← Newton City Council

Newton Former City Councilor

Greg Schwartz

Councilor at Large, Ward 6 (2018-2019) · 1 term in this record

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Record at a glance · 2018–2019 Council

45 of 49meetings attended (92%) · whole council 92%
174votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
20no votes (11% of votes cast) · whole council 12%
14 of 73split votes where Schwartz was in the minority (19%) · whole council 19%
0abstained
1term in this record

On split votes, Schwartz voted the same way as…

How these numbers work
  • Counted from the official minutes, for 2018–2019 Council only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
  • Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Schwartz as present or absent at the start.
  • Only votes the minutes record member by member are counted. Voice votes and votes given only as a count (for example 6-3 with no names) are not.
  • Percentages are shown only when there are at least 10 meetings or votes to count.
  • A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no. “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes; ties are not counted.
  • “Whole council” combines every member’s record for the same term.

These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.

Attendance

At the start of 45 of 49 City Council meetings in 2018–2019 Council.

Missed

Every meeting (49)

Votes where councilors disagreed · 2018–2019 Council

Dec 16#317-19 Approve: Petition to allow attached dwelling units at…Motion: Approved 22 Yeas, 1 Nay (Councilors Brousal-Glaser), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone)Passed 22–1 · Schwartz: Yes

December 16, 2019: #317-19 Approve: Petition to allow attached dwelling units at 67 Walnut Street 60 WOODBINE STREET LLC petition for SPECIAL PERMIT/SITE PLAN...

ApprovePassed · 22–1

Approved 22 Yeas, 1 Nay (Councilors Brousal-Glaser), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone)

Voted: Yes

Yes: Albright, Auchincloss, Baker, Cote, Crossley, Danberg, Downs, Gentile, Greenberg, Grossman, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Lappin, Laredo, Leary, Lipof, Markiewicz, Noel, Norton, Rice, SchwartzNo: Brousal-Glaser

From the minutes

“Approved 22 Yeas, 1 Nay (Councilors Brousal-Glaser), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone).”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Dec 16#391-19 Approve: Authorization to revise White Goods and Bulky…Motion: Approved 20 Yeas, 3 Nays (Councilors Baker, Cote and Krintzman), 1…Passed 20–3 · Schwartz: Yes

December 16, 2019: #391-19 Approve: Authorization to revise White Goods and Bulky Items City Ordinances

ApprovePassed · 20–3

Approved 20 Yeas, 3 Nays (Councilors Baker, Cote and Krintzman), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone)

Voted: Yes

Yes: Albright, Auchincloss, Brousal-Glaser, Crossley, Danberg, Downs, Gentile, Greenberg, Grossman, Kalis, Kelley, Lappin, Laredo, Leary, Lipof, Markiewicz, Noel, Norton, Rice, SchwartzNo: Baker, Cote, Krintzman

From the minutes

“Approved 20 Yeas, 3 Nays (Councilors Baker, Cote and Krintzman), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone).”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Dec 16#165-19 Change 6 stories to 5 stories where it…Motion: Motion to change 6 stories to 5 stories where it appears…Failed 11–12 · Schwartz: Yes

December 16, 2019: #165-19 Change 6 stories to 5 stories where it appears in the plan: Adoption of Washington Street Vision Plan as part of the Comprehensive Plan

ApproveFailed · 11–12

Motion to change 6 stories to 5 stories where it appears in the plan Failed to Carry 12 Nays, 11 Yeas (Councilors Auchincloss, Baker, Brousal-Glaser, Cote, Gentile, Kalis, Krintzman, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz and Laredo), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone)

Voted: Yes

Yes: Auchincloss, Baker, Brousal-Glaser, Cote, Gentile, Kalis, Krintzman, Laredo, Markiewicz, Norton, SchwartzNo: Albright, Crossley, Danberg, Downs, Greenberg, Grossman, Kelley, Lappin, Leary, Lipof, Noel, Rice

From the minutes

“Motion to change 6 stories to 5 stories where it appears in the plan Failed to Carry 12 Nays, 11 Yeas (Councilors Auchincloss, Baker, Brousal-Glaser, Cote, Gentile, Kalis, Krintzman, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz and Laredo), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone).”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Dec 16#165-19 Approve: Adoption of Washington Street Vision Plan as…Motion: Approved 17 Yeas, 6 Nays (Councilors Brousal-Glaser, Gentile, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz…Passed 17–6 · Schwartz: No

December 16, 2019: #165-19 Approve: Adoption of Washington Street Vision Plan as part of the Comprehensive Plan

ApprovePassed · 17–6

Approved 17 Yeas, 6 Nays (Councilors Brousal-Glaser, Gentile, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz and Laredo), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone)

Voted: No

Yes: Albright, Auchincloss, Baker, Cote, Crossley, Danberg, Downs, Greenberg, Grossman, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Lappin, Leary, Lipof, Noel, RiceNo: Brousal-Glaser, Gentile, Laredo, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz

From the minutes

“Approved 17 Yeas, 6 Nays (Councilors Brousal-Glaser, Gentile, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz and Laredo), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone).”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Dec 16Accept the committee recommendations on 50 items without discussion…Motion: The City Council voted without discussion 23 Yeas, 1 Absent (Councilor…Passed Unanimous, 23 present · Schwartz: Yes

December 16, 2019: Accept the committee recommendations on 50 items without discussion (#393-19, #227-17(2), #257-19, #312-19, #353-19, #175-19, ...)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 23 present

The City Council voted without discussion 23 Yeas, 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone) to Accept the Committee Recommendations on the following

Voted: Yes

One vote on the block of items the council took up without discussion. The items: #393-19 Petition to amend Board Order #317-92(5) and change use at 562...; #227-17(2) Special Permit to amend Order #227-17 at 2171 Commonwealth Avenue; #257-19 Amended Petition to allow attached dwelling units at 956 Walnut...; #312-19 Petition to allow 24-unit multi-family dwelling at 20 Kinmonth...; #353-19 Petition to extend nonconforming FAR at 38 Fenno Road; #175-19 Special Permit to allow attached dwelling units at 145 Warren...; #175-19(2) Amended Petition to allow attached dwelling units at 145 Warren...; #320-19 Petition to allow four attached dwelling units at 70 Walker Street...; #140-19 Request to Rezone 4.5 acres to MU3 MD 399 GROVE OWNER, LLC/RAMIREZ...; #140-19(2) Special Permit to allow Mixed Use Development at Riverside Station...; #88-19 Petition to allow a rear-lot subdivision at 41 Washington Street; #265-19 Petition to allow multi-family dwelling unit at 12-14 Middle Street; #354-19 Special Permit to allow multi-family dwelling at 13-17 Gardner Street; #422-19 Class 1 Auto Dealer License; #423-19 Class 1 Auto Dealer License; #424-19 Class 2 Auto Dealer License; #425-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #426-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #427-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #428-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #429-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #430-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #431-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #432-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #433-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #434-19 Class 2 Auto Dealers License; #437-19 Appointment of Amanda Stauffer Park to the Newton Historical...; #363-19 Amendment(s) to Chapter 30 relative to building efficiencies; #401-19 Appointment of Marguerite Connolly to the Parks and Recreation...; #400-19 Appointment of Mark Feldhusen to the Parks and Recreation Commission; #402-19 Requesting renewal of bus license for Lasell University; #403-19 Requesting new public auto license Michael Gimmelfarb, 274 Dedham...; #404-19 Requesting new public auto license; #405-19 Requesting renewal of public auto license; #406-19 Requesting renewal of public auto license; #407-19 Requesting renewals of taxi licenses; #408-19 Requesting renewals of taxi licenses; #409-19 Requesting renewals of taxi licenses; #410-19 Requesting renewals of taxi licenses; #439-19 Verizon petition for a Grant of Location on Clark Street; #440-19 Comcast petition for a Grant of Location on Langley Road; #443-19 Appropriate $300,000 for the site remediation at 687 Watertown Street; #444-19 Appropriate of $129,250 from the State’s Transportation...; #445-19 Appropriate $500,000 for removing and disposing of sediment; #446-19 Appropriate $1,500,000 for the purchase of individual parking...; #447-19 Appropriate $5,750,000 for the Walnut St. and Austin St...; #441-19 Accept a grant from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency; #386-19 Request to appropriate $50,000 in CPC funds for Pigeon Hill Trail...; #442-19 Transfer funds for an agreement with the Teamsters Union; #419-19 Appropriate $200,000 for the Comm Ave Carriageway Greening....

From the minutes

“The City Council voted without discussion 23 Yeas, 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone) to Accept the Committee Recommendations on the following.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Dec 16#268-19 Accept the committee recommendation: Petition to allow adult-use…Motion: The City Council voted without discussion 22 Yeas, 1 Recused (Councilor…Passed 22–0 · Schwartz: Yes

December 16, 2019: #268-19 Accept the committee recommendation: Petition to allow adult-use marijuana dispensary at 58 Cross St/1089 Washington St

ApprovePassed · 22–0

The City Council voted without discussion 22 Yeas, 1 Recused (Councilor Laredo), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone) to Accept the Committee Recommendations on the following items:

Voted: Yes

Yes: Albright, Auchincloss, Baker, Brousal-Glaser, Cote, Crossley, Danberg, Downs, Gentile, Greenberg, Grossman, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Lappin, Leary, Lipof, Markiewicz, Noel, Norton, Rice, SchwartzMarc C. Laredo recused and is left out of this vote.

From the minutes

“The City Council voted without discussion 22 Yeas, 1 Recused (Councilor Laredo), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone) to Accept the Committee Recommendations on the following items:.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Dec 16#318-19 Accept the committee recommendation: Request to Rezone 15-21…Motion: The City Council voted without discussion 22 Yeas, 1 Recused (Councilor…Passed 22–0 · Schwartz: Yes

December 16, 2019: #318-19 Accept the committee recommendation: Request to Rezone 15-21 Lexington Street to Multi Residence 3

ApprovePassed · 22–0

The City Council voted without discussion 22 Yeas, 1 Recused (Councilor Lipof), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone) to Accept the Committee Recommendations on the following items:

Voted: Yes

Yes: Albright, Auchincloss, Baker, Brousal-Glaser, Cote, Crossley, Danberg, Downs, Gentile, Greenberg, Grossman, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Lappin, Laredo, Leary, Markiewicz, Noel, Norton, Rice, SchwartzRichard A. Lipof recused and is left out of this vote.

From the minutes

“The City Council voted without discussion 22 Yeas, 1 Recused (Councilor Lipof), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone) to Accept the Committee Recommendations on the following items:.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Dec 16#319-19 Accept the committee recommendation: Petition to allow 24-unit…Motion: The City Council voted without discussion 21 Yeas, 1 Nay (Councilor…Passed 21–1 · Schwartz: Yes

December 16, 2019: #319-19 Accept the committee recommendation: Petition to allow 24-unit multi-family dwelling at 15-21 Lexington Street

ApprovePassed · 21–1

The City Council voted without discussion 21 Yeas, 1 Nay (Councilor Auchincloss), 1 Recused (Councilor Lipof), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone) to Accept the Committee Recommendations on the following items:

Voted: Yes

Yes: Albright, Baker, Brousal-Glaser, Cote, Crossley, Danberg, Downs, Gentile, Greenberg, Grossman, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Lappin, Laredo, Leary, Markiewicz, Noel, Norton, Rice, SchwartzNo: AuchinclossRichard A. Lipof recused and is left out of this vote.

From the minutes

“The City Council voted without discussion 21 Yeas, 1 Nay (Councilor Auchincloss), 1 Recused (Councilor Lipof), 1 Absent (Councilor Ciccone) to Accept the Committee Recommendations on the following items:.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)

Dec 2#425-18 Approve: Request to Rezone three parcels for Northland…Motion: Approved 17 Yeas, 7 Nays (Councilors Baker, Ciccone, Gentile, Kalis, Markiewicz,…Passed 17–7 · Schwartz: No

December 2, 2019: #425-18 Approve: Request to Rezone three parcels for Northland Development

ApprovePassed · 17–7

Approved 17 Yeas, 7 Nays (Councilors Baker, Ciccone, Gentile, Kalis, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz)

Voted: No

Yes: Albright, Auchincloss, Brousal-Glaser, Cote, Crossley, Danberg, Downs, Greenberg, Grossman, Kelley, Krintzman, Lappin, Laredo, Leary, Lipof, Noel, RiceNo: Baker, Ciccone, Gentile, Kalis, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz

From the minutes

“Approved 17 Yeas, 7 Nays (Councilors Baker, Ciccone, Gentile, Kalis, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz).”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Dec 2#426-18(2) Approve: Special Permit to allow mixed use development…Motion: Approved 17 Yeas, 7 Nays (Councilors Baker, Ciccone, Gentile, Kalis, Markiewicz,…Passed 17–7 · Schwartz: No

December 2, 2019: #426-18(2) Approve: Special Permit to allow mixed use development - Northland

ApprovePassed · 17–7

Approved 17 Yeas, 7 Nays (Councilors Baker, Ciccone, Gentile, Kalis, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz)

Voted: No

Yes: Albright, Auchincloss, Brousal-Glaser, Cote, Crossley, Danberg, Downs, Greenberg, Grossman, Kelley, Krintzman, Lappin, Laredo, Leary, Lipof, Noel, RiceNo: Baker, Ciccone, Gentile, Kalis, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz

From the minutes

“Approved 17 Yeas, 7 Nays (Councilors Baker, Ciccone, Gentile, Kalis, Markiewicz, Norton, Schwartz).”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Votes with no disagreement (29)

    From the Newton City Council’s official record of each meeting, the “City Council Actions,” posted by the City Clerk on the city’s Council Meetings page (older years on its archives page). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: City of Newton (newtonma.gov), from each councilor’s official page. John Oliver, Rena Getz and Brian Golden: Fig City News. Cyrus Dahmubed, Brittany Hume Charm, Sean Roche, Lisa Gordon and Jacob Silber: League of Women Voters of Newton 2025 candidate guide. Julie Irish: her campaign website. Former councilors show initials.

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