Newton Approves $1.9M for Affordable Housing Trust

The Finance Committee voted 7-0-1 to fund the Newton Affordable Housing Trust, rejecting a motion to delay the allocation.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Financial Aid

Isometric editorial illustration of stacked timber framing and a concrete foundation slab on a flat lot, in slate, cream, and ochre. — Newton's Finance Committee voted 7-0-1 on Tuesday to approve $1.9 million for the Newton Affordable Housing Trust, rejecting Ward 3 Councilor Julia Malakie's motion to delay. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Newton's Finance Committee approved $1.9 million in affordable housing trust funding in a 7-0-1 vote. Ward 3 Councilor Julia Malakie's motion to delay the allocation failed 2-6.

Why it matters

The grant supports the Newton Affordable Housing Trust, which councilors established to give it latitude in advancing affordable housing. Councilors warned that a delay could create a substantial financial burden for the proposed development.

The Finance Committee approved $1.9 million in trust funding in a 7-0-1 vote, while the motion to postpone failed 2-6. Trust chair Ann Houston stated the approval does not directly fund the 1314 Washington St. project, and questions about the project's legal validity remain unresolved.

The players

Newton Affordable Housing Trust

A municipal trust in Newton, Massachusetts, established by city councilors to advance affordable housing projects.

Julia Malakie

Ward 3 Councilor in Newton, Massachusetts, who sought to delay the allocation over historic commission concerns and legal questions.

Ann Houston

Chair of the Newton Affordable Housing Trust, who clarified that the grant does not directly fund the 1314 Washington St. project.

Beacon Communities

A developer behind the proposed $63 million affordable housing project at 1314 Washington St. in West Newton.

The details

The Newton Affordable Housing Trust receives an annual grant through the Community Preservation Act, which the City Council has approved since 2022. The funds are expected to help fund a proposed $63 million development by Beacon Communities that would create 72 affordable apartments at the former Santander Bank site in West Newton.

Since 2022: City Council began approving the annual Community Preservation Act grant.
1915: The former Santander bank building was constructed; plans call for partial demolition.
November 6, 2026: Finance Committee approved the $1.9 million trust grant and rejected the postponement.

Funding Trajectory

The $1.9 million allocation continues the annual Community Preservation Act grant pattern that the Newton City Council has followed since 2022. It places the trust's next affordable housing projects within a recurring municipal funding cycle rather than a one-time appropriation.

Newton residents seeking affordable housing could benefit if the proposed 72 apartments at the former Santander Bank site move forward. The project's timing depends on clearing the historic commission and resolving questions about its legal validity.

The takeaway

Local housing trust grants can stall when legal or historic-preservation questions remain open, so residents should track the project's review milestones. Monitoring Newton's Community Preservation Act allocations offers a clear view of how affordable housing funding moves forward.