Opponents Criticize Northland Vote In Newton, Vow To Stick Around

NEWTON, MA — Opponents of the mixed-use Northland project in Upper Falls, which voters approved Tuesday by a 5,000-vote margin, accused the mayor and city councilors of stoking fear to get the project passed. They also vowed to keep speaking up about the project.

"Northland and its PR machine spent many hundreds of thousands of dollars spreading misinformation about the proposed development and instilling fear about potential alternatives," RightSize Newton's Martina Jackson in a statement after the vote.

"Had the City Council instead forced Northland to meaningfully address adjacent neighborhood concerns about this project during the Land Use process, we would all be looking forward to the day construction begins," she continued. "Instead, we worry about the potential impact on traffic, parking, schools, and the city’s finances from this development, and we worry about the precedent it sets: a developer that refuses to address concerns gets to maximize profits, while our City takes on all the risks."

Newton Voters Approve Northland Project: Election Results

Proponents, including the mayor, a dozen city councilors, the governor and the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce, said they were more concerned about dwindling enrollment at local schools than about overcrowding. They pointed to a free shuttle system from the Highlands MBTA to the project as a solution to potential traffic problems, and pointed to the Avalon at Newton Highlands as an example of how smooth residential traffic and an effective stop light could work.

The unofficial tally according to the city clerk's office was 18,450 to 13,398, or 58 percent in favor vs. 42 percent against. Only four precincts voted against the project. In Ward 1, Precinct 4, in Ward 5 it was precinct 1 as well as in Ward 4 precinct 2 and in Ward 8 it was precincts 3 and 4. The project would be in Ward 5-1 and border Ward 8-3.

The project was first proposed in 2016. The City Council voted 17-7 in December to approve a special permit for Northland's plan and to change the zoning. At that time, a group of residents joined forces with RightSize Newton to gather signatures for a referendum on the project, leading to Tuesday's vote.

The developer plans to start work on the site this year, eventually putting 14 buildings on three plots of land across about 22 acres. The plan envisions 180,000 square feet of office space, 115,000 square feet of retail and community space, about 10 acres of open space and 800 apartments, including 140 affordable units.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller noted the passion on the topic came from a place of love from residents, praised the process and asked for civility going forward.

"People who care deeply about Newton spoke on both sides of this issue," She said in a statement. "Let’s treat our neighbors with respect during discussions about Newton’s future and ascribe good intentions and good motives to all."

Those for the project said they were happy with the results: Newton Voters Approve Northland Project: Election Results

"This project won't just transform 24 acres into a vibrant, thoughtful, sustainable, amenity rich community," Newton Needham Chamber of Commerce President Greg Reibman said in a statement, "it will activate and energize Needham Street and beyond; bringing new businesses, new jobs, new tax revenue and vitality to our city."

Supporters have highlighted the expected tax revenue from the project, noting that the developer has agreed to kick in some $5 million to help offset disruption to the area, bringing affordable housing, new open space, sustainable design and smart growth to Newton.

"The Northland Newton project is a huge win both for current residents and for future neighbors who will now have the opportunity to join our community," said Allison Sharma chair of the Yes for Newton’s Future ballot campaign. "We are grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who worked tirelessly to inform voters, and to the civic organizations and city leaders who supported and shaped the Northland project over the past several years."

Jackson of the RightSize Newton's Committee for Responsible development said she's not so sure. She said the organization will continue to monitor the Northland project and make its concerns known.

Newton Voters Approve Northland Project: Election Results

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).