The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch NewTV video): (Associated petition documents were inaccessible on 9/17/2023):
- Request for water main extensions in Washington Street. The request is for the currently stalled Mark Development Chapter 40B project, Dunstan East. According to the City’s Engineer, John Daghlian, the request is not for a grant of location but for a grant of easement. According to the report, a tentative agreement is in place to sell the property. Mark Development would like to build this extension for the property, regardless of who might own the property. The water main extension was requested by the Engineering Department as part of the building permit approval. Concern was raised that since this is not the first step in the building process but is likely done after the foundation and after the project is well underway, the item should not be taken up at this time and should be held until the new owner can present the item to the Council. Other Councilors argued that moving this along at this time would make the project more attractive for the potential buyer. The item was approved 3-1-2, Laredo Opposed, Kalis and Norton Abstaining, Danberg not voting.
- Request for a grant of location in 201 Needham Street for installing underground telecommunications conduit and infrastructure crossing Needham Street to serve Newton Northland Development and the neighboring community. The item was approved 6-0, Danberg not voting,
- Request for a grant of location in 925 Chestnut Street. According to the report, the Petitioner said it will not be digging up on Route 9, but underneath it only on Chestnut Street, and MassDOT is requiring the permit because it will be within the State Highway limits. Petitioner added that there would be no impact on Route 9 traffic. The item was approved 6-0, Danberg not voting.
- Request for a grant of location in 743 Chestnut Street. According to the report, the Petitioners originally were going to attach the conduit to the poles and go over the railroad tracks but they were told not to and could not raise the poles higher. Instead, the conduit will be installed underground and pass under the obstruction of the railroad bridge, and then come up on either side of the railroad bridge. It was noted that the conduit will be installed on a newly paved section of Chestnut Street and will need to be repaved curb-to-curb after work is completed. The item was approved 6-0, Danberg not voting.
The Public Facilities Committee voted No Action Necessary
- Discussion regarding snow clearing, operations and enforcement (5-0, Councilors Norton and Danberg Not Voting) discussion in Public Safety and Transportation Committee 9/6 report.
