The Public Facilities Committee approved the following (see Report and watch the Video):
- Verizon petition for a Grant of Location on Chase Street (Approved 5-0): To relocate a utility pole to accommodate a new driveway as part of new construction at 47-49 Chase Street. Efforts will be made to minimize the impact on a nearby tree, including coordination with the tree warden. No one spoke at the public hearing. Back-up Material
- Eversource petition for Grant of Location for Commonwealth Ave (Approved 5-0): To install conduit at the intersection of Auburn Street and Evergreen Avenue to support the MWRA Tunnel Boring Machine project. No one spoke at the public hearing. Back-up Material
- Appropriate $105,253 for the Newton South Lighting Project from the Energy Stabilization Fund (Approved 5-0): To fund the completion of the LED lighting conversion at Newton South High School while matching funds from Eversource are available. This LED lighting is expected to save the City an estimated $17,000 per year.
- Transfer $215,000 for new traffic signal equipment from Trio mitigation funds (Approved 5-0): For new equipment at the Lowell Avenue/Washington Street intersection to improve traffic flow and safety. The new equipment has vehicle-detection technology that responds “in real time,” does not include a bike signal, and is not integrated with other nearby traffic lights.
- Authorization for Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) loan program for Sewer Capital Improvement PLan Project 10 (Approved 5-0): To borrow $4,403,000 for sewer system improvements in Newton Highlands, Newton Corner, Newton Center, and Waban.
- Authorization for MWRA Phase 4 water loan program (Approved as Amended 5-0): To amend the authorization amount from $1,957,300 to $19,573,000 for water main replacements over the next decade.