The Land Use Committee of Newton City convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss proposed amendments related to a significant development project aimed at addressing housing needs in the community. The meeting featured public comments from residents advocating for the approval of these amendments, emphasizing the urgent need for more housing and its positive impact on local schools.

Lisa Monahan, a resident of Newton Highlands, was the first to speak, urging the committee and city council to support the proposed amendments. She highlighted the current challenges in the commercial office space market and argued that pivoting to residential development would benefit the community. Monahan stressed the importance of increasing housing availability for young families, linking it to the need for maintaining enrollment levels in local schools. She also noted that the project would enhance the vibrancy of Newton Upper Falls through dedicated retail and restaurant spaces, improved public transportation access, and the creation of green spaces.

Following Monahan, Lynn Weisberg, a resident of Alden Street, expressed her continued support for the project. She urged the committee to make a decision based on the comprehensive information available, including market analyses and peer reviews. Weisberg specifically thanked Counselor Greenberg for advocating for an additional affordable three-bedroom unit within the project, which she viewed as a significant improvement.

The meeting underscored a collective call from residents for timely action on the proposed amendments, reflecting a community consensus on the necessity of addressing housing shortages and supporting local educational institutions. The committee's next steps will likely involve deliberations on the feedback received and a potential vote on the amendments in the near future.