Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Monday, May 11, 2026

The Planning Commission discussed the Newton Housing Authority (NHA) operations and financial challenges, including the need for redevelopment and potential use of federal programs like RAD. The commission also addressed the need for clearer definitions of "live-work" and "work-live" uses in the city’s zoning ordinance, and the issue of electrical transformers encroaching on property setbacks due to increased electrification and utility requirements.

About this meeting

Government Body
Planning Commission
Meeting Type
Planning Commission
Location
Newton, MA
Meeting Date
May 11, 2026

Video will appear here as soon as Newton Planning Commission posts it — usually within a day of the meeting

Monday, May 11, 2026

4 items on the agenda.

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Discussion with the Newton Housing AuthorityItem #125-26

Discussion with the Newton Housing Authority

COUNCILOR KRINTZMAN requesting discussion with the Executive Director of the Newton Housing Authority to receive an update on the work of the NHA (180 Days: 10/03/2026).

Discussion of established Uses within Chapter 30Item #133-26

Discussion of established Uses within Chapter 30

COUNCILORS OLIVER, BAKER, SILBER, KALIS, LUCAS, LEARY, FARRELL, MALAKIE, WRIGHT, and GETZ requesting discussion and possible amendments to provide new or updated definitions in the Newton zoning ordinances for allowed uses (180 Days: 10/24/2026).

Requesting discussion and amendment to Section 1.5.3 of Chapter 30, ZoningItem #65-26

Requesting discussion and amendment to Section 1.5.3 of Chapter 30, Zoning

HIS HONOR THE MAYOR requesting discussion and possible zoning amendments to Section 1.5.3 Setback to allow for transformers to project into the setback.

Reappointment of Marcela Merino to the Economic Development CommissionItem #129-26

Reappointment of Marcela Merino to the Economic Development Commission

HIS HONOR THE MAYOR reappointing Marcela Merino, 66 Cloverdale Road, Newton as a member of the Economic Development Commission for a term to expire on November 30, 2028 (60 Days: 06/05/2026).