The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch video on NewTV):
- Appointment of Cory Alperstein to the Newton Citizens Commission on Energy
- Request for a main drain extension to provide a means for an overflow connection to the proposed on-site infiltration system that was designed for the new dwelling at 29 Westgate Road
- Petition for a grant of location to install a gas main in Commonwealth Avenue (Subject to 2nd call):
- in Commonwealth Avenue from Woodbine Street to 2104 Commonwealth Avenue
- in Woodbine Street from Commonwealth Avenue to the end
- in the intersection of Islington Road and Commonwealth Avenue
- in the intersection of Ash Street and Commonwealth Avenue
- in the intersection of Melrose Street and Commonwealth Avenue
- in the carriageway of Commonwealth Avenue from Melrose Street to Lexington Street
Prior to discussing this item, the Chair made clear that the state via the Department of Utilities has authority and that committee’s authority is limited. Several residents and councilors raised questions regarding the cost of replacement vs. repair of the gas mains. (Two comments submitted by residents are attached to the Report). The Committee voted to approve 6-0-1(Leary abstaining).
- Petition for a Grant of Location to install and maintain a gas main in Lowell Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, and Homer Street:
- in Lowell Avenue from 525 Lowell Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue
- in Homer Street from Commonwealth Avenue to City Hall
- In Commonwealth Avenue from Lowell Avenue to Valentine Street
- Petition for a Grant of Location to install and maintain a gas main in Ward Street:
- in Ward Street from Westbourne Road to Waverly Avenue
- in intersection of Westbourne Road and Ward
- in intersection of Coolidge Road and Ward
- in intersection of Eastbourne Road and Ward
- in intersection of Avalon Road and Ward
- in intersection of Exmoor Road and Ward
- in intersection of Grant Avenue and Ward
There were questions raised regarding discrepancies between the number of gas leaks provided by National Grid and the number provided by City Engineer, Lou Taverna. Several residents raised concerns over the replacement rather than repair of the pipes. The committee voted 6-0-1 (Leary abstaining).
- Petition for Grant of Location to install conduit in Farlow Road, Waverly Avenue, and Chamberlain Road: Approved as Amended to add the relocation of the guy wire.
The Committee voted to hold the following item:
- Request to approve a recommendation from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to appropriate $75,000 in Community Preservation Act funding from the FY2023 Historic Resource Reserve Fund to the Planning Department to complete the first phase of the Jackson Homestead Basement Restoration Project by hiring a preservation consultant to develop plans to remediate the existing water and humidity issues in order to preserve the historic structure and protect its important collections.
