What Newton Is Missing, According To Newton

NEWTON, MA — What's Newton missing? Patch posed that question on Facebook and got more than 40 responses. People said Newton could use everything from "Better food program at the schools" to more workout options.

Popular responses:

The most popular response, according to the folks who liked or commented on comments, was by, far, a comment placed by Anoush Mouradian.

"Direct transportation to Cambridge, so it would take less than an hour to drive 9 miles," said Mouradian.

Transportation and the roadways were a hot topic, it turns out.

"To pay more attention to the horrible streets in west Newton square -/ Waltham street is ridiculous-better street lights they are not strong enough," Michele Faraca posted.

And what goes along with streets? Parking.

"End the silly overnight parking ban except for snow emergencies," said Fran Kuehn before also offering: "Oh. And full day kindergarten."

A number of others mentioned food options (or lack thereof) as a need from pubs in the lower falls area to Sloane Sheffer Goldhagen's popular post:

"Burritos/Tacos in Auburndale!"

Jay Housman and a number of others said what Newton really needed was "a pool for [N]ewton [S]outh."

Other responses:

Speaking of Newton South, Jesse Beaver said there are a few other things that the school could use, including a "nice full feature court, swim, and fitness center. Swimming pool and football field lights for newton south."

But that's not all. Beaver had some more ideas: "Repaired circuit exercise features and fenced dog park in cold spring park. Covered bike racks in all shopping areas. Dense housing in village centers. Wards that make any sense at all to those of us that live in villages. The promised reduction in number of ward councilors."

Others mentioned work when it comes to the MBTA.

"Parking at the Green Line or shuttles between the commuter rail and the T that is quicker and more frequent than the current buses. More frequent commuter rail trains, especially mid-day," Carry Shulock Sexton posted.

And while yes, there has recently been much discussion about affordable housing for seniors what about this one:

"Low income housing on one level for senior citizens," said Carol Pfaelzer.

Funny man:

Jeff Berman had a different take on our question.

"He was good with the fundamental laws, but relativity and quantum mechanics were beyond him," said Berman.

Get it? Nice, one, Berman. Nice one.

He's Not kidding:

We agree with Greg Reibman's post in which he snuck in that what he things Newton doesn't have right now is "Enough journalists."

So in that spirit, we want to invite you to be a Newton Watcher and a citizen journalist. Know of a meeting at City Hall that more folks in the city should be aware of or attend? Post it to the Newton Patch and help get the word out.

Know of an event and want to make sure everyone else knows about it, too? Post it to Patch

Got an opinion on something you saw happen in Newton Center or the Lake? Or have a solution to a long-held problem you see in town? Post it to Patch.

We'll help get the word out and share it with your neighbors.

Here's how to sign up to post to Patch and tell your neighbors what's going on in and around Newton.

Check out the other responses

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Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff. Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).