Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What the fraud case against Newton’s former housing chief means for residents

And on the Newton Patch calendar - Quilts for Today

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Monday September 21st Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Newton? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What the fraud case against Newton's former housing chief means for residents
  • Which Newton meetings this week could reshape housing and services?
  • Which big Newton decisions are on the table this week?

Also on today's calendar: Quilts for Today and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call advice from a cow ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Rather cloudy, with a high of 68 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy and cool, temps: high: 63, low: 48.
  • Wednesday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 62 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Former NHA Director Charged For Stealing Funds (bcheights.com) — Newton residents should know that former Newton Housing Authority executive director Michael Lara resigned after a federal wire-fraud charge alleging he used Watertown Housing Authority funds to renovate his own bathroom. Under a deferred prosecution agreement, he must repay about $6,200 and avoid new federal crimes, while housing officials stress that staff remain committed to serving local residents responsibly.
   

2. Board and Commission Meetings – Week of 9/20/2026 (figcitynews.com) — Several Newton boards and commissions meet this week, including the Retirement Board, Fair and Affordable Housing Partnership, Council on Aging, Library Trustees, Zoning Board of Appeals, Commonwealth Foundation, and Historical Commission. Agendas range from disability retirements and affordable housing projects on Walnut and Washington Streets to a major 234‑unit 40B proposal on Court and Crafts Streets and appeals over Centre Street development.
   

3. What's Up in Newton – Week of 9/20/2026 (figcitynews.com) — This week brings a packed slate of Newton meetings that could affect everything from a new police station site and major 40B housing proposal to overnight parking rules and demolition approvals across city neighborhoods. City Council, Zoning Board, Traffic Council, and several boards will weigh grants, appointments, road and parking changes, and multiple teardown requests, so residents may want to track issues near their homes.
   

4. Zoning & Planning Committee Report – 9/14/2026 (figcitynews.com) — Newton's Zoning & Planning Committee just reviewed home demolition data showing hundreds of smaller houses replaced by much larger, more expensive homes between 2021 and 2026, signaling a major shift in the city's housing stock. Councilors also advanced Conservation Commission appointments, debated new rules for housing on business lots, and heard how recent state zoning changes could make teardowns and variances easier.
   

5. Donna M. Carter, 79 (thequincysun.com) — A Quincy family is mourning 79-year-old Donna M. Carter, a lifelong city resident remembered for her devotion to family, love of the beach, and years working at Quincy Mutual. While services were private, those wishing to honor her can donate to the Alzheimer's Association's MA/NH chapter at its Nevada Street office in Newton.
   

📸 Around Newton

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Public Storage posted a job opening for Customer Service - Self Storage Manager in Watertown. Apply here.
  • CROSSMARK posted a job opening for retail Inventory Specialist in Watertown. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Newton here.

Ok Newton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Beef Tips (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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