Engine 6 Newton Housing Advocates

Engine 6 is a community of Newton residents dedicated to expanding housing availability in Newton. We envision a sustainable and resilient city where many kinds of people can afford to rent or own a home.

Crystal Lake with picnic tables and people. Newton MA

Home

Whether we were born here or moved here to work or raise a family, this city is our home and community - and we want it to thrive for generations to come.

Newton North High School graduation

Community

The strength of our community is made possible by great schools, neighborhoods, public transportation, public libraries, beautiful village centers and parks.

Yard sign In our neighborhood. Housing is a human right. Sustainability means walkability. More neighbors = more fun. Cambridge MA

Future

We believe that for Newton to have a strong and vibrant future it needs to be inclusive, affordable and sustainable.

Recent News

To find out more about the proposed zoning and what you can do to ensure that Newton addresses housing and climate with zoning, go to the Newton for Everyone Coalition website.
Download: Yes! for Newton’s Villages.The way to Save Newton’s Villages is to let them evolve. Find out what is in the plan. Check out some answers to frequently asked questions.

Unfortunately, our vision of an inclusive, affordable, sustainable city is moving out of reach.

A combination of factors—high land prices, restrictive zoning, lengthy and costly permitting process, and neighborhood opposition to new multifamily development—makes it very hard to build the kind of housing we need. This is our challenge.

Our Challenge

The Rising Prices of Homes

It’s getting harder to stay here, to move here, and to return. The rising price of homes is threatening Newton’s future.
Learn the Facts

Outdated and Restrictive Zoning

The last major update to Newton’s zoning code was almost 70 years ago in the 1950s. Our needs have changed. Our climate is changing. It is time for our zoning code to change as well.
Zoning: Where We Are Now

Addressing Climate Change

Newton is already experiencing the impacts of climate change from flooding due to heavier downpours to extreme heat. 
New Housing, Sustainability and Climate Change

The Time to Act is NOW

As Newton updates the zoning code, it is our goal to eliminate the barriers to creating the homes we need and the villages we want. Help shape the future of Newton. 
New housing in Newton Highlands, MA with smaller units next to T-stop. Rendering of 1149 Walnut St Newton Highlands MA 4 stories 25 units red brick building
Smaller, more energy efficient, transit oriented housing for people who work in Newton, people with young families, and older people looking to downsize.

More Affordable
Housing

Newton Centre T stop sign on Union St. Newton MA with person walking by
Envision neighborhoods where you can walk to school, work, home, activities... all within 15 minutes.

 Sustainable
Neighborhoods 

People on benches and walking in Newton Centre MA
Imagine a diverse Newton with thriving villages that build on our sense of community and are filled with economically viable businesses.

Vibrant
Villages

Why housing matters
Take action NOW!

Newton Housing Facts

The heart of our work at Engine 6 is applying the current trends in data to the future of our community.

Percentage of low-income households who spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
75%
Percentage of Newton households who are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
30%
Percentage of our school employees who live in Newton.
27%
Percentage reduction in energy used for heating in multi-family homes vs. single family homes (per square foot).
31%
Learn More Facts
Words over an arial view of Newton Centre. Save the Planet. Build More Homes. Sustainable. Affordable. Accessible. Abundant.
About Engine 6

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