The Land Use Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- 12 Garden Road – detached garage and small enclosure (FAR relief). (8–0) Planning noted the FAR increase is modest and effectively broken up between the house and a compliant detached garage that meets required setbacks. The lot’s nonconforming size factors into the FAR math. The petitioner explained the existing driveway is unusably tight against the house due to a neighbor’s fence; the garage placement avoids neighboring vegetation, and enclosing a small porch area will address cold air infiltration at the foundation junction. Councilors voiced clear support. Draft Council Order
- 15 Clinton Place – third story and dormers (oversized/continuous dormer and FAR relief) (8–0) Relief allows three stories, a dormer over 50% of the wall plane, and a continuous dormer segment. Planning said the third-floor massing is mainly at the rear and broken up by varied roof heights; the proposal exceeds FAR by just 0.02 (to 0.45 vs. 0.43 by right) and stays within the existing footprint without reducing setbacks. The Newton Historical Commission has approved the work, and neighbors submitted letters of support. Councilors favored adapting the home for long-term use over teardown. Draft Council Order.
- 63 Hyde Street – second parking stall in the front setback (amend prior special permit). (6-2, Councilors Downs and Kelley opposed). The plan replaces an exterior stair with a new stall in the front setback; Planning noted site constraints—small lot and steep rear grade—make other locations impracticable, and the stall dimensions are compliant (depth ~25.7′). Discussion covered a new curb cut, matching retaining-wall materials, possible pervious paving, and a nearby tree (arborist recommends removal; councilors urged a Tree Permit and review of the Tree Ordinance). Supporters cited on-site needs; opponents raised visibility and “more parking → more driving” concerns. Draft Council Order.
The Committee held the following:
- 1100–1102 Beacon Street – four-unit residential building in BU2 (ground-floor residential, height exceedance, parking waivers) (8–0) Updated plans add a Juliet balcony and a gabled entry on Unit A, tweak the roof pitch (10:12 → 12:12), refine Beacon Street façade elements, identify trash/recycling locations, and show vehicle turning templates for site access and carports. An environmental assessment found no action warranted but advised monitoring on-site wells given a nearby gas station. Councilors were split: some preferred mixed-use and fewer waivers, others favored residential in a walkable context; concerns included limited guest parking, generous commercial-zone setbacks vs. residential norms, and long-term viability of non-residential use on the small lot. The Chair outlined options; the public hearing remains open and the matter was held unanimously.
- 56 Chapel Street – 19-stall non-accessory surface lot with a retaining wall >4′ (max ~9.5′). (7–0-1, Councilor Downs not voting). The petitioner broadened the scope to include coordinated upgrades (permeable pavers, pollinator plantings, benches) and will replace an aging rear wall. Several abutters supported the wall replacement and greening. Council discussion weighed Nonantum heat-island concerns and under-utilization of existing parking; a possible offset was floated (remove ~18 spaces at a Bridge Street lot and convert to green space if Chapel spaces are added). Engineering raised no major concerns on the wall. The hearing remains open to allow ward-level discussion on an offset proposal.
Attendees: Councilors Kelley (Chair), Lucas, Block, Farrell, Leary, Lobovits, Laredo, and Downs. Also present: Councilors Malakie, Wright, and Oliver. City staff: Senior Planner Sondria Berman; Chief Planner Katie Whewell; Deputy Chief Planner Cat Kemmett; Deputy City Solicitor Jonah Temple.
