Board and Commission Meetings – Week of 8/6/2023

Planning and Development Board will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, August 7 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:

• Recommendation on Landmark Proposals before Newton Historical Commission
  • 19 Highland Avenue – See Planning Memo
  • 2-12 Windsor Road – See Planning Memo
  • Discussion regarding petition to rezone lots on Charles Street at 132 Charles Street from MR1 and Manufacturing to Mixed Use 1. (See Charles Street Presentation, 7/26 Petitioner’s Memo,7/28 Planning Memo
• Continuation of Public Hearing for docket item on a request for discussion and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map regarding village center districts and discussion on docket item requesting discussion on state guidance for implementing the Housing Choice. NOTE: There will be no public comment taken regarding #38-22 or #39-22 at this meeting. (See VCOD Street Visualization Memo, Planning Memo re: to Pam Wright Proposal)
  • Request for a review, discussion, and possible ordinance amendments relative to Chapter 30 zoning ordinances pertaining to Mixed Use, business districts, and village districts relative to the draft Zoning Ordinance.
  • Request for a discussion on state guidance for implementing the Housing Choice element of the MA Economic Development legislation.
• Discussion of a possible ordinance to allow for breweries, brew pubs, and other craft beverage production. Possible amendments would remove the prohibition on bottling alcoholic beverages and propose opportunities for other craft beverage production and accessory retail. (See Craft Beverage Establishment Use Presentation, and Planning Memo)

Economic Development Commission will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Tuesday, August 8 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:

• City Updates & EDC Discussion
  • Strengthen Village Centers
    • Letter of Support for Village Center Overlay District
  • Increase Newton’s commercial tax base
    • Guest Speaker: Greatland Realty Partners
    • Update: California Street Study Findings
    • DEI
      • Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards
  • Facilitate Owning & Operating Businesses
    • Update: Outdoor Dining
    • Update: Bottling & Craft Breweries

Community Preservation Committee will meet virtually (Zoom link) Tuesday, August 8 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:

• Pre-Proposal Review for the Family Access Davis School Renovation Project ($800,000 in Historic Resource Funds)
• Final Report on the Newton Community Farm Farmhouse Rehabilitation and Restoration Project
• Other Business
  • Review of Existing and Potential Future Projects
  • Review of Current Finances

See Meeting Packet.

Design Review Committee will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Wednesday, August 9 at 6PM. The agenda includes the following:

• Lincoln-Eliot: Review the 90% LE School construction documents and DRC comments. Anticipate voting to complete the documents and put the project out to bid.
• Countryside: Schematic Design Progress Review

Urban Design Commission will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Wednesday, August 9 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:

• Sign Permits
  • 344-348 Walnut Street – Donut Villa
  • 456-460 Newtonville Avenue – Nirvana Tattoo Studio
  • 35-41 Lincoln Street – CG Color + Extensions
  • 225 Needham Street – Lazzoni
  • 552-564 Commonwealth Avenue – Paggi Physical Therapy
  • 1345-1355 Washington Street – Dancer’s Image
  • 793-821 Washington Street – Natural Life
  • 417-427 Lexington Street – KDR Medspa + Wellness
• Design Review
  • 35 Middle Street

Election Commission will meet in person (Room 211) and virtually (Zoom link) on Thursday, August 10 at 5:15PM. The agenda includes the following:

• Drawing ballot positions for the September 12 Preliminary
• Update on new voting tabulators

Horace Mann School Building Committee will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Thursday, August 10 at 6PM. The agenda includes the following:

• Schematic Design Update: Site Plan Review / Building Design Review Schedule Update

Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Thursday, August 10 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:

• Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace siding, trim, and entry porch decking and railings at 48 Pettee Street
• Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to build a sunroom at 7 Lucille Place
• Request for Certificate of Appropriateness to Remediate Violation (installation of fence and shed) at 1268 Boylston Street, Unit B. See Fence application and Shed application
• Violation of the Historic District Ordinance – installation of mini-splits and conduits that were not granted Certificates of Appropriateness at 1268 Boylston Street, Unit B
• Request for Certificate of Appropriateness to Remediate Violation (installation of mini-splits and conduits) at 1268 Boylston Street, Unit B – see Application.
• Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install front gable vent and replace rear gable vent at 1268 Boylston Street, Unit B

See Staff Memo.

Waban Area Council will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Thursday, August 10 at 7:30PM. The agenda includes the following:

• Update on Waban Village Center Landmark considerations
• Zoning Updates
  • Village Center Rezoning
  • City of Newton’s compliance with the MBTA Communities Act
  • WAC Survey of Waban residents on Village Center Overlay Districts – Version 2
• Administrative Items
  • Area Council Debates – Election 2023
  • Discussion of Area Council Election process for next term: 2024 – 2026
  • Fundraising Event – Fall 2023
  • Review & approval of Meeting Minutes
  • Treasurer’s Report