The Public Facilities Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- Adoption of the Walk, Roll, and Bike Network Plan into the City’s comprehensive plan (8–0) Transportation staff showed how the plan will coordinate sidewalk, crossing, and bikeway work across capital projects, paving, ordinance B42 requirements, and small requests; it uses safety, demand, balance, and feasibility to prioritize, and it will publish annual progress so the Council and public can track delivery. Members praised the depth of the public process (2,400+ comments, advisory group, school, and disability input) and said the plan is a significant step toward making non-auto trips realistic across Newton.
The Public Facilities Committee held:
- Review of the conceptual plan of the Newton Highlands Village Improvement Project (7-1, Councilor Leary Opposed) The initiative began as an accessibility project focused on overcoming steep topography, long crossing distances, and other barriers that make it difficult for people with mobility challenges to navigate the Newton Highlands area. It has since evolved into a broader vision that addresses not only accessibility but also traffic economy, safer bicycle and pedestrian connections, improved parking, coordinated traffic signals, and expanded green infrastructure. Undergrounding wires is not included. 9 to 12 months of community input are planned. The City has spent about $500,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds on the project and will likely spend $1 million of ARPA funds total. ARPA funding ends December 2026. There is no dedicated funding source for the estimated $10 million project. Link to project plans.
The Public Facilities Committee voted no action necessary:
- Discussion about stormwater infrastructure and planning (8-0) The Department of Public Works operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES), which is part of the Clean Water Act and regulates discharges to US waters to protect water quality, and the Massachusetts Small Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems (MS4) Permit, which is a version of the NPDES for municipalities. These require the City to manage stormwater runoff, reduce pollutants, and implement best management practices. Phosphorus reduction is one of Newton’s most significant compliance obligations; Newton must cut phosphorus discharges by 63%, or about 5,679 pounds per year, by 2038. Phase 1 of the phosphorus control plan is estimated to cost $142 million and be completed by 2038, the full plan will cost an estimated $430 to $575 million. Newton is pursuing non-structural measures (catch basin cleaning and street sweeping) and structural measures (filtration basins, wetlands, and removal of impervious surfaces).
Present – Committee members: Councilors Albright (Chair), Danberg, Gentile, Getz, Kalis, Kelley, Leary, and Laredo
Also present: Councilors Grossman, Block, Wright, Bixby, Downs, Lucas, Malakie, and Farrell
City Staff: COO Jonathan Yeo, Director of Transportation Planning Jenn Martin, Director of Planning & Development Barney Heath, DPW Commissioner Shawna Sullivan, Deputy DPW Commissioner Bernie McDonald, Director of Utilities Thomas Fitzgerald, Associate City Engineer John Daghlian, and ADA Coordinator Jini Fairley.
