RightSize Newton Files State Complaint Against Mayor

NEWTON, MA —A group of activists opposed to a development in Newton Upper Falls is accusing the mayor of using city resources to influence a possible special election on the Northland development proposal.

The group, called RightSize Newton, filed a complaint against the mayor to the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance for trying to influence the outcome of what is likely to become a ballot question in the months ahead.

In a letter to the city solicitor and the mayor the group points to the mayor's regular email updates that are sent to anyone who signs up for them and then posted to the city website. One email update talks about the possible referendum on Northland. In that section, the mayor outlines why she believes the development will be good for the city.

"Campaign finance law places restrictions on the use of governmental resources for political purposes, this includes using public resources to engage in a campaign to influence voters concerning a ballot question," RightSize Newton said in a formal complaint to the state.

"[The mayor] does not have the right to use city resources to distribute her newsletter or to disseminate her opinion on a municipal ballot measure using the city’s website," said Alan Kovacs of RightSize Newton in a statement.

A spokesperson for the mayor told Patch Mayor Ruthanne Fuller was aware of the complaint filed against her at the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

"Mayor Fuller will cooperate fully," said Ellen Ishkanian of the mayor's office.

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.

The City Council voted on Dec. 2 to approve the zoning required for this project, despite pushback from RightSize Newton members. Immediately following the vote, the group began collecting signatures in an effort to require the City Council to repeal the vote, or to hold a citywide referendum asking the council to repeal the approved zoning. By the end of the month it looked like the group had gathered some 5,000 signatures. To call for a special election they needed only 3,032.

Opponents of the project cite transportation, traffic and impact to schools as the main reason for their opposition.

• See the proposed project's plan here.

The city is considering setting a special election date of March 3, to coincide with the Massachusetts presidential primary.

"We wish the City Council would reconsider its decision to approve the Northland plan which will bring irreparable harm to Upper Falls and other affected neighborhoods," said Randall Block of RightSize Newton. "If that does not happen, we welcome the opportunity to take this issue to the voters."

Previously:

Newton's Northland Project Decision Postponed To ... (Nov)

Newton City Council Approves Northland Project (Dec. 2)

Northland Project Approved, But Newton Group Plans To Fight (Dec. 3)

Northland Project: Possible Referendum, Mayor's ... (Dec. 17)

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).