Highlights this week…
- Mayor …requesting Home Rule Petition from the General Court to issue Pension Obligation Bonds
- School Committee …potentially voting on FY27 budget
- Public Safety & Transportation …continuing discussion of City’s response to ICE and addressing City’s Overnight Parking Ban
- Public Facilities …reviewing recommendations on Newton Highlands Village Enhancement Project
City Council
City Council will meet on Monday regarding the following items from the Reports Docket:
- Special Permits to:
- Construct a one-story, 333 square foot detached accessory building at 199 Otis Street
- Create habitable space in the attic level and extend a nonconforming 3.5-story structure at 25-27 Lewis Street
- Transfer of $46,500 for curb cut accessibility improvements at Walker and Proctor Streets in Newtonville
- No Action Necessary:
- Repurposing $150,000 for Fire Station 2 bathroom renovation
- Actibump traffic calming technology assessment
- Overview of Sustainable Materials Management Division
- Overview of Utilities Division
- Pre-budget planning discussion with Planning & Development and Inspectional Services
The New Docket contains the following:
- Special permit requests for:
- 16 attached single-family dwellings with dimensional and parking relief at 93, 103 and 0 Thurston Road
- Three-story building with four live/work units at 1100-1102 Beacon Street
- Discussion with the Newton Housing Authority on the work of the NHA
- Authorization to submit FY27 Annual Action Plan to HUD for CDBG, ESG, and WestMetro HOME funds
- Reappointment of Marcela Merino to the Economic Development Commission
- Information on expiring deed restrictions on affordable units
- Appeal of Traffic Council Decision regarding parking on Holly Road
- Council participation in planning process on the future of gas in Newton
- National Grid petition to install and maintain a gas main on Clarendon Street (Public Hearing 4/8)
- Relocation of drain easement at 129 Rowe Street
- Authorization to petition the General Court for special legislation on Pension Obligation Bonds
- Authorization to expend $20,000 for a legal settlement
- Transfer of $3,000 for Commission on Disability interpretive services
Financial Audit Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday at 9AM to discuss the FY25 Single Audit Report and plan for the FY26 audit.
Rules Subcommittee will meet Wednesday at 6PM to begin reviewing City Council Rules, focusing on the 180-day requirement for docket items and withdrawal of docket items.
Public Safety & Transportation Committee will meet Wednesday at 7PM regarding:
- Street sweeping compliance in Nonantum, including possible fine increases and towing
- Ordinance change to the City’s Overnight Parking Ban
Public Facilities Committee will meet Wednesday at 7PM regarding:
- Public Hearings:
- Eversource petition for a grant of location on Smith Avenue
- National Grid petition for a grant of location on Clarendon Street
- Status of the Newton Highlands Working Group
- Ordinance change to require new sidewalk installation only if the existing sidewalk is damaged during construction
Programs & Services Committee will meet Wednesday at 7PM regarding:
- Authorization to expend $300,000 to the Newton Communications Access Center (NewTV)
- Commission to review compensation for the Mayor, City Council, and School Committee
- Review of Newton City Charter
School Committee
School Committee will meet Monday at 6:30PM regarding:
- Superintendent’s Update
- Private School/Non-Public School Memo
- Policy re: Bullying Prevention and Intervention
- Vote: Last Day of School
- FY27 Budget Review and Final Vote
Negotiations Subcommittee of the School Committee will meet Thursday at 1PM in Executive Session regarding negotiation strategy with the Newton Teachers Association.
School Committee will meet Friday at 11AM for Brown Bag Learning Lunch #5 on the SRO Program.
Newton North High School Council will meet on Monday.
Boards and Commissions
Planning & Development Board will meet Monday at 7PM regarding:
- Public Hearing: FY27 Annual Action Plan for Newton and the WestMetro HOME Consortium
- Site Plan Review for relocation and new construction of residential buildings at 40 Cypress Street
Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission will meet Tuesday at 7PM to consider requests for Certificates of Appropriateness at 347-349 Elliot Street (solar panels) and 353-357 Elliot Street (rear addition).
Other
Development Review Team will meet this week regarding the following potential project/proposals:
- 42 Lorna Road: Special permit for FAR to add attached ADU
- 241 Riverview Avenue: Variance to allow a 20,000 square foot Walmart micro fulfillment center (where 10,000 square feet is the maximum)
This week’s road construction schedule.
