Hang on to your hats: this summer, the #NewtonMA Zoning & Planning Committee is debating how to expand multi-family zoning in the city.
newtv.org/recent-video/1…
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newtv.org/recent-video/1…
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The #ZoningRedesign question in the June 29th meeting is whether or not #NewtonMa should continue "single-family only residence districts" near public transit. /2 
Across the 3 hours, proponents of #ZoningRedesign in #NewtonMa talk about the need for change in terms of a moral obligation to address a legacy of #SystemicRacism in the zoning code across the country. 👍 /3
And, opponents of #ZoningRedesign in #NewtonMa base their case on fear & entitlements:
"Schools can't handle it"
"It will change our character"
"This will bring more expensive condos" but also... "this will lower property values"
"We deserve single family zoned neighbors"
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"Schools can't handle it"
"It will change our character"
"This will bring more expensive condos" but also... "this will lower property values"
"We deserve single family zoned neighbors"
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Facts suggest #NewtonMA has room for more housing:
- Population was larger in 1960 vs. today (92K vs 89K)
- Scores of houses demolished & families displaced in the 60's when the Pike was built
- School enrollment is slated to fall over next 5 years
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- Population was larger in 1960 vs. today (92K vs 89K)
- Scores of houses demolished & families displaced in the 60's when the Pike was built
- School enrollment is slated to fall over next 5 years
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The city of #NewtonMa has set up a #ZoningRedesign website and newsletter to communicate information, recommend signing up for updates:
newtonma.gov/gov/planning/l…
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newtonma.gov/gov/planning/l…
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@threadreaderapp unroll my man
