Zoning

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

March 14, 2026

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.

LWVN Sends Letter to City Councilor Baker Expressing Disappointment on Exclusion of Public Comment from ZAP Hearing

July 9, 2025

On July 8, 2025, LWVN sent a letter to City Councilor, Lisle Baker, Chair of the Zoning and Planning Committee, expressing its disappointment with Chair Baker’s decision to exclude representatives of the business community from the planning “discussion” scheduled for the July 9th Zoning and Planning Committee meeting.

Read the letter:

Newton City Council Approves Zoning Reform

December 6, 2023

On Monday, December 4, the Newton City Council enacted the most significant zoning reform in the City in decades. The new zoning rules will make it possible for denser multifamily housing to be built in six of Newton’s villages: Newton Centre, Newtonville, Waban, Newton Highlands, West Newton, and Auburndale. The zoning has been designed to help make the villages more vibrant, meet the great need for more, and more affordable, housing in Newton and throughout the region, and address urgent climate change concerns. Updated zoning will help the City meet the need for housing opportunities for seniors looking to downsize, small families and families just starting out, and people who serve our community.

The zoning reform will permit multifamily housing to be built in the six village centers for which it was approved. Clustering multifamily housing near transit stops in village centers is intended to help address the climate crisis. Residents with easy access to public transit and with revitalized, walkable village centers would presumably rely less on their cars. In addition, market-rate units in multifamily structures will cost less than the single-family homes that are now out of the price range of so many who wish to live in Newton. Deed-restricted affordable units are also incentivized in the plan.

The City Council’s nearly unanimous vote (21 to 2, with one councilor absent) was the culmination of a three-year process that included analysis and planning by the Zoning and Planning Committee of the City Council, public discussion and input, revisions to plans, Council debate, and compromise. The zoning package furthers the regional plan adopted through a 2021 state law, the Massachusetts Housing Choice Bill (MBTA Communities Act), and meets the December 31, 2023 deadline under that law for Newton to revise its Zoning Ordinance.

LWVN Joins Newton for Everyone

October 26, 2023

The LWVN board voted in October to join Newton for Everyone, a coalition of civic, housing, climate activists, clergy, and local businesses supporting the proposed Village Center Overlay District (VCOD) under consideration by the Newton City Council. This is a non-partisan coalition.

As Newton goes through the process of considering the VCOD, its citizens will need a reasoned and well informed coalition that can present factual information regarding the changes being proposed. LWVN will be lending its name, reputation, and experience as Newton for Everyone works to ensure that correct information is being given to citizens through leafleting, signs, and ensuring there is a balanced representation at community forums.

To learn more about the coalition, visit Newtonforeveryone.com.

Join Our Consensus Study Committees

January 10, 2023

At 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.

The 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.

Give Your Feedback on Proposed Changes to Village Center Zoning

October 13, 2022

Please Provide Your Input on
Proposed Changes to Village Center Zoning

The City is considering updates to its zoning rules for our village centers and wants our feedback using this online Feedback Tool. The end of the Feedback Tool has a free response section where you can write additional thoughts, and we encourage you to express your thoughts about the proposed zoning changes. FEEDBACK IS DUE BY OCTOBER 16.

For more background, the last comprehensive update to Newton’s village center zoning was in 1987, almost 40 years ago. Zoning laws regulate how land in Newton can be developed and what kinds of new buildings are allowed. Zoning can influence store and business activity through parking and density requirements, whether green space or public spaces are required in new developments, the amount of housing supply near public transportation, and decisions people make about how to move through our spaces.

Helpful resources:

Watch this episode of the League Presents, with City Councilor Deb Crossley, speaking about the Village Center Zoning Redesign efforts.
View 2022: Shape the Future of Your Village Centers Interview with City Councilor Deb Crossley
Visit the Newton Free Library’s interactive exhibit. You can view that exhibit in person, 2nd Floor Room C, or virtually here.
Read here for more information on the City’s Zoning Redesign Process and Village Centers Zoning Updates.
Read a Boston Globe Article on Newton’s efforts to gather public feedback on proposed changes to Village Centers Zoning.

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