The mayor acted without input from the City Council, neighboring businesses, and residents in planning to remove 52 parking spots from the Langley lot, thereby harming Newton’s most vulnerable residents.

My psychiatry practice on Union Street serves many elderly patients with mobility difficulties who need in-person appointments and cannot use telehealth. Public transportation is not viable for them, and given the limited parking around Union Street, most park in the Langley lot. Eliminating parking while adding spots much farther away negatively impacts my patients; the parking situation is already a disincentive for them, so fewer spots effectively means fewer appointments and poorer care. Patients routinely pair office visits with excursions to surrounding restaurants, which will all lose revenue accordingly. Furthermore, parking helps the community year-round, whereas an outdoor plaza is warm-weather-only.

By labeling this project a “pilot” and using ARPA funds that only she controls, the mayor sidelined the entire City Council and skirted public forums that could stop this undemocratic maneuver. Newton could better utilize the existing green spaces along Centre Street to foster community—why not add picnic tables and Adirondack chairs there?  Ultimately, the mayor’s project harms our older residents and businesses far in excess of any benefits.

Andrew Popper, MD, MS 

Newton Centre resident and business owner