Mayor Proposes Ambitious Housing Plan for Newton, Massachusetts

Mayor Setti Warren has a vision for his city that includes the opportunities that brought his parents to live in the city. That means more housing, affordable to various levels of income.

1 minute read

June 25, 2016, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Mayor Setti Warren on Thursday unveiled an ambitious housing plan for the city that he says will not only provide diverse housing options, but will help preserve the characteristics and values Newton has embodied," reports Ellen Ishkanian.

"The plan identifies 70 locations across the city as potential development sites," and proposes a mix of options in price, adds Ishkanian.

Mayor Warren presented the housing plan in response to increasingly expensive housing prices. The median price for a single-family house has reached $1.1 million—up from $855,000 in 2013. There are also only four rental units in the entire city available for rent. The article describes the mayor's motivation for the plan, and how it fits into other policy proposals from his administration.

The proposal already has political opponents. Ishkanian specifies the Newton Village Alliance, which has a mission "to preserve the character and scale of Newton’s villages and residential neighborhoods" and a track record of opposing developments in the city.

Thursday, June 23, 2016 in The Boston Globe

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Vintage multi-story brick apartment building and modern concrete and glass apartment building separated by a steep public stairway in Los Angeles, California.

Analysis: Localized Upzoning Less Effective

Changing zoning rules for a small number of parcels can increase land values and housing costs without boosting the housing supply.

30 minutes ago - Governing

Acela Amtrak train in station in New Haven, Connecticut.

Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024

More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Sec. Deb Haaland speaking at dais outdoors with Colorado mountains in background and three officials standing behind her announcing protection of Thompson Divide.

Commentary: Colorado Will Forge Ahead With Conservation Work

While federal policy may become less friendly to environmental efforts, support from state legislators and agencies can prevent the state from backsliding.

2 hours ago - Colorado Newsline

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.