Newton Names Plaza for Former Mayor Setti Warren
The city dedicated a new public plaza on Phillip Bram Way to honor the late mayor on September 20, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Newton officials dedicated a public plaza on Phillip Bram Way to the late Setti Warren on September 20, 2026. Warren served as the mayor of Newton from 2010 to 2018 and passed away on November 2, 2025.
Why it matters
The city named the plaza for Warren to commemorate his role in envisioning the site as a central community focal point. The project replaces a former municipal parking lot as part of an initiative to integrate retail and housing into the city center.
The new car-free plaza on Phillip Bram Way provides 30 chairs for public use. The development is situated off Austin Street and includes a bronze plaque featuring an image and biography of Setti Warren, who was 55 at the time of his death.
The players
Setti Warren
He was the former mayor of Newton who held office from 2010 to 2018.
Marc Laredo
He is the current mayor of Newton who is overseeing the programming of the new public space.
The details
Workers completed the installation of a bronze memorial plaque on the Caffè Nero wall facing the plaza in October 2026. Mayor Marc Laredo intends for the converted space to serve as a venue for local music and public art displays.
Timeline
Setti Warren served as Newton mayor from 2010 to 2018.
Setti Warren died on November 2, 2025.
Newton dedicated the plaza on September 20, 2026.
The memorial plaque was mounted in October 2026.
Political Context
The transformation of the parking lot into a public plaza follows the framework set by the Newton city council's Austin Street development plan. This project represents a shift in urban planning by prioritizing pedestrian gathering spaces over municipal vehicle storage.
Residents can now access the car-free plaza located off Austin Street for community gatherings. The space is intended to host future music and art events as part of the ongoing development of the village of Newtonville.
The takeaway
The conversion of the parking lot into a public plaza demonstrates how city infrastructure projects can honor civic leaders while providing new communal amenities. Residents are encouraged to use the designated seating and follow announcements for upcoming art and music programming.
Further reading
Learn more about local initiatives at Civic Engagement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Heights.
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