Northland Project Vote: Both Sides To Present At Newton Forum

NEWTON, MA — As Newton prepares for a citywide vote on March 3 to decide the future of the Northland Development - a 22 acre project slated for Newton Upper Falls, the League of Women Voters of Newton is holding a forum to help voters make up their minds.

The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political group that doesn't endorse candidates, is hosting a forum Thursday, Feb. 13 to help residents learn more about the referendum question.

In December, city council members approved a zoning change so that Northland Investment Corporation's project, which Northland and then Mayor Setti Warren presented as a concept in 2016, as part of a pro-active housing plan for the city, could transform three parcels in a 22.6 acre area near the corner of Needham and Oak streets into 800 units of apartments, including 140 deemed affordable. It would also be home to a park, 750 new trees and a number of businesses, restaurants and offices and a shuttle service to link the area to the MBTA in an effort to attract non-drivers.

The referendum comes after a group petitioned the city council to rescind their own vote on the project, or put it to the Newton voters.

There are two organized camps, both of which will be present at the forum to present their case for or against the proposed Northland Development Project on Needham and Oak streets.

The question to be placed before the voters on Election Day reads:

Shall the following measure which was passed by the City Council be approved?
A measure which changes the zoning of parcels of land located at 156 Oak Street, 275-281 Needham Street and 55 Tower Road (commonly known as the Northland Project) from Mixed Use 1 District (MU1) to Business 4 District (BU4). The zoning change would allow for the construction of the Northland Project as described in a special permit and site plan approval granted by the City Council.

After presentations on both sides of the issues, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. The league is asking that folks RSVP to info@lwvnewton.org or via Facebook.

The forum is free and open to the public. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Durant-Kenrick House on Waverly Avenue.

The League registers voters has a mission to educate residents about the issues and challenges facing Newton and beyond.

Resources:

• City of Newton's project website.
• Northland Development's website
• The Committee for Responsible Development (RightSize Newton, against the project)
• Yes for Newton’s Future ( The group for the project)

Read more:

• Newton To Hold Citywide Vote On Northland Project In March
• Mark Your Calendar: LWVN Northland Project Forum (Mar. 3 Referendum)

A tour of the property to be developed:

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).