Public Facilities voted to approve the following (see Report and watch the meeting video here):
- Appropriate $72,608,506 for the construction of the Franklin School Project: 6-0-1 (Councilor Gentile abstained). The School Committee, Design Review Committee, Newton Public School’s administration, and Franklin School’s principal support the plan. The school building will be moved to where the playing fields are to improve traffic flow. Solar panels will be on the roof and possibly the parking lot. 2 members of the public expressed concerns about the new location shading abutters.
- Demolishing and replacing the Franklin School 6-1 (Councilor Gentile opposed)
- National Grid Petition for a Grant of Location in Richardson Street: Approved Subject to Second Call 4-1-2 (Councilor Leary opposed and Councilors Kelley and Danberg abstained). National Grid’s request to install a new gas main across the Centre St. bridge as part of infrastructure upgrades.
- President’s Reappointment of Michael Gevelber to the Newton Citizen’s Commission on Energy: Approved 7-0.
Public Facilities voted to hold the following:
- Request for Drain Extensions in Edgefield Road: Held; Public Hearing Continued 7-0. Discussion on a proposal for a drain extension in Edgefield Road to provide an overflow connection for on-site drainage, addressing flooding issues since 2017. The Petitioner will pay the entire cost. Neighbors asked why the petitioner was not required to keep all stormwater on its site and were concerned about damage to York Road and disruption from construction. Item held to see if the drain can be tied into the stormwater system. Edgefield Road Back-up Material
- Discussion with National Grid Regarding Plans to Fix Gas Leaks in Newton: Held 7-0. In-depth discussion about National Grid’s plans and methodologies to address gas leaks in Newton, focusing on balancing cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. Currently, Newton has 502 gas leaks. When asked why:
- National Grid “has been prioritizing expensive replacement of leak-prone pipe over inexpensive timely repair of significant leaks.” National Grid replied that they do not do this. The National Grid representative stated it can cost roughly $6,000 to repair a lead and $3 million to replace a mile of pipe. Repairing old cast iron pipes can cause further safety issues. National Grid believes the old pipes need to be fully replaced.
- National Grid is taking longer to repair Significant Environmental Impact leaks than regulations allow. NG replied that it will fix the one Grade 3 leak at Saw Mill Parkway, given as an example, in less than two years.
- National Grid is not fixed large leaks just below the Grade 3 level. National Grid replied that Grade 3 leaks have “compliance deadlines.”
