Residents share hopes, frustrations with Newton’s ADU permitting process
Accessory dwelling units are fast becoming a popular idea in communities where housing demand far exceeds supply and where high costs keep new homeowners out. [...]
City to launch ADU design contest
In an effort to encourage accessory dwelling unit (ADU) construction in Newton, the city’s planning and development department will soon be accepting submissions for a [...]
Letter to the Editor: Newton’s housing policies make way for luxury, not affordability
To the Editor, Lost in the Lawn/Leary debate is what’s happening in my neighborhood because of Newton’s recent housing policies (and failure to formulate policy). [...]
Guest Essay: My experience as an affordable housing advocate in Newton
I am a rising senior at Newton North High School and have been advocating for affordable housing in Newton for the last two years. I [...]
Making Room: Newton’s Amy Dain talks impact of MBTA Communities Act, VCOD
A few years ago, the state mandated cities and towns with MBTA access rezone for higher density housing, to both combat the state’s housing shortage [...]
Column: Transit-oriented smart growth and missed opportunities
The historical development of Newton’s villages provides an example of transit-oriented development done right—and a good model for the smart growth the region needs today. [...]
Real estate leaders express optimism as MBTA zoning law reshapes Massachusetts housing plans
The Charles River Regional Chamber’s annual Real Estate Forum was palpably optimistic about the future of housing in Massachusetts in a meeting last Tuesday, discussing [...]
ZBA discusses updates to controversial proposed development in Nonantum
This story is from The Heights, an independent, nonprofit newspaper run by Boston College students with which the Newton Beacon has a partnership. The Newton Zoning Board [...]
City Council rejects plan for parking instead of housing on Nonantum lot
On Dec. 9, the Land Use Committee voted to recommend approval of a non-accessory parking lot and a rebuild of a 10-foot retaining wall at [...]
Rent control measure advances toward 2026 ballot as housing debate intensifies
The responses grew louder each time Dorchester resident Antonio Ennis started a new chant in the small meeting room inside Church on the Hill. “What [...]
City Council clears the way for Riverside project to break ground
The City Council voted Monday night to approve the special permit requested by Mark Development for its Riverside project—now in its fourth version and approaching [...]
Nolin urges approval of Dudley Street residential project
Superintendent Anna Nolin is adding her voice to the housing development debate, at least for one proposal. Nolin recently sent a letter to the Land [...]
Teacher salary increases are no match for rising housing prices in Newton
A household in Newton, where the most experienced teachers earn just over $100,000 a year, must earn at least $183,000 to afford a typical mortgage [...]
City Council is mulling changes to Newton’s inclusionary zoning ordinance
Newton housing prices have skyrocketed out of reach for many people, so the city is looking at updating its inclusionary zoning ordinance—which requires developers to [...]
Hasseltine House loses appeal in lawsuit against Jewish Family and Children’s Services
On Sept. 10, the Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a Massachusetts Superior Court decision in favor of Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) ending its Newton [...]