The Land Use Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- 82–84 East Side Parkway – new two-family with retaining wall over 4′ ( 7–1, Councilor Downs not voting) The applicant revised the wall location about 2′ off the rear line to address the abutter’s boundary concern; the committee will write tree-protection language into the order because roots from the rear tree may be affected by the wall. Petition Documents Draft Order
- 136 Gordon Road request to exceed Floor Area Ratio (FAR) (8-0) Neighbor spoke in favor of project at the public hearing. Petition Documents Draft Order
The Land Use Committee held the following:
- 41 Farwell Street zoning change to Multi Residence 2 and related 3-unit proposal (7-1, Councilor Laredo recrused) Members continued the public hearing and working with the Planning & Development Board on the MR2 map change and the paired special permit (one lot to become a 3-unit MR2 site; the other to stay Limited Manufacturing Zone as non-accessory parking) so that screening, lighting, and parking waivers can be calibrated. Petition Documents
- 1100-1102 Beacon Street request to allow ground floor residential use, four stories, to exceed height and associated parking waivers (8-0) Public hearing continued. Property has been vacent for 5 years. Councilors had questions about trees, parking, and residential versus commercial use. No members of the public spoke. Petition Documents
- 399 Grove Street request to rezone to Mixed Use 3 and to amend sections of the Mixed Use 3/Transit Oriented Development District of the Newton Zoning Ordinance (7-1, Councilor Downs not voting) Public hearing continued. Discussed the following items. Petition Documents
- 355, 399, and 0 Grove Street (Riverside) request to construct a mixed-use development consisting of 750 residential units, mixed commercial, parking, and public open space (7-1, Councilor Downs not voting) Councilors and public had questions about parking and inclusionary housing. Petition Documents
Committee members present: Councilors Kelley (Chair), Lucas, Block, Farrell, Leary, Lobovits, Laredo, and Downs;
Also present: Councilors Albright, Gentile, Malakie, Lipof, and Krintzman;
City Staff: Deputy Chief Planner Cat Kemmett; Senior Planner Sondria Berman; Chief Planner Katie Whewell; Deputy Director Jen Caira; Director of Planning & Development Barney Heath; Senior Assistant City Solicitor Andrew Lee.
