Newton’s winter overnight parking ban will begin Jan. 2 and end March 15 this season after the City Council voted 14-9 on Monday, Nov. 2, to approve a one-year trial.

The council also voted 21-2 to appropriate $1.9 million in Community Preservation Act funds for the Newton Affordable Housing Trust, according to Fig City News.

Parking ban shortened by 48 days

The trial removes 48 days from the usual Dec. 1 through March 31 schedule. The restriction on parking for more than one hour between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. remains.

The change follows a November 2025 referendum in which voters narrowly rejected repealing the ban entirely, with 11,113 opposed to repeal and 11,032 in favor, according to city records.

Council debate focused on residents who lack off-street parking, neighborhood conditions and how the city would evaluate the trial.

Councilor Alison Leary opposed the change and called for a comprehensive parking plan. She argued that the ban addresses the broader impact of vehicles on neighborhood streets, according to the Newton Beacon.

Councilor Randy Block proposed keeping the ban through March 31 while allowing the mayor to suspend it after March 15 if weather permitted. That amendment failed.

The Public Safety and Transportation Committee had recommended the shortened schedule by a 6-2 vote, with Chair Tarik Lucas and Block opposed.

Housing trust receives $1.9 million appropriation

The separate housing vote appropriates CPA funding to the Planning and Development Department for a grant to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust.

Created in December 2021, the trust supports the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

Discussion centered on Beacon Communities’ proposed development at 1314 Washington St. Councilors questioned whether approving the appropriation would amount to endorsing that project, Fig City News reported.

Supporters emphasized that funding the trust was a separate decision from approving the development. Other councilors sought more time to review design and permitting questions.

A motion to table the appropriation failed. The council then approved it, with Julia Malakie and Block casting the two opposing votes, according to Fig City News.

The appropriation provides funding to the trust; it does not authorize construction or constitute final approval of the Washington Street development.