Opponent Criticizes Mayor’s Decision to Block Housing for Homeless

By Charlie Breitrose

An Alderman-at-Large and mayoral candidate said Mayor Setti Warren’s decision to block funding for a housing for the formerly homeless “stifled public discussion” about the issue.

Ted Hess-Mahan called on the mayor to reconsider his decision, which was announced days before the July 2 deadline for the end of the comment period for the project in Waban known as Engine 6. He added that he was disappointed that a meeting about the project on June 27 had to be cancelled.

The proposal, planned by Metro West Collaborative Development and to be managed by the Pine Street Inn, would provide housing for nine homeless people in Newton, Hess-Mahan said in a statement.

“Creating affordable housing for very low-income individuals is a crucial part of ending homelessness, and more housing of this kind is desperately needed —even in an affluent community like Newton, where most people never have to worry about having a roof over their heads,” he said.

The proposal has opponents in Waban, but some Aldermen have worked with the developers to address residents concerns.

Hess-Mahan said he has heard from many in the neighborhood who back the proposal.

“In just the past few days, there have been many Waban residents and community-based organizations who have expressed their support for this proposal and are bitterly disappointed that they will not have the opportunity to do so publicly at the community meeting that was planned for (June 27),” he said. 

The project would be financed by a mix of public and private funds, including federal dollars. Warren vowed to block approval of the federal money, saying that he believes Newton residents have not had enough time to discuss the issues surrounding the project.

Hess-Mahan said he agrees that more discussion is needed, but said Warren has not been involved enough in the issue and should have allowed the public to speak at the planned meeting.

“(H)is lack of engagement and subsequent decision to block the project right before tonight’s event makes absolutely no sense, and was a disservice to the proponents as well as Newton residents, whether they supported the project or not,” Hess-Mahan said in his statement.