The Development Review Team will hear a proposal regarding a possible Chapter 40B – Comprehensive Permit application for residential development at 528, 516, 502-504, and 0 Boylston Street, 32-34, and 24-26 Hurley Place, and Hagen Road (See Development Review Team Snapshot). NOTE: These meetings are not open to the public but provide a petitioner/developer an opportunity to meet with City Staff to discuss the potential proposal.
The Zoning and Planning Committee will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Wednesday, September 28 at 7PM (see agenda) to discuss:
- Update on Village Center Zoning Community Outreach (see Community Letters and other related documents),
- State guidance on the Housing Choice element of the Economic Development legislation (MBTA Communities Multi-Family Zoning Requirements – see Planning Memo),
- Proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Rear Lot Subdivisions (see Planning Memo), and
- Requirements for electric vehicle charging station infrastructure (see EV Task Force Memo).
The Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 28 at 7PM (see agenda) to review:
- A $4,120,000 bond request for construction and engineering services for the City of Newton Pump Station Rehabilitation CIP Project 1 and design for Project 2,
- A request to create a mattress recycling program,
- A request to transfer $250,000 from a Buildings Improvement Account for under $75K projects to a new account for non-lapsing projects,
- Two CPA recommendations ($75K for Jackson Homestead Basement Restoration Project and $1,948,056 to provide funding to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust), and
- A discussion with the Administration regarding consultants at its virtual meeting (Zoom link)
The School Committee’s Negotiations sub-committee will meet on Wednesday, September 28 at 3PM (see Meeting Notice) to continue its discussion in Executive Session with regard to strategy on collective bargaining with the Newton Teachers Association.
The Newton Affordable Housing Trust will meet on Wednesday, September 28 at 4PM (in-person: Room 204 and virtual: Zoom link; see agenda) to receive a staff presentation on the City’s affordable housing programs and funding sources, review and possibly approve the Draft Strategic Plan and Guidelines, and the Draft Trust Funding Application, as well as receive updates on the Zoning Reform subcommittee and CPA funding proposal and other funding sources.
The Co-Founder and Executive Co-Director of HEET, Audrey Schulman, will give a presentation on Geo Microgrid at the Newton Citizens on Energy Commission‘s virtual meeting (Zoom link) on Wednesday, September 28 at 7PM (see agenda). The Commission will also receive a brief update on the status of BERDO (Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance) and discuss the Commission’s role in reducing GHG emissions from the residential sector. NOTE: City staff have been holding discussion sessions for residents and businesses to learn more about BERDO. The next two sessions will focus on BERDO compliance pathways, beginning with options for purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) using Newton Power Choice or market suppliers, as the City does for its own electricity accounts. You can register for these discussion sessions at the following links: September 29, 10AM and October 25, 8AM.
The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet in person (Council Chambers) and virtually (Zoom link) on Wednesday, September 28 at 7PM and will hold public hearings on a petition for a variance to reduce frontage requirements and a petition from a resident appealing the issuance of a building permit by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services for the installation of foundations for sports field lighting (Lights at NSHS) (see agenda).
The Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department will hold a virtual community meeting on Thursday, September 29 at 6PM (Zoom link) regarding the Marty Sender Greenway Restoration Phase II Project. (see Meeting Notice)
The Sustainable Materials Management Commission (SMMC) will meet on Thursday, September 29 at 7PM (in-person: Room 205; virtual: Zoom link) to discuss increasing organics pick-up service and education (see agenda). The Commission is also scheduled to receive updates on the meeting with the Mayor regarding the SMMC’s report, the Plastics Reduction Ordinance, and water filling stations (On Tap Newton).
MBTA Green Line D Branch Reminder: Shuttle buses replace train service between Riverside and Kenmore from Saturday, September 24, through Sunday, October 2, for track and infrastructure upgrades. Additional line closures for track work are scheduled for October 8-16 and October 22-30.
The Planning and Development Board last week recommended approval of two proposals to amend the zoning ordinance:
- Amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Ordinance (ADUs) allowing detached ADUs by right and amending setback requirements – See Recommendation Letter
- Amendment to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance to allow the Affordable Housing Trust to receive on-half of new Inclusionary Zoning funds – See Recommendation Letter
The Programs and Services Committee voted last week not to approve the Temporary Tree Cutting Moratorium proposal. President Albright moved to reject the proposal and Councilors Noel, Greenberg, Krintzman, and Ryan joined her in support of the motion. Councilors Baker and Wright voted against the motion to reject and Councilor Humphrey voted to abstain. (Watch video here on NewTV). The two proposals to amend the Tree Preservation Ordinance — one request submitted by the Mayor on behalf of the City’s Tree Warden (see Mayor/Marc Welch proposal and see supporting documents) and the other submitted by City Councilors led by Julia Malakie and Emily Norton (see memo, supporting documents, and presentation slides)
The Urban Tree Commission held a special meeting on Friday, September 23, and voted to send a letter to the City Council “to enact first a temporary moratorium and then the City-Council-proposed ordinance changes.” The vote was 5 -1 (Birnbaum, Darnell, Malakie, Winsett, Sangiolo in favor and Wilkinson opposed).
This week’s road construction schedule can be found here.