Joint Zoning and Planning & Finance Committees - January 26, 2026

• Date: January 26, 2026
• Governing Bodies: Joint Zoning and Planning Committee and Finance Committee
• Meeting Type: Joint Committee Meeting
• Chairs: Councilor R. Lisle Baker (Zoning and Planning), Councilor Rebecca Walker Grossman (Finance)
• Key Participants: Molly Hutchings (CPA Program Manager), Sachiko Ishihara (Suzuki School Executive Director), Zachary LaMelle (Planner)

The committees discussed a recommendation from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to appropriate $600,000 in CPA historic resource funding to the Planning and Development Department for a grant to the Suzuki School for an elevator and accessibility project.

Key Discussion Points:

• Project Scope: The project involves an elevator addition and expanded classroom spaces for the Stables Farmhouse (circa 1750), a designated local historic landmark.
• Financials: The $600,000 request represents 23% of the total $2.5 million project budget. Funding will be drawn from the Historic Resource Reserves ($505,000) and the unrestricted CPA account.
• Community Impact: Sachiko Ishihara noted the addition would house two classrooms and a community room for local groups like the Waban Improvement Society.

Official Action:

• Zoning and Planning Committee Vote: Approved (Unanimous voice vote).
• Finance Committee Vote: Approved (Unanimous voice vote).

Councilors Block, Malakie, and Farrell requested a discussion on whether the Village Center Overlay District (VCOD) in Auburndale and West Newton should be suspended until the local commuter rail stations are made accessible for people with disabilities.

Key Discussion Points:

• Leverage: Councilor Block argued that including Auburndale in the VCOD was intended as leverage to secure state funding for station accessibility, which has not yet been awarded for Auburndale or West Newton.
• Economic Impact: Concerns were raised that VCOD zoning encourages landlords to offer only short-term leases, hindering small business stability.
• Opposition: Several councilors argued that removing VCOD would signal a lack of commitment to the state and that West Newton's inclusion is mandatory for MBTA Communities Act compliance.
• Legal Note: Assistant City Solicitor Lee noted that 'suspending' zoning is an unusual legal mechanism that requires further research.

Official Action:

• Motion: No Action Necessary (NAN) moved by Councilor Albright.
• Outcome: Motion passed 7-1-0 (Councilor Block opposed).

The committee discussed possible amendments to Chapter 30 zoning to enhance the preservation of existing homes over their replacement by larger, more expensive structures (teardowns).

Key Discussion Points:

• Data: Planner Zachary LaMelle reported approximately 100 demolitions per year in Newton, typically involving small post-WWII homes on large lots.
• Policy Goals: Discussion focused on 'adaptive reuse' and ensuring quality outcomes rather than a total moratorium on development.
• Future Action: President Oliver requested a re-presentation of previous research to clarify the intent of the proposal.

Official Action:

• Outcome: Item held for further discussion.

Councilors Albright and Kelley proposed an ordinance change to allow raised garden beds (4 feet or less) within front and rear setbacks.

Key Discussion Points:

• Urban Agriculture: Proponents argued raised beds support food sovereignty and accessibility for elderly gardeners or those with contaminated soil.
• Neighbor Concerns: Councilors expressed concerns regarding side setbacks, visibility on corner lots, and the potential for raised beds to act as unintended screening structures near property lines.

Official Action:

• Outcome: Item held for further study and coordination with the Planning Department.

The committee formally recognized Zachary LaMelle for his six and a half years of service to the Planning Department and the City of Newton as he prepares to depart for a new role.