Newton Approves $1.9M Housing Trust Grant

The Finance Committee voted 7-0-1 to fund the city's Affordable Housing Trust amid debate over a West Newton apartment project.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Financial Aid

Newton Approves $1.9M Housing Trust Grant

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Newton's Finance Committee approved a $1.9 million Community Preservation Act grant to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust, its yearly allocation. The committee rejected a motion to delay the vote over concerns about a proposed affordable housing project at 1314 Washington St.

Why it matters

The grant replenishes funding for affordable housing in Newton, a city where such projects are often contested. Councilors argued that delay would impose a substantial financial burden on the project pipeline.

The committee voted 7-0-1 to approve the $1.9 million Community Preservation Act grant, while a motion to delay failed 2-6. Whether the proposed 1314 Washington St. project is legally valid, and how its partial demolition of the 1915 bank building will be handled, has not been resolved.

The players

Newton Affordable Housing Trust

The Newton Affordable Housing Trust is the municipal body that receives Community Preservation Act funds to support affordable housing projects in the city.

Beacon Communities

Beacon Communities is a Boston-area affordable housing developer that proposed the 72-unit apartment complex at 1314 Washington St.

Julia Malakie

Julia Malakie is the Ward 3 Newton city councilor who moved to delay the vote over unresolved legal and historic-preservation questions.

The details

The committee voted on the grant during a Monday night meeting. The trust's chair stated that approving the funds does not directly fund the 1314 Washington St. project, even though the trust is expected to back Beacon Communities' proposed $63 million, 72-unit development at the former Santander Bank site.

2022: City Council begins approving the trust's yearly allocation.
Monday night (before November 1, 2026): Finance Committee approves the grant.

Season Trajectory

The grant continues a pattern under the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act in which Newton has directed funds to its housing trust each year since 2022. The vote also shows how local preservation concerns can slow affordable housing projects even as funding continues.

Residents seeking affordable housing in Newton may see the grant move forward toward new units, though funding does not yet guarantee construction. Concerns over the 1314 Washington St. project mean timelines for specific developments remain uncertain.

The takeaway

Approved funding does not automatically complete a project, so residents tracking affordable housing in Newton should follow both committee votes and the legal and preservation reviews that determine what gets built.