Maria Scibelli Greenberg: Ward 1

Maria Scibelli Greenberg is a candidate for the Newton school committee in Ward 1. Learn more about her views from her campaign website, the Beacon’s profile, and her responses to the Beacon’s candidate survey:

How would you improve CITY FINANCES in Newton?

Consistently, every budget season, we evaluate key financial concerns—school funding, retiree liabilities, and the needs for municipal services and safety. The budget must balance these priorities by both increasing revenues and reducing expenses. Expanding housing diversity and mixed-use development especially in village centers, along with policies that incentivize businesses, will grow our tax base. At the same time, we must maximize state and federal grants for targeted initiatives and ensure permitting, licensing and parking fees are fair and not overly burdensome. Another possible source of revenue could be for us to ask the state to reexamine the 75% property tax reductions the 3 private Newton golf courses receive- an estimated $1.9 million loss for FY25 budget. To reduce expenses, we should reevaluate the funding schedule for retiree liabilities to free up operating funds, improve efficiencies within and across departments through new technologies, and eliminate redundancies.

How would you improve PUBLIC EDUCATION in Newton?

Adequately funding the school budget is the most effective way to improve public education. During the last budget season, we struggled to close the nearly $4.5 million gap between the Mayor’s allocation and Superintendent Nolin’s “Level Services Plus” budget. That proposal would have maintained FY25 service levels and supported full-day kindergarten aides, professional development, fewer staff and teacher cuts, the return of overnight field trips, expansion of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, more social workers and emotional support staff, and preserved METCO, music, and athletics programs. These investments are critical as students continue to face developmental and emotional challenges in the wake of COVID-19. To ensure the best education for all students, we must engage early in the budget process with a multi-faceted approach, including a possible operating override, strategic use of Free Cash, and consideration of adjusting the city’s pension liability payoff schedule.

How would you improve TRANSPORTATION and INFRASTRUCTURE in Newton?

As a councilor, one of the most frequent requests I hear from residents is the need for traffic calming measures on our streets. Unfortunately, the current budget of $400K is inadequate to meet the demand for safer roadways. It is critical that the Transportation Dept. receive additional funding to collect data, conduct thorough technical analysis, and implement these measures to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety in both our village centers and residential neighborhoods. I will work with the new administration and advocate for increased investment. I also fully support the multiple plans already in motion at both the city and state level to make our streets safer and more accessible for all. Such as- Walk, Roll & Bike Network Plan, Needham St Corridor Project, Hammond Pond Parkway improvements,  Washington St pilot, MassDOT rotary project, modernization and accessibility upgrades for our three rail stations, and expanding shared bike stations and EV charging infrastructure.

How would you improve PUBLIC SAFETY in Newton?

Newton has consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in US, thanks in large part to the Newton Police Department. Our violent crime rate is 65 per 100,000 people, 83% lower than the national average. Where we must continue improving safety is on our streets. Newton reported 115 traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries between 2018 and 2022. That is why I support a commitment to the Vision Zero strategy, with the goal of eliminating such tragedies by 2050. This approach complements Newton’s Complete Streets policy, which prioritizes the safety of all users—drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. By combining data-driven policies with police efforts to identify high crash locations, we can implement better street designs, a connected bicycle and pedestrian network, traffic calming measures, ADA compliant sidewalks, and improved road surfaces. Achieving safe, healthy, and accessible mobility for all will require both increased funding and the political will.

How would you improve PARKS and RECREATION in Newton?

As we work toward our city’s priorities and goals, securing adequate funding is essential to turning commitments into reality. This is especially true for the Parks and Recreation Department, which manages hundreds of recreational and cultural programs, maintains 51 parks and 45 playgrounds, supports 150 acres of open space, and nurtures 20,000 public trees. While the department has many achievements, limited funding and staffing leave playgrounds, fields, and facilities in urgent need of upgrades. I have successfully partnered with the Parks and Rec Commissioner and staff to secure CPA funds and State earmarks for Ward 1 projects, including Spear Community Garden, Farlow Park Pond, Pellegrini Field House, and tree planting. I will continue this advocacy for other Ward 1 parks, including Burr Park’s playground, field and tennis courts, as well as Pellegrini and Stearns playgrounds, to ensure our community spaces are safe, accessible, and vibrant for all.

How would you improve COMMERCE and the LOCAL ECONOMY in Newton?

Strengthening Newton’s local economy requires policies that make it easier and more attractive for businesses to establish themselves here. Expanding diverse housing options, particularly in village centers, ensures that employees at all income levels can live near their workplaces, reducing commuting and supporting local commerce. Promoting mixed-use, walkable village centers broadens the customer base and helps address challenges such as inflation, labor shortages, and rising utility costs. To help achieve these outcomes, the city must modernize its permitting process to be efficient, transparent, and predictable. In addition, established businesses should be supported through consistent policies, clear communication, and reliable municipal partnership. Collaboration with the Charles River Regional Chamber also provides an effective avenue to exchange best practices and implement strategies that strengthen Newton’s business community.

How would you improve CLIMATE RESILIENCY and the NATURAL ENVIRONMENT in Newton?

I look forward to reviewing the updated Climate Action Plan to advance Newton’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. While progress has been made, particularly in raising awareness, challenges remain. The new plan must address these shortcomings with resiliency as a central focus, including the construction and maintenance of green infrastructure, expanded tree planting, preservation of conservation land and support for pollinator and rain gardens. Protecting our natural resources—forests, open spaces, rivers and wetlands, is vital to lessening climate impacts. Stormwater management and infrastructure upgrades will also be key. Stronger collaboration across city departments will ensure we are agile and responsive to severe weather events. The city’s 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines strategies to protect residents and secure FEMA funding. I expect the updated CAP will integrate an updated version of this plan. Federal cuts to green initiatives are a concerning obstacle to these goals.

How would you improve SENIOR LIFE in Newton?

The population of Newton residents over 60 makes up about 25% of the total population, and by 2030 that share is projected to rise to 30%. Older adults are the fastest growing demographic in Newton, yet there is a clear disparity in how city resources are allocated to meet their needs. The School Department receives 65% of the city budget, the Department of Older Adult Services receives just 0.24%. To ensure Newton is truly an age-friendly community, we must invest more to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and recognize older adults as valued residents. The soon to open Cooper Center is an exciting step in that direction with expanded programs, services and opportunities for connection. A top concern for many older residents is financial security, with rising taxes and high housing costs. Expanding tax relief programs would help those who wish to age in place while adding more diverse housing in village centers would give others the option to downsize and remain in Newton.

Would you support a Proposition 2 1/2 operating override to fund schools and other city expenses?

Yes. I would support an operating override. We all experienced the consequences of Mayor Fuller’s failed operating override in 2023. It resulted in a deepening deficit of the NPS budget with a large budget gap between the proposed NPS budget by the Mayor and the Superintendent’s Level Service Plus plan. With inflation, rising costs in special education, transportation and health insurance and possible funding cuts from the federal government this gap will only grow. So, we must consider an override as part of a multifaceted, comprehensive strategy to meet our students’ needs.

How would you make Newton a more affordable place to live, for seniors and others?

Housing remains the highest cost burden for seniors and others in Newton—both for sales and rentals. As of May ‘25, the median home sale price was $1.8 million, and the median rent was $3,300. These prices push out many who serve our community—teachers, police officers, firefighters, hospital staff, and employees of local businesses—forcing them to live farther away. This not only contributes to sprawl and greenhouse gas emissions but also reduces the pool of talented workers who want to live near their jobs. Young families struggle to find starter homes, while seniors hoping to downsize or age in place face limited options and financial challenges.That is why it is crucial for Newton to remain committed to encouraging diverse development, especially in our village centers, to make more attainable and affordable housing available. While increasing supply alone will not solve the housing crisis, expanding the range of housing options is an essential step toward reducing costs.

How would you attract more businesses to Newton?

We must accelerate commercial development by streamlining the permitting process, modernizing zoning, and removing outdated parking and signage rules. Businesses seek speed, predictability, and affordability. Our long approval processes, high fees, and complex regulations drive them elsewhere. We need faster permits, inspections, and licenses, along with a top-down review of fees. Diverse housing is also essential—companies choose cities where talent lives. And people want to live near where they work. This housing in turn, provides a larger and more stable customer base. Newton must compete with other communities actively attracting employers. Finally, our reputation matters: being known as slow, costly, and unwelcoming pushes businesses away. To succeed, we must become faster, friendlier, and more affordable for businesses and their workers.

Would you support keeping Newton’s “welcoming city” ordinance if it may mean losing millions of dollars in federal funds? The “welcoming city” ordinance, approved in 2017, prohibits local law enforcement and city officials from arresting, investigating or alerting federal authorities about someone based solely on immigration status, with some exceptions.

Yes, I would support keeping Newton a “welcoming city.” I stand fully with Mayor Wu’s response to the Trump administration: “Stop attacking our cities to cover up your failures. Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law. And Boston will never back down from who we are and what we stand for. We will not bow to unconstitutional threats or unlawful coercion.” Newton must show the same courage and follow Mayor Wu’s lead. Welcoming immigrants who live and/or work in Newton makes our community safer and stronger. Fear divides us whereas inclusion unites us. As the daughter of Italian immigrants, I know this firsthand. My mother overstayed her visa and under Trump’s policies she would have been branded “illegal,” treated like a criminal, and deported without due process. To think this kind, hardworking woman could be cast aside is unthinkable. Like most immigrants, she made our community better. Newton must always stand on the side of dignity, justice, and belonging.

Would you support extending the city’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance to include more buildings?

Yes. Currently, BERDO requires commercial buildings over 20,000 square feet, which account for 23 percent of Newton’s emissions, to report carbon emissions and work toward net zero by 2050. Residential buildings of that size will only need to disclose energy use. I support expanding the ordinance so they also meet declining emission standards, which would cover 28 percent of total emissions. Extending BERDO to smaller residential units, including 24,000 single family homes, would be at this point, too costly to manage and administer and could increase housing costs, worsening affordability. For now, the city is encouraging homeowners to voluntarily adopt energy efficiencies and electrification through programs such as 4 Our Future and Energy Coach. Although all residential buildings must eventually move toward decarbonization by 2050, beginning with larger buildings allows us to understand what works and what does not before expanding BERDO further.

Do you support keeping or repealing the city’s winter overnight parking ban?

Keeping. As the Ward Councilor for Ward 1, I must consider how removing the overnight parking ban would impact Nonantum and Newton Corner. Without the ban, our already narrow streets would become more congested, making it harder to plow, collect trash and recycling, and conduct street cleaning. Because Watertown enforces its ban and Brighton has limited parking, more cars would spill into our neighborhoods. Developers, too, might be less inclined to provide adequate on-site parking if on-street spaces were widely available. I sympathize with residents who lack off-street parking or need caregivers to stay overnight, but a blanket repeal would have detrimental effects on Ward 1. I would support a permit parking program that would accommodate those folks and one that would allow cars to remain on municipal lots during a snow emergency. Until we have a comprehensive, citywide parking plan tailored to the unique circumstances of each neighborhood, removing the ban would be premature and harmful.

What one big idea or initiative would you champion, once elected?

Over my tenure as the Ward Councilor for Ward 1, I have secured $400,000 of State funds from our State Representatives and Senator for Nonantum and Newton Corner projects including Spears Community Garden, Pellegrini Field House improvements, Farlow Pond repairs, sidewalk and accessible ramp improvements at Underwood School, and new tree plantings. In my next term I will continue to advocate for funding to support Burr Park, which is in desperate need of new playground equipment, a refurbished basketball court, and tennis court improvements. I plan to include upgrades to Pellegrini and Stearns playgrounds. In addition to pursuing state earmarks, I will work with Commissioner Banks to obtain CPA funding.