Randy Block talks career, vision for Newton and why he’s running for Ward 4 seat
“A lot goes into deciding to run,” Randy Block said in his Lower Falls living room as his very vocal supporter, Max—a dog who looks like a black lab despite a DNA test showing not a single drop of Labrador DNA in him—whimpered with excitement.
Randy Block – Candidate for Ward 4 Councilor
Mr. Block said that Newton does need more affordable housing, specifically for low-income families. He spoke highly of the West Newton Armory project, saying that the City should seek more city-state partnerships. He would seek to identify more state-owned properties as sites to build subsidized low-income housing. As well, he favors a new real-estate transfer tax, with proceeds to support subsidized housing.
Newton Candidate Profile: Randy Block For City Council
The single most pressing issue is balancing growth while keeping what we love about Newton. I think we can support new development but do so in a way that maintains trees and open space, limits traffic and keeps our unique network of charming village centers. As ward councilor, I will always put the interests of my constituents over the profits of private developers.
“Blocked: City Councilor ‘charters’ Northland Vote”, April 23, 2025
“It’s been six years. What’s another couple of weeks? On Tuesday, the City Council was set to vote on Northland Development, a proposal for a development in Upper Falls that aims to add more than 800 apartments to the city’s housing stock, complete with a public splash pad. But then, Ward 4 Councilor Randy Block stood up and “chartered” it, meaning he pushed it to the next meeting as the city’s charter allows.
“Election 2025: Local duo looks to repeal Newton’s winter parking ban" July 10, 2025
According to City Councilor Randy Block, however, the winter parking ban serves more purposes than just clearing snow. “It’s really too bad that we call it an overnight winter parking ban,” he said. “It achieves more than just allowing snow to be plowed more easily during three months of the year, right?”
“Ward Councilors 2, 4, 6, 8” Dec. 10, 2024
According to Randy Block, the most frequent constituent concerns in Ward 4 are regarding the Commonwealth Avenue Carriageway Project (road and parking redesign) and several large housing developments.
