Adopting and Adhering to Smart Growth Principles

Newton is a city of villages, commercial corridors, and residential neighborhoods. This pattern of mixed land use, with closely adjacent residential, work, and commercial uses adds to the livability of our city and is a sustainable type of development for our future. Development standards should reflect the diversity and individuality of our villages and neighborhoods while being open to modest new growth. Our zoning codes and land use policies should reflect the values and direction we wish to take for our City and help us accomplish planning efforts that help achieve excellence in place-making. Towards these ends, we will:

1) Integrate the principles of the Comprehensive Plan into our zoning ordinances;

2) Pursue environmentally-sustainable mixed-use growth opportunities;

3) Target commercial growth to appropriate areas;

4) Expand and improve open space and recreation amenities; and

5) Meet Newton’s changing housing needs.