Executive Summary
The Zoning & Planning Committee met on March 9, 2026, to address two major items: a presentation on the Town of Brookline's proposed zoning and traffic modifications for the Boylston Street (Route 9) corridor and a comprehensive report on Newton's affordable housing deficit. Brookline officials discussed a new overlay district and traffic mitigation strategies, including a controversial 'R-cut' design at Hammond Street, which prompted concerns from Newton councilors regarding local traffic impacts. The Committee also reviewed findings from the Newton Housing Priority Task Force, which highlighted a critical need for low-income family rental housing and the preservation of 302 affordable units at risk of expiring over the next decade. Both items were held for further study and discussion.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Zoning & Planning Committee
- Meeting Date: March 09, 2026
- Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
- Attendees: Marc C. Laredo (Chair), Susan Albright, Martha Bixby, Rena Getz, Pamela Wright, Sean Roche, Lisa Gordon, R. Lisle Baker, and Brookline Town Administrator Mr. Carey.
Discussion on Brookline Boylston Street Zoning and Traffic Modifications
The Committee received a presentation from Brookline Town Administrator Mr. Carey and planning staff regarding proposed zoning changes and traffic modifications along the Route 9 corridor.
Key Discussion Points:
- Zoning Overlay: Brookline is considering a major rezoning for the Route 9 corridor, including four overlay subzones. The process is expected to be completed by May or June 2026.
- Traffic Modifications:
- R-cut (Restricted Crossing U-turn): Proposed for the Hammond Street intersection. This would prevent direct north-south travel across Hammond Street, requiring drivers to turn right and make a U-turn at designated loops.
- Roundabout: A potential single-lane roundabout at Hammond Pond Parkway and Heath Street.
- Councilor Concerns:
- Councilor Wright and Councilor Roche expressed significant skepticism regarding the 'R-cut,' noting it is counter-intuitive and could lead to increased traffic congestion and 'road rage.'
- Councilor Baker suggested the implementation of a frontage road to eliminate crossovers, similar to the Chestnut Hill Square development.
- Official Action: A motion to Hold the item was made to allow for continued collaboration with Brookline and the state. The motion passed unanimously (Voice Vote: Aye - All, Opposed - None).
Item 59-26: Presentation on Affordable Housing Deficit
Councilor Pamela Wright presented a report from the Newton Housing Priority Task Force (formed in late 2023) analyzing the city's affordable housing landscape.
Financial and Statistical Data:
- Total Housing Stock: Approximately 33,700 units.
- Affordable Units:
- Existing and in construction: 2,118 units.
- Permitted but not in construction: 587 units.
- Total existing/permitted: 2,705 units.
- Rental vs. Ownership: 19% of rental units are affordable; less than 0.5% (88 units) of ownership housing is affordable.
- Risk of Loss: 302 affordable units (representing 541 units on the Subsidized Housing Inventory) are at risk of expiring in the next 10 years.
Key Recommendations:
- Prioritize Low-Income Family Rentals: Currently, only 22% of affordable rentals serve families; the majority (54%) is designated for seniors.
- Preservation: Establish a 5-to-10-year rolling inventory to protect units with expiring deed restrictions.
- Leverage Funding: Focus on state funds and public-owned properties to reduce the city's per-unit subsidy cost (currently averaging $64,000 for larger projects).
Official Action: A motion to Hold the item was made to allow for further refinement of housing production goals. The motion passed unanimously (Voice Vote: Aye - All, Opposed - None).
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned following the vote to hold Item 59-26.