Northland Project: Newton Residents File Petition To Block

NEWTON, MA — Citizens of Newton have filed a petition to block the Northland Project, two days before the deadline of December 22, meaning City Council's vote to approve the massive development has been put on hold, according to a press release.

Residents filed the set of signatures, totaling over 4,500, a significant more than the five percent of registered voters, or 3,032, they needed in order to block the City Council's Dec. 2 vote approving the project.

"If the Council does not act, the question will go before voters next year," the release said.

To find out what happens now, see more on Patch: Northland Project: Possible Referendum, Mayor's Opinion

Northland Investment Corporation's project, which has been in the works for nearly four years, would transform three parcels in a 22.6 acre area that includes the old mill factory near the corner of Needham and Oak streets into 800 units of apartments, including 140 deemed affordable. It would also be home to a parkland, 750 new trees and a number of businesses, including local businesses, restaurant and office space and a shuttle service to link the area to the MBTA in an effort to attract non-drivers.