At the final City Council meeting of the year and the term, six Newton City Councilors – Alan Lobovits, Bill Humphrey, Andreae Downs, Vicki Danberg, Rick Lipof, and Mayor-elect Marc Laredo – reflected on their time in office. Councilor Lenny Gentile, who was not in attendance, will also retire after…
Posts published in “City Council”
The Financial Audit Advisory Committee reviewed the following financial highlights, the management letter, and special projects (see the report and watch the meeting video): Zach Fentross “explained that in the statement of net position, the City has liabilities of $1.2 billion, which are primarily made up of long-term liabilities. He…
The Land Use Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Request to allow non-accessory parking, associated dimensional waivers relative to surface parking lots and to allow a retaining wall exceeding four feet in height at 56 Chapel Street (5-2-1, Councilors Kelley and Lucas opposed, Councilor…
The Finance Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Acceptance and expenditure of a $5,000,000 FY2026 MassWorks grant for the Crafts Street Culvert Replacement project. The Committee approved acceptance of a competitive state grant to support replacement or lining of a deteriorated culvert segment near…
The Zoning & Planning Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Zoning map amendment for 41 Farwell Street. The Committee approved a zoning map amendment to rezone the property in support of a proposed redevelopment project, finding that the change was consistent with surrounding zoning…
The Public Facilities Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Appropriation of $2,304,983.75 for Phase 2 of the Pump Station Rehabilitation CIP Project. The Committee approved funding for construction and construction oversight to rehabilitate five City pump stations—Quinobequin Road, Elliot Street, Edgewater Park, Manet Road,…
The Public Safety & Transportation Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Public auto license renewals (6-0) Present: Councilors Grossman (Chair), Downs, Lucas, Bixby, Greenberg, and WrightAbsent: Councilors Block and LipofAlso Present: Councilor-Elect SilberCity Staff: Captain Daniel Devine, Newton Police Department
The Land Use Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): Auto Dealer Licenses (6-0-1, Councilor Laredo not voting). Licenses were approved for: 41 Farwell Street (7-0) to rezone to Multi Residence 2. Petition Documents Draft Council Order 41 Farwell Street (site plan / special permit)…
The Traffic Council approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video): All items approved can be appealed through the close of business on December 10, 2025. Jacobs Terrace at Hartman Road (Ward 8) (5-0) The Council approved the installation of a stop or yield sign at the…
The Special Finance Committee approved the following (see the report and video): Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Property Tax Levy distribution percentages (7-0) “Single-family and two-family homes make up almost 80%; all residential properties make up 92%; and commercial, industrial, and personal businesses make up about 7.7%” in FY26.“Median sale prices…
City Council will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, December 15 at 7:45PM. See the Reports Docket and the New Docket. Watch a live broadcast on NewTV’s government channel (Comcast 9, RCN 13, 614(HD), Verizon 33) or on NewTV’s YouTube channel. Real Property Reuse Committee will meet…
On Friday, November 28, City Councilor Lenny Gentile (Ward 4) filed a late docket item asking Mayor-elect Marc Laredo to explain how his planned increase in Mayoral Office staff from 7 to 9 will fit within the current fiscal-year budget. The docket item also asked the Mayor-elect to submit a…