Finance will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, January 22 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:
- Reappointment of Allan S. Cohen to the Board of Assessors
- Request to accept and expend $500 in a donation from the Newton Highlands Congregational Church for LGBTQ+ celebrations
- Request to accept and expend $18,720 in a grant from the State 911 Department for the Emergency Medical Dispatch Grant Program to cover the cost of quality assurance for EMD services.
- Request to appropriate and expend $925,000 of June 30, 2023 Certified Free Cash for the purpose of funding curriculum materials for Newton Public Schools.
- Request to appropriate $11,475,000 of June 30, 2023 Certified Free Cash to fund NPS and Municipal infrastrucure (see list)
Zoning and Planning will meet in person (Room 204) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, January 22 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:
- Appointment of Councilor Susan Albright to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- CPC recommendation to appropriate $125,000 in CPA funding for a grant to the Second Church in Newton for restoration.
Chair’s Note: The Chair notes an expectation of beginning but not concluding the discussion on item #74-24 to allow the Law and Planning Departments time to respond in writing to questions Councilors may have, including those questions posed from [the Chair] and the Vice-Chair, attached to this agenda. Councilors may also find it helpful to review the attached memorandum of January 4 from Mr. Temple to the Zoning Board of Appeals, also notified of this item.
- Request for a discussion with the Law and Planning departments regarding the process going forward for 40B projects since meeting the 10% ‘Safe Harbor’ designation. The discussion should address the different parameters that can or will be used to accept, deny and modify projects and the criteria allowed to be used by ZBA or any other approving authority. See Planning Memo.
Chair’s Note: Councilors may find it helpful to review the attached memorandum of January 19th from Chair Baker highlighting short-term rental ordinances in Chapters 20 and 30.
- Request for an update on Short-term Rental ordinance compliance and enforcement
- Request for the Planning Department with the assistance of the Economic Development Commission, research and develop mechanisms including ordinance changes or other means to assist local businesses impacted by development similar to the Somerville work. See Planning Memo.
Chair’s Note: The Chair will entertain a motion to set a public hearing for Monday, February 26,
2024 regarding the following item:
- Discussion and possible adoption of an ordinance requiring electrification of all new construction and substantial renovations.
Land Use Committee will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Tuesday, January 23 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:
- Request for extension of time to exercise a previously approved special permit to allow a three-story structure with 36 feet in height; to allow an FAR of 1.48; to vertically extend a nonconforming front setback; to waive 4 parking stalls and to allow assigned parking at 1 Jackson Street
- Request to amend a previously approved special permit and allow a free-standing sign and advertisement of the on-site cafe at 269-287 Grove Street. See Special Permit documents, Planning Memo and Economic Development Memo.
- Request to allow a parking stall within five feet of the street and to waive parking stall depth at 113 Edinboro Street. See Special Permit documents and Planning Memo.
- Request to amend an approved comprehensive sign package and previously approved special permit at 1-55 Boylston Street. See Special Permit documents and Planning Memo.
Real Property Reuse will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Thursday, January 25 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:
- Recommendation by the Planning Director that the City owned parcel of land known as 169 Grove Street and 136 Hancock Street, should be made available for sale or lease, pursuant to the City of Newton Ordinances Section 2-7.