The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch the video on NewTV):
- Request for a grant of location to install and maintain new gas main in Paulson Road, Ferncroft Road, Evelyn, Helene Road, and Cotter Road (3-2-1, Kelley and Norton opposed, Laredo not voting)
- Request for a grant of location to install and maintain new gas main in Elliot Street, Boylston Street, Circuit Avenue, Josselyn Place, Frances Street, Charles Street, and Margaret Road (4-1-1, Kelley opposed, Norton abstaining, Laredo not voting)
Excerpts from the Report: “There were concerns over the amount of gas leaks in the City and that there are higher priority areas than the one being requested. It was also noted that there appears to be a large financial incentive for National Grid to replace these pipes, however, the City aims to not need these pipes in the future as the transition away from fossil fuels continues.”
“Multiple Committee members expressed a need for a citywide plan to evaluate the city’s methane gas infrastructure and be able to understand how the decision is made regarding repair vs replacement. It was noted that the City’s climate goals require the phasing out of fossil fuels and have a plan for ultimately retiring the methane gas infrastructure.”
“Q: Are there any potential sites for a pilot project to install a geothermal system? A: Commissioner McGonagle stated that he was not aware of any sites in Newton for such projects.”
“Peter Barrer, 60 Endicott Street, stated that it was unclear whether National Grid had selected their first pilot site for a geothermal heating project, but noted that Newton would not be in the first set of projects. He added that there were 3 applications – Peirce School, Countryside, and Franklin, all of which were rejected by National Grid.”
“It was decided that any approval from the Committee would be contingent on receiving supplemental gas leak data and information regarding the 65’ length of pipe from 2010 in writing from National Grid by February 2nd, 2023.
There is a sense of hesitation regarding this project, as a Councilor does not feel that it is aligned with the City’s climate goals.
It was expressed that these projects should not be held so there can be a broader conversation surrounding a citywide plan and the transition away from gas. It was added that those conversations are valuable, but should happen independent of these projects, especially if citizens are at risk of going without heat in the winter.”
