The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch the NewTV video):
- Request for a grant of location to install and maintain gas main in Valentine Street. Councilors continued to express concern over National Grid’s prioritization of gas leaks urging them to focus on larger leaks. The Committee report notes that National Grid’s response regarding the decision to replace leak-prone pipes citing that lining the pipes is not a viable option for this proposed project “from either a cost or construction activities logistics perspective,” suggesting that it could involve a system shutdown with possible extended disruption of customer service.
- Request to appropriate $750,000 from June 30, 2022 Certified Free Cash to a Public Buildings Department Capital Account to fund the replacement of the Newton Free Library’s HVAC system. According to the report, Building Commissioner Josh Morse said this grant will assist the library as the City is in the feasibility stage of converting the library from fossil fuel reliance to all-electric.
- Request the adoption of an Ordinance to prohibit the purchase or application of anti-coagulant rodenticides by the City or City contractors. According to the report, Laura Kiesel, author of “Rodenticides are killing animals way up the food chain” which is attached to the report, discussed the concerns about not only the eagles who have died from ingesting this but also the potential danger to pets and children, noting that limiting food sources is the best way to control the rat population. Building Commissioner, Josh Morse, reported that this ordinance would codify the City’s current practice of not using this type of rat control.
The Committee voted to hold the following:
- Request to approve roadway infrastructure changes as part of the Elliot Street Traffic Calming Project in Newton Upper Falls. The installation of a new crosswalk with a flashing beacon, intersection realignment, changes to roadway width, and the creation of sidewalk-level bike lane requires the approval of the Public Facilities Committee.
Due to the curvature of Elliot Street and the high number of reported accidents, the City is looking to make roadway improvements for all users and has hired a consultant who has developed 12 different concepts. After reviewing with the Department and the Complete Streets Working Group, the Department recommends the following:
- a new pedestrian crosswalk along with a Rapid Flashing Beacon at Linden Street
- reconfigure roadway so Mechanic Street hits Eliot Street at at “T intersection”
- narrow the roadway (22 ft. at the intersection) and replace shoulders with raised bike lanes
- a new crosswalk with a Rapid Flashing Beacon and bumpouts into the existing should area at Cottage and Wetherell to narrow roadway and reduce speeds and raise the bike lane through the intersection.
Concerns were raised at the public hearing regarding speed limit and signage for speed limit, room for fire safety vehicles, and lack of notification to the Area Council.
