The Manufacturing (M) zoning is shaded purple in the above image. 

Envisioning and planning for the future

On the north side of the city, a historically industrial zone along the Charles River has evolved into one of Newton’s most diverse places. Around California Street, you'll find residential neighborhoods, parks and open space, and a wide variety of businesses, including manufacturers.

Future development might see this area become more residential in character. A real estate project permitted through the state's Chapter 40B program enabled a developer to convert 3.4 acres of land at 2-4 Los Angeles Street from industrial to residential use. The two buildings under construction will house 204 rental apartments, 51 of which are permanently designated as affordable under the state program.

Because Newton has so little commercially zoned land, and because the tax rate for commercial property is nearly double the residential rate, the loss of land zoned for industrial use led City staff to initiate a study of development pressure in this area.

Newton encompasses some 18.2 square miles, but less than one square mile is zoned for commercial uses. In fact, uses defined as industrial are permitted on only 0.6% of the city's land area. If tax revenue from commercial and industrial properties declines, the residential tax burden increases. In the current fiscal year (FY2023), residential property owners shoulder 84% of the municipal tax burden.

In addition to benefitting the City's fiscal health, commercial and industrial land is necessary for private enterprises to operate and create jobs. The California Street Manufacturing District is located in close proximity to booming life science lab development in Watertown. This area has seen significant change in recent years and is likely to experience continued development pressure.

To help plan for the future, this study will provide research and analysis to the City staff and the City Council which oversees land use zoning. The goal of this study is to create zoning recommendations that will:

• encourage the growth of the commercial tax base,
• enable the creation of appropriately-scaled housing, and
• ensure that some land is preserved for 21st century commercial and industrial purposes, including light manufacturing and flexible spaces for creative economy businesses.

Materials

Final report from Utile and Landwise, issued in Feb. 2023.

Download the April 27 community meeting presentation.

Review Section 4.4.1 of the Newton Zoning Ordinance, a table that lists which uses are allowed or prohibited in different zones. In the Manufacturing zone (column "M"), residential, restaurant, retail, service and other establishments are prohibited. 

Read the City’s full grant application.

View the draft California Street Study Map.

How this study was funded

In November 2021, the Department of Housing and Community Development announced Newton as the winner of a $75,000 grant through the Community One Stop for Growth program, which focuses on economic development investments. The Planning Department is using this state grant to fund the California Street Manufacturing District Zoning Study.