Executive Summary
The Zoning & Planning Committee met on March 9, 2026, to address two major items: the potential impacts of the Town of Brookline’s proposed 'Refinery' zoning along Route 9 (Item 99-26) and a comprehensive analysis of Newton’s affordable housing deficit (Item 59-26). Regarding the Brookline zoning, the Committee discussed significant concerns over proposed traffic modifications, specifically the 'R-cut' design at Hammond Street, and the scale of a proposed 14-story development. The Committee also reviewed a report from the Newton Housing Priority Task Force, which identified a critical need for deeply affordable family rental units and the preservation of 302 affordable units at risk of expiring within the next decade. Both items were placed on hold for further study and coordination with relevant stakeholders.
Meeting Metadata
- Governing Body: Zoning & Planning Committee
- Meeting Date: March 09, 2026
- Meeting Type: Regular Committee Meeting
- Committee Members Present: Councilor Marc C. Laredo (Chair), Councilor Pamela Wright (Vice Chair), Councilor John Oliver (Council President), Councilor Cyrus Dahmubed, Councilor Randy Block (online).
- Other Councilors Present: Councilor Susan Albright, Councilor Rena Getz, Councilor Sean Roche, Councilor R. Lisle Baker.
- Staff and Guests: Brookline Town Administrator, Ms. Wewell (Planning Department), Miles (Planning Staff).
Item 99-26: Proposed Brookline Refinery Zoning on Route 9
The committee discussed a request by Councilors Baker, Grossman, Kalis, Farrell, Golden, Silver, Dahmubed, Lucas, Albright, Malakie, Wright, Getz, and Block for a presentation regarding Brookline's proposed zoning on Boylston Street (Route 9) between Hammond Street and Hammond Farm Parkway.
Key Discussion Points:
- Zoning Context: Brookline is considering a major rezoning for the Route 9 corridor, including a 'Chestnut Hill Commercial Overlay District' allowing heights from 150 to 175 feet (approximately 14-20 stories).
- Traffic Modifications: A proposed 'R-cut' (Restricted Crossing U-Turn) at Hammond Street would prevent direct north-south travel across Route 9.
- Direct Quote: "The yellow lines indicate that the traffic movement going north and south would be modified so that you couldn't go south directly across Hammond Street. You would have to turn right, make a U-turn... and come back."
- Newton Concerns: Councilor Wright expressed skepticism regarding the R-cut, stating, "I'm very suspect... I'm seeing more and more road rage and people not letting people in, so it is a difficult concept."
- Development Scale: A proposal by City Realty includes approximately 887,000 square feet, 270 residential units, and 240 hotel rooms.
Official Action:
- Motion: To hold the item.
- Outcome: The motion to hold passed unanimously (Ayes have it).
Item 59-26: Affordable Housing Deficit Report
The Newton Housing Priority Task Force presented a report analyzing the city's affordable housing supply and future needs.
Key Findings and Financials:
- Current Supply: Newton has approximately 33,600 total housing units. As of June 2025, there are 2,118 affordable units existing or in construction, with a total of 2,705 units when including those permitted.
- Development Costs: The task force estimated that creating affordable homeownership is costly, with a total development cost of approximately $800,000 per unit, requiring significant subsidies as Newton is ineligible for certain state funds.
- Rental Investment: Over the last 10 years, city investments in properties with 33-49 units averaged $64,000 per unit.
- Preservation Risks: 302 affordable units (representing 541 Subsidized Housing Inventory units) are at risk of being lost in the next 10 years due to expiring deed restrictions.
Policy Recommendations:
- Prioritize Low-Income Family Rentals: Focus on households at or below 60% Area Median Income (AMI).
- Preservation: Establish a 5-to-10-year rolling inventory to protect units with expiring restrictions.
- Support Newton Housing Authority: Address the $1.5 billion statewide need for public housing capital by supporting local NHA sites.
Official Action:
- Motion: To hold the item.
- Outcome: The motion to hold passed unanimously (Ayes have it).