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The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
The News Site of Boston College

The Heights
Charm is running unopposed. (Image Courtesy of Brittany Hume Charm)

In Ward 5 City Council Bid, Brittany Hume Charm Advocates for Staying True to Newton’s Values

Daniel Linnehan • October 5, 2025
First-time candidate Brittany Hume Charm is seeking a Ward 5 at-large Newton City Council seat, aiming to be a voice for Newton Public School (NPS) parents in city hall and to retain Newton’s values amid today’s federal climate.
The existing driveway was overgrown with vegetation and had sunken into the ground. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton Land Use Committee Moves Forward on Clark Street Home’s New Driveway

Patrick Lundregan • October 5, 2025
Newton’s Land Use Committee approved adding parking to a historic two-family home at 65 Clark St. on Tuesday because the driveway had sunken into the ground and become overgrown with vegetation.
Irish is currently the president of the Upper Falls Area Council and previously volunteered with the Newton Parent Teacher Organization. (Image Courtesy of Julie Irish)

Julie Irish Views Speaking With Constituents as a Privilege in Ward 5 City Council Run

Riley Del Sesto • October 5, 2025
Julie Irish, a researcher running for the Ward 5 Newton City Council seat, loves knocking on doors.
Proponents of the ordinance’s removal also argue that the lengthy process deters people from opening businesses in Newton. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton Officials Weigh Cutting Parking Requirements To Boost Business Growth

Thomas Kenneally • October 3, 2025
Local landlords and entrepreneurs urged Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee on Monday to eliminate mandatory parking requirements, stating they stifle commercial growth.
The original ordinance was implemented in August of 2019 and, as per state requirements, requires a reevaluation every five years. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee Addresses Amendments to Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance

Henry Eig and Patrick Lundregan • September 28, 2025
Newton's Zoning and Planning Committee (ZAP) met Thursday to discuss a reevaluation to the city’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, deciding on changes to legislation regarding inclusionary rental and ownership projects in the context of housing trends and affordability. 
Dahmubed believes his education and professional experience have equipped him with a distinctive skill set. (Image Courtesy of Cyrus Dahmubed)

Cyrus Dahmubed Urges Affordability and Strategic Growth in Ward 4 City Council Candidacy

Samuel Lee-Papastavros, Sophie Chamberlain • September 28, 2025
Dahmubed believes his background in architecture, urban design, and policy gives him a unique understanding of design thinking and spatial dynamics—skills he argues are essential to solving Newton’s affordability crisis. 
Chaimanis said he will bring a fresh perspective to the city council, combining his acumen for finance with his entrepreneurship and management experience. (Image Courtesy of John Chaimanis)

John Chaimanis Emphasizes Pragmatic, Community-Focused Leadership in Ward 4 City Council Run

Matthew Antonecchia • September 21, 2025

John Chaimanis, a Newton resident and father of three, is running for the Ward 4 at-large Newton City Council seat in hopes of bringing common-sense decision-making and civil discourse to city hall. “I...

A first-time candidate, Kazakoff-Eigen challenged incumbent Maria Greenberg. (Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

JJ Kazakoff-Eigen Drops Out of Ward 1 City Council Race

Laney McAden • September 16, 2025
Jonathan “JJ” Kazakoff-Eigen announced Monday that he is suspending his campaign, leaving Ward 1 incumbent Maria Greenberg with an unopposed track to the Ward 1 Newton City Council seat.
(Genevieve Morrison / Heights Editor)

Programs and Services Committee Recommends Former U.S. Senate Doorkeeper for City Clerk

Laney McAden • September 14, 2025
On Thursday, Newton’s Programs and Services Committee unanimously voted to recommend Andrew Willison, a lawyer and former U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, as the city clerk.
Current School Committee Ward 2 chair Chris Brezski announced in June that he would not be seeking reelection and endorsed Swain for his seat. (Photo Courtesy of Linda Swain)

Linda Swain Runs for Newton School Committee Ward 2 Seat, Pledging Budget Efficiency and Student Support

Sophia Gallon • September 14, 2025
Swain plans to advocate for a more efficient NPS budget—one that would ease the challenges the district faces in providing each student with the best education possible.
Cecchinelli is competing with City Council President Marc Laredo for the mayoral seat.

Al Cecchinelli Brings a Personal Touch in Third Mayoral Run

Genevieve Morrison • September 7, 2025
Cecchinelli felt called to the mayoral race because of change. As he sees it, recent reforms like upzoning, housing development, and bike lanes on Washington Street are pushing the city in a direction he doesn’t recognize.
(Jonathan Kazakoff-Eigen is running for the Ward 1 City Council ward seat in this year's local election / Courtesy photo)

JJ Kazakoff-Eigan on Budgets, Buses and Building Relationships in Ward 1 Council Seat Run

Carina Murphy • September 7, 2025
When Jonathan “JJ” Kazakoff-Eigen moved to a house in Ward 1 Newton 13 years ago with his wife and first child, he initially considered it a “starter home.”
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