Promoting thoughtful development
Development is one of the more contentious issues our community has faced in recent years. I believe we can keep what we love about Newton - our network of thirteen villages, tree-lined streets, and suburban feel - while recognizing that we cannot stay stagnant. Responsible and appropriate development is good for our city: it increases tax revenues, provides more diverse housing choices, and ensures Newton does its part to address the regional housing challenge. On the City Council – first as Chair of the Land Use Committee and then during my first term as President – I have overseen the approval of numerous projects including Austin Street and Trio in Newtonville, Northland on Needham Street, and many other projects throughout the city.
As Mayor, I will be committed to supporting our local businesses, helping them navigate City Hall and streamline approval processes so they can grow and thrive. In doing so, we will expand our commercial tax base and create a more robust and diverse local economy that can support and sustain our community's needs and aspirations.
I will work to implement the new zoning that we enacted under the MBTA Communities Act and promote thoughtful, responsible development that creates additional housing opportunities for current and future residents. Maintaining our current affordable housing in good condition and constructing additional affordable units is an especially important challenge for us to meet. It starts with doing a thorough review of our subsidized housing stock, ensuring that we have an accurate inventory of our units and enough resources allocated to keep them in good condition. It continues with streamlining the process for eligible individuals and families to apply for housing, carefully exploring expansion opportunities, either in existing affordable housing sites or through new development. All of this work must be done in a financially prudent manner so we spend our funds wisely and effectively. Newton must remain a welcoming and vibrant community for everyone, and we can do this in a way that preserves what we all enjoy about our city.