Marc Laredo has demonstrated courage and leadership in protecting Newton neighborhoods from excessive over-development that threatens the character of our communities and our quality of life.  We urge the new Mayor to continue to fight for Newton’s neighborhoods by balancing the need for affordable housing under regulatory requirements with the need to make smart decisions that put Newton’s families and neighborhoods first.  

 

There should be no automatic approval of any development without a thoughtful and diligent review of how it impacts Newton neighborhoods and community character.

 

 This requires hard work but it is essential.  If the new Mayor will engage in the restructuring and refocusing efforts necessary to align decision making in Newton and to stand up to the threats of litigious developers, we pledge to stand by him and support him in these vital efforts.