Zoning and Planning will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, August 11 at 7PM. The agenda includes the following:
- Appointment of Scott Friedman to the Newton Historical Commission.
Chair’s Note: The Chair will ask for the Committee to vote to amend the language of the docket Item 212-25 from ‘member’ to ‘alternate member’.
- Appointment of Travis Salters to the Newton Historical Commission.
Chair’s Note: Item #375-24 will not be substantively discussed. The Chair intends to ask the Committee to vote to set a public hearing for September 25th, 2025.
- Request discussion and possible amendments to Chapter 30 Zoning to allow certain routine residential alterations by right to streamline City processes for Newton property owners.
Chair’s Note: Items #21-24, 24-24, 76-24, 86-24, and 232-24 will not be substantively discussed at this meeting. The Chair intends to ask the Committee to vote No Action Necessary on the following items.
- Request for a discussion with Zoning and Planning Committee concerning the work plan of the ZAP Committee for the new 2024-2025 term.
- Request for request 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. The goal of this docket item will be to help small commercial/retail/independent and locallyowned businesses remain in Newton as development occurs.
- Request for a discussion with the Planning Department to address concerns relative to the trend of significantly raising grade elevations on lots, using retaining walls, terracing and other means to add soil to conceal a raised basement, which can lead to new buildings that are significantly taller than nearby existing houses in the area and cause denuding of wooded areas and increase stormwater runoff.
- Request for a preliminary discussion with the Planning Department, Inspectional Services Department and CPA Program Manager to prepare for the Committee’s FY25 Budget Review of these Departments and Programs.
- Request for a discussion with the Inspectional Services and Planning Departments regarding how the public and staff access NewGov. This discussion would include a live demonstration of the system.
Chair’s Note: Items 83-24, 231-24, and 52-25 will not be substantively discussed at this meeting. The Chair intends to ask the Committee to vote No Action Necessary on the following items and recommends the docketers refile them in the next term.
- Request for a discussion and implementation of a public reporting process for key metrics relevant to the Planning Department.
- Request for a discussion with the Planning Department, Law Department, Chair of the Land Use Committee, and Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the process for community engagement for large developments.
- Request for a discussion and possible amendments to Chapter 30, Zoning to exempt raised beds from the definition of a structure and allow them to be placed within the setback.
Chair’s Note: Item #322-24 will not be substantively discussed. The Chair intends to ask the Committee to vote No Action Necessary on this item as there is a similar active item in the Public Facilities Committee.
- Request for a discussion regarding residential use of electricity.
Finance will meet virtually (Zoom link) on Monday August 11 at 7:30PM. The agenda includes the following:
Chair’s note: The docket text for the below item was revised to correct a scriber’s error
- CPC recommendation to appropriate $15,000 in CPA funding for Newton Community Farm for expenses related to the replacement of the deck.
City Council will meet in person (Council Chamber) and virtually (Zoom link) on Monday, August 11 at 7:45PM. See Reports Docket and New Docket. The meeting will be broadcast live on NewTV’s government channel (Comcast 9, RCN 13, 614(HD), Verizon 33) and NewTV’s YouTube channel.
