Zoning & Planning Committee - May 11, 2026

• Date: May 11, 2026
• Governing Body: Zoning & Planning Committee
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Attendees: Councilor Marc C. Laredo (Chair), Councilor David A. Kalis (Vice Chair), Councilor John Oliver (President), Councilor Susan Albright, Councilor Lisa Gordon, Councilor Pamela Wright, Councilor Cyrus Dahmubed, Councilor Sean Roche, Councilor Randy Block, Councilor Julia Malakie.
• Staff and Guests: Mike Flora (Executive Director, Newton Housing Authority), Planning Department representatives, and the Commissioner of Inspectional Services.

Executive Director Mike Flora provided a comprehensive update on the Newton Housing Authority (NHA), emphasizing its status as a separate legal entity from the City of Newton.

Key Discussion Points:

• Portfolio Overview: The NHA subsidizes over 1,000 units and serves 1,300 residents. The average tenant income for federal senior housing is under $18,000 per year.
• Financial Structure: Tenants typically pay 30% of their gross income toward rent. Flora noted, "We are picking up a heavy cost as the housing authority to maintain operating duty capital for very little money from the tenant."
• Funding Challenges: Flora highlighted that public housing is a "notoriously underfunded program," receiving less than five cents on the dollar for capital needs. The NHA pays approximately $800,000 per month in Housing Assistance Payments (HAP).
• Section 8 Vouchers: There are 446 vouchers, but the program is facing a federal funding shortfall, preventing the reissuance of vouchers lost to attrition.
• Redevelopment Plans: The NHA is pursuing Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversions to shift properties to the Section 8 platform for better funding. RFPs are expected by the end of summer for Parker House and by fall for state public housing redevelopment.

Official Action:

• Motion to Hold: Approved (Ayes have it).

The committee discussed the need for updated definitions in the Newton zoning ordinances for allowed uses that are currently undefined, specifically focusing on "live/work" spaces.

Key Discussion Points:

• Undefined Uses: The Planning Department identified several undefined uses, including live/work, paint stores, and funeral homes.
• Live/Work Challenges: Councilor Oliver noted that "live/work could be anything" and argued that undefined uses should not be allowed by right.
• Committee Direction: The committee directed the Planning Department to research how peer communities define "live/work" and "work/live" specifically within commercial zones.

Official Action:

• Motion to Hold: Approved (Ayes have it). The Planning Department is charged with returning with specific definitions for "live/work" and "work/live" in commercial contexts.

The Mayor requested a discussion on zoning amendments to allow electrical transformers to project into setbacks, driven by increased electrification requirements and the fossil fuel ban.

Key Discussion Points:

• Utility Requirements: Transformers are currently considered structures and are prohibited in setbacks. However, utility companies (Eversource) often dictate placement late in the construction process, leading to zoning violations.
• Impact on Neighborhoods: Councilors expressed concerns regarding noise (tonal humming), aesthetics, and the requirement for safety bollards. Councilor Roche argued, "If this is code, this is entirely foreseeable... I think that we can have a harder line on this because it can be built into the design."
• Precedents: The committee noted existing exceptions for heat pumps and insulation in setbacks.

Official Action:

• Motion to Hold: Approved (Ayes have it). The committee requested a review of the Eversource "codebook" and further research into existing energy-related setback exemptions.

The committee considered the reappointment of Marcella Mariano to the Economic Development Commission.

Official Action:

• Motion to Approve: Approved (Ayes have it). Reappointment for a term to expire November 30, 2028.