Monday’s Zoning and Planning (ZAP) Committee started off with a lively debate regarding a procedural issue raised by Ward 7 Councilor Baker regarding ZAP Chair Crossley’s decision not to allow participants to present visual materials during their allotted times (watch video on NewTV). Crossley argued that visuals would not be allowed because there were “far too many people who wish to speak” and “it takes to set up and take down [presentations],” and because participants were informed that there would not be any visual presentations permitted.
Baker fired back: “I’ve been on this Council for almost 40 years. I am now in my 40th year. I’ve never in my life felt that there was an attempt to try and structure a public comment in a way that precluded people from showing us something as well as telling us something.”
Crossley said that there were 20 groups that wanted to present and offered if groups want to submit visuals/presentations in advance — and if they have a chance to look at the material in advance — that maybe they could allow visuals at a future meeting. Baker continued to protest and asked for a vote of the Committee on whether the process is proper. “If we want to be on the record that we’re going to exclude public testimony that involves visual material within the time period then we ought to take a vote.”
Three of the four councilors who spoke on this issue (Leary, Danberg, and Albright) were in favor of the Chair’s decision, with Councilor Leary being “sympathetic” but did not think it is fair to those who were told that visuals would not be allowed. Councilor Danberg stated, “We are wasting our time by having this discussion,” and Councilor Albright urged Baker “to move on” and get started. Ward 3 Councilor Wright agreed with Baker, reporting that some of the groups spent money and time to put presentations together.
In withdrawing his call for a vote, Baker said, “It is clear to me that the will of the committee and the majority is to go ahead. I just want to lodge my protest to the process — because it was told without consulting us or the committee, and I feel that I’m deprived of an opportunity to hear from the people in a way that they would like to be heard.”
Groups that offered their verbal comments but did not present visuals were: Newton Housing Partnership, Newton Planning and Development Board, West Newton Preservation Initiative, Unite West Newton, Newton Historical Commission, Newton Highlands Area Council, Newton Affordable Housing Trust, Right Size Newton, Engine 6 Zoning Group, Newton Corner Neighborhood Association, Charles River Regional Chamber, Architects Plus Zoning Consulting Group, Warren/Glen/Elgin Block Party Committee, Green Newton Building Standards Committee, Newton Node 350 Mass, Claflin Street Washington Park Neighbors, Building Professionals Zoning Working Group, and Newton Fair Housing Committee.