Executive Summary
The Zoning & Planning Committee met on June 8, 2026, to conduct a public hearing and vote on a proposed ordinance regarding raised garden beds in setbacks, while also discussing affordable housing deed restrictions and neighborhood preservation strategies. The committee ultimately voted 6-0-2 to recommend approval of an amended ordinance (Item #42-26) that allows raised garden beds in setbacks with specific height and distance requirements. Additionally, the committee received updates on expiring affordable housing deed restrictions, specifically noting 242 units at risk over the next 35 years, and discussed a new proposal to incentivize the preservation of existing buildings in Multi-Residence (MR) zones.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Zoning & Planning Committee
- Meeting Type: Regular Meeting and Public Hearing
- Date: June 08, 2026
- Committee Members Present: Chair R. Lisle Baker, Vice Chair Pamela Wright, Councilor John Oliver, Councilor Rena Getz, Councilor Susan Albright, Councilor Lisa Gordon, Councilor Cyrus Dahmubed.
- Other Councilors Present: Councilor Sean Roche (online), Councilor Randy Block (online), Councilor Julie Irish (online).
- Planning Board Members Present: Chair Kevin McCormick, Ed Daly, Peter Norringer, Amy Dane, Lee Breckenridge, Ken Gould, Katie Randall.
- City Staff Present: Ms. Colello (Planning Department), Shaylin Davis-Ayanako (Housing Program Manager), Commissioner Ciccarello (Inspectional Services Department), Andrew Lee (Law Department).
Item #42-26: Ordinance Amendment for Raised Garden Beds
The committee held a public hearing and discussion regarding a proposed change to Chapter 30 of the Newton Zoning Ordinance to allow raised garden beds in front, side, and rear setbacks.
Planning Department Presentation:
- Raised beds are currently defined as structures and are prohibited in setbacks.
- Option 1: Proposed a 5-foot front setback and 3-foot side/rear setback.
- Option 2: Proposed a 5-foot setback on all sides.
- The definition of a 'Raised Garden Bed' remains a structure no higher than 4 feet used for growing plants.
Public Comment Summary:
- Maxine Bridger: Supported the change, noting that cars and pavement are allowed in setbacks while gardens are restricted.
- Katherine Howard (Newton Conservatories): Supported the ordinance to encourage biodiversity and healthy food access.
- Mari Ramirez (14 Summer St): Emphasized the need for raised beds to avoid lead contamination in urban soil: "Garden beds are a way to make sure that we can grow nutritious, healthy, superior vegetables without the worry about lead contamination."
- Ben Soltoff (14 Summer St): Argued that "Gardeners are not developers" and the city should be more supportive of family-oriented property uses.
- Sherry Golden (472 Waltham St): Expressed concerns regarding sightlines and safety on busy streets, requesting clear visibility standards.
Committee Action: The committee discussed various compromises to address concerns about density in MR zones and traffic safety. The committee moved to approve an amended version of the ordinance with the following specifications:
- Side Setbacks: Minimum 7.5 feet from the property line.
- Rear Setbacks: Minimum 5 feet from the property line; maximum height of 4 feet.
- Front Setbacks: Minimum 5 feet from the property line or back of sidewalk; maximum height of 2 feet.
- Dimensions: Maximum length of 10 feet and width of 4 feet; total area per setback not to exceed 80 square feet.
- Trellises: Allowed up to 5 feet in height from grade in side and rear setbacks.
Vote: Approved 6-0-2 (Chair Baker and Councilor Gordon abstaining).
Item #117-26: Expiring Affordable Housing Deed Restrictions
Housing Program Manager Shaylin Davis-Ayanako provided a report on the status of the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) and expiring affordability restrictions.
Key Data Points:
- 63% of Newton's affordable units are restricted in perpetuity.
- 242 units are at risk of expiring between the 2020s and 2060s.
- 144 units are set to expire by 2039.
- Cabot Park Village: 100 units (approximately 25 affordable) are set to expire in 2026. The Planning Department is attempting to engage the owners to extend affordability.
Action: Motion to hold approved.
Item #49-26: Preservation Incentives in MR Zones
Councilor Albright introduced a discussion on amending MR1, MR2, and MR3 zones to incentivize the preservation and renovation of existing buildings over demolition.
Discussion Points:
- Current zoning often makes it more profitable to demolish older homes for large luxury condos than to adapt them into smaller units.
- Proposed looking at models like Portland, Oregon's sliding FAR scale.
- Goal is to encourage "gentle density" and preserve neighborhood character.
Action: Motion to hold approved.
Item #99-26: Route 9 and Brookline Rezoning Update
Chair Baker provided an update on the Town of Brookline's rezoning of the Chestnut Hill area along Route 9.
Key Updates:
- Brookline passed the rezoning overwhelmingly.
- Mayor Fuller has written to Brookline expressing concerns regarding traffic impacts on Hammond Street and Dunster Road.
- A working group including Newton, Brookline, and MassDOT has been formed to address traffic mitigation and potential road modifications.
Action: Motion to hold approved.