Newton Planning and Development

05/13/2026

Newton’s Planning & Development department is looking to better understand people’s experiences with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the City. Whether you build/design them, own one, are interested, tried to build/own one, or never heard of them before, the City wants to hear it all.

Click the link to take the survey: https://forms.gle/o1cSNgdPpFqsnafo7

04/15/2026

What better way to celebrate Fair Housing Month than to educate and learn about it! Be sure to check out these informative resources.

The Color of Law: Book by Richard Rothstein that challenges the common belief that segregation in U.S. cities happened by chance or individual bias. Instead, it reveals how decades of government policies at the local, state, and federal levels actively created and enforced racial segregation.

Roxbury (documentary): Produced by Suffolk University, this documentary explores the impacts of decades of discriminatory housing policies on the Roxbury neighborhood in Boston. Through personal stories, it highlights how residents have navigated these challenges while working toward a more equitable future. Watch the film by visiting suffolk.edu/roxburyfilm.

The Red Line: Racial Disparities in Lending: A podcast episode from Reveal in which reporters analyzed 31 million government mortgage records and determined that people of color were more likely than white applicants to be denied a conventional home loan in 61 metro areas, including Atlanta, Detroit and Washington.

Analysis of Impediments: Since Newton and the WestMetro HOME Consortium receive federal funds, they are required to actively further fair housing by identifying and addressing barriers to housing access. A key tool in this effort is the Analysis of Impediments, which helps communities pinpoint inequities and take steps toward more inclusive housing opportunities. Read the analysis on our website by clicking the link in our bio.

04/14/2026

Did you know some of the answers to these questions?

Today, to celebrate Fair Housing Month, we’ve provided a Q+A with some common questions about fair housing. Swipe through to read more and don’t forget to visit: https://www.newtonma.gov/government/planning/housing-community-development-copy for resources and information.

04/13/2026

Happy Fair Housing Month Newtonians! April is Fair Housing Month which is celebrated every year to commemorate the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The legislation prohibits discrimination for anyone trying to rent, buy or finance a house. More than ever, it's important to celebrate it's accomplishments, and keep learning how to comply with best Fair Housing practices. Stay tuned tomorrow and Wednesday for more Fair Housing month content.

04/13/2026

Come to the MBTA mobility session tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the Cooper Center!

Join us at the Cooper Center on Tuesday, April 14, at 10:30 a.m. for Part 2 of “MBTA Accessibility & CharlieCard Help.” During this session, facilitator Ethan Finlan will focus on safety and how to request support with accessibility, safety, or navigational needs. You can also receive assistance with signing up for a Senior CharlieCard application!

RSVP requested at 617-796-1660 or emailing [email protected]

04/06/2026

Current Condominium Ownership Opportunity in Newton Highlands. There are five (5), studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom condominiums available by lottery for eligible first-time homebuyers at 80% and 110% AMI (Area Median Income). Each income restricted unit will be assigned one garage parking spot at no cost. There is also transit access with a bus route located on Walnut St and the Newton Highlands MBTA stop across the street. Additionally, all units will be handicapped visitable and pets are allowed, per policy. Water and sewer are included in the monthly condo fee as well. The application deadline to apply is Friday, April 17th, and the electronic lottery will take place on the following Thursday, April 30th at 3:00 p.m. For more information, including the application, visit: https://www.newtonma.gov/government/planning/housing-community-development/housing/current-affordable-housing-opportunities

04/03/2026

Have you ever felt intimidated, overwhelmed, or confused trying to take the T around? Fear not, staff from the MBTA Mobility Center will visit the Cooper Center (345 Walnut St) on Tuesday, April 7th and Tuesday, April 14th both at 10:30 a.m. Sessions are designed with older adults in mind, though all are welcome.

The April 7th session will focus on accessibility and navigating the T while the April 14th session will focus on safety and asking for help. Staff will also provide assistance with CharlieCard applications on both dates.

Topics covered will include:
• How to sign up for reduced fares
• How to board accessibly and find priority seats
• Navigating the system
• How to use the MBTA Trip Planner
• How to ask for help while traveling
• How to sign up for free 1-on-1 Travel Training
• Recent progress in accessibility

This program is free, but registration is required. You can register either in person at the Cooper Center for Active Living (345 Walnut St), emailing [email protected], or by calling 617-796-1675.

03/27/2026

Upcoming Meeting Alert! MassDOT will host the fourth Working Group meeting of the Newton Corner Long-Term Planning Study virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, including registration for the meeting, visit the project webpage: https://www.mass.gov/newton-corner-long-term-planning-study

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown: Please be advised the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will host the fourth Working Group meeting of the Newton Corner Long-Term Planning Study virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m....

02/13/2026

Happy Valentine's Day from our department to yours

11/20/2025

Friday, December 5th tee times from 4p - 9p
Saturday, December 6th tee times from 10a – 7p
Sunday, December 7th tee times from 10a – 3p

Sign up to play at www.newtonma.gov/golf

Newton City Hall is being transformed into an 18-hole mini golf course complete with greens and holes winding through the City Council chambers, War Memorial auditorium, and the secret staircase in the Mayor’s Office. This event benefits the Holiday Gift Drive sponsored by The Village Bank in collaboration with the City of Newton Department of Health and Human Services, and the Rotary Club of Newton. Families, friends, and neighbors of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. Groups are limited to ten golfers at one time.

The Planning Department has creative and challenging courses in the works, you won't want to miss it!

Admission Fee:
A new and unwrapped gift(s) is your entry to play a round of mini golf. Gifts should be for children ages newborn to 10, and may include age-appropriate toys, games, electronics, and sporting goods.

We welcome the community, and your generosity is appreciated in bringing gifts and holiday cheer to local families. In addition to a new and unwrapped gift, you are encouraged to give a gift card to a local grocery store or bring non-perishable items for the Holiday Food Drive.

Light refreshments will be available at the 18th hole. There will be live music throughout the weekend in the War Memorial Auditorium and the ever-popular Gingerbread House Exhibit on the 2nd floor hallway. We welcome you to come and enjoy the golf course, the music and art exhibits and join as a community to help those who are in need.

If you would like to donate but are not available to play, feel free to drop off your new and unwrapped gift in the City Hall rotunda the week of November 24th or at one of the Village Bank locations around Newton.