Executive Summary
The Zoning & Planning Committee met on March 9, 2026, to discuss two major items: the proposed zoning and traffic modifications by the Town of Brookline for the Boylston Street (Route 9) corridor and a comprehensive report on Newton's affordable housing deficit. Brookline Town Administrator Chas Carey presented potential traffic mitigation strategies, including a controversial 'R-cut' at Hammond Street, while the Newton Housing Priority Task Force highlighted the urgent need for deeply affordable family rental housing and the preservation of existing units at risk of expiring. Both items were held for further study and discussion.
Meeting Metadata
- Governing Body: Zoning & Planning Committee
- Meeting Date: March 09, 2026
- Meeting Type: Regular Committee Meeting
- Attendees:
- Marc C. Laredo (Chair)
- Susan Albright
- Pamela Wright
- Sean Roche
- Rena Getz
- R. Lisle Baker
- Martha Bixby (Joined late)
- Chas Carey (Brookline Town Administrator)
- Esther Schlorholtz (Newton Housing Priority Task Force Chair)
Brookline Boylston Street Zoning and Traffic Modifications
Discussion Summary
The committee received a presentation regarding the Town of Brookline's proposed rezoning of the Route 9 corridor. The discussion focused on the potential impacts on Newton, specifically regarding traffic and pedestrian safety at the Hammond Street intersection.
Key Points
- Zoning Overlay: Brookline is considering four overlay subzones along Route 9 to encourage commercial growth.
- Traffic Mitigation Concepts:
- R-cut (Restricted Crossing U-Turn): A proposed modification at Hammond Street where north-south traffic would be required to turn right and make a U-turn rather than crossing directly.
- Roundabout: A potential single-lane roundabout at Hammond Pond Parkway and Heath Street.
- Development Proposals: City Realty has proposed a development on the south side of Route 9. Initial proposals for 20 stories have been reduced to approximately 14 stories, contingent on commercial density.
- Inter-Municipal Cooperation: Chair Laredo emphasized the history of cooperation between Newton and Brookline on projects like Chestnut Hill Square and the Star Market redevelopment.
Official Actions
- Motion to Hold: A motion was made to hold the item to monitor Brookline's Town Meeting progress in May/June.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously (Voice Vote).
Item 59-26: Presentation on Affordable Housing Deficit
Discussion Summary
Councilor Albright and Esther Schlorholtz presented a report from the Newton Housing Priority Task Force (formed in late 2023) analyzing the city's affordable housing supply and future needs.
Key Data and Financials
- Total Housing Stock: Approximately 33,700 units in Newton.
- Affordable Supply: 2,118 units are currently existing or in construction (defined as 110% AMI and below).
- Rental vs. Ownership: 19% of rental units are affordable; less than 0.5% (88 units) of ownership units are affordable.
- Expiring Units: 302 affordable units (representing 541 SHI units) are at risk of being lost in the next 10 years. Specific risks include Evans Park (23 units) and Cabot Park (20 units), both owned by Benchmark.
- Development Costs: Estimated at $800,000 per unit for new construction, requiring significant subsidies.
Task Force Recommendations
- Prioritize Low-Income Family Rentals: Shift focus toward deeply affordable units for families, as current stock is 54% senior-oriented.
- Preservation: Establish a 5-to-10-year rolling inventory to track and protect expiring deed restrictions.
- Support Housing Authority: Address the capital and operating underfunding of the Newton Housing Authority.
Official Actions
- Motion to Hold: A motion was made to hold the item for further refinement of housing production goals.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously (Voice Vote).
Adjournment
- Action: The committee voted to adjourn following the conclusion of the housing presentation.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.