Ch. 40A) regulating ADUs.  LWVN also expressed support for additional amendments to the ADU ordinance proposed by Councilor Susan Albright to (i) increase to 1200 square feet the by-right size of ADUs and (ii) increase the by-right size of ADUs in
historically significant accessory buildings.

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