Once again, this week, Nonantum — known as “The Lake” — will be the site of its annual Italian festival. Festa Italiana reflects a close-knit community, many of whose families emigrated from San Donato Val di Comino and neighboring villages. Once again, Pellegrini Park (11 Hawthorne Street) will be the…
Posts published in July 2023
While music lovers around the country are paying a premium this summer to attend faraway festivals, Newton residents can listen to a plethora of performers from July 21-22 for free. Classical, funk, pop, jazz, salsa, bluegrass and other musicians will hit two stages at the Hyde Community Center park/playground during…
We are very pleased to announce that the first two of the four Fig City News high-school summer interns started with us last week. Bella Ishanyan and Emma Zhang are rising seniors at Newton South High School and co-Editors-in-Chief of the school’s award-winning paper, the Lion’s Roar. They have a lot to offer Fig…
As a longtime Newton resident, member of Newton’s Urban Tree Commission, and economist researching the economic benefits of trees, I support the strongest possible protection of Newton’s tree canopy. Cutting healthy trees harms every neighborhood in Newton through: Each leads to meaningful costs to Newton residents. While the proposed Tree…
Joan Mikula, former Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DPH), received an honorary degree and delivered the keynote address at the commencement ceremony of William James College on June 11. In her 35-year career at DPH, she shifted emphasis from inpatient to community care, developed frameworks for serving…
The Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club sent this letter to the City of Newton urging leaders to reject the installation of artificial turf at Albemarle Field and use only organic infill materials if the City replaces the artificial turf at Newton South. In the letter, sent on July 5,…
The Programs & Services Committee voted to No Action Necessary on the following (see Report and watch the NewTV video): 15 residents spoke in favor, 2 against, and 2 made non-committal statements. According to the report, multiple Councilors noted that many suggestions worth exploring were presented during the public hearing.…
The Finance Committee voted to approve the following (see Report):
The Land Use Committee voted to approve the following(see Report and watch the NewTV video): The Land Use Committee voted to hold the following: The Land Use Committee voted to deny the following:
The Zoning and Planning Committee voted to hold the following (see Report and watch the NewTV video): Public Hearing on a request to review, discuss, and amend the Chapter 30 zoning ordinances by adding a new Village Center Overlay District, (VCOD) consisting of four (4) district tiers, by establishing requirements…