BOSTON – (June 15, 2006) State Representative Ruth B. Balser (D-Newton) and Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton) have secured $40,000 in the Legislature’s Fiscal Year 2006 Supplemental Budget to fund a study of Newton Center. The measure was supported by the rest of the Newton legislative delegation including Representatives Kay Khan and Peter Koutoujian.  The Newton legislators proposed the appropriation to assist the work of the Newton Center Task Force. 

In April, 2005 Mayor Cohen appointed a twenty member task force to study Newton Center and to make recommendations for its restoration, improvement and sustainable growth.  The state funds will cover the costs of retail and housing market analyses, traffic and parking studies, resident and merchant surveys and some additional studies. 

Representative Balser commented, “The legislature has demonstrated its commitment to supporting efforts on the part of local communities for economic development and smart growth.  I am delighted that we in the Newton legislative delegation were successful in securing this appropriation to study the re-development of our Center.”

“This investment will enable the City of Newton to fully explore ways to maximize a commercial center of our city,” said Senator Creem.  “This money will help us find a way to expand business opportunities in the neighborhood while maintaining the accessibility we’ve come to expect from Newton Center.”

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