At the end of two decades of rapid growth in enrollment after World War II, Newton Public Schools (NPS) was led by a pioneering Superintendent who oversaw major changes in curriculum that drew nationwide attention. Back then, the NPS had more power in determining its budget allocation, and the budget…
Posts published by “Lucia Dolan”
The MBTA gave an update on the Newtonville Commuter Rail Accessibility Project on December 11 at City Hall. The new station’s $50 million funding is fully committed, including $7 million from the Federal Government thanks to Congressman Auchincloss. The project is anticipated to be completed by early 2029. The project…
Following World War II, Newton was known as “one of the best school systems in the country.” James Conant, president of Harvard, called Newton a lighthouse that pointed the way to excellence in public education. Community organizations worked closely with NPS. Leaders of the PTA and the Newton Teachers Federation…
The Land Use Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): The Committee held the following: Attendees: Councilors Kelley (Chair), Lucas, Block, Farrell, Leary, Lobovits, Laredo, and Downs. Also present: Councilors Malakie, Wright, and Oliver. City staff: Senior Planner Sondria Berman; Chief Planner Katie Whewell; Deputy…
The Finance Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): The Committee took No Action Necessary on: The Committee referred to the 2026–2027 term: Present: Councilors Gentile (Chair), Malakie, Greenberg, Bixby, Lipof, Humphrey, Micley and GrossmanCity staff: Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux, DPW Commissioner Shawna Sullivan,…
The Zoning & Planning Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Oliver, Albright, Wright, Kalis, Danberg, and KrintzmanAbsent: Councilor GetzAlso Present: Councilor Block and FarrellCity Staff: Director of Planning and Development Barney Heath, Chief of Long Range Planning Zachery LeMel, and…
The Programs & Services Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Attendees: Councilors Krintzman (Chair), Humphrey, Oliver, Baker, Malakie, Farrell, and Lobovits; absent: Micley. City staff: Director of Older Adult Services Mignonne Murray; City Clerk Drew Willison; Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Yeo; Senior Assistant City…
The Public Facilities Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Held: No Action Necessary: Present: Councilors Albright (Chair), Danberg, Kalis, Kelley, Leary, and LaredoAbsent: Councilor Getz and GentileAlso present: Councilors Farrell and Bixby; Newton Commission on Energy members: Phil Hanser, Stephen Grody, Jonathan Kantar, and…
The Public Safety & Transportation Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): The Committee denied the following: Present: Councilors Grossman (Chair), Downs, Lucas, Bixby, Block, Greenberg, Wright and LipofCity Staff: Jonathan Yeo, Chief Operating Officer, Captain Daniel Devine, Newton Police Department; Ashley Shaheen, Deputy Director…
The Land Use Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Administrative actions (withdrawals approved without prejudice): Approved, subject to second call (public hearing closed): 11-28-25 Law Memo to CouncilLaw Memo Exhibit A – Final Special Permit Order RedlineLaw Memo Exhibit B – Final Rezoning OrderLaw…
The Finance Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Held/Discussion: Present: Councilors Gentile (Chair), Malakie, Greenberg, Bixby, Lipof, Humphrey, and GrossmanAbsent: Councilor MicleyCity staff present: ADA Coordinator Jini Fairley, Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux, Commissioner of Public Works Shawna Sullivan, CPA Program Manager Mollie Hutchings,…
The Zoning & Planning Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): The Committee voted No Action Necessary: Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Oliver, Albright, Wright, Kalis, Getz, Danberg, and KrintzmanAlso Present: Councilor MalakieCity Staff: Director of Planning and Development Barney Heath, Senior Assistant SolicitorAndrew Lee, Deputy…