The Newton Centre Pilot Plaza has sparked ongoing debate among residents and business owners since its opening last June, and with it scheduled to remain open until October, The Heights spoke with locals to hear their thoughts.

Earlier this year, Newton’s Public Safety and Transportation Committee discussed possibly shortening the trial period from October to May, but the City Council voted to retain the trial period through October at their March 2 meeting.

One primary complaint since the plaza’s opening has been the loss of Newton Centre parking spaces, explained Newton resident Anna Allison.

“I’ve heard some complaints about the parking spaces being taken away,” Allison said.

Most complaints from local businesses also focus on lost parking spaces, as the plaza removed 24 parking spots and repurposed roughly 7,000 square feet of space.

Despite concerns, some Newton residents believe the plaza serves as a valuable community-building space, including Anne Kane, who oversees Newton Centre landscaping.

“Of course, we come at least once a week to work in the garden, and so we can observe people,” Kane said. “We have seen lots of children in there. We see lots of people coming out of the food venues here and eating on the plaza. People come and bring their own instruments and play music, and we always enjoy that. So as far as we’re concerned, this is a wonderful addition to the community.”

Kane also noted that several parking lots in the area were added to create more spots, specifically noting the parking spots behind Tatte Bakery & Café.

“They work very hard to create other parking spaces,” Kane said. “There are numerous lots around here. There are two big lots back there.”

There have been complaints from patients and private doctors’ offices that border the plaza, explained Kane.

“There have been a number of accounts of patients having a hard time finding parking places,” Kane said. “There are some private doctors’ offices around here. It’s not at all clear to me how much of a problem that is, and whether there couldn’t be other solutions to that, like designating more handicap spots or senior spots. So as far as I’m concerned, the loss of parking spaces is well outweighed by the benefits of the place.”

Stuart Segel, the owner of the local men’s clothing store Mr. Sid, reaffirmed many business owners’ concerns with the plaza’s location and cost.

“I don’t believe it’s being used to the best of its ability,” Segel said. “I think they could maybe move it to one of the grass fields, as it’s been proposed. I think the money that they use could have been used for other resources or other ideas that could enhance the center.”

Segel stated that he feels there is a consensus among many of the businesses in Newton Centre to push back against the plaza, partially because of weather limitations.

“I’ve been on email chains, and there’s not a single shop owner that has supported them,” Segel said. “So I’m kind of against it. It’s not really being used in the winter months, obviously, or when it rains, so it kind of limits us in that regard.

Segel reiterated that the removal of parking spots remains the pilot’s largest fault due to the potential harm to local businesses.

“It’s taking up significant parking,” Segel said. “I don’t know if it impacts us in particular, because we’re not right there, but it does impact the local businesses, and frankly, it’s hard enough to do business.”

As the plaza is set to remain through the summer, debates over its impact on parking, businesses and community life are expected to remain contentious among Newtonians.

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_{This story is from The Heights, an independent, nonprofit newspaper run by Boston College students with which the Newton Beacon has a partnership.}