Adopting Smart Growth Strategies to Encourage Private-Sector Services Desired by Newton Residents.

Newton’s current zoning laws are complicated, confusing, and often counter-productive in that they effectively discourage the establishment of businesses that Newton residents would like to see. For example, many Newton residents would like to see a neighborhood grocery store open near their home, but our zoning laws are written to make it much easier for a bank or beauty salon to open than a neighborhood grocer.

Summary of Proposed Solution

To implement a smart-growth strategy, we should reform our zoning laws to focus them on stimulating and shaping the kinds of development that best serve our community, including those offering services valued by Newton residents and employing sustainable growth and transit- and pedestrian-oriented development principles. We should also strengthen relationships with Newton businesses and respond to their needs to build the foundations of public-private partnerships.

Discussion and Implementation Plan

i) Zoning Reform

Our zoning laws should reflect the values of our community, identifying desired uses and making it as simple as possible for the private sector to provide the services desired by Newton residents. Aligning our zoning laws with our community’s goals and objectives is at the core of our zoning reform proposal. For a more detailed discussion about zoning issues, please see Part D of this section.

Part of the problem with past zoning reform efforts in Newton has been lack of leadership from the Executive Department. The new administration will file key zoning reform initiatives with the Board of Aldermen by September 1, 2010.

ii) Working with the Business Community to Promote Desired Services

In addition to zoning reform, it is also important that strong communication between City Hall and the business community be initiated. Newton government should be responsive the needs of our business community. If a business requests an additional police patrol, repair of a street, replacement of a street light, or other improvement, our policy will be to act promptly and courteously. Similarly, the input of Newton businesses should be considered when evaluating zoning, parking, infrastructure, and other changes that affect their operation. To improve communication with Newton’s business community, we will establish strong relationships with the Chamber of Commerce and village business associations and solicit their input on a regular basis.

These communication channels should be established by May 1, 2010.

iii) Consistent and Predictable Enforcement

Currently Newton’s enforcement of zoning and related ordinances is haphazard and inconsistent. Fair and consistent enforcement will protect residents and businesses alike, so that everyone will know what to expect.